Charlie Albone highlights the polarising nature of having a swimming pool, describing it as the ultimate test in patience. This luxury feature transforms home living but often comes with hidden burdens that challenge owners.
The Allure of Pool Ownership
In Australia, a pool is a coveted summer asset that reshapes how residents enjoy their gardens. When heat persists, a quick dip near the back door can refresh moods and encourage outdoor relaxation. Pools naturally become garden hubs, fostering entertainment, prolonged conversations, and family gatherings. From a design standpoint, they anchor landscapes, guiding planting, paving, and seating arrangements. For families, pools promote outdoor play, build water confidence in children, and provide hours of screen-free amusement.
The Hidden Challenges
However, pool ownership demands consistent attention. Regular maintenance includes emptying skimmer baskets, cleaning filters, and monitoring water chemistry. While not overly difficult, these tasks require dedication, and some owners find the routine burdensome. Costs extend beyond installation, with ongoing expenses for power, water, chemicals, and replacement parts. Heating a pool to extend its use further increases running costs, making it an ongoing financial commitment.
Gardening near pools presents unique challenges, as leaf drop from nearby trees can become a nuisance. Safety is paramount, with mandatory pool fencing affecting garden flow and aesthetics. Many owners overlook how often they will actually use the pool, as daily swims may give way to busy schedules, leading to underutilization.
Quiet Joys and Property Impact
Despite challenges, pools offer quiet pleasures like early morning swims or evening floats. They don't need constant activity to be valuable. From a property perspective, pools are polarising: they attract some buyers but deter others, depending on design and integration. A well-planned pool enhances appeal, while a poorly executed one can be a drawback.
Ultimately, pool ownership hinges on lifestyle. For those who enjoy outdoor living and entertaining, it enhances the experience. But for others, it adds unwanted responsibility. Weighing these factors is crucial before making the commitment.
