Material recommendations for a swimming pool

Started by SamanthaG1 • 4 replies • 641 views

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SamanthaG1 (Virginia)
Posts: 1

Posted:

Hi HOA Talk! I've been thinking about getting a pool installed as part of my backyard renovation as an additional recreation area for my family and hopefully increase my home's overall value as well. I've been taking a look at the cost of getting one built and I've decided that I'll be getting an inground pool built and the material choices that I'm considering are vinyl and concrete. Vinyl seems to be the more affordable option based on this analysis in terms of purchase and installation costs plus maintenance but the concrete material option would last a lot longer before needing to have anything replaced. For pool owners, what do you think about this? Is the additional cost of going for a concrete pool over a vinyl worth it? Please let me know your thoughts, thanks!

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

First off make sure to get approval from the HOA. Plus make sure what you plan fits any regulations they may have for having a pool. Some may not allow permanent below ground pools. It may have to be an above ground pool that is temporary.

2nd pool's do NOT typically add any home value to a home. Matter of fact, many times pool's can lower or lessen chances of purchase. Pool's are not always that attractive to potential buyers. They are cost intensive and viewed as dangerous to those with young children.

My neighbor has a pool and it's a nightmare. Doesn't clean it most of the year and it does nothing but attract mosquitos. So don't get caught up in the fantasy of pool ownership. You may find your not using it as much. The cost of chlorine is through the roof right now. Plus you may also have to install a fence around it. Are you prepared for all of these expenses with little return at sale?

Former HOA President

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

I've never had a vinyl pool, but have had two concrete ones. Typically I'd say they need resurfacing every 10-15 years assuming you keep your pool chemicals in balance and brush regularly, less if you are lax on that. I don't know how often vinyl liners need to be replaced, but they are probably a lot cheaper than resurfacing a concrete pool. Like many home improvements, pools typically cost more than the value they might add to your home, so buy one for the enjoyment, not as an investment. Here in Florida many buyers are looking for pool homes so they are fairly easy to sell, not sure about VA.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

CathyA3 (Ohio)
Posts: 6,299

Posted:

I agree with Melissa's comment about pools not necessarily adding value to a home. I'm currently house hunting, and I don't even consider a home with a pool - to me it's an added expense and chore, either to maintain and insure it or to get rid of it permanently after I close on the home.

So, the OP's only consideration should be whether or not he and his family will get their money's worth in enjoyment. If yes, the next consideration is the HOA's requirements for pools. Some say only in-ground, some say only above ground, some regulate screening and fencing or set other lot requirements. As far as materials go, that may depend to some extent on local climate and what holds up better and where the water table and freeze lines are. Parts of the country can have wild temperature swings, from well below 0 to well over 100 that are hard on materials.

It's not unusual to discover that by the time all the requirements are met, what you're left with isn't worth doing.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

If you go the concrete pool route, I highly recommend plaster with quartz.

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