Should You Buy a Home with a Pool?

Buying a home can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider. How many bedrooms will you need? How old is the house? What are the neighbors like? When you throw an in-ground pool into the picture, the number of questions multiply.

There are three types of home buyers:

Buyers who will not buy a house without a pool
Buyers who will not buy a house with a pool and
Buyers who never thought about a pool one way or the other

I was in the last group when I purchased my home. My house had everything I needed and the pool was just an added bonus or headache. If you find yourself faced with a similar dilemma there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

1) How safe is the pool?
If you have small children or curious pets, having a pool may not be for you. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4. Other things to consider are whether or not there is a safety gate and the cost of installing one if there isn’t. How far away from the home is the pool? If the pool is visible from the street, it may attract uninvited children.

2) Do you have time to properly care for and maintain a pool?
Maintaining a pool is a weekly and sometimes daily duty. You must make sure the water chemicals are properly balanced and that your filter is running properly. Without proper maintenance, you can face any number of problems from algae to plaster problems. When it comes to pools, prevention really is the best medicine. Pool repairs can be costly and improper chemical problems are self-perpetuating which will only cost you more money in the end.

3) Do you want to spend money on your pool?
Even if you decide to care for your own pool, the cost of chemicals and the higher electricity and water bills can be surprising. Before purchasing a home with a pool, be sure to ask the seller to show you how much the utility bills cost especially during summer months. Pools can be very inviting, but the monthly costs often go over-looked. Also, having an in-ground pool will add to your insurance premiums.

4) Does the pool add value to the home?
Check to see how many other homes in the neighborhood have pools. If your neighbors have pools than the pool is probably of added value. If this home has the only pool in the neighborhood, chances are other buyers won’t be very interested in your property if you intend to resell. Another determining factor is region. In warmer states, pools are more likely to add value to the home. However, in colder states the pool may not add any value or even detract from the value of a home.

If you decide to purchase a home with a pool don’t dive in head first. Have the pool and equipment inspected by a pool professional. Some home inspectors also inspect pools but most do not. So you will have to purchase two inspections unless the inspection is provided by the seller. Pools can be great to cool off on a hot summer day, to offer exercise, or just to add decoration to your home. If you have your heart set on owning a pool, definitely opt to buy a home that already has a pool. If you have a contractor build a new one, you will never see a dollar for dollar return on the investment.