13 hours ago
How much it costs to build your own swimming pool revealed and it could add £12k to your house price
BUILDING a swimming pool in your garden is a dream and it could boost your house price by £12,000.
With Brits set to enjoy a sweltering summer this year, you might be wondering how much it would cost and, crucially, whether it's worth it.
The cost of installing a swimming pool in your garden can really vary, it depends on the size and depth, as well as labour costs.
Simply - the bigger you go, the more it will cost.
On average, it costs £85,000 to £220,000, Checkatrade has found.
But there are ways to install a cheaper pool.
Alex Peters, author of the Checkatrade cost guide, said those looking to save money could opt for a plunge pool - a smaller, deeper alternative to a traditional pool.
He said: "These can start from as little as £7,500 and range up to around £25,000."
A pool typically costs around £45 to £85 in labour per month to keep maintained, according to figures from Checkatrade.
If you are keen to install a pool it may also be worth using online tools which can help estimate the cost of the build.
Checkatrade has an online estimate calculator and sites like also offer similar service.
It's always worth getting quotes from at least three tradespeople to make sure you're not overpaying.
Parents are scrambling to The Range to nab new kids' toys - there's inflatables, swimming pools and up to 40% off
How much could it add to the value of your home?
When making such a grand change to your home, you should also factor in how it may impact the value of your property if you want to sell.
Verona Frankish, chief of estate agents Yopa, said a pool feature can add about 4.5% in value to your home.
She explained: "That is just under £12,000 based on the current average UK house price of £265,497.
'This means you're likely to recoup only around a third of your investment when it comes time to sell."
The property expert warned households who fail to maintain the upkeep of their swimming pool could end up devaluing their home by as much as 19.6%.
That works out as a £52,000 loss on the average home in the UK.
She said: "It's worth weighing up the long-term impact on your property's value before taking the plunge."
Other ways to boost your house price
If you are keen to sell your home, there are number of features which buyers are attracted to that could boost the value.
Previous research by Open Property, found the following features may help:
An extension
A home gym
A home office, or other garden rooms - as long as there is space in your garden
Open plan rooms with kitchen/living areas for socialising and being the heart of the home
However, sprucing up your home before selling doesn't have to cost a fortune.
A fresh lick of paint and clear out of any clutter can do wonders to a property.
To read more about home improvements, check out our piece here.
BEFORE YOU MAKE THE PLUNGE....
SWIMMING pools and ponds, while offering luxury and leisure, can sometimes deter potential buyers and even decrease your home's value.
Experts at Open Property Group told The Sun why you should think twice about adding the feature to your garden.
Upfront and Ongoing Costs:
Installation: Pools and ponds require a significant initial investment. Depending on size, design, and materials, these costs can be substantial.
Maintenance: Both pools and ponds require regular upkeep, including chemicals, cleaning equipment, and potential repairs. This translates to ongoing expenses for buyers.
Heating (Pools): Especially in cooler climates, heating a pool adds to the monthly running cost, which might be a turnoff for some.
Limited Appeal:
Niche Market: Not everyone enjoys swimming or having a water feature in their backyard. This limits the pool of potential buyers interested in your property.
Safety Concerns: Families with young children might be wary of the safety hazards associated with pools.
Time Commitment: Maintaining a pool or pond takes time and effort, which some buyers might not be willing to invest.
Reduced usable garden space:.
While swimming pools and ponds can enhance your enjoyment of a property, they might not be universally appealing to buyers.
