Buying a home with a pool will definitely give you some bragging rights. Everyone loves a pool. But, there is more to a pool than fun, as they are a big investment and responsibility. When looking for a home, a swimming pool may be on your wishlist, but there are pros and cons to consider before you jump in.
The Pros
Having a pool can make your house the envy of the neighborhood. In addition to this, there are many benefits to getting a house with a pool.
Great For Mind and Body: Swimming is a beneficial, low-impact exercise that is great for getting in and staying in shape. It is also relaxing and a great way to unwind after a stressful day. It is also a refreshing way to start your day.
Perfect For Socializing: Sharing your pool is half the fun as a pool is the perfect setting for parties, events, and just hanging out with friends and family. Pools are great for playdates for the kids and summer barbecues.
A Good Look: A pool that is designed to match the home always looks good. A well-designed pool can serve as a great backdrop for added dimension.
Added Value: Along with added value to your social life a pool adds value to the home itself. In warmer areas, where pools are in high demand, having one can increase the value of the home should you decide to sell.
The Cons
As great as a pool is, it is worth considering the disadvantages of having one as well. Before you buy a home with a pool, it is important to consider all aspects.
Maintenance: Pools look great when you see them in ads and on-screen. But this takes effort. Maintaining a pool is a continuous job. You can hire a company to do this for around $500 a month or do it yourself. You will need to know the ins and outs of pool maintenance and cleaning which includes knowledge of chemicals, pH levels, and how to properly clean filters.
Expensive Repairs: Continuous maintenance and cleaning are costly, and so are repairs. You want a vinyl lining to prevent mold growth and these can cost close to $200. Replacing one that is damaged costs around $1700. Leaks are also expensive to fix and can be as much as $1000. These also require professionals, which adds to the cost in terms of labor.
Safety Risks: Drawing is a major concern with pools, so if you have children and pets, this is something you must consider. The pool may not come with necessary safety features like covers and pool fences, and you will need to get these. Additionally, diving boards are a hazard as is dirty water if you fail to keep up with maintenance and cleaning.
Insurance Increase: insurance premiums will go up with a pool because of the added risks. Installing a safety fence can help reduce premiums but your overall costs will go up.
Higher Utilities: The cost of utilities will also go up. Power is needed to run the filters and if the pool is heated, there are additional energy requirements. A pump alone can cost $300 a year to run and a heater can be as much as $600 a month, depending on how often it is used.
Extra Inspection: A home inspector is already required for buying a home, but if it has a pool, you need to hire another one specifically for the pool inspection. You’ll want to hire a certified licensed pool inspector to do a comprehensive inspection which is an additional cost and step you need to consider.
Buying a home with a pool is a preference and there are many advantages that come with owning a pool. But, there are downsides that have a significant effect on your life and need to be considered. A pool can be tempting and glamorous, but make sure you think about all aspects before buying a home with a pool.
