the main points
- Swimming pool installation and maintenance can be expensive.
- The pool will take up space in my yard that my kids love to use for other activities.
- It’s not worth it to put money or effort into something my family won’t use often.
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I can admit that sometimes I get a little jealous when I see my friends post pictures of their families lounging poolside. Right, when the jealousy really sets in, what I tend to do is tell these friends I’m on my way with my book, a towel, and a bowl of fruit salad as thank you for letting me take the plunge.
But there are times when I think having our own pool would be a nice thing for my family. Then I allow reality to set in. And I remembered that having a swimming pool just doesn’t make sense to us for those reasons.
1. It’s a lot of money
HomeGuide says the average cost to install an indoor pool is $35,000, with most homeowners spending between $28,000 and $55,000. Now, I can try to finance the pool installation with a home credit or a personal loan. Or, depending on the amount offered, I could raid my savings account.
But that’s a lot of money to spend on something that I can’t even use all year round. I live in the Northeast, and most people I know with pools open them on or around Memorial Day weekend and close them back up on Labor Day.
It might be one thing to spend all that money if you live somewhere where the climate year-round is conducive to using the pool. Since that’s not the case, I can’t easily justify the cost.
Also, when putting in a swimming pool, there is maintenance to consider. Homeowners can expect to spend between $1,200 and $1,800 annually on basic pool maintenance costs, according to Bob Vila. and even that A lot of money for something we only used three months out of the year.
2. It’s a lot of time
Maintaining a swimming pool doesn’t just cost money. You also need to make time. Even if you hire a service to do an early-season cleaning and check chemical levels weekly, you should still clean your pool in between. And I’m not sure I want to do this job.
I also, honestly, don’t have much time to do this work. I’m a very busy person because between holding down a full time job, taking care of the kids, making sure my meals are cooked and my laundry done. I really can’t do another task, even if it’s only for a few months.
3. It’s a lot of space
Putting in a swimming pool means having to sacrifice a large portion of your backyard. And that’s not the space I’m eager to give up for something we’ll only use during the summer.
My kids and their friends love to run around and play different sports in our backyard all year long. And I think we all resent the gathering of valuable real estate possessions in October, when everyone was excited to start a great football game.
Having a swimming pool is definitely a nice thing, and I am grateful to my friends and neighbors who have so generously allowed me to use their pools. But finally, being just one person status doesn’t make financial or logistical sense for my family. Also, living where I do means the beach is only a short drive away. And why limit yourself to the pool when you can instead enjoy a complete ocean with a view?
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