The Pros and Cons of Home Pools – An Honest Appraisal
Are you trying to decide whether to install a pool in your own backyard? Do you have your pool enthusiast friends trying to persuade you that there’s no other option, but on the other hand you’re not sure whether you’re really willing to part with the money and the space?
Aussies love their backyard pools. In fact, for many homeowners, it’s a part of their lifestyle.
There’s no doubt about it, a backyard pool is a serious investment but before you jump in and splash out on a backyard pool (yes, the pun was intended!), it’s important that you understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into.
The Pros:
Convenience
This is a no brainer: having a pool outside the back door is oh-so-convenient! It cuts out the hours of travel to and from the local pool or beach.
Entertainers Paradise
With the addition of a beautiful pool, outdoor entertaining will go up a few notches (and so will your popularity with your friends!). Who doesn’t love a poolside barbeque or cocktail party? Kids birthdays, family reunions, holidays, anniversaries… the opportunity to create wonderful memories and celebrate special moments around your own pool is endless!
Property Value
If you’re looking for an investment that’ll add real value to your home, a pool might be your answer. An inground pool that is beautifully designed and tastefully landscaped is a sure- fire way to impress potential buyers and take the value of your home up a levels.
Health Benefits
With personal health in the spotlight more than ever, many folks are taking swimming seriously and using their home pools for exercise. Lap swimming and water aerobics are both recognized forms of physical exercise, and the mental stimulation provided by just playing or relaxing in the water is well known too. Having a pool right in your own backyard allows you the opportunity to exercise in privacy and whenever suits your busy schedule (and there are no membership fees to worry about).
Financial Opportunity
Investing in a backyard pool could be your ticket to some extra income – some Melbournians are taking advantage of today’s sharing market and renting their pools out by the hour. Making your pool work for you will provide a good little side hustle and go a long way towards paying off the investment.
The Cons:
Maintenance
Your watery oasis will require a bit of elbow grease to keep it in tip-top condition. It isn’t only about the aesthetics either; if
you don’t keep your water clean you could have a serious health and safety issue on your hands. Regular pool maintenance will include pumping, chlorinating and cleaning,.
Ongoing Costs
If yours is a heated pool, the cost of running it will be significant. In addition to this, there will also be the expense of filling it, and if water resources are precious in your area, this might be a considerable sum. It’s important to think honestly about whether you’ll use your pool enough to justify the ongoing expense.
Safety
There have been far too many fatalities in Australia involving backyard pools, so safety can’t be stressed enough. If you have small children, think about this aspect very seriously
Welcome the Pests
Where there’s water, there’ll be animals, so be prepared to deal with your fair share of
birds, rodents and possibly even snakes! Yes, regular maintenance and skimming can remove these nasties, but there’s nothing particularly glamorous about swimming beside a spider or scooping a drowned bird out of the pool!
Pools provide the ultimate summer luxury at home. They also require some serious dedication. The decision to install a backyard pool should be taken seriously – take the time to look at all the fors and againsts of owning a backyard pool and make your decision based on fact, not emotion.