5 Things to Consider when Buying a House with a Pool
When you’re out house hunting, you may find yourself tempted by a house that boasts an outdoor pool. While a pool can be a luxurious feature, there are a few things to consider before investing in such a property. The following are five things that you should keep in mind when buying a house with a pool:
- You’ll be liable for pool-related accidents
You will be liable for any injuries or even deaths that occur in or around your pool. Because of this, you’ll have to take extra precautions that this doesn’t happen. For example you will want to make sure there’s an adult nearby at all times when someone is using the pool. You will also want to ensure a fence be built around the pool. Just keep in mind that even if someone climbs the fence and is hurt in your pool, you may still be liable as the pool owner.
- Your homeowner’s insurance may go up
It is a known fact that pools add to the liability of your property. Because of this, your insurance company will likely increase your homeowner’s insurance rate.
- You will have to pay for regular maintenance
Pools don’t take care of themselves. They require a lot of maintenance. Not only will you have to clean the pool regularly, you’ll have to manage the water’s chemical balance. You’ll also need to change the water-filtration devices regularly as well as pay to heat the pool. While you can save some money by doing these things yourself, most people end up hiring a pool cleaning service. You may also have to repair and replace various parts, like the heater or pump, as they wear out over time.
- You will need to make sure the pool is in good condition
The last thing you’ll want to do is buy a house with a broken down pool. When you have a home inspection done, you’ll want to ensure the inspector has experience inspecting pools. You’ll also want to have the pool, heater, pumps, railing, ladders and liner carefully inspected. The inspector should also look for any potential safety issues.
- A pool could make reselling the house difficult
Just because a pool is a luxury feature does not mean it will make the home more valuable and easier to sell. As excited as you might be about the idea of owning your own pool, keep in mind that other buyers may not feel the same way. In fact, many buyers consider the previously listed things as reasoning not to invest in such a house.
If you’re thinking about buying a house that has a pool, then be sure to consider these five things.
