Should You Own a Pool in Texas?

Whether you’ve lived in Texas for the last 30 years, recently made it your home, or you’re considering buying property right here in Fort Worth, there are some crucial factors you need to consider. Which neighborhood suits your needs, what kind of job are you looking for, what community perks do you want, and so on. Out of all the questions, there’s one almost every homeowner asks: Should we get a pool?

When deciding whether to add a pool to your property, there are many questions to ask before taking the dive. Questions like, “Do I like to swim?” only skim the surface; every homeowner ought to ask themselves some deeper, more illuminating questions before committing.

Diving Into the Deep End of Pool Ownership

When homeowners don’t ask themselves key questions around installing a pool on their property, it does two things: One, it prevents thousands of capable and excited homeowners from committing, wondering how they’ll embrace the inevitable Texas heat. Two, thousands of homeowners who shouldn’t have pools commit anyway… all because they didn’t ask themselves the right questions at the outset.

The consequences of this are more than inconvenient. Without knowing the ins and outs of pool ownership, too many homeowners end up with unexpected costs, undesired maintenance, and, at worst, tragedy. That’s why it’s beyond important to ask yourself the right questions, take a close look, and decide whether owning a pool is right for you. 

Five Factors You Need to Consider

It takes careful consideration and planning to do this right, especially over the long haul. So today, we’re laying out the top FIVE factors you need to consider before making the jump (or cannonball). 

1. Safety

While pools do carry safety risks, they can be met with proper adjustments to mitigate them. Consider the safety risks around owning a pool. For example, are your children old enough to understand the dangers? Could your pets accidentally fall in and not be able to swim out? Do you or a loved one have a disability and need a special kind of pool entrance and safety precautions? Once you account for the risks, owning a pool becomes an exciting and safe addition to your home.

2. Cost

The average US homeowner spends around $25,000 to install a pool, although in Texas in-ground models may run closer to $45,000 to $100,000 and above. In addition, installing a pool tends to increase insurance costs because of the added risk. And finally, annual pool repairs, electricity, and water cost homeowners around $4,000 a year. Simply put, owning a pool is not cheap, so it’s imperative to weigh the costs against the value it brings year after year.

3. Maintenance

Pools don’t only require money—they also demand time. This begs the question: Are you passionate about your pool? Are you prepared to keep your oasis neat and tidy, or do you loathe picking up that long net and fishing for debris? How about balancing the chemicals, or draining the pool to fully clean it once in a while? There’s no right answer to this, but knowing what’s best for you is key to finding out what makes sense for you and your lifestyle.

4. Lifestyle

Will your pool become an afterthought used twice a year, or will it supply frequent family fun and entertainment for guests? Getting a pool is about more than staying cool in the Texas heat, although that’s a given. A pool is a set piece, a unifying feature of your home that can bring family and friends together. 

5. Home Value

Finally, figure out whether you’re going to sell the house one day. Why? According to the National Association of REALTORS®, installing an in-ground pool can increase your home’s value by about 5 percent. This could equate to tens of thousands of dollars, which would more than makeup for the initial cost of the pool. 

This means that finding a great neighborhood in Fort Worth and installing a quality pool could equal tens of thousands in appreciation for your home. Or it might mean your veteran pool of 30 years could add $20,000 onto your home’s asking price. It all comes down to hiring the right agent to help you get your dream price!

Whether you’re buying or selling, your LEAGUE agent is #ReadytoServe you at every step in the process. If you’re considering buying or selling a home soon, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll connect you with the right agent to help guide you and answer any questions you have.