Are you planning on moving into a home with a pool? During the summer a home with a pool to swim in is a great escape from the heat, but having a pool isn’t entirely fun and games. There are some things you need to think about first.
Pool Inspection
We have talked before about getting a home inspection, but it is also important to get the pool inspected prior to purchasing a new home. If the pool has a leak, plumbing or pump problems those can end up being expensive to fix. While it may not be a deal breaker for your new home, it is always best to know beforehand. You can either find out if your home inspector also does pool inspections, or you can ask a local pool store if they inspect pools or can recommend someone who can.
Pool Safety
Safety is always important in a home with a pool, especially if you have children. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 137 children drowned in pools during the summer of 2012. You will want to make sure that your pool is gated and locked in a way that your child can not enter without your supervision. If the pool is not fenced, make sure that doors and gates to your yard have high latches out of a child’s reach.
Keeping your pool clean is an important part of owning a home with a pool.
Pool Maintenance
You have some options when it comes to maintaining your pool. You can hire a service to take care of your pool, you can do it yourself, or a mix of the two. To find a pool service you can either ask your neighbors or the previous home owner who they used, or you can go to your local pool store. They will often be able to provide you with recommendations for reliable services.
If you are taking care of the pool yourself, you will need the following items:
- Pool skimmer or net
- Pool brush
- Chlorine floater
- Water test kit
- Chemicals
Get to know your local pool store. They can help you get everything you need. Many pool stores will also test your water for free for you, or help you read your water testing kit and tell you what chemicals you need to purchase and how to use them.
Costs
Costs can vary widely, and there are always costs to having a pool. Your electric bill will be higher to run the pool pump and filter. Your water bill will be higher when you need to refill the pool or replace water lost due to leaks or evaporation. Your home insurance prices may be greater if your home has a swimming pool. If you are using a pool service you will have to budget for that. Pool chemicals can also get expensive, especially if your pool gets out of balance. While you can budget for some of these costs, it will take a full year to understand the costs as they can change by season.
Once you have figured out all the practicalities of owning a home with a pool you can get back to why you wanted a home with a pool in the first place, enjoying yourself! After you have the inspection, figure out the safety issues, maintenance and costs, take a break and reward yourself. It is a hot summer, so go for a nice swim, or just lounge by your new pool confident in that you now know what to expect.
Do you have a home with a pool? Any words of wisdom for someone getting a new home with a pool? Let us know in comments.
