Everything You Need to Know About Owning a Pool in Phoenix/Scottsdale
Even though the Sonoran Desert can get rather warm during the summer months, it’s hard to beat the feeling of jumping into your very own backyard pool. Plus, with our mild fall and winter season, most families in Central and Southern Arizona can use their pool almost year round.
While most of us have swam in a pool at a friend’s house, in a community subdivision, or even at the local YMCA, there are several factors involved in buying a home with a pool and owning a home with a pool that can easily be neglected or overlooked.
In this article, we will provide the insights and information you need to ensure that if you choose to buy a home with a pool in Arizona, the decision will be an informed one.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Pool in Phoenix or Scottsdale?
Even if you don’t plan on building a pool in the backyard of a home that doesn’t have one, it still helps to know how much a contractor or homeowner invested into a backyard pool. Price can be difficult to gauge, since pools can be built in a wide variety of sizes and with several different features.
Utilizing the Home Advisor True Cost Guide, we can see that the average cost of installing a pool in Phoenix, Arizona is approximately $16,000. Here are some key focus points that contribute to these costs:
- The ground in Arizona is far from soft, and a large percentage of an inground pool building budget goes into excavating the dirt. There is also the cost associated with hauling all that dirt away to factor in as well.
- The cost of materials used can vary widely. For example, a concrete pool will cost more than fiberglass or vinyl, and vinyl will require replacement.
- Pumps, plumbing, and labor all factor into the final price.
Buying a home with a pool already installed and fully functional will save you the upfront costs and time required to enjoy all the benefits of a backyard pool.
How Much Does it Cost to Maintain a Pool in Scottsdale/Phoenix?
Once you have a home with a pool in Arizona, there are still costs associated with keeping the pool clean and the chemicals balanced to avoid algae build-up and any other type of infestation.
Keeping a pool clean and running well can often be a time-consuming project; however, Arizona has plenty of highly-qualified professional pool service companies that can provide maintenance on a weekly basis. Quality matters when it comes to pool service, so expect to pay $100 to $125 a month.
It's important to remember that repairs and insurance claims for illness as a result of poor pool maintenance can be costly, so make sure to stay diligent with your pool maintenance.
Does a Backyard Pool in Phoenix or Scottsdale Increase a Home's Value?
One of the most critical factors most homebuyers and homeowners take into account when adding anything to their home is if it will increase their home’s value. As is the case with most real estate decisions, there are several variables involved.
Location matters a great deal when it comes to pools, and since the Valley is one of the country’s most popular places to own a pool, the demand for them will be higher when compared to other markets, such as the Midwest and Northeast.
Still, the question remains: Does a Pool Increase the Value of a Scottsdale or Phoenix Home?
In most cases, according to an article in the Arizona Republic, the cost of building a pool is often more than the appraisal. However, this factor can vary depending on the area you live in and the demand for pools in a specific region.
A good starting point to determining the potential value increase is to compare homes for sale in your area with pools to those that do not. If you currently own a home and are interested in adding a pool, have your home appraised as is and get the appraiser’s input on how much value a pool could add to your home. If the appraiser states that a $30,000 pool may add $20,000 to the resale value of your home, it’s clear that most pool installations won’t be recouped should you sell your home.
However, it’s important to know that not all investments in homes are black-and-white. The (potential) extra costs associated with building an in-ground pool is made up for in factors that cannot be measured: enjoyment, satisfaction, and the status one achieves when they can enjoy the benefits of lounging and swimming in their very own backyard pool.
What To Look for When Buying a Home with a Pool in Phoenix or Scottsdale:
Enlisting the services of an experienced realtor can help you avoid some of the pitfalls and mistakes homebuyers can make when they are interested in buying a home with a pool in the Valley. When you find a home with a backyard pool that you love, here are some steps you can take to ensure the pool won't be a burden:
- Make sure the pool is in good working order. As mentioned in previous sections, pools require a ton of maintenance and care, so a home with a pool that is fully functional and well-maintained shows that the owner used and took pride in their pool. A broken-down pool or a pool that is empty is never a good sign, and the cost to repair could be extravagant.
- Have the pool inspected just to be safe. When you buy a car, especially from a private party, a full diagnostic check is common. The same should apply to a backyard pool. Even if a pool is running smoothly, there could be trouble and potential safety hazards lurking that even the owner isn't aware of.
- Don't forget about the fence: Arizona law requires an enclosure around a pool that is at least 18 inches deep and over 8 feet wide, so be sure that the pool 1) has a fence and 2) the fence is still in good working condition. Replacing a fence can be costly, so don't take any chances.
By taking these precautions, you greatly increase your chances of buying a home with a pool that is well taken care of and is safe for you and your family.
Best Places to Own a Home with a Pool in Scottsdale:
Scottsdale has one of the highest concentration of homes with pools in the state, making it the ideal city to own a home with a backyard pool. Whether you are looking for a home with a pool for sale in Old Town Scottsdale or North Scottsdale, there are several great subdivisions to choose from.
If you are interested in searching for a home for sale with a pool in Old Town Scottsdale, we suggest exploring Inmar Terrace, New Papago Parkway, and Scottsdale Estates. Not only do these communities feature beautiful pools, there are also no HOA's or fees!
For those who are interested in a backyard pool home for sale in North Scottsdale, the options vary widely depending on what you are looking for. If you want a home with a pool on or near a golf course, take a look at Grayhawk and Troon. Interested in a home with a pool in North Scottsdale within a secure gated community? Bellasera and Hidden Hills are an excellent place to start looking.
Best Places to Own a Home with a Pool in Phoenix:
From older homes in the heart of Phoenix to newer subdivisions in the quiet seclusion in North Phoenix, there are plenty of options for Phoenix homes for sale with a pool. Here are a few of our choices for the best subdivisions to help you with your search.
North Phoenix continues to be one of the fastest-growing areas in the Valley, and the homes for sale with pools don't stay on the market very long. Our top picks for North Phoenix communities perfect for owning a pool include Sonoran Foothills, Desert Peak, and Desert Canyon.
South Mountain and South Phoenix/Ahwatukee are also great areas for owning a home with a pool. If you are interested in buying a home in these regions, take a look at our Shadow Rock and Fairways at the Foothills community pages.
Conclusion
Owning a home with a pool in Phoenix or Scottsdale can be a big responsibility, but the feeling of swimming and lounging in the clear water on a hot afternoon makes it an extremely worthwhile responsibility. We hope this article will help you understand the many nuances associated with buying a home with a pool, maintaining a pool you own, and the importance of regular upkeep.
If you are interested in learning more about the homes for sale in Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the entire Valley, give us a call at 480-387-3990 or fill out our Contact Form and we will respond within the hour during normal hours.