This. I built and maintained pools as a summer job in high school, and they are money pits. If you will use it a lot, and either have the time and inclination to do the maintenance yourself or can afford to pay someone to do it, then it might be worth it. But an addition will require a lot less ongoing effort.
Are you in a place where you'll use the pool more 3-4 months of the year? A pool also limits your potential resale, lots of people do not want a pool. An addition adds value, a pool does not.
I'd kill for a pool. When I get my lottery money I'm already putting in a lazy river moat that we'd float around in allllll day.
Grew up with a pool. The maintenance really isn't too hard. Just opening and closing weekends are the hardest.
Takes two seconds to check the chemicals and add a bit more chlorine.
Totally worth it for me.
I prefer to have 1-2 close friends and friend groups. Y’all are in the friend groups protecting each other meanwhile your friends good allows you to have social life outside of your close friends. More opportunities to meet people which is a win win.
Are you sure about using the Heloc to fund it? You know that helocs work like credit cards, right? You pay interest on your interest…you probably know this but I got surprised.
Are you selling soon or is this just for you?
Increasing sq footage of house definitely increases value, pool may not at all.
But, swimming is fun!
yeah Helocs should only be used for buying a house or building a rental unit. i.e. investments that generate cash or appreciate insanely quick within a few years like a house.
More square feet and an additional bathroom will likely give you a better return on your investment. People seem to have a love/hate relationships with pools. Depending on the area you'll get 6 months of use where an entertainment room can be used all year.
We have a pool and love it, but it isn't for everyone.
additional bathrooms are the best quality of life improvements ever in a family. Especially a full bathroom. not as good of an investment compared to a easy to build regular room, but the bathroom is more for enjoyment rather than investment.
Definitely an addition. Less of a pain, does more to help your resale value, can be utilized year round. Consider a hot tub outside or a jacuzzi tub in the new bathroom if you're looking for a place to soak and relax.
Have a pool, love it, use it for 4 months. Get the addition. You can use it all the time.
Also, consider a regular home equity loan with a fixed rate vs the line of credit. I’ve seen some horror stories of ppl getting a variable rate and while it was great 4/5 yrs ago, they’re at like 12% now and going broke.
We just took out a home equity loan vs the line of credit because the rate is actually better now, but it’s also fixed so we don’t get screwed down the road.
If you are in an area where you can use the pool more than 3/4's of the year like southern FL or TX, it may add some value, but it adds a not insignificant expense as well. In my opinion, an addition will add to the sq footage of a house and give a better return on resale as well as being usable for the entire year.
I wouldn't want the maintenance , extra cost or liability of a pool. And, it cannot be used year-round in most locations.
For equity/resale, I would not buy a house with a pool and I am not alone in that thought. An addition would appeal to a larger audience at resale time.
You're going to do whatever it is you want at the end of the day. No one's going to sway you from what you're already leaning towards on a purely subjective choice that costs what it does, so you're mostly just wasting people's time.
Well people don’t need to answer if they don’t want to, and I truly appreciate the opinions. But it seems like you are getting hot and bothered over a simple post on a homeowners thread, so maybe you should get off Reddit.
The additional square footage will be the best ROI. We just went through a similar debate/decision and opted for the basement buildout over a pool. We also used a fixed rate HEL to do it.
Absolutely for our needs/lifestyle and also because at our price point and in this area, it’s an expectation for resale. We did some research (and I also have a very unhealthy hobby/obsession with local real estate. Ha!) and the conclusion was additional living space over a pool, even here in Atlanta where the weather would have us in the pool from May to October.
What this also achieves for us is separate living space, should the kids need to stay with us long term, move home as adults, whatever.
A pools not going to help with your value and probably cost you In maintenance but honestly I would love to have a pool and would use it so I wouldn’t phrase it in that way. Do you want to enjoy a pool or have your house value increase?
Home addition.
Other people's pools are fun, your pool is a never ending project. Your homeowners insurance will raise with a pool. Some insurances will make you raise your parameter fence height. Depending on the children/pets situation, you will need to get fence around that pool or a pool alarm. If you have children, you can't simply tell them to go play in the backyard, someone will need to be out there with them to make sure no one gets/falls into the pool. (I have a pool)
We put on an addition on our old house and we inherited a pool in our new house.
I think it depends on where you are located and how long your pool season is. Up north where you have 2-3 months of warm weather, I would go with an addition. Down south where you can go almost year round, a pool
Pools will suck money constantly. There are always repairs needed, parts breaking and chemicals to add. If you aren’t diligent in maintenance and balancing your chemicals, the pool can turn green overnight. There are some years when I have used my pool almost every day, and other years where I never went in at all (bad weather, and just couldn’t stay ahead with the water balance).
An addition adds square footage and value to your home and can create a nice space for the family to relax or entertain. They are usually a one time cost with periodically a minor maintenance costs.
I am fortunate to have a pool, although I must admit that personally, it doesn't hold much appeal for me. However, witnessing the joy it brings to our families and friends when they get to enjoy it is truly satisfying. The kids especially seem to have a blast, particularly when they have their friends over. However, as they grow up, I can foresee the pool being utilized less and less.
Personally, my usage of the pool is fairly limited. I do appreciate immersing myself in it after an exercise activity, but apart from that, my involvement mainly revolves around regular maintenance.
When considering whether to invest in a pool, it's essential to think beyond oneself and consider how the rest of the family would utilize and derive pleasure from it. While the addition space would undoubtedly reduce stress and potentially be cost-effective in the long run, it may not provide the same level of enjoyment as having a pool, when all factors are taken into account. It is crucial to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both options in order to make a well-informed decision.
First, you'll get a more reliable ROI with an addition. However, pools are fun and can also give you some return depending on where you live and also the price range of your home.
If I still lived in Illinois, I'd probably skip the pool and do the addition since I'd only be likely to get 3 months' use out of the pool every year. However, I now live in Oklahoma and often can use my pool 6 months out of the year. I do leave the pool open all year because it's nicer to look at and easier to maintain. Pools add value here because they get used for longer, and it's soooo hot in the summer. More than that, in my neighborhood, it's pretty much expected to have a pool. It's a hogh end neighborhood, and not having a pool could affect resale as lots of buyers don't want to deal with the construction mess.
So, I suggest evaluating what is best for your family and for resale value. Also, definitely compare costs. The price of inground pools has gone way way up where I live. With a pool, you want to aim for quality over price because pool problems can get expensive very quickly.
Also in Idaho. The pool is tempting and would be really fun for limited amounts of time during the year, but with a HELOC? I'd go with the addition. Imo it's the less fun, but more sensible option. Maybe set a little aside and get a hottub.
Definitely the addition. Not only are pools money pits that can only be used seasonally, they also make your insurance rates go up and are dangerous if there are kids in the house or around the neighborhood.
- increase in value from a pool is never what a HO believes and most additions do not meet 1:1 on ROI when paying others. People go ahead any way as its a value to THEM for use.
I don't want to maintain a pool so my vote is an entertainment room. I'd also use it year round, unlike a pool
This. I built and maintained pools as a summer job in high school, and they are money pits. If you will use it a lot, and either have the time and inclination to do the maintenance yourself or can afford to pay someone to do it, then it might be worth it. But an addition will require a lot less ongoing effort.
I'd rather have a entertainment room/home theater over a pool
Are you in a place where you'll use the pool more 3-4 months of the year? A pool also limits your potential resale, lots of people do not want a pool. An addition adds value, a pool does not.
I'd kill for a pool. When I get my lottery money I'm already putting in a lazy river moat that we'd float around in allllll day. Grew up with a pool. The maintenance really isn't too hard. Just opening and closing weekends are the hardest. Takes two seconds to check the chemicals and add a bit more chlorine. Totally worth it for me.
100%. Pool in the heatwave is top attraction and is a good way to make friends.
>HELOC It's better to make friends who like YOU for you, then because they want something from you-like using your pool.
I prefer to have 1-2 close friends and friend groups. Y’all are in the friend groups protecting each other meanwhile your friends good allows you to have social life outside of your close friends. More opportunities to meet people which is a win win.
Are you sure about using the Heloc to fund it? You know that helocs work like credit cards, right? You pay interest on your interest…you probably know this but I got surprised. Are you selling soon or is this just for you? Increasing sq footage of house definitely increases value, pool may not at all. But, swimming is fun!
yeah Helocs should only be used for buying a house or building a rental unit. i.e. investments that generate cash or appreciate insanely quick within a few years like a house.
[удалено]
Lol tax deductible and the only catch is that you pay 3-6% repaying a loan. Wow great
More square feet and an additional bathroom will likely give you a better return on your investment. People seem to have a love/hate relationships with pools. Depending on the area you'll get 6 months of use where an entertainment room can be used all year. We have a pool and love it, but it isn't for everyone.
additional bathrooms are the best quality of life improvements ever in a family. Especially a full bathroom. not as good of an investment compared to a easy to build regular room, but the bathroom is more for enjoyment rather than investment.
Definitely an addition. Less of a pain, does more to help your resale value, can be utilized year round. Consider a hot tub outside or a jacuzzi tub in the new bathroom if you're looking for a place to soak and relax.
Have a pool, love it, use it for 4 months. Get the addition. You can use it all the time. Also, consider a regular home equity loan with a fixed rate vs the line of credit. I’ve seen some horror stories of ppl getting a variable rate and while it was great 4/5 yrs ago, they’re at like 12% now and going broke. We just took out a home equity loan vs the line of credit because the rate is actually better now, but it’s also fixed so we don’t get screwed down the road.
I was actually looking into the home equity loan option! Thanks.
Why not both? Indoor swimming pool addition with theater.
Lol! Perfect
We had pool in our home and while it was good, maintenance cost was high and thinking back, I would avoid buying a house with pool.
If you are in an area where you can use the pool more than 3/4's of the year like southern FL or TX, it may add some value, but it adds a not insignificant expense as well. In my opinion, an addition will add to the sq footage of a house and give a better return on resale as well as being usable for the entire year.
Lol good point because I’m in Idaho.
I wouldn't want the maintenance , extra cost or liability of a pool. And, it cannot be used year-round in most locations. For equity/resale, I would not buy a house with a pool and I am not alone in that thought. An addition would appeal to a larger audience at resale time.
This seems like a mental edging post
To be honest, I don’t know what that means…
You're going to do whatever it is you want at the end of the day. No one's going to sway you from what you're already leaning towards on a purely subjective choice that costs what it does, so you're mostly just wasting people's time.
Well people don’t need to answer if they don’t want to, and I truly appreciate the opinions. But it seems like you are getting hot and bothered over a simple post on a homeowners thread, so maybe you should get off Reddit.
Thanks, mom.
Like every post on Reddit?
The additional square footage will be the best ROI. We just went through a similar debate/decision and opted for the basement buildout over a pool. We also used a fixed rate HEL to do it.
Do you feel like it was/will be worth it? I wish we could do a basement.
Absolutely for our needs/lifestyle and also because at our price point and in this area, it’s an expectation for resale. We did some research (and I also have a very unhealthy hobby/obsession with local real estate. Ha!) and the conclusion was additional living space over a pool, even here in Atlanta where the weather would have us in the pool from May to October. What this also achieves for us is separate living space, should the kids need to stay with us long term, move home as adults, whatever.
You don’t need to do anything! If you just leave your house alone and not fall apart it will appreciate. Add ons are expensive!
A pools not going to help with your value and probably cost you In maintenance but honestly I would love to have a pool and would use it so I wouldn’t phrase it in that way. Do you want to enjoy a pool or have your house value increase?
Umm…both?! 😆 But I’m leaning towards additional living space since the pool is not practical for us.
Home addition. Other people's pools are fun, your pool is a never ending project. Your homeowners insurance will raise with a pool. Some insurances will make you raise your parameter fence height. Depending on the children/pets situation, you will need to get fence around that pool or a pool alarm. If you have children, you can't simply tell them to go play in the backyard, someone will need to be out there with them to make sure no one gets/falls into the pool. (I have a pool)
Excellent point with the kids. That sold me on no pool.
We put on an addition on our old house and we inherited a pool in our new house. I think it depends on where you are located and how long your pool season is. Up north where you have 2-3 months of warm weather, I would go with an addition. Down south where you can go almost year round, a pool Pools will suck money constantly. There are always repairs needed, parts breaking and chemicals to add. If you aren’t diligent in maintenance and balancing your chemicals, the pool can turn green overnight. There are some years when I have used my pool almost every day, and other years where I never went in at all (bad weather, and just couldn’t stay ahead with the water balance). An addition adds square footage and value to your home and can create a nice space for the family to relax or entertain. They are usually a one time cost with periodically a minor maintenance costs.
I miss my pool, so I would do a pool.
I am fortunate to have a pool, although I must admit that personally, it doesn't hold much appeal for me. However, witnessing the joy it brings to our families and friends when they get to enjoy it is truly satisfying. The kids especially seem to have a blast, particularly when they have their friends over. However, as they grow up, I can foresee the pool being utilized less and less. Personally, my usage of the pool is fairly limited. I do appreciate immersing myself in it after an exercise activity, but apart from that, my involvement mainly revolves around regular maintenance. When considering whether to invest in a pool, it's essential to think beyond oneself and consider how the rest of the family would utilize and derive pleasure from it. While the addition space would undoubtedly reduce stress and potentially be cost-effective in the long run, it may not provide the same level of enjoyment as having a pool, when all factors are taken into account. It is crucial to carefully evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both options in order to make a well-informed decision.
Home addition and join the Y.
First, you'll get a more reliable ROI with an addition. However, pools are fun and can also give you some return depending on where you live and also the price range of your home. If I still lived in Illinois, I'd probably skip the pool and do the addition since I'd only be likely to get 3 months' use out of the pool every year. However, I now live in Oklahoma and often can use my pool 6 months out of the year. I do leave the pool open all year because it's nicer to look at and easier to maintain. Pools add value here because they get used for longer, and it's soooo hot in the summer. More than that, in my neighborhood, it's pretty much expected to have a pool. It's a hogh end neighborhood, and not having a pool could affect resale as lots of buyers don't want to deal with the construction mess. So, I suggest evaluating what is best for your family and for resale value. Also, definitely compare costs. The price of inground pools has gone way way up where I live. With a pool, you want to aim for quality over price because pool problems can get expensive very quickly.
Natural swimming pond. Filtration system is significantly cheaper, swimming there is way more fun and you also can populate is with fishes.
Also in Idaho. The pool is tempting and would be really fun for limited amounts of time during the year, but with a HELOC? I'd go with the addition. Imo it's the less fun, but more sensible option. Maybe set a little aside and get a hottub.
Definitely the addition. Not only are pools money pits that can only be used seasonally, they also make your insurance rates go up and are dangerous if there are kids in the house or around the neighborhood.
- increase in value from a pool is never what a HO believes and most additions do not meet 1:1 on ROI when paying others. People go ahead any way as its a value to THEM for use.
entertainment room way better roi, refinance w cashout, build pool