As the thermometer rises after what felt like a long, cold winter, you may be looking at your backyard with longing.
As Canadians, we spend a disproportionate amount of time by comparison to other cultures in our own personal green space. Whether it’s to socialize, BBQ, or get some much-needed vitamin D, the backyard is the Canadian sanctuary in the summertime.
Summer is About to Get Funner! Just Add Water… Maybe
The vitalness of your backyard is matched only by its utility. So, whether it is a postage stamp or a sprawling estate, is a major concern.
Some fellow Canucks may gravitate towards a nature vibe, complete with a vegetable patch or a garden for pollinators.
Often people with small children elect for a more activities-orientated landscape complete with a sandbox, water table, climbing structure, or the unsung backyard hero—the tree fort. Once children age a bit and become more independent, parents often consider a transition for the backyard as well. Frequently, minds turn towards an in-ground pool.
Although there are varying thoughts on the matter, the approximate cost to install an in-ground pool is steep. If you’re considering adding an in-ground pool to your backyard oasis, you’re likely looking at an expenditure of between $20,000-$50,000 to put in the pool, along with between $2,000-$3,000 per year in maintenance costs.
While we’re on the subject of pool installation costs, let’s dip our toe into the cost to install an above-ground pool. Above-ground pool prices range from $1,950 to $8,000 to purchase on average. If you forgo the blue store special and have the above-ground pool professionally installed, you’re looking at a cost range of $1,500-$4,000, though this may change greatly depending on what region of the nation in which the property is located.
So, is it worth it for you to be able to post on all your socials that you’re “keeping it cool in my pool”? Let’s find out!
Grab Your Flip-Flops and Hit the Pool
There are many things to consider when making the decision to add an in-ground pool to your backyard beautification undertaking.
The first one of which we have already touched on is an increase in vitamin D. Along with the increase in vitamin D, with the increase of the sun’s rays comes a rise in serotonin levels.
Serotonin is a chemical that delivers messaging between the brain’s nerve cells and throughout your body. Serotonin plays a critical role in such body functionality as sleep and mood regulation, sexual desire, digestion, nausea, wound healing, blood clotting, and wound healing. Whether you’re soaking on a floatie or swimming laps, activities in a pool are stress relievers.
There are several other positive health-related benefits to having a pool just steps away. If you have sore muscles or an injury, regular swimming offers low-impact rehabilitation support. It is also a great form of exercise in terms of working unique muscle groups without putting a great deal of strain on them. Laps in the pool are a fantastic way to get in your cardio. And with all of that sensational sun and exercise, you will inevitably sleep better as well!
The last thing that we’d like to highlight is the potential to make connections with others. As a parent, you’ll be confident that you’re raising kiddos that can swim well and have a healthy understanding of water safety. You’ll be able to connect with your immediate family and extended family in the backyard. Who wants to go to a pool party? Everybody! Your house will be everyone’s favourite destination for good times. Plus, sending the little ones off to the pool is a surefire hit for giving the adults time to socialize in peace!
But Does it Add to Resale Value?
Above-ground pools, particularly if they’ve been installed DIY style, are likely negative value.
Before the photographer is booked in preparation to put your home on the market with your above-ground pool up, consider your backyard through the eyes of potential buyers. You may see value in packing the pool away, and likely that will be the advice of your REALTOR®.
The answer to the question of whether an in-ground pool adds value to your home is a bit more complex.
While an in-ground pool does increase the value of a property, be it an income property or a primary residence, it’s usually no more than approximately 7%. Given the cost to install, there isn’t a significant return on investment in terms of property value increase—and even that small return happens only in certain situations:
- You reside in an affluent community or area where swimming pools are commonplace.
- The pool’s design blends in with the neighbourhood.
- You can use the pool all year round because you live in a warm climate.
- You still have room for a garden or a play area because the pool doesn’t completely take up the yard.
- The swimming pool is kept up beautifully.
- You can draw in the buyer or renter client profile. While families with young children may be concerned about safety, those without children may adore the notion of a pool.
In Conclusion
You should typically see a pool as an investment in your way of life. Just don’t anticipate it to increase the value of your house.
As folks with pools, particularly of the in-ground variety, seem all too willing to share, maybe the investment would be in quality time. Parlay yourself and your family a standing invitation for summer and gauge whether this is an investment that will truly fit into your lifestyle.
Heather McDowell is a mother and a REALTOR®. Heather has spent most of her real estate career selling residential real estate, and its leasing and has dealt with the additional complexities of the cottage, timeshare and rural properties, and condominiums. She has dabbled in new construction and is expanding her portfolio to include commercial sales and leasing. Heather is also a dedicated volunteer for both the local women’s shelter and a national hospice organization and is an emerging playwright.
Heather describes her focus as diversifying real estate content that not only addresses national matters but explores those issues unique to each province and territory.
You can contact Heather at heather@crewmedia.ca or find her on socials at:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/thestoreytellingcompany/
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/heather-mcdowell-98134118b
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/hmcdowellrealty/
