As the weather warms, buyers will find an increasing number of homes with swimming pools coming onto the market.
Spring and summer are the ideal times to sell a home with a pool, and many buyers will get caught up in the exciting prospect of enjoying hot days in their own pool.
For many, it’s on their bucket list of home features.
However, there are a lot of responsibilities that come with owning a pool, and occasionally buyers underestimate the time and effort required.
As a consequence, this expensive asset can slowly deteriorate and eventually become a financial liability.
So, before you leap at a house because it has a pool, there are several questions you should ask other members of your household. You need to find out if they really want a pool, whether they’d use it regularly and contribute to its maintenance.
Here are a few issues to consider:
- Pool Health: When paying the deposit to buy the home, include a contingency citing the need for the swimming pool to pass expert inspection. You do not want a property with a leaky pool. That could cost tens of thousands to fix. If you’re buying at auction, get the pool checked out before it goes under the hammer.
- Fencing Factor: Every state has its laws about pool fencing. Ensure the fencing at your target property meets local regulations, or you’ll find yourself at risk of a nasty penalty and a bill to make it compliant.
- Your Lifestyle: Are you at home enough to warrant buying a home with a pool. If your weekends are all about taking the kids to cricket or the beach, going to spin class and so on, how much use will you get from a pool?
- Age of Children: The idea of having a pool is fantastic if you have a young family. But consider the age of your children. If they’re between 11-14, they’ll soon be hanging out with their friends at the beach. For them, a swimming pool will be an afterthought.
- The Entertainer: It’s not just about the kids, of course. If you love entertaining, then a pool can be a fantastic feature for family and friends. On the other hand, if inviting people over isn’t your thing, then a pool may feel like an extravagance.
- Vital Statistics: If you’re still convinced you want a pool, then ask whether the pool is sufficient for your needs. Will it be big enough for all the family? And if you want a pool to keep fit, does it have water jets for training? Or will you only be able to do five strokes before needing to turn?
- Work Factor: What’s the commitment to keep the pool clean? Saltwater pools are easier to maintain and have fewer harsh chemicals. But will your family want the more traditional chlorine sanitisation system?
- False Economy: Swimming pools are more expensive to rip out and replace than build from scratch. So, don’t put your money down on a property in the belief that replacing or extending the existing pool will be your cheapest option.