There are few better ways to beat the summer heat than floating in your very own pool. With a range of price points to choose from, a pool can be affordable, but will it add value to your property? And how will you pay for your backyard oasis?
Fun fact: more than 3 million Aussies have a backyard swimming pool or spa.
That’s about one-in-eight Australians, or as many as one-in-four in areas like the Gold Coast.
This popularity isn’t surprising.
Pools offer plenty of fun, with perks that go beyond staying cool in summer.
A pool can help you stay fit, encourage your kids to develop water confidence, and when it comes to home entertaining, a swimming pool can do lots of heavy lifting.
How much does a pool cost?
Before pencilling in dates for poolside barbecues, it’s important to set a budget for your swimming pool.
At the more affordable end of the scale, an above-ground pool can cost around $3,500 to $12,000.
If you’re keen on an inground pool expect to pay a lot more, with your budget likely needing to start at about $35,000 and can go as high as $100,000.
Bear in mind, a pool usually needs a few extras including a filter to keep the water clean. You’re required by law to install childproof fencing, and some basic landscaping will help keep your pool clean and inviting.
All these extras should be included in your budget.
Don’t forget to allow for ongoing expenses too.
The additional power and water consumption plus pool supplies such as chlorine can all add up.
Depending on the size of your pool, regular maintenance can cost between $65 and $165 each month.
Can a pool add value to your place?
Pools are super popular when it comes to real estate.
In 2023, “pool” was the most-searched term among home buyers across Australia.
Even so, the jury is out on how much value a pool will add to your home.
Real estate group Ray White says your property’s value is expected to rise by at least the cost of installing a swimming pool.
So if you spend, say $50,000 on a pool, you could hope that the value of your place rises by a minimum of $50,000.
Still, a pool doesn’t always increase the number of interested buyers at sale time. The cost and effort of maintaining a pool has the potential to turn some buyers away.
A quick call to a local real estate agent can shed light on whether pools are a sought-after feature in your area.
Ways to fund your swimming pool
The next step is to decide how to pay for your pool.
Dipping into savings means avoiding interest charges though it can be a good idea to have sufficient spare cash available to manage unplanned bills or expenses.
Using a personal loan could keep savings intact, and the fixed term provides a clear end date when the slate will be cleared.
Or, you may want to tap into home equity and add the cost of a pool to your home loan - which can come with the opportunity to review your current loan to check that it’s still a good match for your needs.
Ready to dive in?
You’ll want your new pool to last for many years – but perhaps not the loan that pays for it.
That’s why it’s important to talk to us about financing your swimming pool.
We’ll dive into the market to track down the option that’s suited to your needs, leaving you free to straighten up your backstroke, dust off the pool noodles and focus on the fun times ahead in your backyard paradise.
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