Having a pool in your own backyard has been viewed as a sign of luxury and prosperity for many years. Nothing much has changed except the fact that homeowners now have the option to purchase and install more affordable above ground swimming pools.
Whilst there are literally dozens of types of swimming pools in the market (i.e. kiddie pools, Olympic-size lap pools, etc.), swimming pools are generally categorised into two: indoor and outdoor pools.
Does owning a swimming pool increase your home value?
Before delving into the pros and cons of indoor vs outdoor pools, the first question that you need to ask is whether getting one is worth the trouble. After all, pool installation costs a considerable amount of money. Add to the fact that you’ll probably need to purchase some pool accessories like a water cleaner filter pump for pool maintenance. Surely, you want to see a sizeable increase in your home value in return for all your investments.
According to real estate experts, Australia currently holds the title of having the highest pool ownership in the world. Although there’s still a big debate on whether swimming pools add to your property value, a great majority of Aussie homeowners firmly believe it to be so. A survey reveals that 90% of pool owners estimate the increase between $10,000 to $100,000 depending on style, size, and location.
Indoor vs Outdoor Pools: What’s the difference?
Aside from stating the obvious, there are many factors that separate an indoor from an outdoor pool. As building and installing swimming pools takes a lot of time and effort, you need to consider all aspects that could influence your decision.
Cost
In any home improvement venture, price is a major factor that needs to be considered. More than just allocating a budget, you also need to compute how much repair and maintenance would cost. An indoor pool initially costs around $4,400 to $7,700 depending on its size and the materials used. Of course, a deeper in-ground pool would be a lot pricier with an estimate cost at $50,000.
Outdoor pools, on the other hand, can cost around $25,000 to $50,000 depending on the size and material used. Still, homeowners have the option to buy less expensive DIY above-the-ground swimming pool at around $3,500 to $6,500.
If the initial outlay is your main concern, then going for an outdoor above-the-ground pool is perfect for you.
General Maintenance
Being exposed to the elements, it is only natural to expect that outdoor pools would require cleaning more often than indoor pools. However, it should be noted that outdoor pools are generally healthier. This is because disinfectants like chlorine tend to dissipate into the open atmosphere, which greatly reduces the risk of inhaling chlorine moisture. Chlorine poisoning can lead to a variety of serious medical conditions.
If you find the prospect of cleaning the pool every other day to be tiresome, you can to build an indoor pool. Just make sure to invest in a good ventilation system to eliminate the risk of inhaling chlorine.
Climate
With Australia being famous for its hot, sweltering climate, owning outdoor pools are more than enticing. After all, who wouldn’t want to get that perfect tan under the sun? However, not all Aussies are adventurous enough to ignore the risk of skin cancer. It really depends on the person whether he or she feels comfortable swimming and lounging around in the open or swim under a permanent shade.
It is also worth noting that with indoor pools, you can swim all year-round as you don’t have to worry about cold winters.
Other considerations
In Australia, you cannot just go ahead and build a swimming pool without a council approval. This means paying the appropriate council inspection fees. You’d also probably need to install a pool fence as this is a requirement for most states. For indoor pools, you need to allot some budget for paving the ground around the pool. Meanwhile, above-the-ground pools require a deck.
Aside from these additional construction costs, you also need to take into account additional energy and water costs. A typical swimming pool can add 30% on your annual overall power bill. Of course, there are also the accessories required to keep your pool swimmable like a quality pump. For indoor pools, you might consider buying a heating device so that you can still swim even if it’s in the middle of winter. Heaters can come in the form of electric, gas, solar, or an inverter heat pump.
Lastly, you need to consider the cost of maintenance. A professional pool cleaner can cost around $100 per visit, while the chemicals required to keep the pool’s quality can reach $200 each year.
Which pool type is better?
Whilst both swimming pool types have their own lists of pros and cons, the better pool type ultimately depends on the homeowner. For the most part, outdoor pools appear to give a better deal in terms of initial costs and health benefits. However, indoor pools will more likely appeal to homeowners who don’t want to bother with daily maintenance and cleaning. Although indoor pools are expensive, they give a sense of better investment, as you can swim in it anytime you like.
Whichever pool type you choose, you need to purchase quality pool equipment and accessories from OutbaxCamping. It offers reasonably priced above-the-ground swimming pools for those who want a swimming pool but cannot afford expensive excavation fees for an in-ground pool. With Outbax Camping, you’ll find more ways to enjoy outdoor activities.