Pool or pool size Yard (Dallas, Plano: houses, neighborhood, buying)

[Farmersvilling]

We have to have a pool, there is no way I'll move my family to a hot place like DFW without one. Our realtor suggested that we should look at houses with a pool size yard and get one later or houses with a community pool . We don't like the community pool option for reasons of privacy, convenience and hygiene. My math says that its economical to buy a house with a pool then to built one, what say you?

[GripeWater]

A friend of mine said it well that community pools vs personal pool debate is like having communal baths vs private baths, you don't need one but its good to have your own. Building a new pool is expensive and you don't get half of the money back. If you can find a nice house with an existing pool then go for it and you'll save even if you have to get equipment replaced or reline at some point.

[serger]

Existing pool is better financially, at least initially. However, depends, how old is the pool. It looks like mine was a very nice one in 1995, with stone coping and all of that, but in 2010 when we bought it was showing aging signs, and then came the deep freeze of 2011. So, nowadays when my kids jump into the pool, I never know if the rocks will follow. The equipment replacement is relatively easy and quick, it is the other stuff that takes more.

Also, community vs individual depends on the area, if you buy in W Plano, there are pretty much no community pools to speak of (except the gyms), if you go, say, to Allen, it is a common feature.

[mami2emily]

If your kids are young, the benefits of a community pool are instant playmates for the kids (and parents to hang out with for you). Do not rule out a nice neighborhood community pool if your family is young. When my kids were little we lived in a neighborhood with a community pool and it was awesome. It is the easiest way to get to know people in your neighborhood, you don't have the hassle/expense of being a pool owner either. I don't think we ever got sick or got "cooties" from being in a community pool.

If your kids are older, teens, then a house with an existing pool would be best. Currently we have a house with a pool. And let me tell you, there are times we wish we just went to the community pool instead. Maintenance is ongoing when you are a pool owner, whether you do it yourself or have a service. Our pool pump just went and that was over a thousand bucks. Not too long ago it was something else. My middle school-aged son often meets up with friends at the community pool (my limit is 5 boys at our pool, so if it's a bigger group they go to the community pool) so next summer I'm getting him a pass. It is nice to just walk out into the backyard and take advantage of the pool, but it's not all roses all the time either.

You should be open to either option.

[Ralph_Kirk]

Originally Posted by Farmersvilling

We have to have a pool, there is no way I'll move my family to a hot place like DFW without one. Our realtor suggested that we should look at houses with a pool size yard and get one later or houses with a community pool . We don't like the community pool option for reasons of privacy, convenience and hygiene. My math says that its economical to buy a house with a pool then to built one, what say you?

From what we see, darned near every other house already has a pool anyway. Use Google earth to take a look at Dallas. Pools are like cockroaches. I can't think of any good reason not to look for a house that already has a pool. You'll have to give it a good inspection, but replacing a pool motor (which is apparently "routine maintenance" anyway) is cheaper than sinking a new pool.

But pools don't do anything positive for home values. This is an argument against sinking your own pool...community versus existing is a different argument.

[jcl_cls02]

I moved into a nice neighborhood that has a great community pool and this past summer the pool was always closed because of babies and their poopie diapers. I agree with the OP to get your own pool for hygiene reasons.

[TurtleCreek80]

It is ALWAYS cheaper to buy a home with an existing pool than build your own. Putting in a pool is $25-100k of your money that you will never get a return on.

Pools are just a personal preference- some people must have one, some people don't want one at all. They don't add/subtract value from your property unless it's an amazing $100k+ backyard oasis type pool.

[EDS_]

As with most topics people oversimplify pools and ownership costs. IMO if your home/lot is sub-$250K I'd think long and hard about building a pool or if I did it would be on the very low end of things.

$500K and up especially over say $750K a good pool is more or less expected and I believe one can expect these benefits.

1. You know where your kids are much of the time
2. Upon resale you will defiitely recoup much of your investment
3. I'm a firm believer that many people look for homes with pools and the right time to sell is in the heat - open up every window and turn on every water feature your pool has......

We are on our fourth pool and spa, all built by us, and I would not consider living around here without one.

Amongst a number of benefits of building is that you will have the newest equipment. People always talk about how hard pools are to maintain.....they are either making that up or they only have experience with older equipment.

I will add that pools in the Park Cities are a major pain due to all of the trees and many tiny lots.

[GripeWater]

I've tried both building and buying existing, you come out with big savings with existing pool even after repairs. If you built yours then its expensive and messy but you can get exactly what you want. As EDS said it is expected in Texas for homes$500k and up to have a pool.

Maintaining a pool is not that big of a hassel as some say nor a huge expense. You can also live with fans instead of air conditioning but if it matters then you don't mind spending the money. if you don't want to spend on a service then you can do it yourself.

[HockDad]

We completely redid our pool when we bought the current house. Cost was around 50k. (also worked on decking, etc.). I think it is almost always cheaper to buy a house with a good pool. I would also suggest that you have a good pool guy inspect the pool before you buy (many home inspectors don't go this far).

As for a community pool, I think it depends on your personality. My wife looks good a bathing suit, but never feels that comfortable. Thus, she is not going to hang out at the community pool all of the time. But she will sun bathe at home.

Finally, another option is a country club. Nicer than the average community pool, more hygienic, potential playmates, more options, etc. The biggest downside is the cost.