If you’re house hunting in the summer heat, you may be tempted by houses with pools. Few things say “summer” quite like a pool day, but is buying a house with a pool worth it?
It’s important to know what you’re getting into so that you can determine if a house with a pool is right for you. Here’s what you can expect.
Expect to spend a lot of time or money maintaining your pool
The average pool owner spends between $1,000 to $4,000 each year on maintenance. These costs go toward chemicals, equipment replacement, water costs, heating, repairs, and service calls.
You can do some of your own maintenance, but that can be time consuming.
It comes with safety risks
According to CSPC, an average of 379 pool or spa related drownings happen each year in children under 15. Additionally, diving board injuries are common.
You might pay more for insurance
You may need extra insurance to protect yourself from liability in the event of a pool-related injury or death.
You may have some unwanted guests
Pool owners often report that wild animals such as ducks and raccoons get in their pools and sometimes, unfortunately, don’t make it out. Additionally, pests like mosquitos and other insects are drawn to pool water.
You may want to get a pool inspection before buying a home with one, adding to your upfront costs
A standard home inspection won’t thoroughly cover a pool, so you may want to hire a pool inspector before you buy. A pool inspector could find cracks, faulty equipment, and other issues you may want to address with the seller prior to buying the home.
The takeaway
Pools can be fantastic for the summer months, but they do come with additional costs and risks. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before buying a house with a pool.
