SWIMMING POOLS

Increasingly, swimming pools aren't just a feature of the luxury real estate market. In some housing markets, a swimming pool is now an expected feature even in middle-class neighborhoods. Broad "for-all-ages" appeal is what recreational pools are all about. If you like to entertain, this may be the pool of your dreams—or at least your kids' dreams. Nationally, in-ground swimming pools average about $85,000 to install, and it's easy to spend $100,000 or more on an upper-end poured concrete pool. But for active families, this can be an excellent investment, both for current enjoyment and for long-term property value.