Should I build a pool?

Here in Florida I tell folks that if you want a pool to enjoy, then build it. If you want one to increase the value of your home, don't. In my opinion the pool cost is not recouped when the property is sold. If you are going to use it, build it.

And the answer is.....it depends.

Some of the fondest memories from our previous home are memories of our kids using our pool.  By the way, we lived in a small town near Minnepolis, MN.  Here, it can be a detriment to the sale.  It's a matter of marketing and finding the right buyer.  We got the pool for entertainment and never gave much thought to resale.  It paid off in family fun and that was our priority at the time.

Loretta Holscher

Pools are O.K. in some areas.  In my area, tbey are often a barrier to sale.  There is the "attractive nucience" matter.  Then there is the upkeep to be able to use it only 3-4 months a year.

Not so good around here.  O.K. on luxury properties.

I have some folks who just want a home for a poo,, that is the major deciding factor in the selection of their home.  Personally that's how I bought a home, but after I had it realizing the expense and maintenance it required, my next home didn't have one.  I went to the association pool when I wanted to swim.

I agree and to add, I usually make sure they are not taking out a HELOC for the entire amount of the pool if they don't have income to repay it in a short amount of time.

Here in Las Vegas we use our pools about 7 months out of the year.  Today it is supposed to get to 112 degrees and believe me when I get home I will be in it!  My wife and I have spent money fixing up our backyard just the ay we want it pool, landscaping, outdoor living room, grill/bar area and we would rather stay home or have people over than go out!  It was worth every penny!

Great information, thanks for posting.  I did a similar blog post/video blog on whether or not a hot tub should stay with the house or not and how much value it adds to a property.  Check it out by clicking here: http://dizmangproperties.blogspot.com/2006/05/hot-tubs-should-they-stay-or-should.html  

I don't think in Illinois it even adds that much value and can deter prospective buyers because we can only use the pools here about 3.5 months out of the year!  Although my kids would LOVE a very time consuming, expensive pool!

Pools are not a big deal in Hawaii as most prefer the beaches.  I have always heard that pools are a bad investment unless for personal enjoyment.  I'd think there may be some markets where a pool is viewed as essential and a home might be difficult to sell without one, especially in a buyer's market.  AZ might be one of those places, I think I'd want one there.

Remember the old saw about the homeowner whose happiest day was when he bought the house with the pool, and the next happiest was when he sold it!  We loved our pool when the kids were young, but as they grew up and left home, we ended up filling in the pool and were glad to see it go.  We did not use it, and the expense associated with keeping it up was too high. 

One way to evaluate the effect a pool has on value is to estimate how many months a year the owner can actually use it.  In most of Florida, for instance, you could use a pool year round, making it an asset.  In middle USA, you could use it for three or four months, making it probably about a wash for adding value to the home.  In Maine,  with only a short pool season, a pool might actually detract from value.

In Pennsylvania, I have been asked how much it would cost to fill a pool in - suggesting that for some folks, a pool is actually a liability. 

This is all great information I can use o talk with people looking to build a pool.  Thank You!!

I think you are right on target with your analysis.  I would never build a pool.  It just doesn't make financial sense to me.