Shopping for a new home can be an exciting time in your life, full of possibilities and hope. But if you’re looking for a place with a swimming pool, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before diving in head first.
Whether you’ve dreamed of floating away the summer days lounging by the pool or hosting backyard barbecues around it, the reality of owning a swimming pool is something you should take into account when making your decision to buy.
The good news is you don’t have to go it alone during your home-buying process. We’ll provide all the information you need about buying a home with a pool—from initial considerations to seasonal maintenance—so that you can make an informed decision that’s right for you. Let’s dive into all that you should know about getting and keeping an outdoor swimming pool.
The Esthetics of Home Swimming Pools
If you’ve been considering buying a home with a swimming pool, the first thing you’ll want to think about is how it will enhance the look and feel of your home. A well-designed pool can be an attractive centerpiece to your outdoor space, and it’s an investment that usually adds value to your property.
Swimming pools also give you an easy way to create an inviting atmosphere in your backyard. You can dress it up with lounge chairs and umbrellas, or make it into a fun oasis with slides, fountains, and toys. However you choose to decorate your pool area, it’s sure to become a much-loved part of your home.
At the same time, some upkeep comes with owning a pool. If you’re worried about how much maintenance a pool will add to your life, it may be worth doing some research on different types of pools and their upkeep requirements. Hiring regular maintenance can help keep the look of your swimming pool in top-notch condition for years to come.
Advantages of Buying a Home With a Pool
If you’re looking for the perfect home and dreaming of your backyard pool, there are some advantages to consider. First, having a swimming pool in your backyard can allow you to relax and stay cool in the summer months. You’ll never have to worry about going far away for a swim again. Additionally, you can also get physical activity at home by taking a few laps around your pool.
Another pro is that owning a house with a swimming pool in Vegas adds value to your home. Depending on the size and design of your pool, an attractive pool can add charm and character, as well as increase the resale value of your property. Homeowners should also keep in mind that pools may reduce insurance costs because they are considered by many insurance companies as an added safety feature.
Finally, owning a swimming pool will give you more entertainment options for hosting family or friends for social gatherings or just fun afternoons spent lounging around at home. You’ll always be ready for any kind of gathering!
Disadvantages of Owning a Pool
While having a swimming pool can be great fun, there are some disadvantages that you should consider before buying a home with one.
Maintenance
Who wants to deal with skimming leaves and cleaning out the filter? Not to mention all the chemicals you have to buy and add to your pool. Regular maintenance is something you can’t ignore, or else you’ll risk having an unappetizing, slime-covered pool in your backyard.
Cost
Think of all the things that you’re going to need for a swimming pool: Heating systems, pumps, filters, and automated covers can add up when it comes to installing and maintaining it. Even if the pool itself isn’t expensive (which it most likely won’t be), all these other extras will cost more than you think. There’s also insurance to consider—most homeowners’ policies don’t cover pools, so buying extra coverage might be necessary.
Safety Concerns
With all the fun of having a swimming pool comes additional safety risks for kids and pets. It’s important to get safety supplies like fence gates, alarms, or covers for your pool. Having these in place will help reduce the chances of an accident occurring if someone (particularly children) gets too close or falls in.
Cost Considerations for Maintenance & Upkeep
You’ve probably heard that owning a swimming pool is expensive and requires a lot of work. This is true but it’s not the only cost you should consider when buying a home with a pool.
Here are some of the cost considerations you’ll want to take into account before taking the plunge:
1.Installation/Construction: Depending on the size and design of your pool, installation can run anywhere between $5,000 – $50,000 for a new pool, if you’re doing it yourself and not hiring a contractor.
2.Running costs: These include electricity costs for running a pump, water costs for filling it up, and chemical balance costs for keeping the water clean and safe to swim in. Calculate these figures before making your purchase so you know exactly where you stand financially.
3.Repairs & maintenance: Pool equipment such as pumps and skimmers need to be checked for wear and tear throughout the year. Also, plan for potential repairs or replacements in case something breaks down it’s better to be prepared than caught off-guard with costly repairs!
Bottom line: Owning a swimming pool can be costly but there are ways to make sure you stay on top of things financially. Do your research before committing to your purchase, so that you know what costs to expect down the line when maintaining your pool.
Special Considerations for Property Insurance & Taxes
Aside from the costs associated with the construction and upkeep of your pool, you also need to consider property insurance and taxes. Most standard home insurance policies do not cover pools, so you’ll need to purchase additional coverage if you want your pool to be protected if a disaster occurs. Additionally, the presence of a pool may increase the annual property taxes of your home, so check with your local municipality to find out exactly how it will be affected.
Finally, remember that a swimming pool in your home is not just an aesthetic addition—it’s an investment and one that requires due diligence to maintain. If you’re serious about taking the plunge and adding a pool to your property, make sure you fully understand all the financial implications involved before moving forward.
By being informed and taking the time to consider all of your options, you can rest assured that you’ll make the best decision for yourself, your home, and your financial future.
Selecting & Installing Safety Devices
When selecting and installing safety measures such as fences and covers, it’s important to remember to keep up with local safety laws, standards, and regulations. Even if the pool is located in your backyard, you will need to adhere to any regulations set forth by the municipality or local zoning board.
Pool covers are a great way to both improve safety and reduce water and chemical costs. Having an automated cover that covers the pool when not in use can dramatically cut down on evaporation and chemical balance costs. It can also act as a security measure, in that it prevents any unsupervised access to the pool.
Similarly, safety fences can act as another layer of protection, discouraging people from entering the pool area without supervision. Check with your local regulations to make sure that the fence meets the legal requirements and that it will be able to keep the pool area secure.
In addition to fences and covers, alarms, gates, and supervision are essential parts of pool safety. Constant supervision is the best way to prevent any incidents from occurring, and alarms and gates can help add an extra layer of protection for when you’re unable to supervise.
By taking the time to research safety requirements, and implementing them in your pool area, you can help ensure an enjoyable experience for you, your family, and any visitors.
No matter what option you choose for your pool, it’s important to consider all the potential costs, safety regulations, and upkeep
Conclusion
Whether or not a swimming pool is right for you is a personal decision. When making your decision, you should consider the costs and benefits, as well as the potential risks involved in owning a pool. If you do decide to purchase a home with a pool, it is important to understand the pool regulations and laws in your area and to make sure you have the right type of insurance coverage to protect your investment.
Ultimately, a home with a pool can be a great asset, but it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before committing. By doing your research ahead of time and being prepared, you can help ensure that your home-buying experience with a swimming pool will be an enjoyable and rewarding one.
