Thinking about adding a pool to your property in southwest Virginia? MKB, REALTORS REALTOR® Heather Couture shares some insights on the process, the work associated with it, and the impact on your home

Owning a pool can feel like the ultimate backyard luxury—especially during the hottest days of summer. There's nothing quite like walking outside and cooling off in your own private oasis without having to pack a bag, pay for a membership, or share space with strangers.

That said, pool ownership is not all sunshine and floaties. As the owner of an in-ground pool, I can honestly say it's been a lot more work than I envisioned.

• MAINTENANCE COSTS

Each season starts and ends with professional help to open and close the pool (which costs money, unless you take on the labor yourself), including securing it with a safety cover in the off-season. During the summer, the pool requires weekly maintenance—testing the water, adding chemicals, brushing the pool, and backwashing the filter are just a few items that I must keep up with regularly to ensure the pool is in swimmable condition.

I also keep a stockpile of chemicals like chlorine pucks, pH balancers, and algae control, because you never know what environmental factors your pool is going to experience that will throw off the water levels (heat & humidity, rainwater, debris blowing into the pool, bugs, etc). For example, when my husband and I opened our pool this year, we were hit with a major algae problem that took a couple of weeks to clear up. But now that the water is crystal clear, it's 100% worth it. Once you get into a routine, it's manageable—and the payoff is huge!

• IMPACT TO YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

Having a pool really does change the way you use your outdoor space. It becomes the centerpiece of your backyard—a place to unwind, entertain, and enjoy warm summer days without ever leaving home. You don't have to fight for a chair at a crowded community pool or pay country club dues. It's private, convenient, and let's be honest—pretty fun. For potential buyers, that lifestyle factor is a big draw.

A beautiful in-ground pool can increase your home's appeal, especially when it's paired with a patio, deck, or outdoor kitchen. It turns your yard into an entertainer's dream. And beyond the visual appeal, pools offer a great way to stay active, relax, or just enjoy some peace and quiet after a long day. Of course, the value a pool adds can depend on your location, the quality of the installation, and how desirable pools are in your market—but when done well, it can absolutely give your home a boost.

• NEED MORE ADVICE?

If you're thinking about buying a home with a pool or considering adding one to your current home, I'd be happy to chat with you about whether it's the right move and what kind of value it could add. Every situation is unique, and I'm here to help you evaluate whether a pool is a smart investment for your home and lifestyle.

Feel free to reach out with any questions—I'm here to help!

Heather Couture, REALTOR®
MKB, REALTORS
3801 Electric Road
Roanoke, VA 24018
Cell: 540.520.4011
heather@coutureproperties.com