Gorgeous Homes with Pools

It's the Murphy's Law of real estate: It seems that whenever I have a client specifically looking for a home with a pool, there are none to be found, and whenever I have a client who definitely doesn't want a pool, they're everywhere.

The clients looking for a pool often ask me how much value a pool adds to a home. I always tell them it depends greatly on the pool. Elaborate, expensive or newer pools with a lot of "bells and whistles" such as waterfalls, special lighting and upgraded tile add more value than a basic in-ground gunite pool. Pools that take up too much of the back yard are a detriment to value. No one wants to feel like they're going to fall into the pool when they walk out the patio door. Above ground pools are generally seen as a negative and can hinder the sale of a home, especially if they're older and perceived as something that's going to be expensive to remove and haul away.

If you definitely want a pool, it's a well-known fact that it's better to find a home with a pool than to pay money to put one in. You'll never really regain your investment in the project. If you're going to put in a pool, realize this upfront, and do it because you plan to get a lot of use out of it, and it's something you really, really want to enjoy on a regular basis for years to come.

In a 2003 study, the National Association of Realtors reported that above-ground pools do not add any value to a home, but in-ground pools typically increase value about 7.7 percent. In my experience, that's a little high. A basic pool would add only $10,000-$15,000. From there, the pool and its attributes need to be assessed on an individual basis by an experienced Realtor to determine added value. The fact that about 50 percent of people or more don't want a pool always has to be figured into the equation.

When buying a home, always get a pool inspection by a reputable, experienced and licensed pool and spa inspector. You need to make sure there isn't an expensive leak or that the pump isn't about to die. Pumps are, in a word, expensive.

Also know that pools take maintenance—more than you probably expect. Most couples I have met over the years who have pools tell me one of them is designated as the "pool boy," so you might want to get that straight upfront too. Pool services run about $85-$120 a month, and that service is mostly managing the chemical balance of the pool. In other words, pool service or not, you still have to go out there and skim the pool on a regular basis.

If after considering all this, you're still dreaming of making a splash in your own back yard, check out these two gorgeous homes with pools on the market in Concord and Clayton.

52 La Honda Court, Clayton

4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2,390 square feet

$639,000

If you've never seen the Regency Meadows neighborhood in Clayton, this gorgeous home with Mount Diablo Views is a great excuse to take a drive and explore the area. This home features a fifth of an acre lot with a beautiful back yard that has a lovely pool and spa surrounded by lush landscaping and patio areas. There's a roomy family room , as well as a formal living room and dining room. The kitchen is large and open and has a big island and lots of storage. The master suite is impressive, too, and offers views and a fabulous soaking tub in the master bath. There's also a three-car garage with overhead storage.

1908 Yardley Court, Concord

4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,926 square feet

$448,000.

This home oozes warmth and charm and it has a lovely pool and back yard to  boot. It's an updated ranch on a  pretty cul-de-sac in the Kirkwood neighborhood, just above Clayton. It's near top schools, shopping, parks, open space, and if you listen carefully, you'll be able to hear the distant sound of concerts at the Sleep Train Pavilion. There's a warm and inviting family room with a woodburning stove. There's also an elegant formal living room and dining room with a fireplace. The kitchen is bright and cheerful with ample cabinets, a gas stove and a breakfast bar. The master suite has a beautiful updated bath. In addition to a large and refreshing pool in the back yard, there's plenty of lawn and a patio area, plus RV/boat parking.