The smart way to buy a home with a pool

Homes with a backyard pool provide a luxurious way to relax on sunny days, host friends, or play throughout the summer. That’s especially true in the Triangle, where hot, humid summers can last from May to September. If you’re interested in buying a home with a pool, it’s best to approach the purchase fully informed. So, before you dive in fully, make sure you know what to look for first. A little up-front work and research can save you problems down the road.

Seeing a pool in a backyard may spark excitement. Don’t let that overlook any issues that may exist. As you’re looking at the home, be sure to note any issues there may be with the swimming pool, too. Search for things like loose tiles or missing grout, discolored water, cracks, and even low water levels.

Is the pool closed up, and you can’t see what condition it’s in? Request photos so you can look for issues. If the seller doesn’t want to share photos, it may be a red flag. If you’re still interested in the home, the next step can help you provide more answers about the condition of the pool.

A typical home inspection does not include a detailed pool inspection. That’s why you want to hire a professional pool inspector who knows what to look for. A pool inspection will provide you with details about the condition of the pool. It will also show any potential problems that need to be fixed, safety recommendations, and more.

A pool inspection covers an in-depth inspection of the pool’s electrical system, structural integrity, safety features, water chemistry, cleaning equipment, deck and interior surfaces, and more. You’ll walk away with a full understanding of the costs to repair the pool, as well as insights into what regular maintenance might look like.

Pools make summers undeniably fun. But they aren’t free, and they take several costs to keep them running safely. Ask the seller for information on utility bills and maintenance costs, which they may be willing to share, so you know what to expect.

As a pool owner, you’ll take on the responsibility of testing the water, vacuuming the bottom, and adding chemicals to keep the water clean. These costs can add up to over $1,000 per year. You should also budget an additional $3,000 to $5,000 per year for repairs, utilities, and even pool toys. It’s also smart to look for automated timers to curb high power bills.

One of the final things to consider are the safety measures you may need to implement to keep your home and pool safe. North Carolina has strict barrier requirements to follow. Make sure that self-latching devices work, fencing is appropriately installed, and electrical requirements are being followed. You’ll also want to evaluate the age and condition of the equipment, which may need to be replaced.

Finally, when you buy a home with a pool, your homeowner’s insurance must cover the pool. Check with your insurance agent to include what’s known as an “attractive nuisance” doctrine. This addition includes swimming pools and covers personal liability in case of an accident.

In the Triangle, a pool can be a dream come true for summertime. But you need to be prepared for the added costs and the maintenance that may need to go into it to keep it running well. The good news is that a home with a pool can increase the value of your home by over 7 percent. They also remain in high demand in the Triangle area. That means you’ll get a great return while also adding to your outdoor lifestyle in the summertime.

If a pool is in great shape, well-maintained, and suits your family’s needs, it can be a wonderful addition that adds value to your home and your quality of life.