Photo: Contributed

People often ask us if they should install a swimming pool in their homes.  A pool can cost in the neighbourhood of $20,000 to $50,000 (and up) and homeowners want to ensure that they will retain good resale value if they add one. 

We find that people want a pool, and our research tells us that too.  There have been 11 homes sold in the Upper Mission in the last 6 weeks above $750,000 – and all but 2 of those had a pool.

Today’s swimming pools have become very low maintenance.  They can be salt water, have a self-cleaning system and provide lots of aesthetic beauty to a home.

People are spending more and more time entertaining at home – and a pool adds great appeal.  We find that a lot of people looking to buy a home in Kelowna would like a pool… and not just young families! 

We recently had some people move to Kelowna from Calgary.  They had recently retired and wanted a great entertaining home in the Okanagan with a pool.  They knew that having a pool would help attract their children and grandchildren, and that they would visit more frequently and for longer periods of time.

In the past, homes with a pool were harder to sell.  Sometimes the Realtors wouldn’t actually mention the home’s swimming pool in the listing, as that would eliminate some people from viewing the home.  Now, swimming pools are one of the most requested features in a home.

Pools have gotten smaller in size, and some have become quite shallow (5 feet), so more of a place to cool off and entertain rather than dive.

The Okanagan is known for a gorgeous climate where you spend a great deal of time outdoors. We don't have the rain (usually, of course) that they get in Vancouver, nor the mosquitoes they see in Edmonton or Prince George.

A pool is a desirable feature in today's home.

Tamara Stone Personal Real estate corp.
REMAX Kelowna