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The Pros and Cons of Buying a House with a Pool

By
Real Estate Agent with House Stories

A pool in your backyard is an attraction that many people desire when searching for a place to call home. However, before deciding that purchasing a house with a pool is the best option for you and your family, there are several things to consider. Pools can be expensive to maintain alone, not to mention the necessary repairs after years of wear and tear. Below we touch on a few different pros and cons of buying a home with a pool.

PRO: Hours of family fun

The swimming pool has been a staple of American family fun for years. From celebrating the end of summer to hosting memorable birthday parties, there are countless memories that can be built simply by owning your very own pool. Whether you and your kids want to practice diving off the side or just float around in the water together, it is all possible with a pool in your backyard.



CON: Additional Safety Concerns

Pools come with a set of risks, one being the potential drowning of small children and pets. If young children are left unattended near the pool area there is always the danger that they could slip and fall into the water or that you may not see them as soon as you turn away. It is important to take precautions such as fencing or pool alarms to ensure that your family is staying safe.

PRO: Selling Feature

Especially over the last year and a half, pools have become a sought-after feature in many homes. With the requirement to stay home as much as possible and the inability to travel, a pool has become a stay-cation feature that many buyers are looking for. A pool can also boost the reselling value of your home as it is one less thing that you need to add when you put your house on the market.

CON: On-going Costs

The biggest downside to owning a home with a pool is all the upkeep and additional costs that come along with it. When buying a house with a pool it is important to be aware of all the costs, from the initial installation to yearly maintenance fees. These can range based on factors like size and shape but may also include chemicals, utilities, filters, heating systems, cleaning supplies, lawn care services or even pest control depending on your area.

PRO: Backyard Appeal

Having a well-built and cared for pool can make for an attractive landscape feature. Not only does a pool feel great to jump into on a hot summer day, but it can also look lovely with the addition of plants, seating areas, outdoor lighting and more.

CON: Repairs

Beyond the ongoing costs of owning a pool, one must consider major repairs that may be necessary. From tears in the liner to cracks in surrounding concrete, to faulty pumps and heating systems, as a pool owner, it is your responsibility to keep up on all the necessary care. Without proper treatment of the equipment or regular upkeep, you may find yourself with more expenses than desired after a few years.

PRO: Great for Hosting

Not only is a pool a great way to entertain your family, it also makes for a great space to host parties, gatherings and more. With a little preparation and some friends, you can host a lovely pool party that will provide plenty of fun memories.

CON: Area Restrictions

Many neighborhoods have restrictions about the types of pools you can build in your backyard. There may be setbacks to consider like not being able to add an attached deck or fence, while others may put limits on the depth of the pool. It is important to consider if your dream pool will fit within a certain area or not, as it could hinder how much you enjoy your backyard space.

There are many pros and cons to owning a pool. The best way to decide what is right for you is to do your research and consider both sides. It is important to know what to expect both financially and practically so before buying, talk with neighbors who have pools in their backyard about the potential downsides so that you can be fully educated on risks before making any decisions.


Image Sources:
https://pixabay.com/photos/villa-rent-bali-property-outdoor-4220677/
https://pixabay.com/photos/family-travel-siblings-love-2368181/

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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Aaron - over the years, I have had clients who mentioned having a pool would be nice but I distinctly remember the first time I learned that a pool was a requirement. It came from buyers relocating to California from out-of-state.   

 

Although pool homes are certainly not uncommon here, I learned that an otherwise ideal property with "room for a pool"  would be eliminated from their home buying shopping list. 

 

It's always good when clearly defined goals for a home purchase are known.  It's even better when there is available inventory of properties for sale that meet that requirement.

Nov 13, 2021 04:56 AM