Pros and Cons of Adding a Pool

Warmer weather makes the idea of cooling off in your very own pool rather enticing. Yes, a swimming pool adds some value to your / home as well as enhance your lifestyle. But is the cost to construct and maintain a home pool worth it? You should weigh the pros and cons of adding a pool before you begin.

PROS

• Great for no impact workouts
• Wonderful place to hang out with the family and friends
• Adds value to your home

CONS

• Can be a drowning hazard for children if not properly contained
• Mosquitoes love a moist playground to breed
• Costs thousands of dollars to install and that's before you factor in the cost to maintain it year round

In all likelihood, your / pool will cost you much more than the increased value it brings to your home. You can overcome some of the negatives by fencing in the pool and adding a self-locking gate, removing any furniture or other items around the fencing that can be used to crawl over it, adding a pool cover and/or simply keeping your pool properly maintained even in the off season. When it comes down to it, you need decide whether adding a pool to your / home is worth the time, effort and money involved for your lifestyle...not the value you think it might add.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

• Do other homes in your neighborhood have pools? If yes, a pool will help you compete with these other homes when it comes time to sell. If not, it won't make much of a difference in value unless you live in a highly desirable neighborhood (where being the only house with a pool allows you to stand above the rest).
• How do / homes with pools in your neighborhood sell in comparison with those that don't? This is a question your real estate agent should be able to answer for you.
• How long do you plan on staying in your / home? Families who love spending time in the water will benefit from having a pool whether it adds value or not, especially if you plan on staying there for a while.

Consider the pros and cons of adding a pool carefully before you begin digging a hole in the ground of your / property. It can be an expensive endeavor but, depending on your lifestyle and the amount of time you plan to spend in your home, it may well be worth it. Only you can decide that for yourself.

FEATURED HOME OF THE WEEK

For more information on this home, please click here.

Originally posted on my Northern Virginia Homes real estate blog here: http://northernvirginiahomes.net/2012/05/10/pros-and-cons-of-adding-a-pool/.