If you’ve got a large backyard, you’re probably wondering if you should get a pool. After all, it’s a great way to stay cool in summer without leaving the comfort of your home. At the same time, it can be a significant investment, and you’ll need time and money to keep it in peak condition all year round. But there are some unexpected perks to being a pool owner. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider getting a backyard pool.
We know that regular exercise is good for our health, but swimming has a unique advantage – it provides a full-body workout. Not only does it build endurance and strength, but it can also improve flexibility and coordination. What’s more, your body becomes lighter in water, so you won’t put as much stress on your joints. This makes it a safe and low-impact workout, particularly for older swimmers or people recovering from injuries.
Swimming can also improve your longevity and heart health. According to one study, swimming can lower the risk of early death by 28 per cent, and decrease the risk of death from heart disease and stroke by 41 per cent. Another study showed that high-intensity swimming improved the cardiovascular health of women with mild hypertension, resulting in lower systolic blood pressure, increased muscle mass and decreased total fat mass.
But swimming has cognitive and mental health benefits too. The rhythmic breathing makes it a meditative exercise that can relieve stress, promote relaxation and improve sleep. Plus, if you swim in cold water, it can activate the nervous system and release endorphins, boosting your mood and relieving pain.
Pools aren’t just for swimming. They’re also a great way to entertain your family – and lure them away from temptations like Netflix or iPhones. To ramp up the fun quotient, buy inflatable toys, rafts and water shooters. For something more competitive, install a basketball hoop or volleyball. Pool sports and activities are a great way for kids to keep fit, build team skills, and bond with family and friends – and for the adults, they’re cheaper than a gym membership!
Got a birthday party or anniversary coming up? Lower your costs by having a pool party at home. The kids can muck around in the pool while the adults enjoy a cocktail and nibbles on the deck. And if you install a pool automation system, you can add drama and atmosphere with lights, water features and music. If you don’t have kids, you can still plan an afternoon get-together or a romantic evening in the spa. For those who have an outdoor TV, invite some friends to watch test cricket or the Australian Open from the comfort of your pool – and don’t forget the tinnies and snacks!
Taking your kids to the beach or public pool can be a hassle. You’re dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic, limited car spaces and overpriced snacks. A backyard pool, on the other hand, eliminates the time, stress and effort of commuting and buying/prepping food in advance. Plus, you can throw in toys, slides or nets without affecting the comfort of other swimmers.
Let’s face it, public pools can be filled to the brim in summer. And with crowds come dirt, ‘accidents’ and over chlorination. This can lead to mild illness or skin irritation, particularly if you or your kids are susceptible. What’s more, there’s no space to do a leisurely backstroke or swim underwater when there are throngs of people in the pool. A backyard pool, however, tends to be empty and clean (as long as you keep up with weekly pool maintenance), giving you plenty of freedom to dive, swim and play.
There’s nothing like a pool to add drama and visual appeal to your backyard. With the right design, landscaping and decking, you can create a lush environment that’ll be the envy of your neighbours. Plus, an attractive backyard means you’ll spend more time outdoors, allowing you to reap the health benefits of outdoor living. You’ll get more vitamin D and exercise from swimming or gardening, and the proximity to blue and green spaces can reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and wellbeing.
There are mixed opinions about whether a pool can add value to your home. Some agents say it can increase your property value by up to 7 per cent, while others say it doesn’t make a difference. It all boils down to two things: the condition of your pool and buyers’ preferences. In other words, a well-maintained pool is going to attract more buyers than a green one, and a young family is more likely to want a pool than a retired couple.
Having said that, recent events like the pandemic have seen an unprecedented increase in the demand for pools. After repeated lockdowns and high case numbers, it’s not surprising that families want a safe recreation space in their homes. In fact, by the end of 2021, pools were the most searched-for item on Domain listings. This means that pools are a great way to add value to your home, particularly if they’re well-maintained and you plan to sell in the near future.
If you live in a tropical climate, staying cool is a cinch when you’ve got a pool. You can take regular dips to lower your body temperature and stay comfortable in the heat. What’s more, once you leave the pool, your body temperature continues to decrease for about 30–45 minutes (a phenomenon known as after-drop). This means you stay cooler for longer, minimising the need for indoor air-conditioning.
A similar thing also happens in winter. If you have pool heating, a swim or dip (much like a hot bath) can increase your core temperature, allowing you to stay warmer for longer. In fact, a soak before bed can relax your muscles and set you up for a restful sleep.
Having a backyard pool allows your kids to practice the swimming and diving skills they learn at school. Not only does this help them to thrive – and survive – in water, but it can also help them teach others to swim and even save lives. On the other hand, if your kids are on the swim team, a backyard pool allows them to train without the hassle or expense of going to a public pool. Even a swim spa – with its powerful pumps and jets – can provide enough resistance to create the effect of swimming laps in an Olympic pool.
Did you know you can make extra money by letting other people use your swimming pool? A new online platform allows you to list your pool and rent it to swimmers, families, wedding parties, photographers or film crews. Depending on the pool’s size, features and location, you could earn between $30 and $100 per hour. This is a great way to share your splash zone and recoup some of your running costs.
It’s no secret that buying and installing a swimming pool is expensive. The final costs depend on the size, pool type and features. According to hipages, it can be anywhere between $35,000 and $100,000. Before splashing out, consider the size of your backyard, lifestyle, needs and budget. In general, vinyl liner and fibreglass pools are cheaper than concrete pools. However, concrete pools last longer and provide more flexibility when it comes to size and shape.
When comparing quotes, make sure the scope of work is set out clearly, and that the equipment, fencing and landscaping costs are included. You don’t want to be hit with extra costs you hadn’t budgeted for!
But it doesn’t end once the pool is built. You also need to consider ongoing energy and water bills, not to mention chemical costs to keep your pool clean. In fact, you could be paying $2,000 or more a year just to maintain your pool. Having said that, there are plenty of ways to minimise operating costs. For more information, see this article.
The time it takes to build a pool depends on your location, site challenges, pool type, design and supply issues. Above-ground and fibreglass pools are faster and cheaper to install, so you could have a pool up and running within a few weeks. Concrete pools, however, particularly if you’ve chosen an unusual shape and complex tiling, could take months.
Ideally, you should start planning and building your pool in winter. This allows you to research, compare quotes and take advantage of off-season sales. Plus, builders are less busy during this time, so they’ll be able to finish your job in time for spring or summer.
After you’ve selected a builder, there are various stages to the building process, like a site inspection, design approval, development application approval, excavation, pre-plumbing, wiring, fencing and landscaping. Be prepared to invest time in the process – and factor in disruptions or delays due to bad weather or supply issues.
It’s not surprising that more than 2.7 million Australians live in a house with a swimming pool. It’s a great way to keep fit, bond with family and entertain friends. But it can also help you earn extra cash and increase the value of your home. And while building a pool can be expensive and time-consuming to set up, the time you spend there with your family – and the memories you make – are worth it. Ready to enjoy the benefits of a backyard pool? Then contact one of our approved dealers for more information.