STR's with pools?

Question

Hello.  Does buying a STR with a pool put you at an advantage and increase revenue because it's more desirable for STR tenants?  Is the maintenance of the pool worth the hastle?

Account Closed · Answer

It depends on the market, size of pool, type of pool (liner, gunite, fiberglass), insurance at your location, availability of qualified pool techs in your market, indoor or outdoor (seasonality or year round), heated or non-heated to just name a few.  The last factor is what makes it "worth it" to you...an extra 5% or 50%.  Most people I talk to says it is worth it (including me), but others are selling because it is not worth it to them.

For our indoor pools it never fails to get a call every few weeks saying the indoor pool is too cold (84 to 86 degrees) and we have to explain this is the industry standard and prevents mold and mildew inside.  People hear heated and expect a hot tub. It is not a hot tub. You deal with pool cleaners and house cleaners both not wanting to take responsibility to clean the pool deck. Energy (propane/electric) costs annually are atleast double to triple for an indoor heated pool, unless it is a small fiberglass insert which guests detest as they are just a little larger than a hot tub.

I am not in the Orlando market, but what I know is without a pool there you will have very low occupancy.

You need to look at your market and look at what the comps with same style pool are getting in that market compares to those without.

Account Closed · Answer

I see a lot of 7x10 fiberglass drop-ins in the Smokies for places sleeping 10 or more and is what I was referring to.  Literally every week I get multiple inquiries on the size of our pool as the last time they made the mistake of booking a place with a such a small pool.  I agree for a 2 bedroom your these pools are adequate.

Carlos Valencia · Answer

Hi Marc,

Having a pool is going to be dependent on the market your trying to invest in. If your going to invest in somewhere that is always sunny with good weather having a private pool will give you an advantage. I'll be honest I'm not speaking from experience but more from experience from some of our past clients that have STR with private pools have said it helps their bookings. Like everything run the numbers to make sure it will make business sense.

@Albert Bui @Matthew Kwan

Chai Xiong · Answer

Yep, over here by Disney World... Most guest go to the parks and come back in the afternoon to swim because it just too hot during the summer time.

Ian Tyndall · Answer

Depends on the market but if you are trying to market to vacationers or move upscale, then I think you need to offer a pool. My lead photo in every location with a pool features the pool. It conveys to the guest that you are a relaxing getaway. Even if the guests don’t use the pool they like to know it is there.

From a hassle perspective it isn’t that bad. Monthly maintenance can vary but I pay as little as $120 per month for a single pool to $350 for a pool + hot tub with twice weekly visits (mainly for the hot tub).

In some markets you won’t get the higher booking rates and occupancy numbers without a pool (Florida and Arizona come to mind). That being said I would look for properties that already have pools and would not advise to install one given the cost and most importantly the time it will take your property out of service.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Definitely depends on your market and target demographic.  Take Tampa market for example.  There are 2 main submarkets.

1) Pinellas County Beaches - Target demographic is families, and families mean kids who go crazy for a pool.  You 100% need a pool to thrive in this market, especially considering the competitiveness of the market.  Even non-families are celebrating birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette, and want pools.  You can survive without a pool only if you are walking distance to the beach and even then you will do much better with a pool.

2) Tampa - A more urban market.  A lot of business travel, younger people in town for concerts, sports, etc.  A pool is not necessary but you will still do better with one.

Just like anything else, you need to know your market and who you are marketing to!

Ken Boone · Answer

Depends on the market for sure and type of pool (indoor heated, outdoor).  In the Pigeon Forge market an indoor heated pool definitely increases revenue and is worth the extra hassle.  There is a learning curve that comes with the pool.  Like Account Closed about the small drop in fiberglass pools.  All 3 of mine are the small drop in fiberglass kind.  One is 6x13x4, one is 8x15x4 and one is 8x17x5.  These small pools are in 2 bedroom cabins not in larger 6 bedroom and up type of cabins.  If the choice is a non pool or a small fiberglass pool assuming everything else about the place is great, I'm going small fiberglass pool every time.

Mya Toohey · Answer

I am in CLearwater Florida.  The most successful STRs have pools.  Especially, if the home is a few miles from the beach.  When I run numbers for homes with pools against non pool homes and the average was 30% more revenue.

Shawn McCormick · Answer

I'm in Orlando and we have dozens of communities that are specifically built to be STR and every single family home comes with a pool and spa. So although the competition also has them so no advantage there, but it is absolutely expected here. In addition, many townhomes have a splash pool and all of the communities have a clubhouse with resort style pools and many have lazy rivers in addition to the homes having pools.

So check your market to see what the demand is, if pool homes get booked more and if so for how much extra on average.

Best of luck!

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

I think this is going to vary widely on your market. Somewhere like Orlando, you need a pool or at least access to one. In markets where a pool is expected, then I would say the headache of keeping it maintained is worth it.

STR's with pools?

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