Summer is finally here and for many Australian homeowners that means spending endless days keeping cool in their backyard swimming pool.

The backyard swimming pool has become something of an Australian home staple in recent years, with more than one million residences across the country having a pool.

While a pool is a fun and handy home addition for hours of fun in the sun, does it help achieve a higher sale price when you decide to sell your home?

In terms of how a pool helps you achieve a better sale price, the answer depends on various factors including the size of your property, the climate, and the demographics of buyers most likely to buy a home in your suburb.

For many potential homebuyers, a home with a pool is a great lure to keep their children occupied in the hot summer months.

However, the humble backyard pool may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The cost and time needed to maintain a pool can be a deterrent.  The fun of a pool in summer might not be considered worth the endless commitment of months of cleaning, maintaining and monitoring PH levels.

Some prospective buyers may prefer a home which has an ample backyard for their children to play, or to establish a lush garden or veggie patch, or have room for their dog to play. In inner city areas where block sizes are smaller, a covered alfresco area or a small garden might be preferred over a swimming pool.

Whatever a buyer’s personal preference is, the monetary value a backyard pool adds to a home’s sale price is also influenced by factors including its condition, overall presentation and the state of the current property market.

If you have a pool and you are considering selling in the near future, it is advisable to keep an eye on recent sales in your area with and without a pool to get a rough idea on the potential value a pool adds.

You can also contact your local Raine & Horne agent for a free, no-obligation appraisal of your home, or to ask their advice whether installing a swimming pool adds to the value of your property.