Your Home’s Liquid Asset: A Fiberglass Pool
Does a swimming pool increase the value of a home? The answer is yes, according to a study of 28,000 homes conducted by a Florida State University professor of real estate and his colleagues. They determined that a pool adds as much as 15% to the value of a home, depending on what part of the country the home is in. Homes in the Southwest and Southeast benefit the most from pools which, given the warmer year-round weather in those regions, is no surprise.
The following guidelines help ensure that your swimming pool works at increasing your home’s value. First, remember that prospective homebuyers take a critical look at the condition of the pool, so proper maintenance is important. Keep in mind that some swimming pools are easier to maintain than others. A fiberglass pool, for example, is a favorite of many homeowners because its finish is durable, stain resistant, and impervious to the penetration of algae. A fiberglass pool’s solid-body construction is built to essentially last a lifetime, and it requires less repairs than vinyl-lined or concrete pools. If you already have a fiberglass pool installed, then you are familiar with these benefits.
Fiberglass Pools Provide the Best Return on Investment
However, if you are considering installing a pool in hopes of raising the sales price of your home, consider these factors:
- An in-ground pool is the best investment.
- The durability and ease of maintenance provided by fiberglass pools is a positive selling point.
- Enhancements for your fiberglass pools such as pool scaping, fountains and pool decking can make the pool even more enticing to potential buyers, producing that all-important “wow” factor.
- Lastly, use some common sense in choosing a pool. If you want to sell a home on a very small lot, don’t install the biggest pool available. One of the many advantages of fiberglass pools is that there are many configurations available that can enhance the appearance of even smaller home lots and patios.
A pool can be a sound investment that increases the value of your home, whether you intend to buy, sell or continue enjoying your home- and pool- for many years to come. And, a fiberglass pool is the wisest choice you can make when making this investment.
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