Is Building a Pool a Good Idea?

For most of us, outdoor pools are the synonym of fun, relaxation and good times in the sun. It can be easy to get excited about having access to a pool as part of one’s own amenities: both property managers and renters alike tend to view it as an unique asset to the property. Especially in warmer geographies, pools are generally quite an appealing feature that can definitely help with attracting new tenants and keeping current tenants happy.

However, it is important to keep in mind that building a pool is no small feat. There are several reasons why one should thoroughly consider whether building a pool on-site truly is as good of an option as it sounds. The following post will list 10 fundamental things to consider before building a pool to help you avoid unwanted downsides to your investment.

1. Pools can be dangerous
Pools can represent a serious and potentially deadly danger for those who do not know how to swim, especially children. Making a pool available to residents will require keeping this in mind and implementing effective safety measures to eliminate the danger of accidental falls or easy access for unsupervised children.

2. Safety is necessary but expensive
A property owner and/or manager can be held liable for injuries caused by negligence. Implementing safety measures will be necessary, and those measures will come with a price tag. From building fencing and a locked-gate system to hiring a seasonal lifeguard on duty, further expenses should be expected and should certainly not be skimped on.

3. Return on investment is not ideal
In most cases, building a pool will be a rather expensive project. Unfortunately, while adding a pool can raise an estimated 5% to a property’s value, one might likely not receive the amount invested back once the property is sold. The market demands in a certain area will dictate the value of a property and of the addition of the pool, not the exact amount that was invested into building it.

4. Expect pricier utilities
Operating the pool and additional elements - such as lighting around the pool or it filtering system - will require higher usages of water and electricity, which translates into more expensive utilities bill.

5. Routine maintenance is a must
Maintaining a pool is a serious task, which must be regularly scheduled to guarantee that the pool is clean and safe. Outdoor pools are directly exposed to dirt, debris and even insects, which can all easily contaminate the water. A professional pool maintenance service should be contacted and hired to actively maintain the pool, especially during the warmer seasons. Naturally, this will be costly.

6. Careful with chemicals
Maintaining a pool will include the use of chemical products to condition the water and keep Ph levels safe. However, improper or excessive use of chemical formulas can cause tenants to get sick and/or experience reactions to the chemicals, while also potentially acting as “fertilizers” for unwanted bacterial or algae growths to flourish. Managing and adding chemicals to the pool should only be left to a qualified professional.

7. Mosquitoes love pools too!
Geographies and climates that are more vulnerable to mosquito infestations will be made even more vulnerable by adding pools, which represent an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Building a pool in those areas will require extensive and regular treatments by a pest control specialist.

8. Trespassing
Tenants won’t be the only ones wanting to enjoy their new pool. Sometimes, unwanted guests might begin accessing the property’s pool, which is not only a nuisance but also a safety concern. For this reason, building secure fencing or some kind of monitoring system might might be yet another project that comes with responsibly adding a pool to a property.

9. Plan on routine update projects
Over time, pools will need updating. Every 5 years or so, it is appropriate to check and update the pool with new materials, such as new tiles, panels, lighting or draining systems. This kind of preventative maintenance will help avoiding unexpected, substantial damages and will keep the pool looking appealing.

10. Construction can annoy neighbors.. and residents
From a construction standpoint, building a pool requires extensive work. Tenants and neighbors will experience the noises and traffic of the construction site, which might annoy or even anger them. Generally, it’s always best to notify tenants and neighbors about the project ahead of time and offer support throughout the process.