Cool Pools

One question I am often asked by home owners is “We are thinking about putting in a pool, how will this affect the resale of our home”?  I make sure owners realize a pool is an “investment” in lifestyle and family fun, not a financial investment.  In the Charlotte marketplace, an owner of a custom home might expect to spend $70,000 – $100,000 or more on a pool.  This cost includes the pool, possible hot tub, decking, fence as required by code and landscaping.  If you add an outdoor kitchen or bar, a bath and maybe a fireplace, then of course, the costs goes up.  As a pure financial investment is concerned, an owner of a home might expect about a 30% return on this investment, that’s it.  Don’t put in a pool because it’s a “good investment”, put in a pool because you are making an investment into building memories with your family.

Some families will not buy your home because it has a pool and they don’t want the upkeep, maintenance and expense that comes with owning a pool.  Other families have safety concerns of owning a pool,  especially with young children and see it as a potential liability.  However, some buyers will specifically want to buy a home with a pool because of all of the reasons you are probably wanting to put one in.  So, at the end of the day, if you plan on staying in your home for several years and enjoy coming home from work and relaxing by the pool and it fits your lifestyle and budget, then go for it!

Cheers!

Ben Bowen