To build or not build a new inground swimming pool (insurance, 2nd mortgage)

[jhilde101]

Hello all.
We are going back and forth on if we should have a new pool built for our home.

We would love to hear from anyone who has had a new pool built and either loves it, or regrets that the did it.

We have the space for it and then some, and we are only wanting a very small pool, no diving boards or slides.

My only concern is will our elec. bill jump up to the point that we will have to take out a 2nd mortgage.
Will our insurance go up?

We have 4 kids all older than 10 so we know that the pool would get used.

TIA,
J

[FarNorthDallas]

I would say build it if the kids were younger like age 5 and older, because the teens lose interest in it real quick. I live in an established neighborhood and most folks love love love the pool for grade school age kids, but once they get older and out of the house, the pool becomes a burden.

I know several neighbors that have taken out their pools (cost about $8,000 to dig it out).

Now I also know 2 families that like the pools long-term because in one case the mom is a sun worshipper (she's an empty nester now) and the other is a grandma and the grandkids come over and swim since none of her grown kids have pools at their houses. So those 2 families have no regrets.

[loves2read]

I think if you do not have liability insurance with say 1MM basis you might consider pricing it--
while you hope accidents would never happen having a pool certainly widens the possiblity/seriousness of them

check your neighborhood--do most people have pools already or would adding a pool make you one of the few homes with one--this goes more to improving over your price point--
adding a new pool in an older neighborhood especially is not always a smart move financially---you certainly won't see a dollar for dollar improvment in market price

running the pump is the main expense in owning a pool--there are all kinds of computations about how to maximize the efficiency and minimize the cost of pool systems

check out a site called gardenweb.com--the building a home forum or the one on pools especially
great info on people who are pool builders/pool owners/mfg reps for pool equipment and some great photos
you have to join to post a query but don't think you will get lot of spam from it and the posters are knowledgeable and nice--
also people in this area post there so you can get info on local pool companies...
Swimming Pools and Spas - GardenWeb

our CPA was talking about putting in a pool in house they bought couple of years ago--his two children are female teens/high school and college--
said they distain the pool and he is really sorry that he put it in because it is just more maintenance/expense and no one uses it--at their previous house when the girls were younger, the pool was something they did use...so an example of previous post...

[Tominftl]

Pools cost money every month. Electric, chemicals, labor, eventually remarcite, I would pass unless you are an avid swimmer or entertainer. They do look nice for parties etc. check out salt water pools for healthy options over chlorine. Word is chlorine isn't good for you to drink, not to mention swimming in it and possible skin reactions to the chlorine. Research,research research.....

[FolkArtsy]

It all depends on your financial situation. Pool expense is peanut for some and caviar for others.

[jdallas]

The best advice I received from pool builders and realtors alike:
'if you want a pool, it's better to sell your house and buy one with a pool than to have one installed'

[4Movingeast]

Regarding jdallas' comment above- that's what we tried to do, but I will say that there was not one existing pool we looked at that didn't need $15k or so of work done. So I tend to agree with you if we are talking about a fairly new pool (5 years), but for a 10yr old pool, I don't think it is as clear cut. Plus taste varies SO widely. We began our search only looking at homes with pools then quickly realized it is sadly rare to find an existing pool that has been taken care of properly and didn't require an overhaul anyway, not to mention that we liked the looks of. My opinion is, if you feel like your family will really enjoy it and you can afford it, put one in. Shop around, get a good price, and put it in in the off season. Best of luck!

[Rakin]

This thread is 5 years old. I'd bet OP Built a pool.

[jhilde101]

I forgot I posted this, sorry.
NOPE, we decided not to build a pool.
2 kids are in college now, 2 more have 2 yrs of HS left, so it worked out I guess?

[4Movingeast]

Good catch Rakin! I didn't even look.