This trend isn’t new, there are some older buildings with nice outdoor pools such as The Bentley, Polo Club, The Summit, and the Cosmopolitan. Condos amenities in general waned in the 90’s because developers thought buyers did not want to pay for their added cost in the purchase price as well as the monthly maintenance fee. But today’s new generation of condo buyers consider outdoor amenities, especially an outdoor pool, a key feature.
Casa, at 33 Charles St by Cresford Developments, has a swimming pool on the fifth-floor podium with a landscaped terrace, double-sided fireplace, dining pavilion and alfresco bar. Their fitness center also overlooks the outdoor amenities. Freed developments has built a rooftop, salt water, infinity pool at 550 Wellington for a boutique hotel experience and will also be building a 140 ft rooftop pool on top of the Thompson Residence. This will make it the longest rooftop pool in the world.
Luna, at Concord Cityplace has an outdoor pool on the 9th floor podium surrounded by tanning areas and a zen garden. At Camrost-Felcorp’s The Tides in Mystic Pointe, Etobicoke, the outdoor pool sits on the condo’s podium along with a yoga and aerobics studio. The pool is surrounded by a landscaped deck, barbecue area, whirlpool, running track and sun decks. Great Gulf Homes have taken outdoor pools over the top, One Bloor will have two outdoor pools and be surrounded by 19,000 square feet of outdoor space. One of the prettiest options I’ve seen which is already complete is the salt water pool on the rooftop of Verve which was built by Tridel.
An outdoor pool is a desirable selling feature for a condominium and is a sought after amenity. Buyers want to be able to invite friends over to the pool to cool off on a hot day. Outdoor pools and other amenities are considered substitutes for a backyard. Whether a resident has a studio or a penthouse, an outdoor pool is a key selling feature for today’s buyer.