Are you considering adding a pool to your home? Either way, it’s a big decision so it’s important to take some time to think about whether or not it presents real value to your home before you make the investment. While a pool may help with resale in some cases, it may be worthwhile to reconsider your plans if that’s the primary goal for getting one.

Finding the perfect home can be tricky; some people really value a pool and will actively seek it out, and for others it’s an item that polarizes opinions. Those lucky enough to already have a swimming pool sometimes find that once the initial excitement of having a pool has worn off, they don’t actually use it very much and so staying on top of maintenance and upkeep can start to become costly. Then when it comes to reselling, pools can either attract potential buyers because everyone desires a little piece of luxury in their next home – or put them off entirely! This can make a pool either an absolute must or deal breaker before going ahead with viewing the property.

The amount of value adding a pool can actually add to your home depends on various factors such as the location of your home, the size and quality of the pool, and local market conditions. Besides these factors there is also the unknown of who your buyer will be. They may be a family who would love a pool and it’s a non-negotiable on their list, or on the other hand, they could be a family who travel a lot so a pool would accumulate unnecessary costs. It’s a risk to invest in the costly process of adding a pool only to find it could actually turn buyers off. If this is something you're considering, the best bet might be chatting to your local real estate agent and seeing what they think. They are in tune with what prospective buyers look for and can risk assess whether investing in added features like a pool is worthwhile in selling your property.

Adding a pool is a completely different decision if you are building a brand new home that you plan to live in. Sure, there's additional costs associated with installing one but compared to putting one into an existing older house, you're likely going to feel that pinch less. If a pool is something you know you will really enjoy then don’t avoid including one in your new build in for fear of it diluting the resale price. If this is the case, it’s important to do your due diligence. A great place to start is to chat with friends who already have one; they'll give you valuable insights into what kind of commitment it will require.

Are you looking for the perfect pool to fit your lifestyle? There are so many options available, you’re sure to find one that fits just right with our guide below:

Inground pool

This is a permanent pool that is built into the ground. It is typically more expensive than an above-ground pool, but it is also more durable and long-lasting.

PERFECT FOR:  Active families needing a multi-use recreational swimming pool.

Above-ground pool

This type of pool is installed above the ground and can be removed or relocated if necessary.

PERFECT FOR: Those who want a fully functional recreational pool for an affordable investment.

Lap Pool

A lap pool is designed for swimming laps and is typically long and narrow.

PERFECT FOR: Fitness enthusiasts with limited space.

Indoor Pool

An indoor pool is one that's in a completely enclosed space, whether that's attached to your house or in a separate contained space.

PERFECT FOR: Families with plenty of space and a healthy budget.

Infinity Edge Pool

An infinity edge (or vanishing edge) pool creates the illusion that the water extends beyond the edges of the pool. It can be a stunning architectural statement in the home.

PERFECT FOR: Taking advantage of surrounding landscape vistas.

Saltwater pool

Instead of using chlorine to keep the water clean, a saltwater pool uses salt to generate chlorine. This can be easier on the skin and eyes than a traditional chlorinated pool.

PERFECT FOR: Those who prefer to avoid chemicals.

Each type of pool has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to do some research and decide which one would be best for your needs and budget.

When considering a pool, it's important to reflect on why you're doing it in the first place. If your new construction benefits from one then great! However if installing a backyard oasis is solely for adding value (hoping to attract potential buyers before selling) that could be an expensive gamble with no guarantees - so think carefully and decide what works best for you.