Should I Build a Pool or Get into Boating?
When it comes to family leisure, both boating and installing a pool offer avenues for relaxation and enjoyment. But which option suits your family best? There are plenty of components to consider when deciding between boating and building a pool. In this post, we’ll help you discover whether your family should get into boating or build a pool. If you’re wondering, “Is owning a pool or boat worth it?” read on to find your best fit with these five considerations:
#1: Cost to Build a Pool vs. Get Boating
According to Forbes and Home Guide, installing an in-ground pool in New Jersey can cost between $28,000 and $55,000, depending on size, shape, and labor. Maintenance costs average around $1,450 annually.
On the other hand, the costs of boating vary depending on the boating method. Purchasing a boat involves upfront costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to six figures, while boat rentals and Boating Club memberships offer more affordable options.
Boat rentals and Boating Club memberships are both great ways to enjoy the boating experience without the price and hassles that come with owning a boat.
The price of a Boating Club membership can be very affordable and allows boaters to choose a membership program that suits their lifestyle, budget, and availability. For example, pricing for Bridge Marina Boating Club ranges from $1,828 to $5,988.
Boat rentals are another affordable option. At Bridge Marina on Lake Hopatcong and in Highlands, boat rental rates start at just $199 for a half-day, full-day, or build-your-own reservation.
But boaters who are looking to have a boat all to themselves that is ready whenever they’d like it with no reservations needed may be happiest purchasing a boat. However, it is important to consider the responsibilities and fees that come after the purchase, such as maintenance and repairs, cleaning, gas, and services including winterization and recommission.
Wondering how much money you would need to set aside to own a boat or install a pool? Take a look at our boating cost calculator to see if boat ownership is right for you and River Pools’ handy pool cost calculator.
#2: Time and Investment
Building a pool typically takes around 3 months, including planning, construction, and regulatory approvals, according to Borst Landscape and Design. Similarly, finding the right boat may require time, especially if customization is desired.
Boating Club members and boat rental guests enjoy a hassle-free experience as the rental or club operation typically handles the responsibilities of maintenance, repairs, and more.
Boat owners, on the other hand, have to invest in maintenance and repairs, renting a dock slip, fueling up with the right kind of gas, cleaning, launching, winterization, and more.
Likewise, pool owners should also take care of their pools with routine cleaning and maintenance to lower the chance of needing costly repairs.
#3: How Often You’ll Get to Enjoy Your Pool or Boating
In New Jersey, pools and boating are seasonal activities, but there are still differences in availability between the two.
Pool and boat owners are able to enjoy recreation whenever they want; reservations aren’t needed. But with a shared-use format like Boating Clubs or boat rentals, time must be reserved in advance. Boating Clubs sometimes offer different membership packages, which determine when and for how long members can make a reservation. Potential Boating Club members who can plan ahead and know how many times they’ll be going out or that they prefer boating on weekdays can select the perfect plan for their specific boating needs.
Rental guests are also given options to customize and perfect their experience such as whether they want to go out on a weekday or weekend, and if they want a full-day, half-day, or build-your-own reservation.
#4: Space and Location
Pools have privacy but offer limited swimming space compared to natural water bodies.
Boaters can access expansive waterways through luxury boat rentals, Boating Club, on-water boating lessons, and new and pre-owned boats for sale. Unlike pools, boating offers mobility and grants users a diverse experience in exploring different locations, especially when a Boat Club or rental program offers boating at multiple locations.
#5: Commitment for Building a Pool vs. Boating
Once installed, a pool is a permanent feature of the property (unless the owner spends more time and money to fill it in). Conversely, boat owners have the option to sell or upgrade their boats but will have a lower trade-in or sell value than their initial purchase price.
For water enthusiasts seeking flexibility, Boating Club memberships and boat rentals offer a convenient alternative without long-term commitments. Some Boating Club memberships are renewed annually, so if a Club member decides to take a break from boating, they simply don’t sign up for another year.
Similarly, rental guests have a no-strings-attached approach to boating, where they can boat on and off as they see fit.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
So should I build a pool or get into boating? Each offers its own perks, conveniences, and potential drawbacks. Every family is different, and your choice on whether to build a pool or get into boating depends on your family’s preferences, schedule, lifestyle, and budget.
If boating is the route you choose to take, Bridge Marina offers a wide range of options to suit your specific needs. Whether you opt for a boat rental, Boating Club membership, or purchasing a boat, connect with us today to embark on your boating journey!
Join Bridge Marina Boating Club
Our Boating Club is the smart, simple way to boat without the hassles and additional costs of boat ownership. Bridge Marina Boating Club members have access to a fleet of beautiful Starcraft Marine triple pontoons, Four Winns fiberglass bowriders, and Wellcraft center console fishing boats on Lake Hopatcong and in Highlands, New Jersey.
Members have the ability to choose their membership level and how many times they boat (ranging from five reservations to unlimited!). Plus, the Boating Club offers members reciprocity between both our locations on serene Lake Hopatcong and lively Sandy Hook Bay in Highlands. Learn more about our Boating Club and how it works here!
Rent a Luxury Pontoon Boat
Experience Bridge Marina’s boat rentals on Lake Hopatcong and at the Jersey Shore in Highlands, NJ, aboard a premium triple pontoon Starcraft Marine boat. Our rental boats come fully equipped with plush seating, Bluetooth stereos, changing rooms, bimini tops, swim decks, and more! When you book a boat rental at Bridge Marina, you’re out on the water enjoying a low-cost, low-commitment way to experience boating! Learn more about our rentals here.
Purchase Your Very Own Boat
Bridge Marina is Lake Hopatcong’s top boat dealership. We are proud to be a certified dealer for Four Winns, Starcraft Marine Fiberglass, and Starcraft Marine Pontoon Boats.
Those who are looking to get out on the water many times with little to no planning, visit multiple locations, and have a larger budget may find that boat ownership is the right choice for them.
Our dealership offers a wide array of quality new and pre-owned boats for sale that fit all sorts of different boaters: anglers, watersport lovers, cruisers, and more! Browse our inventory of new and pre-owned boats for sale now!
Get an Estimate for Your Boat
Are you a current boat owner looking to trade-in or sell? We offer a simple, easy solution. Trade-in your boat for a newer model or Boating Club membership and experience boating in a whole new way! Get a Free Trade-in Estimate on your boat here.
About Our Marina
At Bridge Marina, we’re dedicated to helping you kickstart your boating lifestyle and discover your perfect boating fit. Choose between our exclusive Boating Club, luxury boat rentals, pristine new and pre-owned Four Winns fiberglass or Starcraft pontoon boats, and so much more! However you decide to boat with us, our acclaimed team will be there, helping you every step of the way and beyond at our hospitality-focused marina.
Our flagship marina on Lake Hopatcong, NJ, sits just north of Brady Bridge in a serene, no-wake zone, mere minutes by water from dining, water sports, expansive open water, and secluded coves for anchoring. You can also enjoy our luxury boat rentals or Boating Club at our sister location at Baker’s Marina on the Bay at the Jersey Shore in Highlands, NJ!
Need Help?
Fill out this quick contact form, or call us at (973) 663-1976, and we’ll help you take your next steps into starting a new boating experience!
We look forward to connecting with you!