Written by: David Elver of Realtor.ca
Between soaring summer temperatures and record heat waves becoming more common in nearly every part of Canada, who hasn’t dreamed about having a big, beautiful pool right in their own backyard?
But while a pool can be a private oasis during those hot summer days, if you’re considering buying a home with one, there are a few things you may want to think about before you dive in.
Consider your family’s lifestyle before buying a home with a pool
The first question to ask yourself: is owning a pool a good fit for your lifestyle?
If you take extended vacations every summer, or spend your evenings and weekends taking the kids to softball practice, you might not use a pool often enough for it to be worth the time and expense. But if your family loves nothing more than spending warm summer days relaxing in the backyard, having one to splash around in might make for a perfect fit.
What size, type and style do you need?
Next, decide if the pool that’s already there is the right size, style, and type for your family.
For example, is the existing one large enough for your family and friends? Is it the shape you want? Is it located in the right part of the yard? Does it have a traditional chlorine sanitization system, and would you prefer a saltwater pool for easier maintenance and fewer harsh chemicals?
In most cases, it costs more to replace an existing pool than to build a new one. So if the existing pool isn’t big enough, isn’t the right type or doesn’t have the features you want, it may make more sense to buy a home without a pool and have a new one installed instead—or to continue searching.
What condition is the pool in?
It’s also a good idea to find out everything you can about the condition of the pool. Is it in good shape? Are there any cracks or big-ticket repairs that need to be fixed in the next two, five, or 10 years? How many years does the it have left?
If the pool is above-ground, the condition and longevity may not be as important, because it’s usually much easier to remove, repair or replace an above-ground pool than an in-ground model. But if it is a permanent, in-ground feature of the home, it’s almost certainly worth taking a little extra time to find out exactly what state it’s in before you make any final decisions.
According to O’Donnell, some problems, like rust or damage underneath the liner, can also be hard for anyone but an expert to spot. So if you aren’t sure what condition the pool is in, you may want to hire an inspector to take a closer look.
A pool inspection would be in addition to your home inspection—they’re separate professions. In fact, don’t be surprised if your home inspector includes a disclaimer that states they’re not liable if there ends up being any damage to the pool.
What costs come with having a pool?
Unfortunately, all the fun and freedom of owning a pool doesn’t come cheap.
Between cleaning, maintenance and repairs, the cost of opening and closing your pool each year, the inevitable bump in your homeowner’s insurance premiums, and all the equipment and accessories you’ll need to buy, owning a pool can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars a year.
Monthly costs can also vary considerably depending on the type of sanitization system the pool uses. While saltwater pools generally cost more upfront to install, for instance, they’re also usually much cheaper and easier to clean and maintain than a chlorinated pool.
On the plus side, while market trends vary and not every buyer wants a pool, it can boost your home’s curb appeal when marketed properly. This is especially true if you live in an area with long, hot summers.
Consider how much time (and money) you’ll need to invest
The other big factor to keep in mind is how much time you’ll have to spend maintaining your pool instead of simply enjoying it.
On average, most homeowners can expect to spend between a few hours a month to several hours a week depending on their pool’s size, condition and features.
Of course, when it comes to owning a pool, safety is always No. 1.
As the homeowner, you’re liable for any incidents that occur in or around your pool. It’s up to you to do everything you can to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“If you have children or pets, an automatic pool cover is essential,” Hoffman says. A manual, crank-operated cover can also be an effective (and less expensive) alternative. But just remember that manual covers usually take two people to operate safely, and many homeowners don’t relish the idea of hand-cranking their cover open and shut before and after every use.
“Pools also generally need to be in a fully fenced and gated yard,” Hoffman adds. While the regulations can vary from one province, municipality or even district to another, having a fence around your pool is always a good idea, and many jurisdictions make it mandatory for both in-ground and even most above-ground pools to be fully enclosed to reduce the chance of accidents.
Alarms, motion sensors and cameras can also all help keep those in and around the pool safe. The precise regulations, requirements and restrictions can be different for each province and municipality.
In terms of maintenance, safety also means knowing when you can do it yourself, and when to call in the professionals.
