Pool Owners: Be Prepared to Pay

It's hard to recoup all one's pool costs from a sale. Thanks for the post Guy!

Except for the initial cost things are higher in your area than mine. It costs me about $800-900 to have my pool opened and closed, total, including the water bill and chemicals for the season. Day to day chores regarding the pool average about 20 minutes per day. I'm happy to do the daily chores myself.

I agree that no one should expect to recoup their pool investment.

Having relaxation just out the back door has proven priceless for our busy lifestyle.

I truly believe it depends on what part of the Country you live in.  SW Florida almost every home comes with a pool.  Average maintenance monthly on a small pool runs under $100 a month.  That includes cleaning, chemicals, regular servicing.  Adding items like filters yourself or buying them and having your pool service person install it when they come to clean saves you big dollars.

When equipment fails, 9 years, replaced a pump ($150) I found it and they installed it.  Cost to have them buy and install was $600.  Installation cost me $150.  Considerable for 9 years old. 

The enjoyment one gets from having a pool justifies the initial expense.  Also, it's great exercise getting in and doing extra scrubbing and cleaning tiles, no need to pay big dollars for some one else. Family's gather around the pool, bar b ques are held, communities party around them.

Having been a pool owner for years, replacing electric heating with Solar (believe it or not we need it in Winter) saves around $300 per month in just electric.  My solar cost $1600, I saved that much in electric bills in the first 5 months of using solar.

A Pool is a must in non gated communities and communities without those ammenities.  The money you recieve for a home with a pool verses not a pool (excluding foreclosures) is around $50K. 

I think the biggest mistake I have seen in pool homes of 10 years or more, keeping the deck clean, mold free, fresh plants and greens kept away from the deck, old furniture detracts from area.  Just keeping your home clean is not enough when you have a pool, the landscape is one of the biggest assets around your pool when showing.  Trimmed and tropical is the way!

Thanks for the post.

I agree with Charles. I think that most people that get a pool now, don't consider it an investment in there real property. I think it is truly for relaxation or for their children. I have told people in my market that my personal belief is that a pool is actually a negative equity option on a home, but if it's something you want it for your personal effects, its worth it!

And now that I'm being sent to the poor house, by my pool... I'll also have to get new glasses to be able to read the tiny mice type on your blog.  Oh, woe is me.... woe is me.

Yes, why is the type in your post so small?  Very hard to read.