by Jim Caruk
Building a backyard oasis
Whenever anyone compiles a list of the top renovations for return on investment, pools end up at the bottom of the list. Realtors argue that since not everyone wants a pool, you won’t recoup the money you put into it when it comes time to sell.
My question to you is: how soon do you plan on moving? Unless you know you’ll be moving in the very short-term, I’d argue that you should renovate your home—inside or out—for your own personal enjoyment now, rather than worrying about some potential ROI at an undetermined time down the road. For many people, myself included, their pool is the focal point of a backyard oasis.
WADE YOUR OPTIONS
The two main options for pools are above-ground and in-ground models. Above-ground pools are cheaper, but tend to have shorter lifespans and somewhat limited design options. With in-ground pools, your budget is the only limit on the size, shape, and depth you choose.
If your space is limited and/or you’re primarily interested in a pool for the exercise, a third option is one of the narrow lap pools with a built-in motor that generates a current that you swim against.
Not a fan of that “chlorine smell”? Saltwater pools incorporate a system that converts the chlorine to a less harsh saline solution.
SAFE MEASURES
Given our climate, you’ll definitely want to invest in a pool heating system. You’ll also want to invest in a good-quality pool cover. These not only stop the water from evaporating, some actually collect solar energy to warm it up.
Yes, there is a bit of work keeping up a pool. You need to check the pH levels, keep the chlorine topped up, skim off any leaves and debris floating on the surface, and run an automated cleaner below. But it’s a lot less work to maintain than a cottage, and comes with none of the commuting hassles.
On the safety side, you’ll want to make sure the pool is enclosed within a gated fence. If you have young children, there are products on the market, such as the Safety Turtle, a kid-friendly wristband that issues an audible alarm if someone falls into the pool. (There are even versions for pets.)
THERE IS GOING BACK
Of course, nothing says a pool has to be a permanent fixture. If some future buyer decides they don’t want a pool, they can have it removed. We once profiled a company in our sister magazine, Renovation Contractor , that does just that. What creative name did they choose for their business? The Pool Fill-In People, of course.
That said, I can tell you from first-hand experience that a nice pool will definitely not hurt your resale value. I sold my old place with an in-ground pool about a year and a half ago, and have missed it ever since. As I’ve been working on this column, I’ve been talking to my pool installer finalizing the details for getting one put in this summer.