What to Know About Buying a House with a Pool

If you have started your search in buying a house, odds are you have created a “must haves” list and/or a “wish list.” This is a great way to go into the process knowing what matters to you the most and what you consider to be pro’s and con’s to a property when you tour it. These must haves and wish lists probably include a certain amount of bedroom and bathrooms, maybe a fireplace, an open floor plan, and for some people, something they consider is whether or not they want a house with a pool. 

To Swim or Not to Swim

When it comes to owning a home with a pool, there are so many benefits depending on your personal life style or needs. However, there are many logistical things to consider before making that decision, including cost, safety, and upkeep. If you are on the fence about whether or not you want to buy a house with a pool or install one on a property you already own, consider these factors to help guide your decision!

1. Great for Entertaining
   If you live in a warmer climate and you love to entertain, a pool can almost guarantee your house will be the hotspot for your friends and family! 
2. Increased Utility Bills
   A pool requires energy to operate the various pumps and filtration system, not to mention the actual water needed to fill it. The pool pump alone can add an increase of around $300 a year, and filling the pool can affect your water bill upwards of $150 each time. 
3. Good for your Health
   Having your own pool can be great for both your mental and physical health, which overall, drives up your quality of life! Swimming regularly is great for cardiovascular health, endurance, flexibility, and more, while providing yourself with a tranquil place for you to relax outdoors, doing wonders for your mental state. 
4. Insurance Premiums will be Higher
   You should check with your insurance policy to see what a pool will do to your liability coverage, as it will likely raise your premiums due to the risk factor. Beyond the pool itself, be aware of any add-ons like diving boards or slides, as many policies exclude these entirely. 
5. Higher Risk for Children
   Unfortunately, swimming pools are the leading cause of injury related deaths in young children. Because of this, there are several precautions that should be taken if you choose to own a home with a pool including installing safety fences, locking the gate to the pool when you are not attending to it, and always being aware of any children that are on the property. In fact, because of the risks, different communities and towns have specific zoning laws when it comes to pools, so be sure to make yourself aware of those codes for your neighborhood. 
6. Might Raise your Property Value
   Properties with a pool in areas with predominantly warmer climates tend to raise in value and can greatly raise your resale value. However, this is not the case for those homes in areas that have longer and colder winters. While potential home buyers in the south might consider a pool to be a “must have” for their future house, a resident in the mid-west might consider it a con due to the hassle of winterizing and having fewer warm months to enjoy the benefits of their own pool.