pools... yes or no? (real estate, buyers, upkeep) - Long Island - New York (NY) - City-Data Forum

cmv138 · 04-05-2009, 05:32 PM

been looking at a couple of places and there are some with IG pools. i was just wondering how many ppl have pools and wanted to get their feedback in terms of usage (how many months in a year)and cost to maintain.i know that pool size will factor in with the cost also.

hotkarl · 04-05-2009, 06:19 PM

Pools affect resale, just keep that in mind for future reference. Some buyers are thrilled with the fact that there is a pool, others run as fast as they can.
It does NOT increase the value of your home.
Having a pool is a labor of love. If you love your pool, it's worth all the grief and aggravation of upkeep/expense. If you don't love your pool, it's a living nightmare for some. They are an added expense, electric-water-chemicals and, repairs when things break. And when things break, it could be from $20-1000's of dollars to repair.
Here on LI, if you have a heater(more $ to operate) your season can easily run from March through October. No heater would be May/June through late September.
BTW...I am in the pool business

I've had a few customers over the years that have actually kept their pool open all year with a heater.

TomMoser · 04-05-2009, 06:21 PM

From my point of view as a real estate agent, people either love inground pools or hate them. Few are indifferent.

LocalX · 04-06-2009, 08:37 AM

If you can I would go with above ground. That way when the time comes you can take it down and have you yard back. The same rule applies to swing sets too.

cmv138 · 04-06-2009, 09:53 PM

i like the IG pool better than a above AG pool. hotkarl how good are the solar heaters for pools

elemental · 04-06-2009, 11:21 PM

I've had both and the in-ground rules. No question whatsoever. The expense is large, but so is the enjoyment quotient!

hotkarl · 04-07-2009, 12:46 PM

The plastic ones aren't great. The conditions have to be just right for it to really make a noticable difference, like having them in direct blaring hot sunlight all day.
The more expensive electronic controlled ones are a little better.
Heatpumps are the best bet these days. Very efficient and durable. A little pricey to purchase and install, but far better than oil or gas/propane. Pays itself off in a few years as compared to oil/gas.