How a Swimming Pool Can Save You Money If You Have Arthritis

If you suffer from arthritis, installing a swimming pool may be able to save you money on your taxes. But you’ll need a doctor’s prescription.

“A taxpayer with severe arthritis was allowed to deduct the cost of installing a swimming pool, since it was prescribed by a doctor for hydrotherapy,” says Trent Porter, a Certified Financial Planner and CEO of Priority Financial Partners.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy

You’ll need to start by talking to your doctor about whether you’re a candidate for hydrotherapy and if it would be beneficial to you.

With hydrotherapy, arthritis patients do exercises in a warm-water pool. The buoyancy of the water makes movements easier. The warm water relaxes joints, allowing people with arthritis to exercise more easily, according to the National Institute of Health. That’s because the water supports a person’s weight, and it is a low-impact exercise.

Costs of a Swimming Pool

In-ground pools cost $80 to $250 per square foot for a total average cost of $25,000 up to $100,000. Vinyl and fiberglass pools are less expensive than concrete pools. The average size of an in-ground pool is 300 to 400 square feet, with deep ends that are six to seven feet deep. A heater for an in-ground pool costs $1,600 to $5,200.

There are smaller costs to consider as well. When installing a swimming pool, you’ll also have to consider the cost of a building permit, which costs $100 to $300, and the cost of monthly pool maintenance, which costs $80 to $150 and includes cleaning the pool, chemicals, and repairs.

Financial Impact of a Swimming Pool

To make a swimming pool more affordable, you might be able to take a tax deduction for installing one if you plan to use it for hydrotherapy.

Having an in-ground swimming pool boosts your home’s value, but you may have to pay higher property taxes and homeowners insurance.

An inexpensive above-ground pool is another option. They cost $1,800 to $5,000, but an above-ground pool also lowers the value of your house. An above-ground pool also doesn’t last as long as an in-ground pool. So, weigh your options carefully when choosing a pool.

The Bottom Line

For at-home hydrotherapy, you may wish to install a swimming pool. If the therapy is prescribed by a doctor, you may be able to deduct the costs of installing a swimming pool from your taxes.

An in-ground pool will also increase your home’s value, although you may need to pay more in property taxes and homeowners’ insurance. An above-ground pool is a cheaper alternative, but it will decrease the value of your home.