Buying a home with a pool? Read this first!

Blog posted On July 03, 2019

Summer is in full swing and if you’ve spent any time waiting in line or shelling out fees to use a community pool, you may be day dreaming about having a pool of your own.  Buying a home with a pool could mean endless summer fun and even a higher resale value when it’s time to move.  It could also be a potential pitfall if you don’t do your due diligence or properly maintain the pool.  Realtor.com contributor Sally Herigstad compiled this list of crucial lessons she learned when buying a home with a pool seven years ago.  Take note!

Renovating a pool is expensive.

When a home has been unoccupied and a pool untended to for months or even years, renovation is costly.  Getting an existing pool up and running again can cost up to $10,000.  In some cases, you may be able to drain dirty water, but with a fiberglass pool, draining the water completely may cause the shell to shift.  If that’s the case, you will have to actually clean brackish water, which can take weeks, even with the help of costly gadgets like pool cleaning robots.  

Pools require monthly maintenance, even in the off months.

Like any other plumbing or electric system in your home, pools require monthly maintenance and occasional repairs.  Even during colder winter months when the pool is unusable, you’ll still have to keep up with cleaning and balancing chemicals. 

Get a pool inspection first.

If you are buying a home with a questionable pool, you can hire a specialized pool inspector to inspect the property before you purchase.  Get an idea of how much it will cost to repair the pool initially and how much you will need to spend on ongoing maintenance.  Then you can determine whether it’s a smart buy or a money pit. 

Some pools can’t be saved.

Sometimes, no matter how much you are willing to spend, a pool may be too damaged to repair and require a complete overhaul to be rebuilt. 

Whether you are buying a home with a pool to entertain your kids or interested in the peace and quiet of a solo float, a pool could be a rewarding addition to any home.  Before you buy a home with a pool, get a pool inspection, make sure it’s in usable condition, and if it’s not, estimate how much it will cost to repair.  Planning ahead now, means many blissful days enjoying your pool later. 

Sources: Realtor.com