Last Updated on January 1, 2023
On the surface, who would not want a pool? They are fun, a great way to get exercise, perfect for parties, and the best way to relax on a hot day. When buying a home, having a pool may be on your wishlist, but before you buy, take a closer look at what pool ownership involves. You want to consider all factors before diving in head first.
Buying a Home With a Pool: The Pros and Cons
Pros of Having a Pool
- Social Benefits: Having a pool is a great backdrop for parties and playdates. Kids love pools and when you throw in some toys and floaties, kids can spend an entire day in the water. Pools are fun for adults too as you invite friends over for barbecues, parties, and other social gatherings. Your pool will be a social hotspot, especially if there aren’t many pools in the neighborhood.
- Good For Your Health: Swimming is a great exercise. It is low-impact and great for all ages. You can support and maintain overall physical health with regular swimming. And it is convenient when you don’t have to trek to the gym to do this. A pool is also a great way to relax at the end of the day or on a hot
- A Good Look: A properly designed and the placed pool looks great and can bring the house and yard together perfectly. With the right design and ornaments, a pool can give your house and yard a special look.
As great as a pool is, there are some potential downsides you want to consider before buying a house that has one.
Cons of Having a Pool
- High Maintenance: A pool can look great, but it takes a lot of effort to keep it that way. To keep the water clean and safe, you need a regular maintenance and cleaning schedule which can be laborious. There are also high maintenance costs associated with having a pool. Energy use and costs will go up as a result of running a pump all the time and a heater if you want a heated pool.
- Safety issues: Pools come with great safety risks, especially when children and pets are involved. Most cities have codes regarding pool safety that you will need to keep up with. Safety protocols such as covers and a fence are necessary to reduce risks. Families that have young children may want to stick clear of a house with a pool or consider the additional costs of keeping it safe.
- Extra Insurance: the risks associated with a pool will cause your insurance premiums to go up as well. Most pool owners choose liability coverage and add an umbrella policy to the homeowner’s coverage. Even with safety procedures and equipment in place, you should plan on insurance costs increasing with pool ownership.
Conclusion
There is a lot of fun to be had with a pool and it will certainly look tempting as you look for a home. Pools are also a big responsibility and it is important to consider all factors before making a decision to buy a home with a pool.
