How a swimming pool can add value to your property

It’s that time of year when a swimming pool moves up a couple of notches on the checklist for house hunters. And if the past couple of weeks have been an indication, we’re in for a long, hot summer.

Much more than a practical inclusion, the swimming pool adds an element of prestige to a property. When done right it’s not only a place to cool down, but an attractive feature that becomes the centre of your urban oasis.

Its links with the surrounding entertaining areas are crucial, according to architect Terry Ring.

“When a client asks for a pool, you start by trying to design the living areas and entertainment spaces with links to the pool area,” Ring says.

“A pool should relate to the more utilised rooms of the house, such as the living areas, to encourage use, while also allowing visibility to the pool area for safety concerns.

“Designing a pool can not only be a feature itself, but if designed intelligently, water can manipulate the light and reflect it back onto, or even into, the house.

“This can be a great way to bring moving interest to your design as the water ripples reflect new and unique light patterns with each crest.”

While a swimming pool was once a high-maintenance inclusion, Capital Country Pools director Sharyn Duggan says new technology allows swimming pools to look after themselves.

“These days swimming pools can be considered as fully automated and maintenance-free, with systems such as in-floor cleaning and automatic dosing systems,” Duggan says.

“By far the most popular feature is the in-floor cleaning for ease of maintenance along with remote access to your pool for when you are away.”

Duggan says as families spend more on their homes, they want to be able to use them to their full potential.

“Your pool is one of the largest and most important investments you will ever make,” she says.

“It is important that it looks great, is healthy and safe to swim in and continues to add value to your home.”

Luton Properties Canberra City director James Carter says more buyers are placing swimming pools on their list of non-negotiable inclusions.

He says energy-efficient designs and integrated indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces are among their priorities.

“Number 1 Wells Gardens [this week’s cover property] cleverly does this and at its heart features a pool, an oversized barbecue alfresco area, a cabana, which is utilised as a gym and sauna, as well as a breakout alfresco area for day lounging,” Carter says.

While some buyers will place a premium on a house with a pool, Carter says the value a pool can add to your home is not only measured in a sales price, but in how it enhances your lifestyle.

“Kids love pools and water is so calming and offers a lot of free entertainment for the family and friends.”

Ring agrees and says a pool will affect the ambience of a home.

“A simple pool can act nicely as a water feature for the backyard, while ornate pools and indoor pools can bring a sense of grandeur to the design,” Ring says.

“A well-designed integration of the pool and entertainment area offers great opportunity for barbecues and entertaining friends and family of all ages. A pool can bring life to spaces throughout your house and garden.”

What to consider before diving in

• The team: It’s a big investment and will have a huge impact on your house and garden. Always use a reputable, licensed pool builder.
• Block size: A small block is not a deal breaker. “A pool can be designed on any kind of block,” Terry Ring says. “With new technology such as swim jets, six by four-metre pools can become lap pools.”
• Maintenance: Capital Country Pools director Sharyn Duggan says self-cleaning and automatic dosing systems will save a lot of time.

Put to good use

When the Zakmans built their house in Nicholls, a swimming pool was at the top of the wish list.

“It was always something the family had discussed that we wanted,” Frank says.

Frank, his wife, Rosen, and their two children Andre, 15, and Nadia, 10, have been enjoying the pool for four years and Frank says it’s been put to good use.

Installed by Capital Country Pools, the pool was designed to connect with the indoor and outdoor spaces. It flows from a covered alfresco area and Frank says the peaceful water views are enjoyed throughout the year, even when it’s too cold for a swim.

The pool is also heated to extend its usable months, however, Frank says it’s only turned on at the start and the end of the season. A self-cleaning system makes maintenance a breeze.

Ultimate luxury

1 Wells Gardens, Griffith
High $2 millions
5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 parking spaces
Expressions of interest close on December 1
Inspect on Saturday, from 12.45pm-1.30pm and Wednesday,  from 5pm-5.30pm
Luton Properties Canberra City, James Carter and Angus Mead 0413 974 912 or 0404 430 010

The swimming pool is the sparkling centrepiece of this stunning contemporary residence in Griffith, however, the property includes a long list of other luxury features.

From the state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen to the custom-built cedar 10-seater sauna, no expense was spared on quality.

“In our top end we are finding people place actionable value on nice kitchens like this one, as well as more than two-car garaging – either a basement or four is now the norm,” Luton Properties Canberra City director James Carter says.

The five-bedroom house features flowing indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, with open-plan living opening onto alfresco terraces overlooking the pool.

Additional resort-style features include a covered spa and an outdoor cabana, which is being used as a gym.

Perfectly placed for entertaining, the designer kitchen is sure to impress with a butler’s pantry, two fridges, two ovens and a built-in coffee machine. A palette of marble, timber, polished concrete and stainless steel adds a sense of opulence.

The main suite is on the upper floor and features a walk-in wardrobe, a private balcony and a sumptuous en suite with spa bath, double shower and custom-made double vanity.