Is Having a Pool Worth It? Factors to Consider

Do you love the idea of having a pool? Perhaps you’ve dreamed of installing one in your backyard for years. But pool ownership isn’t all fun in the sun. Consider the pros and cons of installing a backyard swimming pool to help you decide whether you should take the plunge.

Pros of Having a Pool

• Increased home value: An in-ground swimming pool increases your home’s resale value by an average of 4 to 6 percent. That means, when the time comes to sell your $500,000 house, you can raise the asking price by $20,000 to $30,000 simply because it’s a house with a pool.
• Endless summer fun for the whole family: Kids, teens, and adults alike can glean tremendous enjoyment from a backyard swimming pool. Whether you plan to float around on a pool lounger with a drink in hand, play pool volleyball as a family, or give your kids swimming lessons, the uses for a backyard pool are endless.
• Perfect setting for parties and get-togethers: You’ll never rent a private event space ever again, not with the ideal party spot in your own backyard! Your home will become the preferred hangout spot for friends and neighbors, whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a start-of-summer bash, or your child’s birthday party.
• The ideal staycation spot: How much money do you spend on vacations? You could put that money toward a pool instead. With the perfect setup in your own backyard, you don’t have to mess with the cost and inconvenience of traveling to enjoy a luxurious getaway.

Cons of Having a Pool

• Upfront investment: Unless you buy a house with a pool already installed, you will need to foot the bill. Depending on the pool’s size and design, along with whether you install an in-ground or above-ground pool, the investment could range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
• Ongoing maintenance: Pools require routine cleaning and water chemical balancing. You must also close your pool for the winter and reopen it for the summer. All of these tasks take time and money.
• Operating costs: Expect higher electricity and water bills when you have a backyard pool. An efficient or solar-powered pump and heater can help offset the costs.
• Safety concerns: Backyard pools introduce a drowning hazard for children and pets. With a safety cover and perimeter fencing, you can mitigate much of the risk.
• Seasonal use: In climates with cold winters, you can only enjoy your outdoor swimming pool for about half the year. This means you need another family-friendly way to pass the time while the pool is closed in the off-season.

Millennium Pool Service can help counteract some of the cons of having a pool by providing affordable maintenance and cleaning packages. With our help, you’ll have more time to enjoy the benefits of pool ownership! For more information about pool maintenance, or to request a service estimate, please contact us online or call 703.939.5062 in Virginia or 301.591.3750 in Maryland.