Homes with Swimming Pools

homes with swimming pool

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Who Buys Homes With Swimming Pools?

When it comes to buying a home with a pool in Toronto , most home buyers fall into one of three camps:

Home Buyers Who Won't Look at Homes Without a Pool
For these buyers, a pool is paramount because a home is not a home without a pool. Pools are very popular in high end homes .
Home Buyers Who Won't Look at Homes With a Pool
Buyers with small children are often concerned about accidental deaths by drowning. Some buyers don't want the upkeep or expense of a pool.
Home Buyers Who Never Thought About a Pool
If the home has everything else a buyer desires but it also has a pool, these buyers may face a quick decision they hadn't anticipated. Some buy the house and fill the pool with rocks or hire professional pool closers.

Should You Buy a Home With a Pool?

Studies show that most low-end and many middle-range buyers do not want a home with a pool. Higher-end homes are more likely to have pools, but some are never used. Some pools exist for decoration. If you enjoy swimming, then a pool might be right for you. But wisdom says buy a home with a pool only if you will use it. Otherwise, your sparkling pool could turn into an expensive pond for ducks.

Types of Swimming Pools

If you're planning to install a swimming pool, hire a reputable pool contractor. The cost for a new pool starts around $30,000, but can easily soar past six figures, depending on desired amenities such as fountains, landscaping or decking.

Gunite Pools
Gunite pool construction, which is achieved by spraying a mixture of concrete and sand into a pool-sized hole, is the most popular. Unlike above-ground pools, which are temporary, these in-ground pools are permanent structures. Gunite pools can be laid out in almost any shape the home owner desires and last for years. But gunite is pricey.
Vinyl Pools
Vinyl in-ground pools are generally rectangular, but other configurations are available. They are less expensive than gunite because the pools are lined with vinyl; however, the liners often need replacement after 10 years. They are popular in areas where temperatures dip below freezing and the pools are drained in the winter. To prepare for a vinyl pool, the ground is excavated and support walls are constructed from a variety of materials such as wood, steel, fiberglass or aluminum.
Above-Ground Pools
The National Association of Realtors says above-ground pools add no value to the home because they are portable. Above-ground is an inexpensive option for a pool. Some home owners buy do-it-yourself kits and assemble their own above-ground pools. Unlike in-ground pools, which can require weeks to complete, these pools can be installed in a few days.

The Advantages of Owning a Home With a Pool

Many people believe pools increase the aesthetic value of their yard.
People who host a lot of parties utilize their pools as an entertainment center, and kids love pools.
Pools provide an easy way to instantly cool down on hot days.
Some people use swimming pools exclusively for in-water exercises and say pools add health benefits for them.
Swimming pools can bring added value at resale, especially in hot climates.

The Disadvantages of Owning a Home With a Pool

Regular maintenance. Pools require chemicals, cleaning and over time, repair.

Children can drown. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4, says Safekids.
Pool homes appeal to fewer buyers.
Pools consume valuable yard space, and in a small yard, they can overwhelm.
It might cost more to insure a home with a pool, and heating it can drive up utility bills.

Backyard Pool Could Sink Sale - Maintinence,Resale Value Among Top Concerns

Q: I found a house I would love to buy, but the problem is it has a pool. I would love to get rid of the pool and just plant trees in the back, but friends tell me the value of the house would fall.

I don't care; I had a pool once and it took too much effort to take care of -- and nobody used it. My husband says it is so easy -- he would just put dirt in the huge hole. Is it that easy? --Zein G.

A: You certainly can fill in the pool, but it's a little more involved than just filling it with dirt. First, you need to disconnect all of the plumbing and electrical wiring associated with the pool and its support equipment. This is something that should be done by licensed professionals -- especially the electrical wiring.

From there, you would want to break off the upper portion of the pool itself -- the tile, concrete, etc. -- down a couple of feet. That will get any of the hard surface around the top and upper edge of the pool out of the way so that it doesn't eventually begin to show above ground again. Now you can proceed with filling in the pool itself.

To prevent dangerous settling, filling in the pool needs to be done in a succession of layers, known as "lifts." Dirt and rock would be placed in a layer on the bottom of the pool, then compacted. Another lift of dirt and rock would be added and compacted, etc. The final lift would be all topsoil, allowing for the placement of new landscaping.

You will definitely want to talk with an experienced, licensed excavator about the exact steps required for your particular situation, and also get a bid for the cost of the work -- preferably before you make your final purchase decision. You'll also need to check with your local city building department to determine what permits might be required.

As to the purchase and the value of the house, you stand to take a hit in three different areas. You'll be buying the house based on its value with a pool, a value that will then typically decrease when the pool is removed.

And, you have the expense of the removal and the new landscaping. I would discuss this with a real estate professional who's experienced with your area, and make sure this makes financial sense.

Finally, be aware that the removal and filling of the pool is something that will need to be disclosed to a future buyer when you go to sell the home, and could have a potential impact on a future sale.

Source -Paul Bianchina-Inman News