In states like Florida, California, and Arizona, a house with a swimming pool is in demand. In fact, these properties are 7.7% more valuable when they are put on the market. In colder climates such as Minnesota, a swimming pool adds no real value to a property. A pool may increase the aesthetic appearance of a home and have health benefits because it is primarily used for aquatic exercises. But these are not the only things that you need to consider when buying a home with a swimming pool.
Maintenance
From general cleaning to checking the high-pressure piston water pump, maintenance can be a nightmare. Pools require chemicals, cleaning, and repair. Eventually, you’d have to drain all that water to get into the bottom of the pool and clean every area. To do this, you will need to hire a professional. You cannot allow a swimming pool to remain unkempt because the pH levels can get imbalanced, and problems such as algae and bacteria can cause serious health problems.
Utility Bills
Certainly, having a swimming pool means that your utility bills will be higher. Homeowners have to pay an additional $300 a year for the electricity that powers the water pump, which controls the filtration system. That cost is not even reflecting the increase in the water bill. Filling up a swimming pool can cost somewhere between $60 and $120 to fill a standard, 15,000- to 30,000-gallon pool.
Accidents
According to Parents Magazine, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths in children one to four years old and is the second-leading cause in kids aged one to five years old. If you have kids, you need to take extra security precautions when buying a house with a pool. You can install a fence around the pool, put locks on the doors that lead to the pool, set ground rules for the family when using the pool, and teach your kids how to swim.
Community
You need to check your community’s zoning rules with regard to installing a swimming pool. Most communities require that homeowners put up a fence or gate around the perimeter of the pool. This is to prevent strangers from walking accidentally off the street and into the pool. This especially happens at night.
Insurance
There are high incidences of injuries involved when one owns a swimming pool, so a homeowner may be required to increase the liability coverage of their home insurance. This means that you’ll have to pay a higher annual premium. Installing a slide or a diving board can increase the insurance liability, too, so most homeowners prefer not to have those.
Although swimming pools are cheaper now, you should think twice before having one constructed or buying a home with it. The cost of maintenance alone should be enough to make you stop and rethink your decision. If you are going to buy a new property, weigh the pros and cons of the amenities. Make sure that they add value to the property and that they won’t cost much to maintain and repair.
