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Don’t upgrade with a Pool if you are looking for Payback!

By
Managing Real Estate Broker

Although we all love a great cannonball, an in-ground pool may be your belly flop- worst choice when deciding where to get the biggest returns for your buck in upgrades. Typically it will cost between 25k-50k depending on the size and quality of pool materials before anyone will be able to set foot in the water.

Pools are even quite expensive to maintain. Average costs are around 2k a year to maintain, keep filters and pump repairs going, as well as the cost spent in order to heat the pool. Eventually there will be cracks after a few years of installation and depending on the size and severity, these repairs can cost upward of 10k. Additionally, a pool costs about $2,000 a year to maintain, hundreds more to heat and insure and even hundreds more in filter and pump repairs within the first decade.

The National Center for Real Estate Research says an in-ground pool can add about 8% to a home's resale price, but that value swings from 6% in the Midwest to 11% in the Sun Belt. Do keep in mind that 1.9% of the value if the buyer decides it's an eyesore that needs to come down.

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Comments(7)

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Winston Heverly
Coldwell Banker Access Realty - South Macon, GA
GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA

Living here in Florida it is a necessary evil but ask the question why else would you move here in the first place.

Sep 18, 2012 03:00 PM
Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Heather:  In regards to pools, I have noticed two things.  First... many homeowners who already have a pool... do not want their next home to have one.  They say that once is enough.  There IS a small percentage, though, who once they have their own pool... want to have one in each succeeding home.

But second... the great majority of buyers that I have shown homes to... that already have pools... well, the first thing they think of after seeing the pool... is "how can I fill it in?"  Sure, installing a pool costs quite a bit... but removing one is also expensive.

Bottom line... if you pay to put in a pool... do NOT expect to get your money back when you sell your home.  It's not going to happen.

Sep 18, 2012 03:41 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

A pool used to be a necessity for the "California dream home" - now it's only for your own use and pleasure, not a plus for resale.

Sep 18, 2012 04:33 PM
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

Always a good thing to know, a pool is nice but it most be considered a lifestyle expense.

Sep 18, 2012 04:46 PM
Sharon Parisi
United Real Estate Dallas - Dallas, TX
Dallas Homes

Pools are a commitment, responsibility and an ongoing expense!

Sep 18, 2012 04:59 PM
Frank Laisch
Orlando, FL
"The Insurance Guy"

Pools are a lot of fun, your right the maintenance, insurance and time to upkeep they can be a pain as well, excellent post

Sep 18, 2012 10:44 PM
June Piper-Brandon
Coldwell Banker Realty - Baltimore, MD
Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

Heather, Homeowners should never count on a pool giving them added value, they should install one if they are going to enjoy it and use it but count on the next homeowner possibly asking them to remove it. 

Oct 14, 2012 08:53 PM