Swimming pools are a long-term commitment.
A swimming pool is more than just a financial investment. It’s also a time and energy commitment you need to be ready to make.
As much as Aloha Pools & Spas loves selling a swimming pool, we love being honest about what that entails even more. Since 1969, Aloha has strived to give our customers the truth- even if that means they do not leave with a pool. True satisfaction comes from getting the right answer for you, and we know a pool isn’t always what will make our customers happy. We want to be a trusted source, so that when it is time for you to buy your pool, you come to us for that step.
Pools are fun, but like buying a house, some people are better off renting- or, in this case, swimming in pools they don’t own. In this article, we’ll walk through the type of person who should think twice before making this life-changing decision.
Reasons Not to Buy a Pool
Maybe you love the idea of swimming in your own backyard, but when you really think about it, you’re not home that much. Or maybe you are home a lot, but you’re looking at your backyard wondering how in the world your kids will practice T-ball with a pool in the middle of their field.
Here are six things to consider that may give you pause:
1. You don’t like ongoing maintenance.
To keep your water pristine, you’ll need to closely monitor your chemical levels. That means adding different chemicals and algaecides based on what your water needs, plus brushing your walls weekly to prevent algae growth. Depending on what chemical care system you use, weekly maintenance will look a little different. To prevent algae growth and reduce weekly testing, you and any water care specialist can discuss which option is right for you. These processes add a few steps to the routine weekly.
Salt pools require less weekly maintenance than standard chlorine pools, since salt produces chlorine on its own once it’s in the system. Read more about saltwater versus chlorine HERE to better understand the maintenance requirements for each.
Every few years, certain items will need to be replaced based on condition. This service is typically handled by our team, but if you’re a DIYer or cutting costs where you can, expect some extra work on your end.
2. You travel during pool season.
Potential pool customers are often families with young children. A lot of them picture spending summers enjoying their own backyard together- but it’s worth being honest about just how busy that season of life already is. For example,
If you’re one of the T-ball parents we mentioned earlier, you may be gearing up for several summers of travel baseball down the line. It might make sense to hold off on a pool for a couple of years.
Or maybe you and your spouse are empty-nesters, looking to redirect some of the money you used to spend on your kids- except that money’s already allocated for vacations and visits with the grandkids.
Being honest about how often you’d actually use your pool will help you decide whether it’s truly time to take the plunge.
3. You split your budget between several hobbies.
If you’re a busy person with a lot of extracurriculars- or you’ve got kids with a lot of extracurriculars- know that a pool doesn’t share the spotlight well. Once you have one, it tends to become one of the budget’s top priorities. Here are the costs you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Initial cost. This ranges based on size, type, and location. You can find a breakdown of averages here.
- Operating costs. Beyond weekly chemical maintenance, expect your electric bill to increase. Because your pool pump runs continuously, budget an additional $40-$150 per month. If you have a pool heater, tack on another $50-$300.
- Repairs. Most repairs can be planned for. Routine items, like a vinyl liner change or replacing your salt cell, will add to your yearly maintenance costs.
- Unexpected expenses. Weather, wear, and tear can create surprise costs, so it’s smart to always keep some money set aside.
The good news? Financing is available. Learn more about Aloha’s financing process HERE.
4. Your backyard isn’t well suited.
Most backyards can accommodate a pool, but if several factors stack up against your yard, it may be worth putting your investment elsewhere. A few things to consider:
- Yard size. If you use your backyard often, think about how much space a pool will take up. In a particularly tight yard, it may not be worth sacrificing the space you already enjoy.
- HOA regulations. If you’re in a strict HOA neighborhood, check the regulations before considering this purchase. Some HOAs don’t allow above-ground pools, and opinions are still mixed on semi-inground since HOA policy on them is still catching up. Inground pools are typically accepted.
- Severe slope. We do our best to work with every backyard, but a severe slope adds both cost and risk to a build. Retaining walls, which are structures that hold back soil from entering the pool, can make this possible – but they add to your budget, so go in with eyes open.
5. You’re buying the pool for something other than your own enjoyment.
Think about all the reasons you want a swimming pool.
Do they involve the resale value of your home?
Are you doing it for kids who are almost grown?
Are you doing it because other people keep telling you that you should?
If any of these are the real reason behind your decision, it’s certainly worth reconsidering.
Inground pools do increase home resale value by around 5-8% as of 2026 – above-ground pools almost never add value, and semi-inground pools vary depending on how much surrounding work has been done (a deck built around the pool, for instance, likely adds value).
But resale value alone isn’t reason enough to buy a pool – keeping it in good enough shape to protect that value is no small feat.
6. You’re concerned about safety.
There are plenty of precautions you can take to keep your pool safe, and many areas even require fencing around inground pools. But if you have several young children, you might be extra wary of the risks that come with owning one.
A sobering statistic to keep in mind: drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of four.
If you have young kids who haven’t had a chance to take swimming lessons yet, or you expect to have children in the next few years, you may want to think twice about buying a pool right away.
When a Pool Does Make Sense
If you’re ready to make the financial and time investment, having a swimming pool in your backyard really is awesome. It’s convenient and private. There is no wondering whether someone else is keeping up with the cleanliness, because that someone is you.
Here are some qualities a happy, successful pool owner tends to have:
- They have time to spare. A successful pool owner can set aside an hour or so a week to add the weekly routine maintenance chemicals, test chemicals, and make adjustments. They’ll either take the time to learn it themselves, or stop by a pool store – like one of Aloha’s five locations– to have their water tested.
- Money isn’t tight. Let’s face it: in this economy, many of us don’t have money to spare, and if we do, there are strict limits on what that looks like monthly or quarterly. Only so much can be predicted about the cost of a swimming pool, and a successful pool owner budgets for the unexpected.
- They’re homebodies. Some families spend their summers making memories at home rather than at Disney World. If you’d rather make the most of your mortgage than spend the summer traveling, a pool might be right for you.
- They love to host. Pools are meant to be shared. The people who end up loving their pool most are usually the ones who use it as the centerpiece of the party. Grandparents with a house full of grandkids, parents hosting team celebrations, and DINKs (Dual Income, No Kids) all get a ton of mileage out of owning one.
Owning a pool is a big deal.
The bottom line? Being a pool owner requires a lot of work, a lot of money, and a lot of lifestyle changes. But swimming pools can also become the setting for memories that last a lifetime with the people you love most.
Buying a pool is a big, personal decision, and whether now is the right time depends entirely on your priorities. It is absolutely not the right choice for everyone, but if the work, cost, and lifestyle changes fit your life, having your own space, customized for you, can be irreplaceable in creating memorable summers.
If you read this article and think a pool may be right for you, we’d love to walk you through your options. Talk to a sales representative HERE to get one step closer to your dream backyard.
