SmartHomeOwners

Each year as summertime rolls around, you probably spend countless days trying to find new creative ways to entertain your kids.  After all, what is there for kids to do once school lets out for summer break, right?  Perhaps you're entertaining the thought of installing a swimming pool in your backyard.  Think carefully before leaping into this major home project. Consider the following pros and cons of owning a swimming pool.

Swimming Pool Benefits

Owning a pool is not only fun for your entire family, but it gives your kids a tremendous workout each time they play in the water.  They'll be exercising muscles without even realizing it.  Swimming, climbing the ladder to the slide, jumping, playing with pool toys, throwing beach balls back and forth....all can be translated into exercise.  And don't forget the "active duty" they'll enjoy while cleaning the pool!

Another benefit of owning a pool is you'll never have to worry about how to entertain at parties.  Just throw a pool party, and your guests will have a blast!  If you need to entertain your child's friend, the pool will do the job for you.  It's the perfect boredom buster.  Just be prepared to keep an eye out the entire time they're playing in the pool.  Another benefit is your children will quickly become accustomed to the water and improve swimming skills.  The more they practice strokes and techniques, then the more likely they are to swim safely and confidently at the beach, hotel pool, a friend's pool, etc.

Disadvantages of Owning a Pool

Installing a swimming pool in your back yard does have some drawbacks.  There are liability and safety concerns to think about.  You'll need to familiarize yourself with local laws concerning pool safety, fencing around the pool, etc.  You might find that your neighbours, friends and family members will want to swim in your pool quite often.  This places more responsibility on you as the owner of the pool.  You might want to check your homeowners insurance policy to confirm that proper coverage is in place.  Consider installing a pool alarm in case a small child was to wander near your pool. 

Another downside is the expense of owning a pool.  The initial cost can be very high for starters, but there are also expenses to maintain and clean the pool.  You'll need to consider the price of pool chemicals and filtering, pool accessories and cleaning tools, landscaping around the pool, patio furniture, bath house expenses (if you have one), and future repairs.

A swimming pool can enhance your property and add value to its appraisal, but don't only think of it in these terms.  Weigh the pros and cons to determine if a pool's right for your family.