Thinking of Buying a Home with a Pool?

Whether you’re house hunting with a pool in mind—or considering adding one to your backyard oasis—it’s important to look beyond the surface. Pools can bring a lot of enjoyment, especially in the warmer months, but they also come with added responsibilities and costs.

Here are a few key considerations to help you make a smart, informed decision:

• 💧 Ongoing Maintenance: Pools require weekly upkeep, including cleaning, pH testing, and regular inspections. If you plan to hire a pool service, be sure to get estimates in advance so you’re budgeting for the true monthly cost.

• 🛠️ Repairs Happen: Leaks, pump issues, and liner damage aren’t uncommon—and repair costs can add up quickly. For example, detecting and fixing a leak averages around $700 or more.

• 🚧 Safety First: If you’re buying a home without a safety fence or alarms already installed, you’ll likely need to add them—especially if children or guests frequent your space. Fencing costs vary by material and can run $15 to $40 per foot. Alarms for exterior doors are another smart layer of protection.

• 🛡️ Insurance Implications: A backyard pool could require increased liability coverage on your homeowners insurance—or even an umbrella policy—to protect against injury-related claims. Be sure to talk to your insurance provider about what’s recommended.

• 🏡 Resale Considerations: While pools can be a personal dream, they don’t always appeal to future buyers. In neighborhoods where pools are common, a well-maintained one might boost your home’s value slightly. But in areas where they’re rare, a pool could be seen as more of a maintenance burden than a luxury.

Bottom line: A pool can be a great lifestyle feature—but it’s wise to weigh the ongoing costs, safety needs, and long-term impact on resale before diving in³.

A pool brings season after season of fun!  If a pool is on your wish list, let’s talk!