Who hasn’t fantasized about owning a swimming pool? The ability to take a dip whenever you want and dry out in the sun sounds like the perfect way to spend this upcoming summer.
It can be a lot of work to install a pool in the backyard of a home, however. So much work, in fact, that many families don’t take the task on. It might be easier, in fact, to consider buying a house with a pool already installed.
If you’re house hunting for a home with a pool included, what should you keep an eye out for? How can you be sure you’ll be pleased at the end of the day? Keep reading and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
1. Pools Require a Lot of Maintenance
If you’re thinking of becoming a pool owner, it’s important that you keep in mind that being a pool owner means doing a lot of extra work around the house. Pools can be amazing, but they do require a lot of maintenance to remain amazing.
You’ll need to keep the chemical balance of your pool right and keep all the surfaces surrounding the water clean and nice. Failure to keep the quality of your pool area up could result in a wealth of problems, including harmful bacteria growing in your own backyard.
That could very literally put the health of your family at risk if you were to go for a swim. Proper care is a must if you’re planning on getting a house with a pool.
Luckily, there are a lot of pool services out there who will take care of your pool for you in exchange for a fee. If you can afford it, you can sit back and enjoy the water without having to worry about all the hard work.
2. Budget for Utilities
When looking at the houses with pools that you might want to purchase, make sure the price is right for you. That means considering not just the asking price for the house, but all the associated costs the pool might bring over time.
In addition to the cost of maintenance, that also means you’ll need to consider an increase in your utility bills. Homeowners often see as much as a $300 increase in their electricity each year thanks to their pool’s pump.
The cost of filling up a pool with water will also raise a home’s water bills as well.
Overall, these costs don’t add up to much when compared to the overall price tag of a home you’re considering. However, it’s important to remember that there will be a few more bills down the line that you’ll need to pay.
If you keep that in mind when evaluating which home is right for you, you’ll be in a better position later.
3. Hire a Proper Home Inspector
If you’re looking at new homes with pools, what else do you need to keep in mind?
A home inspection is usually one of the last steps you’ll move through when closing on a home. An inspector’s job is to walk through a property and ensure that everything is as it should be. You don’t want any major surprises after you move into your new home, especially not ones that might prove expensive.
When hiring an inspector for your new home, you’ll want to ensure you hire someone who has experience checking out pools.
An inspector should be able to check out the entire pool, which includes the pump, liner, ladders, and heater. In addition, they should check structures such as a diving board or any areas for cracks and leaks.
Hiring an inspector who doesn’t know how to properly check for the safety and security of a pool system is a mistake that should be avoided. Not only might it cost you later on, but it can also put your entire family at risk. You don’t want your kids or spouse swimming in a pool that isn’t safe, after all.
4. Talk to Your Insurance Company
There’s one other cost that your new pool might bring that you weren’t expecting. That cost? An increase in the premiums you’ll pay for your home owner’s insurance.
Pools and pool use bring about a fair share of risk. It’s easy to see someone get injured while engaging in pool-related activities. An insurance company will likely expect you to increase your coverage in order to cover this new risk.
That may be another monthly cost that’s difficult to fit into your budget. There’s a chance, depending on your existing coverage, that your premiums won’t need to rise. However, it’s worth talking to your insurance company before you make a final decision.
5. Ensure There Is Proper Fencing
If you’re purchasing a home with a pool, it’s essential that the surrounding of the pool stands up to local legal requirements. Most communities have a set of rules regarding fences and backyard pools.
These standards often change, and it’s important for you to make sure the home is compliant before signing any paperwork. If you fail to check, you might find that the cost of installing fencing will fall on your own shoulders instead of the original home owner’s.
Typically, laws and regulations stipulate if a fence is required, and how high it must be.
Tips for Buying a House With a Pool
If you’re thinking of buying a house with a pool, it’s essential that you read the above tips and advice. A pool in your backyard can greatly increase your quality of life, but it can also require a lot of work and money.
Need more advice for the home? Keep scrolling our blog for more info.