Thinking About Putting in a Pool? Maybe You Shouldn’t

Hardly anything screams “I’ve made it” like getting a pool in your backyard. It’s practically part of the American dream—nice car, big house, boat, picket fence, and a pool.

But a pool is a nightmare for some buyers. They’re dangerous. They require constant maintenance. They can get damaged and need major repairs. They drink up your water supply in the summer and just sit there in the winter. 

Some buyers will actually offer less because they see a pool, or they’ll want you to get rid of the pool for them. Learn how to avoid these and other problems at one of our Rules of Renovation events.

You have to think about some difficult issues before you put in a pool. While putting in a pool isn’t always wrong, there are some key points to think about that could save you capital—and a lot of headaches. 

1. Hazard to Children

If you’re selling to a group of buyers that like to entertain, then a pool might be perfect. However, many homebuyers have children and they’ll be thinking about the many dangers a pool brings for their kids. 

About 10 Americans die every day from non-boating drownings, and a fifth of those are children. Pools can also spread bacteria between family members and their guests. Having a backyard pool is often just not worth it for many families. 

2. “I Love Higher Insurance,” Said No One Ever

Pools are insurance risks. They raise the possibility of injury and death on a property, which requires additional liability insurance for the owner to be covered. That means more monthly or yearly premiums. 

The owner could also need higher insurance coverage on their overall property. Some policies cover pools and some don’t, but either way, It can be a hassle.

3. Cost of Maintenance to the New Homeowner

A savvy buyer will know that they’re taking on a massive responsibility by buying a home with a pool. They could spend more than $100 a month just on maintaining the pool if they pay someone else. 

If they maintain it themselves, they still have to buy all the equipment and do the labor. This can take 5–10 hours each week, along with learning how to use chemicals.

And finally, repairing a pool can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the damage. 

4. Higher Utility Costs

Pools are constantly using electricity and water. They can cost around $300 a year in electricity bills. The water cost is more variable, but filling a pool can double a family’s water bill for that month. It takes more water to fill it once than a family uses all month. 

5. Cost to the Renovator

When you understand how much a pool costs, it should show you how impractical it is to consider adding one. It can run you anywhere from $30,000 to $65,000, depending on the type and size. 

The worst part is that there’s no guarantee you’ll make that back when you flip the house. You might raise the sale price of the house by only about half the cost of the pool—and that’s if you’re in a warm climate. 

If your favorite buyer wants you to get rid of the pool, that could set you back another $10,000.

Save Money to Improve Profits

We know this information might seem negative, but you need to understand what your buyers will be thinking. 

These points can save you a lot of money you might otherwise spend on a swimming pool. You can make a really solid business flipping dozens of houses with beautiful backyards and no pools. Protect your overall profitability, and let your buyers install a pool if they want one. 

If you need other expert home flipping tips from real estate investors and flippers, explore the Rules of Renovation. Also, be sure to register for Rules of Renovation events today. You’ll meet other real estate professionals, both new and veteran, and learn tips for increasing your profits.