Home > Blogs > Tracy Santrock > Raleigh, Cary, Apex NC Real Estate Blog

In my market, swimming pools aren't worth it....

By Tracy Santrock

Real Estate Agent with Santrock Realty Group Inc. , 244213

October 08, 2006 03:37 PM

In some parts of the country (Florida and Arizona), a swimming pool is a must have. However, in the Triangle, a pool does nothing to increase the value of your home and can potentially drive away potential buyers.

I have had several clients in town recently from Florida, Texas, and Arizona. They are all used to having pools. I thought I'd write about the drawbacks of having a pool in North Carolina.

A small pool in the Raleigh/Durham area is going to run you a minimum of $10,000 to install. However, comparitavely, there is little value that is added to the home as a result of this "improvement."

In addition, if the potential buyer of your home has small children, the pool becomes a liability. Parents of young children consider swimming pools a risk. At the same time, the insurance companies consider them a risk and the rates will be higher.

Put that on top of the costs associated with operating a private pool, and the monetary impact is just too much to consider building one in the back yard.

To add a little more fuel to the fire, keep in mind that many communities these days have their own swimming pool. Also, there is an abundance of "members only" pools where a family can purchase a membership, so the need for a pool in the back yard is not as great as it once was.

If you are thinking of moving to the Raleigh/Cary area please visit my website for more information.

Comments(7)

Comment

Show All Comments

Sort:

Jon Ernest

Spotlight Realty - Brookline, MA

It's funny, put it in a condo complex, it adds value. Put it in the backyard of a single family home, just the opposite.

Oct 08, 2006 04:50 PM

Bonnie Erickson

Tangletown Realty - Saint Paul, MN

Our neighbors said it cost them $500/mo. to run their pool. They did the daily chemicals with a monthly check by a pool company. They proclaimed, "Never again" when they sold their house. It amazes me how many young parents don't see a pool as a plus but instead look at the dangers. The $10,000 would be more beneficial in some other major home improvement in our market as well. As far as Jon's comment, apartment managers say pools are great attractions for tenants and then only about 1% of the tenants use them!

Oct 08, 2006 06:25 PM

Glenn Ginsburg

A Delta Realty of Naples Florida - Naples, FL

Naples Florida Real Estate

In Florida, the cost of running a pool is much less than $500/month. Yes, we do weekly checks of water quality and add some chemicals - but even my pool service (weekly) costs $75 per month and that includes the chemicals. Even in Florida, the addition of a pool does not add 100% dollar for dollar return. However, costs of pools are significantly higher here - some homes it is running around $50k. Another thing in the Carolina's is that the weather may not permit year 'round use = decline in demand.

Oct 09, 2006 12:32 AM

Anonymous

J.J.

I live in Texas and as Glenn mentions above running a pool in Texas is much less than $500/month. How could I live without my pool?

A pool is a must in San Antonio.

Oct 09, 2006 01:35 PM

Tracy Santrock

Santrock Realty Group Inc. , - Cary, NC

Raleigh - Cary Broker

Jon - At least in some parts of the country.

Bonnie - Up North it costs to have a pool. The same in North Carolina.

Glenn - No wonder you have pools down there. It costs less to maintain them.

J.J- It's understandable that you'd have a pool in Texas. You have to beat the heat!

Aug 11, 2007 02:11 AM

Stacey Ward

Weichert Realtors Southern Coast - Ocean Isle Beach, NC

I live and work in a southeastern NC coastal community. There are many golf communities and it is an expected amenity. As for personal pools, its really not a demand in this area, because we have a whole ocean right here at us. I've only had 1 buyer that it was a "must have" for the personal pool in the backyard. He was from NJ. Backyard pools here really don't add value.

Aug 11, 2007 07:38 PM

Stacey,

Agree w/you. I just wish my clients would understand also.

Aug 12, 2007 02:19 AM

In my market, swimming pools aren't worth it....

Comments(7)

Tracy Santrock

Service Areas

Real Estate Resources

Additional Information