04/04/2019
I get asked often about having a pool in the backyard, in The San Fernando Valley.
People who are looking for homes say the value of their purchase is higher with a pool...which is true, they can enjoy having great parties and BBQ swim days...which is true, and during scorching 100 degree summer days, they can just hang out and swim to cool off...also true!!!
However...
As a pool owner for 15 years, the agent who has no personal knowledge of owning a home with a pool, cannot give a realistic scenario of the actual pros and cons of having one in their backyard...you have to have experienced it to advise a client...sorry guys.
The reality,(apart from what this informative article discloses), is that having a pool is similar to having a boat-(money-pit).
Sure, the first couple years everyone loves it, family, friends, neighbors all appear out of woodwork during those hot summers, and great memories and times can be had by all.
What happens usually around 3rd or 4th year..the kids stop using it as much, the monthly cost of service is ongoing...regardless if its December- or July. Every month chemicals much be added to keep water qualtity stable, pool man must remove debris, and backwash filtration and pumps lose seals, impellers and will need replacement every 2-3 years.
The actual use of the pool by year 4 or 5 in my home was down to..July, August, September occasionally- and by the 10th year it was maybe a solid month in summer. 1 MONTH!!!
The reality is the just like everything in life, i.e. cars, the cell phone, laptops...etc. all get old and people lose interest and want "new".
So, if you are paying 12 months for the cost to maintain the pool, insurance, liability of other children in and around the pool...and it is being used 1 or 2 months tops...is it really worth having one in your backyard?
Short answer-how long do you plan to stay and can you afford to have one?
If 5 years or less and finances are not a concern-put on the sunscreen and go for it :).!!
If you plan to stay 6 years or longer, remember kids will grow out of staying home during summer days, preffering to hang with their friends at the beach, the mall...anywhere away from Mom and Dad-it's just life and happens that way- independence.!!
A pool may sound great, but in the long run you will be much happier with the wise decision to pass...
Looking back now I enjoyed every summer bday, pool party, bbq we spent out back...and would probably do it all over...lol
Go figure :)
Some homeowners are defying conventional wisdom and demolishing their swimming pool—to maximize outdoor space. Here are six reasons why it makes sense.
