The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home With a Pool
If you live somewhere with hot weather, the idea of having a swimming pool at home is alluring. You can cool off every day, get exercise and invite friends over for pool parties. However, there are drawbacks to owning a pool as well, and it’s important to understand them.
In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of buying a home with an in-ground pool.
Pros
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If you have children, they may have friends over frequently to swim and hang out together at your pool. This can make it easier to keep an eye on your kids, and you’ll know they’re getting good exercise. Plus, you’ll be your neighborhood’s cool parents. You’ll also be able to throw your own pool parties for your friends.
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Whether you’re swimming laps or just playing in your pool, swimming is a workout. All that water resistance means you’ll get a low-impact, full-body exercise. Studies show that exercise isn’t just great for the body, it’s also great for your brain, and swimming is the sort of fun exercise that people enjoy doing frequently.
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A well-kept pool and backyard look great and can create a sort of peaceful oasis for you and your family, whether you’re swimming or reading by the pool.
Cons
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Having a pool may lower the resale value of your house. Perhaps this is why today only 16% of U.S. homes have pools. Research the market and talk with a real estate agent if you’re planning on reselling your home.
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Next, there’s the cost of maintaining a swimming pool. Your energy bill may go up significantly if you warm your pool. You’ll also need to invest in chemicals to keep the chlorine levels right.
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Safety, and liability, are also big concerns. You will need insurance to protect you from financial liability if anyone gets hurt in the pool. You’ll also need to ensure your fence locks, as pools are dangerous for those who can’t swim. For autistic people who wander, drowning is the top cause of death, as they are attracted to water. If you have children, teach them how to swim before you move in, lock the gate to the pool when it’s not in use and supervise kids when they swim.
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Many bugs are drawn to water, especially when it’s hot out. Wild animals may also be attracted to your pool and may carry parasites that can contaminate the water and cause serious illness. Keep up routine maintenance and cleaning.
