Will a swimming pool add value to your Hills District home?

Did you know that one in six homes in NSW has a swimming pool or spa? It seems like everyone loves the idea of having a swimming pool in the backyard, but does it actually add monetary value to your home when it’s time to sell? We look at what’s involved in installing a pool in your Hills District home. 

Outdoor lifestyle

There are plenty of convincing reasons for having your own backyard pool, particularly if you have children. Kids will spend hours in the water, playing with friends and family (under supervision, of course) and the pool is often a social neighbourhood hub during summer. Depending on the size of the pool, you can include laps in your exercise program, or install swim jets for more of a challenge. It’s a place to relax and cool off on a hot day. And, given the incredible choice of designs available, a pool can add enormous aesthetic appeal to your home. 

Before you take the plunge

When considering whether a pool will add value to your property, remember that not every potential buyer wants a pool in the backyard. However, because so many houses in the Hills District already have pools, it’s safe to say that most buyers would factor that into their property wish list. What potential buyers don’t want to see is a pool that looks like it needs a lot of upgrading or maintenance, so it’s important that once you install it you keep it pristine. 

Then you need to think about the installation logistics. If you have a level block with good access for machinery the process is relatively straightforward, but if it’s a sloping site, rocky or has difficult access or underground services that need relocating, the extra costs may outweigh the benefits. 

Another thing to bear in mind is that since the pandemic hit and we’re all spending more time at home, the demand for pools has skyrocketed. Many pool builders are booked up for the rest of the year, so when shopping around for quotes, make sure you take possible delays into consideration.  

Installing a pool: the big picture

If you decide to go for it, there are a few factors to consider, that all cost money:

·               excavation

·               the pool itself (in-ground, pool and spa, a swim spa, plunge pool, etc)

·               pump and filter equipment

·               installation

·               fencing and lighting 

·               certifier’s fees

·               ongoing maintenance and running costs. 

How much is it likely to cost?

All up, the cost is likely to be more than $30,000 and possibly up to $100,000. A vinyl-lined, above-ground pool is the cheapest option, starting at about $3,000, but is unlikely to add any value to your house. An in-ground concrete pool ($30,000-$80,000) is most likely to add value if the pool is well landscaped and integrated into the design of the property. 

Mr Pools in Homebush, a member of the Swimming Pools and Spa Association (SPASA) and the Master Builders Association, provides a helpful guide to the different types of pools available and approximate costs. 

Landscaping and fencing around your new pool are other expenses to consider. Once the pool is in place, you – and potential buyers – want it to be a beautiful feature of your property. You may need to plant new trees and shrubs, or add paved or decked areas. 

Pools in NSW must be registered on a statewide pool register and you must ensure your fencing complies with regulations. For more information, visit The Hills Shire Council.

If you are considering selling your Hills District home and would like some free tips on which areas of your property to update or renovate in advance of putting your home on the market, please do not hesitate to get in touch.