By: Joelle Andersen, TOMO
When summer hits New York, it usually comes in hot and fast. It could be mid-June and the temps are 65 degrees, but a day later, it’s a steamy 95 degrees. Those hot days of summer are when homes with pools become the envy of those who don’t have one. If you are thinking of buying a home with a pool or selling, pools have many pros and cons. Before we list those out, here are a few places within New York State that have homes with pools for sale right now:
As previously mentioned, having a pool can offer several benefits, enhancing lifestyles and providing enjoyment for everyone.
- Relaxation and Recreation: A pool provides a convenient and private space for relaxation and recreation. Whether someone prefers swimming laps for exercise, lounging on a float to unwind, or playing water games with children, a pool offers a refreshing escape in your backyard.
- Health and Fitness: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that offers a full-body workout, helping to improve cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and endurance. Having a pool at home encourages regular physical activity without the need to travel to a gym or public pool.
- Entertainment and Socializing: A pool creates a focal point for gatherings and socializing with family and friends. Hosting poolside barbecues, parties, or casual get-togethers allows them to create memorable experiences and enjoy quality time with loved ones in a relaxed setting.
- Convenience and Privacy: A private pool offers convenience and privacy, unlike public pools or beaches. They control who uses the pool, ensuring a clean and safe environment for everyone to enjoy whenever they wish.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A well-designed pool can enhance the property’s overall aesthetic, increasing its value and curb appeal. Pools can be customized with waterfalls, lighting, landscaping, and decorative tiles to complement the home’s architecture and landscaping.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Swimming and lounging in a pool can promote relaxation, stress relief, and improved mental well-being. Water therapy is also used for rehabilitation and pain management, relieving joint and muscle discomfort.
- Increased Property Value: In many cases, having a pool can increase the market value of a home and make it more attractive to potential buyers. Homes with pools often appeal to buyers seeking luxury amenities and a resort-like lifestyle.
- Personalized Design: With advancements in pool technology and design, homeowners can choose from various pool types, shapes, sizes, and features to suit their preferences and space. From traditional lap pools to infinity-edge pools and spa-like features, they can create a pool that fits their lifestyle and aesthetic vision.
While having a pool can offer numerous benefits, it’s also important to consider potential drawbacks that come with pool ownership.
- High Initial Cost: Installing a pool can be expensive, with costs varying depending on the type, size, and features of the pool. In addition to the construction costs, one may need to budget for landscaping, fencing, permits, and other associated expenses.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Pools require regular maintenance to keep the water clean, balanced, and safe for swimming. This includes testing and adjusting chemical levels, cleaning debris from the pool and skimmer baskets, vacuuming, and maintaining filtration equipment. Failure to properly maintain the pool can lead to water quality issues, algae growth, and potential health hazards.
- Time-Consuming: Keeping a pool in optimal condition can be time-consuming, especially during peak swimming seasons. Routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and testing water chemistry, may need to be performed weekly or even daily, depending on usage and environmental factors.
- Safety Concerns: Pools pose safety risks, especially for young children and non-swimmers. Proper fencing, gates, and safety covers are essential to prevent accidental drowning. Supervision is crucial whenever the pool is accessible, and all users should be educated on pool safety rules and procedures.
- Liability: As a pool owner, the owner may be liable for accidents or injuries that occur on the property, even if precautions have been taken. It’s important to have adequate liability insurance coverage to protect yourself financially in case of an accident involving a pool.
- Potential Decrease in Yard Space: The installation of a pool can occupy a significant portion of someone’s yard, reducing available space for other outdoor activities, landscaping, or gardening. This can impact the overall aesthetics and functionality of an outdoor living area.
- Resale Considerations: While some homebuyers may view a pool as a desirable amenity, others may see it as a potential maintenance burden or safety concern. Depending on local market preferences and trends, the presence of a pool can influence the marketability and resale value of a home.
- Environmental Impact: Maintaining a pool can have environmental implications, such as water consumption for refilling and evaporation, energy use for heating and filtration, and chemical runoff into the surrounding soil and waterways. Using eco-friendly practices and technologies can help mitigate these impacts.
Before buying a home with a pool, consider all the pros and cons. It is a personal decision, and will vary among buyers. Make sure to factor in maintenance costs, safety measures, local regulations, and ongoing upkeep before buying.
Published by: Holy Minoza
