I'm thinking of putting a pool in my back yard, its going to cost roughly 35k, not exactly a bargain but yeah, do you have one? should I do it?
Inground Pool - Should I Do It?
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Do it mate. Also spend another 25k for solar panels and battery and you are set.
It really depends if it will be used or not.
If you get it, and invite people over all the time to use it, you'll definitely get good value out of it, they're great, but if you get it and nobody swims in it, and you just have to maintain it for months on end, it's pretty terrible.
if you're in melbourne, I would suggest looking at Albatross pools. it's a hybrid pool. concrete base, then the sides are stainless steel panels (fitted into ground with concrete). means it is easy to get to the backyard… no cranes or no tiler who is very expensive by the hour. then you pick the liner design.
wont crack when ground moves. its about 36K for us inclusive solar panels and all the accessories. you will have to add the landscaping.
we're pretty happy with it. not much added to power bill for us. we want it to be stress free to we get a guy to maintain every month in summer and every 2 mo in winter. $80 per visit.pools don't really add to value of property (they say) but I think concrete and something like this is better than the over ground or spas. IMHO.
depends on your priorities right- we had a small wedding mx 10K and invested money in a pool instead. for us, we think its money well spent versus inviting people you don't really talk to, just because your parents know them!
10k small wedding? ours was 5k all up…. and it was interstate too
What about the rings? :D
Pools in Melbourne are not worth it, unless you have solar heating or an indoor pool. For example, last two days the mercury has barely reached mid 20s,this is in the peak of summer.
Depends on a few factors…
We live in Melb and have been in our house for just on a year. Pool is undercover with gas heating, stays about 22 deg in summer without using the gas, so realistically you get maybe 3 months of use a year at best. Using gas to heat is un-affordable with the way gas prices are going, so if you want heating, consider solar. Also look at getting a variable speed pool pump as the regular need to filter sucks up $$$.
Have young kids (both under 7) so it's a pain in the proverbial as you need to supervise the kids even though they can swim, there's always that chance of them doing something silly. Trust me, kids are super un-reliable, when they say they wont do something like jumping in without an adult around… They will :P
Pool maintenance as others have mentioned, it's probably about $1k a year, which I personally think is quote pricey considering the fact a membership at your local gym gives you access to a range of classes, pool and gym equipment.
Each to their own though, benefits of a pool at home are that you can jump in whenever you like, no need to plan around it (unless the pool is green from lack of maintenance). No crowds, other than opportunistic friends and family that want to make use on hot days.
Why not one of those 10metre swimming spa's for 50k? atleast can take it with you if you move
Just hope you live in a newly developed region, or you don’t have large trees nearby. Trees are such a pain in the arse, the roots grew and cracked our pool.
newly developed areas don't have backyard space for a kiddie clam shell pool, let alone a proper pool.
15 years ago developed areas perhaps? I didn’t really think about the newly developed ones but I can see what you mean.
Go a shipping container pool. Cheaper and don't need to add a pool fence as comes with a gate and not inground
My parents had a pool in their previous property. I was a teenager then and they thought that the pool will be useful, however, with the Melbourne weather, the water was always too cold and it really didn't get much use. We even installed a solar heating system but still it did not heat the water much and we only managed to use it for a limited amount of time during summer.
The upkeep was always a hassle too, water testing, treatment, adding salt/chlorine when they're not in check, and my dad was always out there scooping the leaves.
Years later when it came time to sell the property, the real estate agent told us to be prepared that only a small number of buyers will be interested as most people don't want a place with a pool these days, unless the place is a mansion in affluent suburbs like Brighton or Toorak. On auction day, only one person bid but fortunately my parents were able to negotiate a price where both parties were satisfied.
Hell yes I'd do it if I had the money - it's an investment in your wellbeing!
That said if you're in Melbourne, spend the extra money on heating it properly. Every single person I know who has put in a pool with solar only has completely regretted it because the pool is unuseable for most of the year.
Albatross pool :)
Only kiddin'.
I have a 55,000L vinyl lined pool in QLD, it was used pretty much everyday of school holidays for about an average of 3 hours a day, so definitely worth it for keeping the kids from going crazy. Have paid about $250 for chemicals and salt over the last year, fingers crossed the sand filter and chlorinator don't develop issues.
A car is the most underutilised asset, if you own a a pool I'd say the car slides to second spot.
to the OP,
amazing how people are so negative and talk crap on the on-going costs etc…..
we have 70,000 its concrete tiled pool with solar. with young kids ( and their friends) you certainly get it a bit of use over summer in SA.
you need to get solar heating for the max. benefit.
try to not go too cheap on the pool as its certainly value add if done classy, with nice paving/stone coping and landscaping around it. i know when we bought our house it must have had a pool or provision for it, so do many of our friends had/ have that requirement, there is a buyer for your house with a pool and it will not devalue the property if you have the space ( haven't taken the all the backyard for it) and do it right…..
costs pa are not that high, i would say circa$600-$800 including pump running. chemicals are cheap from Big W and if you self test- its very easy, i spend less coz of my hands on approach and seeing early warning signs…
don't ask people for reassurance, you and your family are the best to know….. if you decide on it then just enjoy the benefits…. again….it will not devalue the house when done right!!!
a lot of people here are just negative as they wish they could at least consider what you are now. good luck with it
Is this a bargain site any more?
The op hasn't made any attempt to ask a reasonable question and supply any details and circumstances. Just seems like they are boasting they've got $35k to splash (pardon the pun) on a pool.
On a separate note, which helicopter should I buy? I've got $1.5 million and need at least 5 seats. I didn't get all this money by thinking for myself, so thought I'd ask you guys, Cheers
I'm asking for opinions. That's all.
You aint made it until you own an in ground pool.
If you can afford it and will use it why not. I got a pool when my kids were young and it was a great way to wind down after work and school. Ours was just an above ground pool but dug into my sloping block. I used an inheritance from my super tight grandmother because my mum said spend it on something you want - not need and preferably make it something that will make her spin in her grave.
Like the westpac ad says "who ever said money can't buy you love never put in a pool" https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-USacKeFiNo.
Save your money and don't do it, I know from experience
The definition of a swimming pool is "A hole in the ground that every time you walk past it money falls out of your pocket into the hole"
If you do buy a pool, teach your kids that it's a privilege to have one and they should take care of it like they would any other expensive thing in the house. My cousin's kids piss in their pool. I got those little shitters to admit it. I didn't have to try hard at all, they seemed proud of their code yellows. So I tell all my family to never swim in there.
I've had a pool. Running costs doubled the electricity bill compared to not having it.
Had a few pools at my properties, make sure its big enough to do laps in and do all the extra costs and features. Don't skimp on an inground pool as it will cost you in the long run. A Pool is heavy investment so be sure you can look after it, also if you want to swim in it during the winter get a heat pump installed.
I worked out our family could pay to go to the local pool every day of the year for less money of the pool running costs. The 8 hours a day of the 1.5kw pump, the chemicals, sand filter sand replacement, salt clorinator cell, creepy crawley, pool blanket replacement etc..
But living in Perth it is just the best feeling ever being able to go in the pool for a swim on a hot day and cool down. I recommend a large pool that you can actually swim in as some these days are so small, like a large bath..
In real estate investing forums the general consensus is, despite what most people think (and pool salesmen and real estate agents wanting a listing claim), a pool does not add value - it reduces resale value. Why? Because the people that do want a pool will still buy a property without one and put one in. But people that don't want a pool, won't buy a property with one.
Having one also excludes most investors too. Because they don't want the hassle of educating and nagging each new tenant on its maintenance, nor fixing problems when they don't bother. Another thing I often see mentioned is the cost of removing it and filling the hole.
There's the ongoing cost (ok, not a great deal), regular maintenance, but also the fact any kids have much less yard to play in for most of the year. And of course $35,000 buys a lot of temporary pools. i.e. The exception of course is an above-ground pool, or something that's temporary but of higher quality - like some I've seen Clark Rubber sell.
Some people want pools to use them though, not only focused on resale value.
It does not reduce the value of the house, but will not icrease it by the same amount you spend on building the pool.The same way when you add accessories or rims to a car.
Some people want pools to use them though, not only focused on resale value.
Hence why I suggested a decent, but portable, clark pool.
It does not reduce the value of the house, but will not icrease it by the same amount you spend on building the pool.The same way when you add accessories or rims to a car.
[Sigh] Ok. I've given the reasons why it doesn't. My first thought was it increases value too. But the reality is the basic law of supply and demand comes into play.
i.e. If 40% of your potential buyers don't want a garage, a 4th bedroom, or a bar - they'll probably still buy a property with those if it otherwise suits their requirements. But if they don't want a pool, they'll immediately write that property off their list. Thus less potential buyers = less 'competition' = a lower price.
A pool certainly is a negative to investors. I was surprised at first to read many threads and comments in real estate forums, where investors say things like: "I'm looking at a property with a pool. Should I still buy it!?", who then receives replies like: "Remember to allow for the cost of repairs WHEN [emphasis theirs] tenants neglect/damage it", and/or, "Lower your offer by $$$ so you can pay to fill it in."
I would if I had kids that young, they will get plenty of use out of it.
You have kids, just do it. Get solar if you don't have and run everything in the morning. Only cost will be chemicals and maintenance, it is worth it.
Another option is a large above ground pool that you can bury in the ground.
At my first home we had a bobcat dig out a large section of our backyard to about 1.5 meters deep and from there lowered a large above ground pool into the hole.
It'll end up sticking out of the ground a meter or so and have a visible hole the entire way around as you cannot fill the space for risk of collapse, but some clever landscaping can make all the difference and save a lot of cash in the long run!abovegroundpoolcompany.com/gallery/
For some ideas on what it looks like
For these prices it would be better to build a granny flat and use the rental income to pay for a yearly pool membership … at every pool in australia.
Well, you do get privacy at home. So you don't have to worry about things like this happening at your daughter's birthday party: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMgoxNO2Ejk :-\
Should you get one? That all depends on what setup you go for AND how often you actually swim!
I don't think they take as much time to upkeep as some people say/think… And money wise, if you're smart and also have a variable speed pump… You can do it all for a REASONABLE price.
I have a salt water fibreglass pool that is 15 years old (I can't wait until it starts to fail…) And use it every 2-3 days in the summer.
When I use it… It's definitely worth it.If I didn't have a pool….. I'd keep it that way myself.
I don't have kids and I can't stand smearing public piss and poo on my face if I go to a public pool. I am definitely looking at one which me and the Mrs can use. Who cares about every financial + and - on decisions…. sometimes you do things to enjoy. Go for it!
Put a pool in, if the financial position isn’t a worry then just enjoy it. A pool likely won’t add value to your property, but you would value your time together with family and that’s surely better than money.
Just bought a house with a pool - best value for Money
Kids in it all the time - yes there’s chemicals, upkeep and time
But it’s worth it IMO - especially with kids
just been for a swim. relaxing after 3 hours of yard work….
dropped the robot cleaner in after finished swimming.
be good to go for another swim in arvo. we don't have shading yet, otherwise I'd still be in it.
water was 28 degrees and heater has been unplugged for weeks, blanket keeps it around that temp.
topping up water for the 3rd time this summer, around 25mm depth.
that's a lot of visits to the local pool
We moved into a house with a great in ground pool around a year ago. Obviously the work had been done and the previous owner had the pump set up to run on timer overnight saving energy costs. He also left us an automatic cleaner (his new house didn't have a pool) that also runs at night and vacuums all the leaves away. This is essential if you don't want to spend ages manually vacuuming and well worth the investment.
Our kids are 14 and 11. They love it and it has changed summer completely as the hot days are far more bearable with a lovely pool to go in rather than sitting inside in the air conditioning. Public pools are awful in hot weather as the whole world is there. When they have friends over they can all go in the pool rather than being under our feet the whole time. If you can afford it I would say go for it. Its great to jump in for maybe half an hour after a day at work and really relaxing.
Yes there's a bit of cost in maintaining it but in my experience its not that bad. Don't be conned by pool shops that will say you need $$$$$ worth of different chemicals. Chlorine is cheap and if you keep the levels where they should be you shouldn't have too many problems. Having been here around 12 months I've learn't a lot and the way the previous owner set up our pool maintenance time is minimal.
If your climate isn't warm enough then you won't get enough use of it during the colder parts of the year unless you keep it heated.. more expense!
Yolo! Build it and host a bikini party!
Reckon you should , it's especially good if you have kids. We are building in Gold Coast and every house seems to have one. Wonder what it eventually do to the ressle
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my neighbor used to have one, eventually dug it out and gave it away for free (no one wanted to buy it).
one of reason was that apparently the running cost on the pumps and filters etc cost more then his air con, with the forever raising electricity cost, it might be something to consider.