Realty Times: Thinking About Making a Splash? Considerations for Building a New Pool

April 2, 2002

Thinking About Making a Splash? Considerations for Building a New Pool
by Michele Dawson

With spring here and temperatures soaring in some pockets of the country, the thought of building a swimming pool might be crossing your mind.

The benefits are many: they provide a great form of exercise and recreation, and they're wonderful for entertaining. And, as residents in the hottest parts of the country will tell you - they're a sure-fire way to beat the heat.

But one thing a pool doesn't provide is paying for itself once you sell your house. Many real estate agents will tell you you're lucky if your capture half the cost when it comes time to sell.

"Having a pool really adds nothing to the value of a home because many people do not want one," said St. Louis Realtor Marie P. Farnsworth, of Coldwell Banker Gundaker Realtors.

Farnsworth estimates that about 20 percent of homes more than $240,000 have built-in swimming pools. Almost all in the $1 million range do.

And, of course, pools are rare in some parts of the country.

"Pool owners are generally in higher-end homes (over $500k), and build them indoors. It is quite difficult to assess how much value is ever recouped," said Colorado Springs Broker Associate Rick Van Wieren, of RE/MAX. "We tell people not to assume that (pools) will add value, and to only do it for personal enjoyment."

But down in blistering Phoenix pools are a big plus - and are very common, says Bill Hobaica of Dan Schwartz Realty, Inc.

"In my experience, home seekers are rarely turned off by a pool," he said. "Typically families with young children or older single persons prefer not to have a pool."

Hobaica said that depending on the area, homeowners can expect to recoup 30 to 50 percent of the cost of a pool.

If you are considering a pool, the National Spa and Pool Institute offers these tips:

Do your homework. Conduct plenty of research and talk to friends who have pools.

Determine how you'll use the pool. Will it be for fitness, recreation, or more for aesthetics and as a centerpiece for backyard get-togethers?

Describe your design preferences. Think about what shape you'd like, whether you'd like any special pool art, like colorful tiles and pool-bottom murals and mosaics. Also think about whether you'd like waterfalls, fountains or decorative rocks to grace the pool area.

Set a budget. This will be easy once you focus on the first three points.

Select a type of pool and choose materials. Decide whether you'd like an above-ground or in-ground pool.

Compare pool builders. Obtain several estimates and ask for references. Ask whether they're a Certified Building Professional (CBP). This designation means the builder has gone through comprehensive training and a rigorous certification program developed by NSPI.

Ask about CAD software. Some builders use computer-aided design software to give clients a sneak peek of how their pool will look before construction actually begins. You can mix and match different colors and design elements.

Think about landscaping. Consider how you'll surround the pool with trees, shrubs and flowers.

Keep maintenance in mind. Learn about how much maintenance will be involved. Today's state-of-the-art equipment, such as automatic cleaning and filtration systems, robotic vacuums and aquatic computers, can be activated by remote control or cell phone.

And remember, don't expect the cost of your pool to cover itself when you sell your home. The investment you make should be for the sole purpose of your own family's use and recreation.

"Homeowners should put a pool in if they want it for their own enjoyment, but should not count on getting their investment out of it at sale time," said Farnsworth.

On the flip side, if you're house hunting and want a pool, buying a home with a pool already built is a true bargain.

With an award winning staff of writers providing up to the minute real estate news and advice, thousands of REALTORS^® in North America reporting daily market conditions, and a nationally broadcast television news program, Realty Times is the one-stop shop for real estate information. That's why over 10,000 real estate professionals have turned to us for their publicity needs.