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Plan Ahead For Your Dreams
If you would like to have a swimming pool by next summer, now is the time to plan. It’s an important decision and should be thoughtfully considered.
Here is a starting point! Splash! Pool Life!
***This post contains Amazon Services LLC Associates Program affiliate links. When you make a purchase through my site, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.***
Ask Yourself Before Having A Swimming Pool Installed
- Why do you want a pool?
- How often will you use it?
- How many months per year can you use it?
- Who will do the maintenance?
- Will you feel guilty if you go on vacation or spend time someplace other than your backyard?
- What is your budget?
- Will you pay cash for this investment?
- Are you on track for your other financial goals?
- How long do you anticipate living in your home?
- How do you think your neighbors will feel about the noise and extra traffic?
Dreams Become Real
Growing up in West Michigan, I’ve always loved the water. While the first house I owned had a view of Mona Lake, I dreamed of owning a swimming pool. However, when I bought my second home I knew it needed to have a pool or space for a pool. It had space for a pool. After a few years I took the plunge and dove (ha ha) into the process of having a pool built; with absolutely no regrets!
Since then, I’ve moved to Spring Lake. Late this summer our lakeside pool was installed. With both pools, I used Bilz Pools in Spring Lake, MI. Bilz Pools. They do a great job with consulting on design options before and during the building process.
Once the pool is operating they offer free water analysis (helpful for those times when you really need expert advice). They also take care of opening and closing the pool for us each season. When we are ready for our hot tub, Bilz Pools will get our business.
7 Reasons to Have A Lakeside Pool:
- Clean water
- You know where the bottom is
- No weeds
- You’re closer to the rest of the group when entertaining or having dinner al fresco
- Music and proximity to the facilities and beverages/snacks
- You won’t float too far away
- A great view
When it comes to all of the reasons why you want a pool, it is also extremely important to analyze the costs.
Important Costs To Consider
- Costs vary between above-ground and in-ground.
- Vinyl, fiberglass, and gunite/concrete costs variances are significant.
- How much will landscaping, electrical, gas, and sound system cost?
- You’ll need patio furniture and toys.
- Heating and cleaning take money.
- If you don’t DIY, you’ll have seasonal costs to open and close.
- Solar covers and liners will need to be replaced periodically.
- You’ll have more visitors which means more food and beverage expenses.
Is the quality of life you’re creating worth the expense?
My answer is, “YES.” Even on boat days we use the pool before we leave the dock and again when we return.
Word of advice: If you and your guests swam in the lake, make a pre-pool shower a must. Better yet, shower off and put on a clean swimsuit. Lake algae is not what you want to introduce to your pristine pool water!
In the summer our family enjoys dinner outside every night that the weather allows. We find it relaxing to enjoy dinner poolside. The pool provides a focal point, especially if it has some really cool lights installed!
Ask Bilz Pools about the LED lights! On nights that are overly warm, a quick dip in a beautifully lit pool before bed is the perfect way to end a long, warm, summer day.
Is an in-ground pool a good investment?
Dirk Stone, of Dirk Stone Real Estate Group advises that pools on lakefront real estate tend to add value to the property. However, older pools that require substantial improvements tend to reduce the value of a property so keeping the pool properly maintained is very important especially when you go to sell.
It is best to consult with an expert realtor in your area prior to installing a pool. They’ll take into consideration the type of property you have, the type of pool, your neighborhood, and privacy; which are all factors that can add or detract from value when you have a swimming pool.If you like to make decisions based on a pros/cons list…
Consider the Pros and Cons
Pros
- Memories with family and friends
- Great way to entertain clients and host business functions
- More time being active and outdoors
- More time with your kids
- You’ll know where your kids and their friends will be in the summer
- Happiness. Look at that grin!!!
A Smile Says It All
Cons
Gift Ideas
Need a hostess gift, Father’s Day gift, birthday, graduation or other gift?
Planning Your Dreams
If after reviewing the pros and cons listed above you have decided to plan for a pool I’d love to hear from you. Please connect with me during the planning process and again when your dream is a reality.
Melissa Myers, CFP® is passionate about helping people discover their own sunkissed and blessed life. Myers is an author, entreprenuer, lifestyle coach, and financial planner. Melissa blogs here on Sunkissed and Blessed and for her financial planning practice. She embraces opportunities and new experiences, like running a 5k! Her life changed when she committed to eliminating debt, committed to using a plan to master her money, and developed a practice of expressing gratitude for the abundance in her life. You too, can shift your mindset, live your life by design, and make your dreams come true. Connect with Melissa at sunkissedandblessed@gmail.com.
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