It’s pool season! ‘Tis the season for not just Austin pool homes in my market, but homes with pools nationwide. If you are a regular reader of my blogs, you know I’m not exactly a raving fan of pools. They cost money to maintain. They can narrow your buyer pool. They can even limit how long you might want to stay in your home. None of my past posts about them have been 100% positive, and this one is no exception. Just like ‘boat’, ‘pool’ is a four-letter word. They are great, until they are not. They cost a lot of money, until you don’t own one anymore.
Now here’s the good news. Pools are headturners for those buyers who want one, especially this time of year. They have no greater value than when it is 90+ degrees outside. This may be Texas, where pools can be open all year, but summer is pool season.
Here’s more good news. Any way you can turn a head in this market is a card you should play. While not everyone wants a backyard pool, they are in limited supply at any given time, making any house that has one unique.
Austin pool homes for sale
On June 17, I ran a report with all single-family houses in my Multiple Listing Service portal. There were 1,828 homes with a private pool and 12,973 active listings without one. In other words, 14% of the active listings had pools. Zoom in on the city of Austin, and those numbers shrank. Only 733 out of 3,910 single-family houses actively on the market had a private pool. While the percentage of homes with one in Austin ran a little higher at 19%, my point is still valid.
I’ve always maintained that about 30% of homebuyers want a pool. With less than 20% having one, the supply is low enough to elevate the demand for them a bit. Now, add a further data point where some pools are less common in certain neighborhoods than others, and you may be adding another level of scarcity to the pool appeal.
In this market, no house is dripping in gold, but a pool might help you swim in it faster.
Out of the shallow now: A note on concrete cancer in Austin pools
Beyond the typical considerations, there’s a serious issue that homeowners, especially those with pools, need to be aware of: concrete cancer. This isn’t a medical condition for people, but it’s a severe form of concrete deterioration that can plague pools and foundations.
In Austin, a major culprit is often Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). This happens when certain minerals in the aggregates (sand and gravel) used in concrete react with the alkalis in the cement. In the presence of moisture (which a pool constantly provides), this reaction creates an expansive gel. This gel absorbs water and expands, creating immense internal pressure that leads to widespread cracking, crumbling, and a “map-like” pattern of cracks on the concrete surface. You might even see a gel-like substance seeping from cracks. This has been a particularly noted issue in Austin pools built roughly between 2017 and 2021, partly due to supply chain issues leading to concrete mixes without common ASR-preventative additives.
Another aspect of “concrete cancer” is the corrosion of the steel rebar within the concrete. Water and oxygen can penetrate even strong concrete over time, especially if the mix wasn’t ideal or the rebar wasn’t properly covered. When steel rusts, it expands significantly, putting pressure on the surrounding concrete, causing it to crack, spall (flake off), and reveal tell-tale rust stains.
For both buyers and sellers in Austin, being aware of concrete cancer signs is important.
If you notice any of these signs, particularly with a pool, it’s crucial to get a professional inspection. Ignoring it can lead to very costly repairs down the line, and for sellers, it can be a significant hurdle during inspection.
Swimming Pool Owners and Future Sellers:
Maintain and update your pool diligently. Nobody wants to buy a literal money pit.
If you can, switching to a saline system can be a great selling feature for many buyers.
If your home is in a subdivision where most properties have private pools, buyers will be comparing your pool’s appeal. Make sure yours stands out!
Ensure the pool area looks pristine, well-maintained, and inviting. A sparkling pool and clean deck make a huge first impression.
Buying a Home with a Pool:
A general home inspector typically does not inspect pools. Many specialized pool companies do, so invest in a thorough pool inspection. Repairs can be incredibly costly.
If you’re wondering how much it costs to maintain a pool – including chemicals, electricity, and water – the honest answer is: if you have to ask, a pool might not be for you. They can be a significant expense, and if you’re already on a tight budget, a pool will likely blow it.
Keep Calm, Swim On
I get it. I grew up with a pool (and a boat), so I understand the appeal of both. Looking back at them with an older set of eyes and from a real estate perspective, my views of them have admittedly become jaded a bit. My parents crushed their pool to increase their longevity in their home. They are still tons of fun, don’t get me wrong. Just don’t want to dive in without a good education.