Worth getting rid of swiming pool?

anonymoususer on 08/11/2014 - 20:45
Last edited 08/11/2014 - 20:48

We are in dilemma here. Bought house in Sydney after a move from Melbourne. Love the house and thought we will use pool sooner or later. Family of four adults and a 2yr boy. None of us can swim but thought we will use it soon but now looking at the cost of running. ..filter…chemical. ..filling water…etc is now makes us thinking if we should get rid of this pool n extend our backyard. How much are we looking for appro ? Neighbor says it will reduce property value even if we plan to resale it after 10yrs.

Its concret pool.

Width : 17ft
Height : 33ft
Deep End : 7ft
Shallow End : 3ft
Pool Volume : 78,000 Litre (appro)

Appreciate your input.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • Moots on 08/11/2014 - 20:55
    +4

    So inground pool? And your neighbour has no idea. You'd be surprised depanding on where you live a pool can be seen as a liability (exactly what your saying with filters, maintenance) and can actually devalue a house. Another prospect is a family with young kids may not like the fact there is a pool that kids have the potential to drown in. That than closes the market to those families with kids…

    You have to look at it both ways, and speak to a real estate agent, but generally if your remove the pool and sell the house, your house is than available to be bought by anyone, and it's their decision to purchase a pool etc. Where as you may limit your audience with that pool installed, it may also be unattractive if its old, or a design that some buyers may not like…

    Pools are also seasonal unless its heated, so your taking all that space (which is opportunity cost) for 3-6 months of the year only.

  • ilostnemo on 08/11/2014 - 21:09
    +10

    1st of all, I'd learn to swim, it is such a great activity and one day your life may rely on your ability to swim.
    We have a pool and it's not that much to run it. Our kids are older and they love it.
    We also like to have a dip and a few coronas when the weather is right.

    A pool of your size would of cost at least 50k.

  • RockyRaccoon on 08/11/2014 - 21:15
    +5

    It's simple

    A pool adds value to a house. The real problem is that it adds about the same or a bit less than the cost of building it.

    Your problem is that it's already there, so removing the pool will cost. Filling it in costs you with fill and you really need to do this well. And make sure there are drain holes in the bottom otherwise filling it in can create a drama down the track (walterlogged etc)

    I know as our pool and spa isnt being used much and the pool needed resurfacing. The cost of removal was almost the same as the resurfacing cost. Speaking to Agents they all confirm that the pool will add value, albeit not the full value of a new pool, but more than the refurbishment cost.

    The spa is going and the landscaper is filling it in with netting, holes in the bottom, and a drainage system being implemented.

    Hope that helps you.

    BTW I agree with ilostnemo , learning to swim is a great personal asset

  • thejew on 08/11/2014 - 23:19
    -5

    Youre going to die in Australia

  • [Deactivated] on 08/11/2014 - 23:22
    +7

    Of more concern is how no one in your house can swim? What is going on there?

    • Davo1111 on 09/11/2014 - 01:21

      OP could be from a country where swimming isn't part of the school curriculum/norm in society.

      • lenlynn on 09/11/2014 - 08:27
        +1

        Or it is and yet we fail at every swimming class. True story. :(

  • Davo1111 on 09/11/2014 - 01:26
    +1

    Whirlpool suggests it's going to cost around 8k to have it filled in.

    this article suggests the pool is going to add on average 30k to the value of the home.

    You can do the maths, but imo - i'd learn to swim. By yourself a kickboard and get out there for 10 minutes every day this summer. You should really get your kid into swimming

  • Cheeper on 09/11/2014 - 01:39

    Not so sure about it reducing property value. We have had a pool with previous houses and looking to buy another house and we cringe every time we see a nice house that has one.
    IMO they devalue.
    They are a lot of pain and expense for the odd swim a couple of times a year.

    If it is fibreglass then advertise it. Can be floated out. If concrete then just jackhammer the top edges off and local builders will soon fill it up for you for free.

  • Kevan2 on 09/11/2014 - 01:47

    How long are you going to live there? or in Australia? will your little one will need to be water confident before school?

    Step 1. The four adults must do and understand this.

    http://www.kidsalive.com.au/

    Then All learn how to swim.

    When you are able to be confident around water with your little one, decide the fate of the pool/ Any of the following

    1. keep and use correct chemicals,
    2. Fill and trash
    3. Turn it into an Eco pond, wetland, fish pond yabbies and Barra. [yabbies = redclaws] and ducks [great eggs]

    Still will need to comply to gov regulations and for your little one still have step one revised every year. It may be the little one saving your life in the future.

    lots of places to look for ideas, http://www.houzz.com.au/?irb=1, is one of my favorite

  • rigby75 on 09/11/2014 - 07:42
    +1

    You all should learn to swim, if in 2 years after you learn it still not getting used then fill it in.
    To reduce running costs fit a cover and check your chemicals yourself. Shop around for your chemicals, don't buy liquid chemicals.

  • bradsmrbetty on 09/11/2014 - 09:18

    Use it for a summer and make a decision based on that.
    My wife and I maintained one for 6 years.
    It's handy on those really hot days, but most of the year it's a pain. Especially if you go on holidays. If you family doesn't swim, then whoever cleans and maintains it will use it under obligation (personal experience).

  • goosegog on 09/11/2014 - 18:37

    A pool PUTS value on the house. Yes they don't come maintenance free but nor does a garden. In addition they have to be securely fenced for obvious reasons - however the enjoyment of beautiful summer days to leap in to cool off whilst then enjoying time with family & friends sat around outside eating a barbie is one that cannot be matched by many other countries . Learn to swim & take advantage of this part of your new home.Until you do then just paddle around the shallow end until you become more confident. I feel your 2 yr. old will soon be showing you the benefits of owning this feature & possibly teaching you. !!

  • kryptoz on 09/11/2014 - 23:00

    1 — does the pool have a complete pool safety fence (ie. 1.2m high enclosure to all sides with child-proof latches) — anyone with children or has children staying on their property that's essential, and given you have a 2yo, it should be a deciding factor — if you don't have one, either get one installed yesterday, or get the pool filled in.

    Depending on the demographic in your area, a pool could be a liability, or it could be an asset, as far as the resale value of your property. RE Agents aren't perfect, if you find an honest one, they might give a good indicator of what the local market is looking for in a house, which a great way to make a decision about the merit of any major property alterations.

    Talk to a 2-3 pool maintenance companies to get an idea of complete costs of a pool over a 10-20year period — the costs of chemicals, filters, cleaning and water replacements are fairly trivial compared to the cost of major repairs which you are likely to need in the long term (eg. system cracking requiring a pool liner can cost thousands).

  • TLD on 06/05/2022 - 14:54

    Any tips or questions you have about pool restoration melbourne you should give Steve a call at https://cooweepoolrenovations.com.au

    They have been around for many years and helped hundreds of clients with their pools

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