Are Swimming Pools Worth It?

Having a swimming pool in the middle of a blistering summer's day will make you the envy of the neighbourhood. On the surface, the idea of owning a swimming pool seems like a no brainer. Who wouldn’t want to have a swimming pool in their backyard? Before you make the decision to install a swimming pool though, we want to go over the pros and cons first to help you decide whether swimming pools are worth it. 

The Pros Of Owning A Swimming Pool

The benefits of owning a swimming pool include having access to your very own pool. Instead of going to a public swimming pool, you can just walk outside to your yard. Swimming is also one of the best exercises that you can do for your health. With your own pool, you have the comfort of knowing how it is cleaned and what chemicals are used in the water. From a financial perspective, installing a swimming pool can also increase the value of your property. 

The Cons Of Owning A Swimming Pool

The cons of owning a swimming pool can be mainly associated with the cost of installation and the regular maintenance. In terms of installation alone, there are a few factors to consider such as the type of material that you use, size, custom features as well as any paperwork required based on your local council’s policies. The cost associated with a swimming pool can be fairly large. There are also different types of pools available such as indoor pools, above-ground pools, and in-ground pools which can affect the overall costs.  

Costs Of Maintaining A Swimming Pool

The main costs associated with owning a swimming pool come down to the regular maintenance fees. According to Handyman Magazine, the minimum cost of maintaining a swimming pool is between $10 and $20 per week. Heating a pool can be a costly addition to your utility bill too. In New Zealand, there are three ways you can heat a swimming pool: electric heat pump, gas or solar. With all three options, you can expect to pay from 15 cents to 60 cents per KWH to heat your pool. 

There are also additional costs that are related to long-term maintenance. Some pools require chemical cleans after a period of time, and after a few years pools need to be drained and refilled.

What is the Cost Of Removing A Swimming Pool?

Some property owners do end up deciding on removing their swimming pools. This can be due to a number of reasons such as the maintenance tasks and costs or simply because they just no longer have a need for one. It’s important to be aware of the cost associated with removal too. A pool demolition job can cost between $8,000 and $10,000. The contractors need to drain the water, remove the concrete and then fill the hole with dirt. This is a complicated and expensive construction project in itself. 

Before you commit to installing a swimming pool, make sure that you fully look at the pros and cons to determine whether a pool is right for you. If you are concerned with the electricity costs of running a pool, use our online tool to compare electricity prices within your area and make sure you have the best deal.