If you’re like most people and love nothing more than a weekend lazing around the pool with friends and family (especially in South East Queensland!), then having a pool installed when you build a new house may seem like a great idea. However, there are many important factors to consider first, including compatibility with your home design and house orientation, as well as cost, maintenance and safety. Installing a pool is definitely not a decision to make lightly!
Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to install a pool at home.
The first thing to consider before you build a pool is whether it will benefit you financially. While a pool requires a significant financial outlay initially, it will definitely add value to your home overall, when it’s time to sell. Some real estate experts say that having a pool can increase your home’s value by as much as 5%.
There are many other features you could add to your home to increase its value, including landscaping and alfresco spaces, but nothing will be as powerful as a beautifully presented, sparkling swimming pool. A new swimming pool is a timeless feature, one that’s always capable of attracting the attention of homebuyers.
One of the biggest benefits to having a pool at home is that it allows you to create your own luxurious, private haven. And in terms of beauty and elegance, a well-designed pool is hard to beat. Complementing your pool with decking, paving and attractive landscaping will further help you create a relaxed holiday atmosphere at home and a valuable investment.
The best time to install a pool is usually when you’re building your new home. Access to the site is often easier, and you won’t have the disruption to your life you may experience if you put in a pool at a later date. There are usually some cost savings too, as it’s faster and easier for the pool builder to get the job done at this stage. To maximise the timing and installation of the pool, look for a reputable pool builder who is used to working alongside a new home builder.
Building a pool requires a significant financial investment. While the overall cost depends on the model, size, features and materials used, a swimming pool is not a one-off expense —it requires constant maintenance, as well as utilities such as electricity and water, accessories, equipment, chemicals and additional insurance. And remember, the initial costs go beyond just building the pool. You will also need to budget for a deck or tiled area, landscaping and whatever else you have in mind.
When you own a pool, regular maintenance is a given. All pools require maintenance to make sure that the water is safe and clear, and the pool surface is in good order. And remember, although you’ll probably only use it in summer, it has to be cleaned and maintained all year round. So, if you lead a busy lifestyle and you’re not home very much, maybe a pool isn’t for you. Alternatively, you could pay someone to maintain your pool, but this can become quite costly.
Having a pool is fantastic, as it provides a refreshing escape for the whole family and also creates a great focal point for entertaining. Even when you’re not swimming, your pool provides a lovely, relaxing outlook that enables you to get even more from your time at home. But, as we mentioned above, if you’re a busy person who’s rarely home, a pool may become a rod for your back. So be honest with yourself about how much you and your family will really use it.
Safety is of the utmost importance when you have a pool. As a pool owner, you’re responsible for every person that enters the pool area and this responsibility increases when there are children around. If you have young children, you need to be prepared to supervise them at all times. It’s also vital that you keep the safety fence and pool gate in perfect working order at all times —your pool must be safe for everyone 24/7, whether you’re home or not.
Hallmark Homes are perfect for poolside living
Many of Hallmark’s home designs feature a spacious, covered alfresco area directly off the living/dining space, perfect for poolside entertaining in Queensland’s enviable climate.
If you’re thinking of building a new home in South East Queensland, the team at Hallmark Homes is ready to help. Come and check out the design and build quality that goes into each Hallmark home for yourself at one of our Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast display centres. If you have any questions about our home designs or the house and land packages we currently have available, please contact us today.
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