Buying a home with a swimming pool can feel like the ultimate luxury — imagine warm summer evenings, kids splashing, entertaining friends around a shimmering backyard oasis. But in the South African property market, the decision to buy a house with a pool comes with some important “yes-and no’s.
WORDS: NEWSROOM :: PHOTOS: UNSPLASH
One can find pool-homes across a range of price points. But the “plunge” isn’t just jumping in the deep end — you’ll want to check your water level first.
The benefits
- Lifestyle upgrade:
A pool adds a resort-feel to your home and can enhance your enjoyment year-round (especially in warmer metros). - Entertaining & family appeal:
For families or those who love gatherings, the outdoor space plus pool works well. - Potential resale appeal:
In some suburbs where pools are expected, having one may keep you competitive — especially for premium buyers seeking “the full package”.
The caveats
- Maintenance cost & effort:
A pool isn’t “set and forget”. There are cleaning, chemicals, electrical pump runs, sometimes heating, leak risks and safety (fencing, insurance etc). - Annual running costs:
Beyond the bond and rates, expect monthly bills for water, electricity, plus possible additional maintenance. - Location matters more than amenities:
A home in a weaker suburb with a pool might be less secure investment than a smaller home in a prime location with no pool. - Resale risk of swimming pools:
Not every buyer wants the extra hassle — some might see the pool as a “liability” rather than an asset. - Load-shedding / water supply issues:
In South Africa, load-shedding and water restrictions can make pool management tricky. - Up-front purchase cost:
Homes with pools often cost more (or you pay more for the pool component) even though that part of the house may not add proportional value.
Key questions to ask before you dive
- Is the pool professionally installed and in good condition (liner, pump, filtration, heating if any)?
- What are the monthly/annual running costs for this pool (water, electricity, chemicals, servicing)?
- Is the location solid (neighbourhood, security, resale potential) rather than the pool being the main attraction?
- Are there restrictions (local water-use regulations, estate rules, safety fencing) that impact how you can use/ maintain the pool?
- What is the age of the pool and how soon might major repairs/renewals be needed?
- If you ever sell, will the pool be seen by buyers as an asset or as a maintenance burden?
The lowdown on properties with swimming pools
If you’re buying a home to live in and enjoy with your family and a pool aligns with your lifestyle (and you’ve budgeted for it), then yes — taking the plunge into a house for sale with a swimming pool can be a smart move.
However, if you’re buying primarily as an investment (thinking “pool = big value add”) you should proceed with caution: the value-added by a pool may not outweigh the extra cost and maintenance unless the location and overall property fundamentals are strong.
Does the “pool premium” really hold water?
Some comments:
- It’s been said that installing a swimming pool in South Africa may boost a home’s value by around 15%, depending on the pool’s type and quality. However some argue that a pool may add no value, and in some cases may even detract from resale attractiveness because of maintenance liability.
- A market survey of value-bands in central metro markets reports: in Gauteng and Tshwane, homes in the R 2 m-R 3 m range will often “secure a three- or four-bedroom house with study, pool, well situated in an established area” in the R 2 m-R 3 m price band. (MyProperty South Africa)
- According to FNB data via BusinessTech: The prevalence of built-in swimming pools in new homes has declined significantly — only about 8.84 % of homes built in 2015-2017 have pools, versus nearly 38 % in the late 1970s. This suggests fewer new buyers want them or find them cost-effective.
What this means for you
Prospects of value add:
- If you’re buying in an area where pools are expected (e.g. established security estates or affluent suburbs) then yes, a well-installed pool might contribute positively to your value.
- The 15 % estimate gives a rough “ceiling” of expectation in favourable circumstances (quality pool, location aligns).
- If you’ve budgeted for the pool and intend to live in the house for some time, lifestyle value may justify it even if resale premium is modest.
Risks / caveats:
- The “pool adds value” story is far from guaranteed in South Africa — some property experts state that buyers may not pay more for a pool, and may even discount for the maintenance burden.
- The decline in pool-prevalence (FNB data) suggests a shift in buyer preference (or cost/maintenance reality) which may dampen future premiums.
- Value gain is highly dependent on location, pool condition, maintenance, and how it fits the local market. A pool in a low-demand area may cost more than it returns.
- If entering as an investment purchase (rather than owner-occupier), the pool may be less of a selling point and more of a cost/maintenance liability.
The overall verdict
Don’t count on a big resale premium simply because the house has a pool. Use the 15 % figure as a best-case scenario only if everything lines up (top location, high-quality pool, target market expects pools). In many cases it may be close to zero or even negative from a resale perspective.
If you’re buying to live in and enjoy the pool (rather than purely for resale), then the pool’s value becomes more about lifestyle than price-increase — which is fine, so long as you budget for the upkeep.
