An increasing number of Singaporeans are turning to small swimming pools — the latest trend in home design — as a fast way to increase the value of their property.
According to The Straits Times, pool contractors have seen business double in the last three years, due to new designs that enable home owners with semi-detached properties or smaller bungalows to install water features.
Wilson Tan, an estate agent at HSR Property Group, said the addition of a swimming pool can increase the value of a house by five percent, depending on the type of property and its location.
Among the more popular water features are outdoor jacuzzis, small, irregularly shaped swimming pools and lap pools.
Mr. Johnny Koh, who owns O’Nizer Pool Specialists, a construction firm specialising in water features, has seen a 50 percent increase in business over the past two years. He now gets an average of six projects per month, compared to only four per month in 2008. He has as many as 17 projects in good months.
“People are no longer worried about the cost of installing a pool, as they can offset the investment with a higher rental or selling price,” said Mr. Koh.
Greater variety in terms of design has also attracted home owners who had thought that their property could not accommodate a pool, he added.
Lap pools are narrow and long installations allowing one person to swim to and fro. They can be as small as 2m wide and 9m long.
In Singapore, a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) permit is required to build a residential pool. Contractors said they have seen a substantial increase in the number of private home owners who approach them for such projects.
Depending on its size, the cost of a pool with a filtration system and a pump begins from around $15,000. However, prices are higher for more elaborate designs, such as the use of jets or marble for jacuzzi features.