
A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, can be a great way to tap into your home's value and make your backyard oasis a reality. You can borrow up to 85% of your home's value, depending on the lender.
With a HELOC, you can use the funds to finance a pool, hot tub, or other outdoor features that will increase your home's value and enhance your quality of life. This can be a smart investment, as a well-designed outdoor space can recoup up to 100% of its cost at resale.
Borrowing with a HELOC can also be more cost-effective than taking out a personal loan or credit card, with interest rates often lower and fees more transparent.
Understanding Pool Costs
The cost of a pool is more than just a hole in the ground. It's a significant investment that requires careful consideration.
You'll need to factor in the cost of the pool itself, which can range from $25,700 for a vinyl-lined pool to $50,000 for a concrete-lined pool, depending on the size and type of pool you choose.
Additional features like a spa, deck, fence, patio, filtration system, and heating can drive up the total cost, potentially reaching up to $100,000.
Annual maintenance costs can range from $3,000 to $5,000, including upkeep, repairs, cleaning, and utilities.
Whether or not a pool raises the value of your home depends on where you live, as it may be considered a standard feature in some areas but a maintenance nightmare and security hazard in others.
Homeowners may only recoup about 43% of the cost of installing an in-ground pool when selling their home.
Pool Financing Options
Financing a pool can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. If you don't have the cash to pay for it upfront, there are several options to consider.
You can explore four ways to finance your new pool: home equity loans, personal loans, credit cards, and financing through a pool supplier.
Home equity loans can be a good option, as they often offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms compared to other financing options.
Personal loans are another option, offering flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates.
If you're looking for a short-term financing solution, credit cards can be an option, but be aware that they often come with higher interest rates and fees.
Financing through a pool supplier can also be a convenient option, as they often offer financing options and flexible repayment terms.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a type of loan that lets you borrow against the equity in your home. You get access to a line of credit that you can use as needed, with a variable interest rate that may change over time.
You can use a HELOC to finance your swimming pool, but it's essential to understand the risks involved. If you don't make your payments, you risk losing your home to foreclosure. HELOCs are also subject to equity limits, so you need to have a significant amount of equity in your home to qualify.
Here are the key points to consider:
- HELOCs offer more flexibility with monthly payments, especially if your pool dealer doesn't offer an all-inclusive package.
- HELOCs are best for homeowners with substantial equity and a desire for more flexibility with their monthly payments.
Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan can be a good option for financing a swimming pool, but it's essential to understand the terms. You get a lump sum of money at a fixed interest rate, with a fixed repayment period. This means your monthly payments will never change.
With a home equity loan, your home is used as collateral, which means you risk foreclosure if you don't make your payments. You're also subject to equity limits, so this option is only suitable for homeowners with significant amounts of home equity.
Here are some key takeaways about home equity loans:
- Home equity loans provide a fixed interest rate and repayment period, giving you predictable monthly payments.
- Using a home equity loan to finance a swimming pool comes with the risk of foreclosure if you don't make payments.
Home equity loans are best for homeowners who have substantial equity in their home and are looking for a fixed payment schedule.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a type of loan that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home.
You can use a HELOC to finance pool construction, and it's similar to a traditional second mortgage, but with more flexible repayment options.
A HELOC is a secured loan, meaning the lender uses your home's equity to determine the amount you can borrow. This amount is determined by taking the home's market value and subtracting what's still owed.
You'll receive a checkbook or credit card to access the money as needed, and you can pay off the loan at your own pace as long as you're making the minimum monthly payments.
A HELOC offers flexible repayment options, which can be a big advantage for borrowers.
Here are some key benefits of a HELOC:
- More flexibility with your monthly payments
- Can be a good option for homeowners with substantial equity
However, keep in mind that a HELOC uses your home as collateral, so you risk foreclosure if you don't make your payments.
Lower Interest Rate
One of the biggest advantages of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is that it often comes with a lower interest rate compared to other borrowing options. This can be a huge cost savings over time, especially if you're using the loan for a large purchase or to consolidate debt.
In fact, a home equity loan generally has a lower rate of interest than you would get by using a credit card or personal loan. This makes it a more attractive option for those who need access to a large amount of cash.
With a lower interest rate, you'll pay less in interest charges over the life of the loan, which can help you save money and achieve your financial goals faster.
Assessing Your Financial Readiness
To assess your financial readiness for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) for a pool, you'll want to consider a few key factors.
Lenders typically look for two years of steady employment, so make sure your job is secure. If you're self-employed, be prepared to provide additional documentation of your income stability.
A healthy credit score is also crucial, with lenders looking for scores of 750+ for the best loan terms. Here's a general guide to credit scores:
You'll also want to manage your debt-to-income ratio, keeping it under 43% and ideally at 36% or less. This means adding up all your monthly debt payments and dividing by your gross monthly income.
Having at least 3-6 months of living expenses saved up as cash reserves is also a good idea, in case you need to handle unexpected costs or changes in your financial situation.
Ways to Finance a Pool
Financing a pool can be a daunting task, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can finance a pool through a dealer loan, which can be a convenient option, but be prepared for higher rates.
If you can't qualify for a personal loan or home equity loan, a dealer loan might be your only choice. You can also consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which offers more flexibility with your monthly payments.
A HELOC allows you to borrow against your home's equity, but keep in mind that you risk foreclosure if you don't make your payments. You'll also be subject to equity limits, so it's only suitable for homeowners with significant equity.
Personal loans are another popular option, offering a fixed interest rate and a fixed repayment period. This means you'll know exactly when you'll become debt-free, and you won't have to put your home on the line if you default.
Here are some key differences between these financing options:
If you have good credit, a personal loan can be a great option. You may even qualify for a fixed interest rate as low as 5 percent, and you'll often have low or no fees.
Key Concepts
Financing a pool can be a significant expense, but there are some key concepts to keep in mind. Labor costs make up a large portion of the total price of installing a pool, and installing it yourself can save you between $6,000 and $10,000.
The cost of a swimming pool varies depending on where you live, your backyard, and local regulations. In the US, there are 10.7 million swimming pools, with 309,000 being public pools.
To finance a pool, personal loans are the most common option. Some companies offer in-house financing, which can be more expensive but more convenient.
The average cost for an above-ground pool is around $8,300, while the baseline for an in-ground pool is roughly $31,000. Here's a breakdown of the costs:
The annual cost of owning a pool can range from $3,000 to $6,000, and maintenance costs between $60 to $90 per hour. The average weekly cost of pool maintenance is between $20 to $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly payment on a $50,000 HELOC?
For a $50,000 HELOC, monthly payments are approximately $384 for interest-only or $457 for principle-and-interest. The exact payment depends on the loan terms and current interest rates.
Sources
- https://www.riverpoolsandspas.com/swimming-pool-financing-guide
- https://www.swimmingpoolloan.com/pool-financing/using-home-equity-for-pool/
- https://www.bankrate.com/loans/home-improvement/swimming-pool/
- https://www.calpool.com/5-best-sources-for-swimming-pool-financing/
- https://inlandempirepoolbuilders.com/6-ways-for-you-to-finance-an-inground-pool/
Featured Images: pexels.com