Temperatures are rising and a pool in your backyard is looking pretty good right now, but is it really worth it?

There are more than 20,000 swimming pools being built in Australian homes every year, it is something everyone gets excited about but is it really worth it? Swimming pools are one of those things that are nice to enjoy at your friends or neighbours house, and are great during those steamy summer days but it can be a hassle once you have one – once it is in they don’t go away.

On average it costs $1800 a year to maintain a swimming pool and that’s not factoring in electricity costs to run the pumps, filtration problems and all of the other unforeseen problems. Swimming pools mean on-going maintenance and for those that have an investment property you want to keep maintenance costs to a minimal so your return is higher, you do not want to reduce your cash-flow.

You find that many families with young children are drawn to having a pool, it’s ‘free’ entertainment for the kids and their friends when they come over but it quickly turns into a money pit. In summer the pool is a big hit for the family but then the novelty wears off and it becomes a hassle, even though you have the pump running you still need to rake leaves and add chemicals.

When you are thinking about adding a pool to your property look at the big picture, add up ongoing costs, maintenance, servicing, repairs, electricity costs and perhaps go and speak to someone who has a pool to ask them what they really think. And for those who are looking at buying investment property or first home make sure you look at property that is easy to maintain, a pool may look good but is it worth it?