Buying a Home With a Pool? Read This First!!!

Speaking from personal experience, owning a pool is awesome! From pool parties on the 4th of July to taking a relaxing dip after a long day at work, the benefits of owning a pool are great and mostly obvious. That being said, owning a pool is a huge responsibility. Today we go over some information to know when you are considering purchasing a house with a pool, or even purchasing a house and installing your own!

1. Maintenance - Owning a pool is an ongoing investment. Weekly cleanings and proper chemical treatment are only the beginning of what is required. Filter replacements, possible resurfacing, heaters and other equipment are just some of the costs that are not generally thought of up front. You should have a "rainy day" fund for your pool. On average, you will likely spend a shade under $200 a month to maintain your pool.

2. Safety - This should go without saying but safety should be your number one priority. If purchasing a home with a pool, speak with the owner and make sure it meets all federal and state regulations. According to the CDC, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death between the ages of 1-4. In addition to the above, your HOA may also have certain regulations for your pool. Make sure you check all your boxes to avoid catastrophe. 

3. Insurance - "Attractive nuisance". That is what insurance companies call pools. If someone falls and hurts themselves at your pool, you could be held liable, regardless of the situation. Make sure you understand the liability rules and requirements as they vary based on location, type of pool, and other factors!!

In Conclusion....

We would never think of purchasing a home with a pool without asking questions such as: How old is the pool? How old is the liner? Has there ever been a leak? How old is all the equipment? Are there warranties? The list goes on. A wise realtor will have an entire questionnaire for a home owner to fill out for their buyers in regards to the pool. Whether or not a pool is a good investment or adds value to your property is a debate for another blog. Generally, it is preference. While a pool can add financial value depending on a number of factors, the main factor is YOU. What you value is what you value!!!