With the heat already upon us before summer has actually arrived, many are headed for a pool.
These warm months have many homeowners wondering if putting in a pool would be worth the money, effort and work. Here are some things to consider before jumping into the deep end.
There are an estimated 5.4 million in-ground residential swimming pools in the U.S., and the homes with those pools are also reported to use 49 percent more electricity each year than homes without. However, there are many more factors involved.
While most homes with pools do use more energy, the disguise comes in where most homes with swimming pools are on average 20 percent larger. This is because homes with pools generally house larger families.
These homes also show a larger cost in heating and cooling all throughout the year, and an increased energy usage due to lights, extra televisions, perhaps an extra refrigerator and other energy sources due to an increased number of occupants.
This is not to say the pool does not increase annual cost of energy. Outside of the air conditioner, the pool pump is the largest electricity consumer, as the average pool contains some 20,000 gallons of water that must be circulated and filtered.
A swimming pool will cost between $300 and $1,200 to run annually. The broad range is because of size of the pool and type of pump used. This cost does not include any heating needed during cooler weather.
Even when the pool is not in use, evaporation takes place and water levels recede. The cost of the water bill must also be taken into account. The initial filling of the pool can increase a water bill from $80 to $100 and most pools will drop 2 - 4 inches per week due to evaporation.
Another consideration is the rise in homeowners’ insurance coverage. It’s always a good idea to call your agent and check on how much the cost will rise.
With all of that said, pools do save money as far as keeping the family at home for some fun in the sun. Taking a large family to a public pool can get pricey, as well.
The lesson here is to count the cost to see if the investment fits your personal budget.
— Marla Ballard’s Master of Disguise appears each Thursday