15 Surprising Ways Your Outdoor Pool Could Be Lowering Your Home’s Market Value
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Owning a backyard pool might seem like the ultimate home luxury, but that doesn’t always translate to higher property value. Pools can be very attractive in some places or climates, but in others, they can be the opposite, leaving homeowners scratching their heads when it’s time to sell.
An outdoor pool can be a turn off to potential buyers, faster than you’d think. If you’ve been counting on your pool to add to the value of your home, here are some things you may not have considered that might be working against you.
High Maintenance Costs
Pools can be money pits, needing continual cleaning and upkeep, in addition to regular chemical balancing. Buyers may see your pool and instantly begin to add up the great expenses to come. Even if you’re dedicated to maintaining your pool in perfect shape, they probably aren’t going to be as excited about the extra costs.
Limited Seasonal Use
Outdoor pools in colder climates tend to go unused for much of the year, and are merely an aesthetic piece during fall and winter. Buyers might not want a home with a pool that they are never able to use.
Increased Insurance Premiums
If you have a pool on your property, you’re more likely to see your homeowner’s insurance skyrocket, as a pool is considered an ‘attractive nuisance’ and increases the risk of accidents. If buyers know this, they may view your pool as an unwanted expense that will increase their monthly bill even before they’ve moved in.
Reduced Yard Space
A pool is a big chunk of your backyard, and it means less space for other activities. If they have young children, they may want a large grassy area to play in, if they are gardeners they may want space to landscape.
Safety Concerns
Families with small children have safety risks associated with pools. A pool may be viewed as a hazard to some buyers, afraid of accidental drownings or some other mishap. It may even deter them even further once they get to the costs of adding fences and alarms.
Frequent Repairs
In particular, older pools can be maintenance headaches. Fixing cracked tiles, leaks and outdated filtration systems is not cheap. The trouble is that buyers may not want to purchase a property that needs immediate repair work or constant care.
Environmental Impact Potential
Pools are a lot of water, and can be a concern for environmentally conscious buyers. Some regions are water short and some buyers may feel that a pool is a waste of resources. That could turn off those with a green mindset.
Legal Regulations and Codes
There are some areas that have very strict zoning laws and regulations about who can own a pool, and what you have to do with it. These legalities might scare buyers away from buying a property that may come with compliance headaches.
Noise Complaints
It’s not exactly soothing to hear pool pumps and filtration systems running around the clock. Buyers may worry about future complaints, as well as nearby neighbors who may have already complained about the noise.
Risk of Algae and Bacteria
It’s natural for a pool to suffer if it is not properly maintained and before you know it, it becomes a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. These aren’t exactly inviting — green water, slimy surfaces and foul smells. If you take on a home with a pool, buyers may worry about what they’re inheriting if the pool could fall into disrepair.
Outdated Aesthetics
Like any part of a home, pools can look dated, and if it hasn’t been remodeled or updated in years, it can look even worse. Some parts of pools are old tile designs, clunky diving boards or otherwise odd shaped, which make the property feel like a time capsule. This will be a deal breaker for buyers looking for a modern aesthetic.
Landscaping Potential Obscured
A pool is a huge backyard feature that dictates the landscape around it. Some buyers might see a pool as a missed opportunity to use the land beneath as a space to craft their own dream garden, fire pit resort area, or play space.
HOA Restrictions
Homeowners’ association homes may have rules and regulations surrounding the preserved homes maintenance and appearance. Buyers may not like the idea of HOA fees for pools, or of having to meet HOA standards on the property.
Not Kid-Friendly
Kids tend to love pools, but parents may not, especially if their kids are very young. Pools are a lot of work, and busy families can become overwhelmed by the need to supervise them constantly. If they think the pool is more trouble than it’s worth, some buyers might pass on the home altogether.
Energy Consumption
Pools need pumps, they need heaters, and sometimes they need lighting, all of which use energy. And the thought of a pool might not be so appealing to buyers concerned with energy efficiency. It may be seen as energy drain, adding to larger utility bills and larger carbon footprint, which turns off the eco minded buyer.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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