By Viktor Chong

Malaysia, unlike its Western counterparts, enjoys relatively stable and hot weather throughout the year, making a swimming pool an excellent addition to any property. Market transactions have also shown that having a pool alongside your home will raise its value. But is it truly all roses with this particular upgrade? Here are a few points you need to consider before breaking ground to construct that pool you fancy.

Buyer’s preference

Some buyers appreciate the convenience of having a swimming pool attached to their purchase, while others may not find the hassle of maintenance and added cost very appealing. Besides, families with crawling infants would view it as a safety hazard. Also, buyers might not approve of the current size or design of the pool in your possession.  

Hence, having a pool can reduce the number of potential buyers, further harming your sales efforts. If possible, leave it to the buyers to decide their own preferences. Buyers who need a pool may break ground themselves and design the pool according to their tastes.

Bills, bills, bills

Empty pools are the product of house owners who get cold feet after maintaining it for a while. To ensure your pools do not become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, you are recommended to perform extensive research as well as to draw up a budget. 

Depending on the size of your pool, the maintenance cost may range from RM500 to RM1,000 and above per month. Pumps need to be serviced and cleaned often, and so does the pool. Water has to be changed to maintain that crystal-clear condition and chemicals need to be introduced into it for hygiene purposes. Unless you are planning to use it often, the maintenance cost will not be justified. You can avoid all that headache by heading over to the nearest public swimming pool instead.

X marks the spot 

Having a pool alongside your landed property is one sure way to signal your affluence, especially if you reside in a neighbourhood that does not possess one. But the prestige comes with a price, as you are quickly noticed by robbers who are surveying the neighbourhood. In other words, the safety of your loved ones takes precedence over society’s opinion.

Target buyer

If your property is situated in a low-income area, then refrain from having a pool. Such places attract buyers from a lower income bracket, and they are more likely to be sensitive to pricing than the utility. So you might find it challenging to sell your home when the time comes. Conversely, pools do well in high-end places where everyone has one. This is because the buyer has effectively avoided the messy affair of establishing one to emulate the neighbours.

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