Despite delays for some equipment and building materials due to effects of COVID-19, the swimming pool construction industry has grown 2,4 percent per year on average since 2017, according to market research by pool construction company Pool Village. The company said it expected the growth to continue over the next five years, buoyed by virus-averse homeowners who want to avoid public pools and splash in the privacy of their own homes. This was revealed at a pool construction seminar under the theme, ‘Does a swimming pool add value to your home?’ held by Pool Village at their Chisipite branch. Research suggests that it can but not always. Unlike most landscaping and other exterior home improvement projects, it is complicated. Takunda Goredema, managing director of Pool Village weighing in the discussion said, “First off, let us define our terms. When we say swimming pool, we mean an in-ground pool the permanent kind that requires a large hole to be dug in your yard, not the above-ground type that resembles a big tank. “In many markets, in-ground pools are preferred and above-ground pools do not increase the value of a home.” Many experts say having a well-kept pool can boost your resale value. “If you search for real estate, you will most certainly see a higher cost for homes with ready-made backyards that include pools,” Goredema added. Pools are particularly coveted in regions where they can be used year-round. “If you live in a warmer climate like Zimbabwe, it can increase your property value and make it more likely to sell your home,” notes Ralph Dube, a real estate agent with South Africa’s Broll Property Group. The pool can add a wonderful ambiance in your modern minimalist home. It may also be an appealing family gathering area. The function of a modern pool is not only for swimming, but also has the appeal of a pool element that can make it more attractive. Swimming pools are also not just for aesthetics but can be of benefit to your health if done regularly and in the right way, hence you can save gym money. Goredema added that, “According to the health practitioners, swimming activities that last for about 30 minutes every day can benefit the heart, lungs, and circulation. Swimming is a good cardiovascular workout that improves the joints, muscles, and heartbeat.” Instead of going to the nearest swimming facility, some households prefer to have their own swimming pools to save time and membership fees. According to Goredema, resort communities with vacation home rentals allow owners with swimming pool properties to command higher rental rates than nearby properties without them. And higher-end neighbourhoods are also more amenable to pools that increase a home’s resale value. In fact, if most of your neighbors have pools but you do not, it could decrease your home’s worth on the market. “But if you live in a typical community where some houses have pools but most do not, having a pool built will probably not have any impact on the value of your home,” cautions Robert Taylor, owner of The Real Estate Solutions Guy in Namibia, a home-buying and flipping company. Pool Village is a swimming pool construction and maintenance firm based in Zimbabwe and also has swimming pool equipment and consumables.
