To Splash or Not to Splash? Pros and Cons of Buying a House With a Pool

We are less than 100 days away from summer. Summer 2019 officially begins on June 21st at 11:54 am.

We are hoping for warmer temps before then, however. As warm weather is just around the corner, it’s time to start planning your summer. If you are in the market for a new house, you might be looking into buying a house with a pool.

Owning a pool comes with a lot of social power, but with great power comes great responsibility.

Keep reading for some of the pros and cons of buying a house with a pool.

Pros of Buying a House with a Pool

Some of the pros of owning a house with a pool are pretty obvious, but we bet there are some you hadn’t even thought of. While owning a house with a pool would obviously be fun, did you know it could also improve your health?

Pool Parties!

The social benefits of owning a house with a pool are one of the top reasons people purchase one. It’s easy to envision yourself lounging by the pool with your favorite book and your best friends.

If you have children or plan on having children, they will be some of the most popular kids in school. There are few birthday parties better than pool parties. Your kids will make all sorts of friends by having classmates and neighbors over to use the pool.

The fun isn’t limited to kids either. Adults will find themselves increasingly social by throwing pool parties after the kids go to bed, especially if the pool has a bar.

Your kids will be constantly entertained by a swimming pool, which allows you to relax while they play. If you live somewhere that only allows for swimming a few months of the year, your pool time will be even more meaningful. 

Improved Health

Did you know buying a house with a pool can improve your physical and mental health?

If you are a swimmer, you can cancel your gym membership. Having your own pool means unlimited access to your own home gym.

If you are not much of a swimmer for athletic purposes, don’t worry. The beauty of swimming is that it can be done by people with just about any ability level. Just wading around in your pool is a form of exercise that is particularly kind to your joints.

Water aerobics is a great low-impact form of exercise that you can now do in your own backyard.

If exercise in any form really isn’t your cup of tea, you can still benefit from having a pool when it comes to your mental health.

Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool, going for a dip, throwing pool parties to make your neighbors jealous, or just watching your kids splash around, you will find that owning a house with a pool brings you happiness. It is all about the little things in life and having a pool is an easy way to improve your quality of life.

Improved Aesthetics

Having a pool is not only good for you but it’s also good for your home.

Having a pool allows for a whole new level of exterior design. A house with a pool opens up the door for you to tie together your interior and exterior design in a unique way.

You will have another area to add your personal touch. Houses with pools have unique curb appeal and are often the envy of the neighborhood.

Cons of Buying a House with a Pool

While you are no doubt set on buying a house with a pool at this point, we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves. Like most pleasures in life, buying a house with a pool does come with some cons.

Keep reading for some of the less glamorous aspects of owning and maintaining a pool to keep in mind as well. 

Increased Costs and Maintenance

There is no question whether owning a pool is a lot of work. Unfortunately, some people don’t realize just how much extra work it really is.

If you aren’t lucky enough to have a pool boy, you’ll be doing most of the work yourself.

The good news is if you are buying a house with a pool a lot of the initial work has already been done for you. Installing and designing a pool will cost you a pretty penny.

If the house you buy already has a completed pool, you don’t have to worry about that.  You will still be responsible for the continued upkeep and maintenance for your pool.

You will need to purchase pool chemicals and maintain them at appropriate levels in the pool. Your utility bills will increase. Your pool will also need maintenance and improvements over time. Read more about resurfacing your pool here.

Safety and Insurance

One of the biggest cons to owning a pool is that pools are inherently dangerous. If you own a pool, you will most likely have to maintain a locking fence as well.

Pools are dangerous and you will need to supervise your kids while they swim. Running, diving and drowning are all real concerns for parents who own a pool.

You will also need to purchase additional insurance coverage if you buy a house with a pool. You will need to purchase an umbrella insurance policy on top of your homeowner’s policy as having a pool is a major liability.

Kids and trespassers might try to sneak onto your property to use your pool without permission and you could still be liable if they are injured. 

The Choice is Yours

While there are many pros and cons to buying a house with a pool, the decision is really up to you.

You will have to decide whether the increased costs and maintenance responsibilities are worth the social and health benefits that your pool will bring you. Owning a house with a pool is a lot of work but it is also a lot of fun. 

If you decide to purchase a house with a pool or are just looking for more information, check out this post for tips on how to maintain your pool.