While San Francisco might not have the best pool weather, aside from those few hot days a year, adding a pool can still be one of the strong selling features for your home — especially if you add a pool and a hot tub.
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash
Picking a pool can be overwhelming with so many options out there and by doing your homework you can be better informed to know where to begin. A lot will depend on the area you have to work with but there are some general guidelines and basic pool design elements to keep in mind. If you want to add a pool to increase your home’s value, you’ll want to start by considering these factors.
Consider sizes
If you are thinking about adding a pool, then one of your first considerations is how much of your backyard you are willing to give up to take over the space. Ideally, you want to leave enough room so that you can have a lounge area and extra room for that hot tub. You’ll also want to consider if you need to leave room for an outdoor dining area or space for showering or changing. Pools are generally sold and priced by the square foot, and some experts say 75 percent of the cost of a pool is said to come from the size. You’ll want to weigh the costs of different sizes to pick the best one for your yard.
Assess designs and shapes
The shape you pick for your pool will also contribute to the cost and the more you diverge from a rectangular pool, the more the cost will increase in part because this style can be fiberglass or vinyl. Other shapes, like ovals, or kidneys, may need to be formed from concrete, which can cost more, with the price tag potentially starting at $50,000. Concrete is generally thought to be the most durable, and if you are getting a pool installed to add value to your home to sell, that’s another factor worth considering.
Understand different water filtrations systems
Chlorinated pools are definitely the most common, but in your research, you’ll soon find that it’s not the only option to keep your pool’s water clean. Chlorinated pools need to have chemicals added and be closely monitored. Another option is a saltwater pool that uses a generator and may have a higher upfront cost, but with the added expense of buying chemicals every month. Some homeowners might prefer saltwater over the smell of chlorine, and you’ll want to weigh all of these factors before making a decision.
Weight maintenance and other expenses
The cost of installing a pool is one of the many factors to consider when picking a style for your San Francisco home, but it’s key to remember that the installation is just one of the many costs of pool ownership, such as maintenance, repairs, heating, and covering the pool and keeping it clean. This is a factor to consider whether you are adding a pool to use for yourself or to make your home more appealing to buyers.
You’ll also want to keep in mind that some buyers might not want the extra hassle of maintaining a pool and you may make your home less attractive to some buyers by adding a pool.
Adding a pool or a pool with a hot tub is a major investment, and by doing research in advance you can set yourself up to pick the best design that is right for you.