The last Saturday in April is National Pool Opening Day. As the weather turns warmer, pool owners are encouraged to get their water and equipment checked to ensure everything is ready for swimming season. If you don't have a pool, there's no better opportunity to get one than while looking at Ridgewood homes for sale.
What if your new home doesn't have a pool either, though? Should you add one? Here are some of the pros and cons.
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Pro: Value. Adding a swimming pool can be a great investment, with the potential to increase the resale value of your home by up to 8%. If you've just bought your home, you likely aren't thinking about selling just yet, but you may be in the future, and added improvements are always an asset.
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Con: Cost. If you end up selling your home, the pool will be an asset, but in the meantime, installation is expensive. In New Jersey, a new pool can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000, on average.
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Pro: Socialization. What better way to introduce yourself to the neighborhood than inviting neighbors for a pool party? If you enjoy playing host and want to make your new home a social epicenter for friends and neighbors, a swimming pool is a perfect way to do it.
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Con: Safety. Especially if you're inviting people over, accidents are bound to happen. Hopefully, they'll be minor bumps and bruises, but in and around a pool, there's the potential for more serious injuries. Because of this, a pool may also drive up your insurance premiums. There will likely be rules and safety precautions required to be covered, such as installing a fence around the pool area.
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Pro: Exercise. Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise you can get. It works all the muscles in your body. The resistance in the water makes it a better workout than the same amount of time spent in the gym, and it burns more calories than walking, running, or biking. Just half an hour of swimming three times a week can increase your energy levels and lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other diseases.
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Con: Maintenance. Your pool must be regularly maintained if you want to keep using it. This means getting rid of debris, adding chlorine, and more. Doing this yourself takes between five and 10 hours per week. If you don't have that kind of time, you can hire a professional for anywhere from $150 to $500 per month. Don't forget the cost of winterizing during the off-season to keep it from freezing and opening it back up in the summer. It's a more rigorous and specialized task than regular pool maintenance.
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Pro: Stress Relief. A swimming pool isn't just good for your physical health, but your mental health as well. Swimming regularly has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety and depression, and improve sleep.
- Con: Utilities and Repairs. In addition to installation and maintenance, a swimming pool will increase your utility bills. The pump costs an average of $300 in electricity per year. Heating the pool can cost $500 or more. Pool repairs can be expensive as well. Tasks like replacing the pump, fixing leaks in the lining, and even replacing the pool lighting can cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Whether you prefer your home with a pool or without, our agents can find the perfect house to meet your needs. Contact us today to start looking!
