Northeast Florida Real Estate> Real Estate Buyer

Buying A Home with a Pool or should you Build It Yourself?

Have you always dreamed of owning a home with a sparkling pool? If you’re in the market for a new home and considering those with pools as a first choice, it’s important to understand what you are getting into. Pools are desirable but they do require extra work on the homeowner’s part. Are you willing to pay the price in terms of both money as well as labor?

Pools Add Less Value Than They Cost

Depending on the market, you will likely pay more for a home with a pool than for a comparable pool without one. While a pool adds value to a home, it rarely earns out its initial cost. This means that as a homebuyer, you can get a terrific deal. For example, if the home seller paid $40,000 to $60,000 to have a pool installed, he may only get an additional $15,000 to $30,000 on his selling price. So you always get a better value if you buy a home with a pool then if you build it yourself.

Is A Pool Really Right For You?

Before you buy a home with a pool, consider your family situation. Do you have toddlers? How will you keep them from falling into the pool? Does the pool have adequate fencing and other safety features? If not, what will it take to secure the pool?

Someone Has To Take Care Of The Pool

Next, consider the maintenance that a pool requires. Are you willing to spend several hours once or twice a week cleaning the pool? Are you comfortable using chemicals to main the sparkling waters and PH levels? Are you willing to scoop out the leaves and bugs that find their way into the water? If not, are you willing to pay a pool service to do it for you?In addition to the cost of chemicals and pool service, you may also have heating costs. Expect to pay more each month in utility bills.

What To Look For In A Pool Service

Pool service involves more than simply showing up each week and cleaning the pool. If you cover the pool during the winter, you will need help getting it ready in the winter as well as preparing it for summer use once winter is over.

For an additional fee, a “closing service” will drain the water below the freezing level, remove water from the plumbing lines, remove ladders and the diving board, and attach a cover.

When summer arrives, the “opening service” involves removing the cover, a chlorine shock, reinstalling the pump, reinstalling the filter, and reinstalling ladders and the diving board.

A Pool May Mean Higher Insurance Cost

In addition, you may have additional homeowner’s insurance costs. Check with your insurer to see if premiums are higher if the home has a pool. You’ll want to be sure that you are adequately covered for both damage to the pool as well as liability. The pool typically falls under the “other structures” section of your homeowner’s insurance policy. Do you have enough coverage to repair the pool in the event of a covered loss?

The liability coverage is the section of your policy that protects your liability if someone is injured on your property. Consider increasing your liability limits or purchasing an umbrella policy to protect yourself.

A Difficult Decision

Buying a home with a pool does come with a price. If you are willing to pay the price, you can enjoy your pool for years to come.

To find your pool home please call us at 904-273-0125, 800-999-0245 or fill out the form below: