If you’ve ever flown over suburban areas, you would no doubt notice the number of backyards graced by all manner of water recreation. And now that spring ushers in warmer days, our thoughts wander to a backyard oasis, prompting us to look into some of the latest trends in pool designs. But first a word on making the decision to build one.
In real estate terms, the return on investment (ROI) for a pool is a double-edged sword, depending on where you live. Generally speaking, just as many people want pools as prefer not to have them. But in neighborhoods where just about everyone around you has a pool, appraisers generally say that people looking in that area come to expect one if you intend to sell some day. In areas where pools are not prevalent, therefore, a pool may be a liability (an overbuild) and will not reap you much return on investment.
According to pool builders we’ve canvassed, beach entries, fire features, water fountains, infinity edges and saltwater pools are all the rage.
Beach entries are gradual slopes built into the pool floor that become deeper with each step. No need for pool stairs or ladders and it’s ideal for families with young children. Pools with beach entries may require a larger area due to the amount of desirable “swimmable” space, but are beautiful to behold and no doubt fun just to wade into.
Pool designers can light your fire with a mesmerizing flame from fire accents such as a gas-powered lava rock fire bowl. You can change the color of the flames and dramatically set the mood for your outdoor guests at night.
Fountains are nothing new, but the newer foaming frothy ones have a mushroom-head effect. Rocks with built-in fountains can rise out of the pool or surround it, transforming the setting into a secluded retreat.
Infinity edges are aptly named for a pool edge whose recirculated water runs off radius-shaped edges into a catch basin. The disappearing edge is ideal for pools in backyards with city, ocean or other scenic views to take the eye towards the horizon using a calming, trompe l’oeil effect.
Hate it when your eyes burn from the chlorine? Then a saltwater pool just may be the ticket. While it may cost more to build one, the maintenance costs are actually lower than those of a traditional chlorine pool.
In today’s market, where subcontractors are hungry for business, it may well be worth it to shop for pool bargains. Some areas can sometimes warrant slightly higher pool-building costs due to the amount of rock present in the soil here, but there may never be a better time to cost out a pool than now, during a real estate crunch.
For more information about pools and pool builders, visit the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals’ web site at http://apsp.org.
Dena Kouremetis is a veteran freelance real estate consumer journalist and California real estate broker. She may be reached by email at REritr@aol.com.
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