The Benefits of Owning Your Own Swimming Pool Water You Wading for? The Benefits of Owning Your Own Swimming Pool Andrea Ortiz University of Central Oklahoma

Many Homeowners see owning a swimming pool as a financial burden but there are many positives in owning a swimming pool that cannot be placed with a monetary value.

Health Benefits Swimming works your entire body without stress to your bones or joints. Swimming increases muscle strength and improves flexibility. Swimming is excellent cardiovascular exercise that promotes a healthy heart and lungs. Swimming is an excellent way to prevent childhood obesity. Swimming is a healthy alternative to keeps kids active! According to research at Indiana University – swimmers of all ages have more lean muscle and trimmer waist and hips. An easy swim burns 500 calories and hour. Encouraging your child to swim can also improve mental and emotional health. The natural buoyancy of water is more relaxing than other types of exercise according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Financial Benefits Expenses for a family of 5 to take a weekend trip to the lake, water park or local swimming pool add up quickly. The amount spent on pool maintenance is less expensive than weekend outings. A pool could increase your home’s value, especially in communities with existing pools. In areas with warmer climate and/or heated pool, you can save on money spent on gym memberships by getting your cardiovascular exercise at home. A pool may not have the return investment for the actual cost of the pool, but it can make the property more appealing and easier to sell. The cost of entertaining the family on the weekends, when it is super hot can add up quickly. Staying at home and being able to cool off in the pool and still have fun is a big savings. Weekend cost considerations: gas for vehicle, gas for boat, food, drinks, ice for entire family, tickets for water parks, locker rental etc.

Entertainment Keeps children active and occupied during summer breaks. Provides excellent weekend entertainment for family and friends. Excellent opportunity to participate in end of season celebrations for sport teams. Provides hours of quality time with family. Happiness plays a part in your health as well. Pool time provides quality family time. It keeps kids occupied and active even during the week. Pool parties are great for entertaining friends and kids.

Conclusion Many argue the fact that homeowners will not recover the entire cost of installing a pool should they decide to sell their home, however is it easy to see the other financial savings along with health benefits and the entertainment that they provide, that owning your own pool more then pays for itself.

References Hawkins, M., (2010, June 14). What are the benefits of swimming for kids? Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/148394-what-are-the-benefits-of-swimming-for-kids/ Pallay, A., (2010, June 9). Benefits of owning a pool. Retrieved from http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/beneifts-owning-pool/print/ Perkins, B., (2012, May 3). How to dive into a swimming pool addition. Retrieved from http://www.realitytimes.com/printpages/20120503_pool addition.htm Yeager, S., (2010, June). Best swimming workout: Lose body fat in the pool. Retrieved from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/swim-workout Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Health benefits of water-based exercise. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/health_benefits_water_exercise.html