Home Swimming Pools: Do They Sink Or Swim?
Ask 100 people what they’d love to add to their home if they had infinite money and most will include a swimming pool in their top three choices. There’s something so exciting about owning a pool and having a nice place to relax in your yard. It transforms your outdoor space, making it more practical while extending your living space.
And yet, pools sometimes get a bad reputation. You hear conflicting arguments over home swimming pools, with some saying they’re worth it and others arguing they should be avoided. Today, we’re tackling this argument head-on! What are the supposed pros and cons of swimming pool installations and should you consider one?
The case against swimming pools
We’ll begin with the arguments against swimming pool installations. Mainly, there are three points people raise:
a. A pool makes your garden unsightly
b. Pools decrease the value of your home
c. They’re an expensive investment
The first argument isn’t really valid at all. Pools can make your garden look a lot better, though it does depends on the pool type. For instance, above-ground pools are fairly unsightly and ruin the garden landscape. But, an in-ground swimming pool fits neatly in your outdoor space and adds a touch of class to the area.
Looking at the second point, there’s a bit of a myth going on here. People think that pools decrease the value of a home, but that’s not necessarily true. If you live in a hot climate, a pool is almost a necessity. Plus, if you live in a neighborhood where all houses have pools bar yours, then a lack of a swimming pool decreases the home value. It all depends on where you live and the pool in question. Again, in-ground ones tend to be the better option as they look nicer and people will be willing to pay a premium price for a house with one in the yard.
Finally, you can’t really argue that pools aren’t expensive. However, like all home investments, they’re worth it in the long run. Especially when you look at some of the positive effects they bring.
The case for swimming pools
As you can see, most of the arguments against swimming pools don’t really hold up. At the end of the day, it mainly comes down to whether or not one fits your budget – or fits in your garden. So, what are the arguments in favor of these installations?
a. Extend your living space outdoors
b. Make your home more luxurious
c. Give your garden more purpose
Having an outdoor pool lets you extend your living space to the yard. You can add a patio area near the pool, with doors opening up from the inside. It lets you seamlessly blend your interior living area with the outdoors, which is a really nice touch and can make your whole home feel bigger.
Secondly, there’s no denying that swimming pools are luxurious. If you’re looking to upgrade your home and make it feel more extravagant, this is a fine idea. In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to take an average home and give it a sense of richness.
Lastly, pools bring more purpose to your garden. Some of you may find that your garden is already purposeful. You grow plants and food, and it’s an outdoor space you truly take full advantage of. That’s perfectly fine, in which case, a pool probably isn’t right for you. But, those of you with an outdoor area that doesn’t really do much will benefit from a pool installation. Immediately, your garden goes from being something you rarely use to a place where the whole family can have fun. You’ll spend hours in and around the pool area every week, especially in the hot months. Plus, it gives you an excuse to invite friends over, improving your social life.
Are home swimming pools a good idea?
After weighing up both sides of the argument, the answer is…maybe! Okay, that’s very ambiguous and it looks like we’re sitting on the fence. However, home swimming pools are great ideas for some people and some properties. If you have enough space and want to get more out of your garden, it’s worth considering a swimming pool – especially if you live in a place that gets nice weather for most of the year.
On the other hand, if your garden is small or you already get enough out of it, a pool may not be a necessary choice. In addition, if you choose to go for a pool you do not care any more on how to maintain a garden. It depends on where you live and what you want to do with your garden!
