Pools. What is in style and How it’s important

How much value does a pool or pool enhancements add? Should I remodel my pool? What will I get a return on investment on?  What is a waste of money and should be avoided?

1. On the first part, the answer depends.

• In neighborhoods with lots of kids it’s almost a must. Families are typically purchasing with mortgages and do not have the dollars to buy the house and separately put out for a pool with cash. So, homes that do not have a pool are sometimes not in play unless a Seller wants to separately finance it.
• For homes over 2,000 living square feet, it is usually a yes, because people with homes over that size are usually looking for a pool.  Below that size it’s not as important.  The law of diminishing is in play the smaller the house is.
• While it’s true that some people do not want a pool, this is more an exception.  And the Buyer who purchases without a pool usually expects a higher price that never materializes.
• What a pool does most (besides the fun of it and the demand for it) is that it adds beauty.  A pool breaks up your patio area by adding beautiful blue water which is part of your view. No different than a golf course or lake view.  It also adds depth to the space.
• When people are moving to Florida they dream of a home with a pool in the backyard.  It’s also like the beach.  You may never go to the beach and you may never go into your pool.  But it’s sure nice knowing that it’s there.
• Last, for a purchaser, it adds “fantastical hope”.  Hope that the grandkids will be down every other weekend in search of using the pool.  In reality, they visit once or twice a year (jobs and life get in the way), but that hope that Grandma can lure the kids down can make or break a sale for resale market purposes.

2. Homestyle’s have become more open and modern white, and Pools and backyards have gone through lots of style changes as well….

• Diamond Brite instead of Pebble Tech Finish.  For an ROI, I’d go with Diamond Brite. Pebble Tek has better and deeper color choices but it’s also rougher on your feet. I think if you like Pebble Tek than go for it but it’s purely for your enjoyment. If your finish is getting spotty or brown/yellow, than it’s best to finish it with a standard medium bright blue before putting it on the market.
• Travertine Ice white marble instead of brick pavers. The look is more white modern right now but there’s nothing wrong with pavers, they are just less in style right now.
• Salt versus Chlorine. Salt is more expensive to install.  Less chemicals and softer on your skin.  However it won’t make or break a deal and I think it has near zero ROI.
• Screened Lanai. This is mostly for enjoyment. It’s expensive and harder to ensure. It also dulls the view. Today they build screens with less panels that hold up better to hurricanes.  It’s a must on a preserve but otherwise it’s strictly enjoyment. If you have a covered area, enclosing that with a phantom screen is a good investment.
• Water heater. Unless you have a spa, remove this if it’s not working. If it’s not there, than no one thinks about it. If you have a spa, then it needs to be working. Pool heaters are expensive, but if you are in the pool a lot, then it’s a must.
• Tile. I like more of an even finish as the brighter glass tiles can fade.
• Finish at end. If you have a waterfall, break up the tile with some flagstone.
• Light Features. These are not expensive today and getting a multicolored light is great enjoyment and will make cool night photos when you put your home on the market.
• Waterfalls. I like these for the look and the light noise. Rock waterfall features are pricey. The more expensive your home, the more that you can spend and get a return on it.
• Mosaics. I like these. Dolphins or starfish or something that is tasteful and adds color always gives a smile to a buyer in a resale.

Now don’t you want to take a dip into the pool?   Start looking for homes with a pool right here

Jeff Lichtenstein is owner and broker of Echo Fine Properties, a luxury real estate brokerage selling real estate in Jupiter  and homes in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. He has 20 years of real estate experience, has closed over a 1,000 transactions, and manages over 50 agents in a non-traditional model of real estate that mimics a traditional business model.  Some publications he has been quoted in.

Feel free to ask him a question directly at jeff@EchoFineProperties.com.