Why You Should Never Buy A House With A Pool
Imagine, if you will, a luxurious oasis right in your backyard: the sun dancing on cerulean waters, the cool splash as you dive in, the laughter of kids playing Marco Polo.
Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? That’s the dream of owning a house with a pool. It’s tantalizing, glamorous, even aspirational. The idea of poolside parties, BBQs, or simply a tranquil evening dip right at your fingertips can be incredibly appealing.
Well, I hate to break it to you, but the reality of owning a pool is far from this blissful panorama. What many of us don’t realize is that pool ownership isn’t just about fun in the sun—it comes with a tidal wave of responsibilities, costs, and headaches that could have you second-guessing your fantasy.
Despite its undeniable appeal, the drawbacks might just make you consider a property sans-pool. Let’s take a look at said drawbacks below.
10 reasons why you shouldn’t buy a house with a pool
1. Maintenance is a full-time job
Owning a pool is like adopting a pet. It demands constant attention, care, and feeding. It’s not just about keeping the water crystal clear. You’ll also need to balance chemicals, vacuum the pool floor, scrub the walls, and empty the filters.
Plus, you have to be on guard for algae and other unwelcome invaders. Just think about that for a second: it’s not a one-and-done deal but an ongoing commitment. You’re pretty much signing up for a second job.
2. Running costs can drain your wallet
Apart from the initial investment, running a pool can be incredibly expensive. We’re talking heating, chemicals, cleaning supplies, water, electricity, and of course, repairs. Don’t even get me started on the price of pool accessories like covers, slides, and diving boards. It’s an endless money pit.
3. Safety concerns are no joke
When it comes to having a pool, especially with little ones or furry friends around, safety is a paramount concern. It’s not just about setting some ground rules—it involves installing physical barriers and alarms to prevent accidents.
The risks associated with unsupervised access to a pool cannot be understated. Drowning accidents are unfortunately common, and they can happen in the blink of an eye.
As a pool owner, you’re obligated to ensure that your pool area is secure at all times. This often means installing a self-closing, self-latching gate around the pool, covering the pool when it’s not in use, and installing pool alarms that can alert you when someone enters the water.
Even with these safety measures in place, there’s the constant vigilance required when the pool is in use. Pools can be deep and slippery, and accidents can still occur even with supervision.
Then there’s the liability aspect to consider—if an accident were to happen in your pool, you could be held legally responsible.
4. Insurance premiums can go through the roof
Owning a pool can hike up your homeowner’s insurance due to the increase in potential liability. As already stated, accidents can happen, and insurance companies know this. Therefore, you’re likely to see a significant jump in your premiums.
5. Resale can be a tough swim
Contrary to popular belief, having a pool doesn’t necessarily boost your home’s value. In fact, it can be a deterrent for potential buyers who don’t want the responsibility or costs associated with maintaining a pool.
And if you’re in a region where pools are not the norm, you could be swimming upstream when it’s time to sell.
6. It’s not an all-season joyride
Unless you’re in an always sunny, tropical location, your pool is going to sit unused for a significant portion of the year. So, you’re paying year-round for a pleasure that is seasonal at best.
7. Environmental impact is real
Maintaining a pool uses a lot of water, not to mention the chemicals that end up in our water systems. It’s worth considering the environmental footprint of a pool and whether that aligns with your green living goals.
8. It takes up precious real estate
Pools take up a huge chunk of your backyard space, leaving less room for other outdoor activities or gardening. Imagine what else you could do with that space if you didn’t have a big body of water hogging the limelight.
9. Suddenly, you’re everyone’s best friend
Once word gets out that you’ve got a pool, be prepared for a steady stream of friends, family, neighbors, and sometimes, even strangers looking for a cool spot to beat the heat. Managing this influx can be stressful and demanding, especially when it comes to pool safety and maintenance.
10. Wildlife thinks it’s their watering hole
In the eyes of local fauna, your pool might just seem like a perfect pond. From birds, squirrels, and frogs to the occasional errant bear (depending on where you are in the world), you’d be surprised at what might take a liking to your pool.
Not only can this result in unwanted mess, but also damage to your pool and its equipment. Plus, dealing with a critter crisis is hardly how you want to spend your Sunday morning.
Final thoughts
After considering all of the points above, has the dream of a pool in your backyard started to resemble a watery nightmare?
There’s no shame in taking a step back and reevaluating. After all, there’s a lot to consider before diving into the deep end of pool ownership. With so many variables—financial, practical, environmental, and even social—you might want to sit this one out.
There’s no rule that says paradise must include a pool. Why not redirect those resources to a home cinema, a gourmet kitchen, or hey, even a superbly stocked wine cellar?
And if your heart is still set on having a pool, why not consider a less permanent alternative – an inflatable pool? They offer the delight of a dip without most of the headaches that come with owning a permanent one.
Inflatable pools are easy to set up, pack away when not in use, and are much more affordable. They come in a variety of sizes to suit your yard and your needs, from small kiddie pools to larger ones that can accommodate adults too.