What to Know About Buying a Property with a Pool: From Maintenance Schedules to Safety Considerations

Owning a home with a swimming pool can turn every sunny day into a vacation day, offering endless entertainment and relaxation. However, pools come with their own set of maintenance responsibilities and safety considerations that potential homeowners must understand before diving into a purchase. This comprehensive guide will explore what you need to know when buying a property with a pool, covering maintenance schedules, cost implications, safety issues, and more.

Pool maintenance is crucial for keeping the water clean, clear, and chemically balanced. Regular tasks include skimming debris off the surface, vacuuming the bottom, and brushing the walls to prevent algae buildup. Depending on the environment and usage, these tasks might need to be done as often as daily or weekly.

Maintaining the correct chemical balance in your pool is essential for the safety of its users and the longevity of the pool equipment. This involves regularly testing and adjusting the pH, chlorine, and other chemical levels. Improperly balanced pools can harbor bacteria and cause skin irritation or more serious health issues.

The filter and pump are the heart of the pool’s circulation system, keeping the water moving and filtering out debris. These systems need regular checking and maintenance, including cleaning filters and ensuring the pump is operating correctly. Failure to maintain these can lead to costly repairs and replacements.

In colder climates, pools require winterizing to protect them from freezing temperatures, which involves draining water from the plumbing, adding winter chemicals, and covering the pool. Similarly, a pool opening process in the spring ensures everything is clean, running properly, and chemically balanced before use.

Owning a pool incurs regular expenses beyond just the initial purchase. These include higher water and energy bills, chemical costs, and occasional repairs. It’s also wise to budget for professional pool maintenance services if you prefer not to handle everything yourself.

Having a pool impacts your homeowner’s insurance. Pools increase liability risk, which might raise insurance premiums. Ensure that you have adequate liability coverage in case of accidents. Discussing these details with your insurance agent before making a purchase is advisable.

Safety should be a top priority for pool owners. Check that the pool you're considering has up-to-date safety features such as fencing, self-closing gates, and anti-entrapment drain covers. These features are not just important for the safety of children and pets, but they are also often required by local regulations.

Always supervise children and non-swimmers around the pool. Implementing strict rules about pool use, including no diving or swimming alone, can prevent accidents. Consider taking CPR and basic water rescue courses to be prepared for emergencies.

Before buying a home with a pool, verify that the pool complies with local building codes and safety regulations. Non-compliance can be a significant expense, as you will need to pay for necessary upgrades or, in worst-case scenarios, fines.

Research the history of the pool to ensure that it was built with the proper permits and meets local codes. Unpermitted work can lead to legal headaches and additional costs down the line.

While a pool can increase the resale value of your home in warm climates or upscale neighborhoods, it might be less appealing in areas with shorter swimming seasons or where pools are not common. Consider your local market and how a pool fits into the landscape when assessing the property’s potential resale value.

Beyond the financial and maintenance aspects, consider the lifestyle benefits of owning a pool. Pools offer a great way to relax, exercise, and entertain guests. If these activities align with your lifestyle, the additional upkeep and costs can be well worth the investment.

Buying a home with a pool is an exciting prospect, but it comes with a set of responsibilities that you should be prepared to handle. Understanding the maintenance needs, safety considerations, legal issues, and financial implications will help you make an informed decision. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy the myriad benefits of pool ownership while ensuring it adds value and joy to your home life.

Susan Mohr and Bradley Mohr are a dynamic real estate duo with over 27 years of experience in the Pasadena real estate market. They have earned a reputation as one of the top-producing teams in the area and were recently honored as one of the top 10 teams nationwide with a large, internationally known real estate company. Contact Susan and Bradley today to experience the difference of working with one of the top real estate teams in Pasadena.