Backyard Pool or Timeshare? What’s the Better Long-Term Fit for Your Lifestyle and Budget?

Thinking about making a big investment to bring more fun, relaxation, and connection into your life? Two options often come up: a timeshare in a vacation hotspot or a backyard fiberglass pool. Both offer luxury and hold promise for ultimate relaxation. 

 

While we’re in the fiberglass pool business and definitely have a favorite, this guide is not about pitching you—it’s about helping you decide what truly fits your life. Read on as we break down lifestyle differences, ongoing costs, and long-term satisfaction to help you make the best choice for your family.

 

Lifestyle Considerations: Fixed Getaways or Flexible Fun?

 

Timeshare Life: Travel Plans Required

A timeshare offers a great taste of the good life. It’s dedicated vacation accommodations in a beautiful setting without the full responsibility of ownership, but that doesn’t mean it’s carefree.

 

Most timeshare owners get access only during a specific week or must use a points system to “book” stays well in advance. Changing your dates, switching to another resort, or trading points can be complicated or not permitted.

 

Even if you’re free to travel almost any time, a timeshare demands a lot of logistical planning. You’ll need to arrange flights, pack for the trip, coordinate with the resort’s schedule, and navigate availability. It likely will not be as enjoyable for those who prefer spontaneity. 

 

Backyard Pool Life: On-Demand Enjoyment

With an inground fiberglass pool right outside your door, you control the experience. Morning swims, sunset soaks, spontaneous Saturday gatherings—it’s all on your terms, no reservations required.

 

Unlike a timeshare where amenities like the pool, hot tub, or grills are often shared with other guests, a backyard pool means everything’s yours. No getting up at the crack of dawn to get your favorite poolside lounge chair. No waiting your turn at the grill. No quiet hours, check-in times, or posted rules. Just full access to your space, any time the weather’s right.

 

You can host poolside dinners, grill with friends while the kids swim, or sneak in a peaceful evening float in total privacy. Add smart automation, lights, water features, or a built-in bar—it’s your backyard, and it’s built around how you relax.

 

Financial Considerations: What Will You Spend—and What Will You Get?

 

Timeshares: Ongoing Fees and Limited Returns

The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) 2024 State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry report shows that the average upfront price for a timeshare interval exceeded $24,000 in 2023. That may be notably less than many fiberglass pool installations, but that’s only the beginning.

 

Every year, timeshare owners must pay mandatory maintenance fees. According to the ARDA’s report, the average timeshare maintenance fee increased 8% in 2023 to $1,260 per weekly interval. These fees typically only increase over time, and properties require them whether or not you use your timeshare. Add in special assessments for repairs or upgrades, travel expenses, and financing costs—often featuring much higher interest rates than traditional mortgages—and you could be spending thousands annually just to keep the right to access a single week of vacation.

 

According to Vacation Ownership Consultants, many timeshare owners find themselves unpleasantly surprised by hidden or unexpected costs such as exchange fees, booking charges, and transfer penalties. And when you’re ready to walk away? Timeshares are not an investment you can expect to appreciate in value. They depreciate quickly and can be difficult to unload, hurting their resale value.

 

Pools: Today’s Home Upgrade with Long-Lasting Value

Yes, installing a backyard swimming pool is a significant investment. Fiberglass pool costs for many new projects can range from $40,000–$120,000 or more depending on size, design, location, and optional add-ons such as a premium pool deck or expansive outdoor living space. But an inground pool is also a lasting investment. A well-maintained pool becomes part of your home and an asset that enhances your property’s value and appeal.

 

Unlike porous concrete or vinyl pools that demand replacement liners or occasional resealing, fiberglass pools have minimal ongoing maintenance needs. The smooth, non-porous surface resists algae, meaning you’ll spend less money on chemicals and less time on cleaning efforts. There’s no need for costly resurfacing or liner replacements, which can save homeowners thousands over the life of the pool. Plus, there are no annual fees or dues. 

 

When it one day becomes time to sell your home, many buyers view a pool as a premium feature—especially one with thoughtful design considerations and is part of a beautifully landscaped outdoor living space. According to a Bankrate article, a pool can add 5% to 8% in value to a home on average.

 

Freedom and Control: Who’s Really in Charge?

 

With a Timeshare…

Because you don’t fully own the property with a timeshare, your ability to use it is often shaped by the resort’s schedules, rules, and availability. Passing it down to family isn’t always straightforward, and if you ever decide to walk away, exiting the contract can be complicated—sometimes requiring legal help.

 

With a Backyard Pool…

You are the sole decision-maker. There’s no management company telling you when or how you can use your backyard retreat. You can swim at sunrise or entertain at midnight. Upgrade it. Add on. Enjoy it 365 days a year or whenever the weather cooperates. An inground fiberglass pool in your backyard is truly and entirely yours, ready whenever you’ve got an itch to scratch—or splash.

 

Final Thoughts: Your Lifestyle, Your Choice

Timeshares and fiberglass pools both offer a taste of luxury—but only one becomes a seamless part of your everyday life.

 

If you love to travel, don’t mind planning months ahead, and are comfortable with annual fees, a timeshare might check the right boxes. But if you’re looking for something that brings more joy to your day-to-day—a way to unwind without packing a bag or booking a week off—a backyard fiberglass pool gives you more freedom, more flexibility, and more value over time.

 

Ready to Make a Splash?

Use our Pool Cost Calculator to explore pricing, or check out our Pool Selector Tool to find a design that fits your life. When you’re ready, connect with a local independent Thursday Pools dealer—no pressure, just helpful info to get you started.