With a pool, today we’re gonna tell you everything you need to know before you purchase that house. Luckily for us, Travis is also a pool service contractor, so he is going to tell us everything that we need to know if you’re thinking about buying a house with a pool.
People always want to buy a house with a pool, but it’s not always the right fit for everybody. It seems very exciting at first, and it is exciting, don’t get me wrong, but there are a lot of things, especially for first-time homebuyers, that they don’t think about. There are a lot of costs that come with buying a home with a pool, and that’s something you have to prepare your client for.
Alright, so let’s talk about some of those costs. Monthly maintenance of a pool typically ranges between $75 and $125, depending on if the pool is screened or not. This is a monthly cost, and the service usually includes cleaning the pool once a week.
The theory behind this is that you don’t have to do anything with your pool, as the service provider will take care of everything, allowing you to enjoy the pool on a hot day.
If you decide to take care of it yourself, you’ll need to get a water sample tested at a store and purchase the necessary chemicals. The store will usually provide guidance on what to add based on the water sample.
There are also costs associated with pool equipment. The pool pump, filter, and heater can collectively be in the thousands of dollars if replacement is needed. The average lifespan for a pump is 3 to 10 years, for a filter it’s about 10 to 20 years, and for a heater, it’s around 15 years.
If you’re buying a house with a pool and have never had one before, the general home inspector will check the pool and equipment but is mainly there to inspect the home. They will usually take notes on any issues with the pool, such as leaks or old equipment. A licensed pool contractor can then do a more detailed inspection.
A separate pool inspection typically costs between $200 and $400. This inspection will identify any issues and provide solutions.
One common issue with older pools is pitting, where the surface shows dark spots. This can be caused by staining, etching, or calcium buildup. If the pool’s surface is 15 years or older, it likely needs to be replaced or refinished. New technologies, like Pebble Sheen or Pebble Tec, offer alternative resurfacing options.
Refinishing a pool with basic materials like Marcite costs around $7,000 to $10,000. Pebble Tec is a more expensive option, costing around $15,000. If the house you are considering has issues with the pool surface, budgeting for resurfacing is essential.
During the home-buying process, clients may request repairs, but sellers usually won’t make them. Budgeting for these repairs is key.
A pool company or service company can provide a detailed rundown of the pool’s condition. A pool service contractor will inspect the pool and equipment to ensure everything is working properly.
A salt chlorination system, often seen as an upgrade, helps reduce the need for frequent purchases of chlorine or bleach. It converts salt into a sanitizing agent, similar to chlorine. Salt systems are also less harsh on skin and eyes.
Converting a chlorine system to a salt system typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500. This cost is reasonable, especially if it’s something people are looking for and it’s gentler on skin and eyes.
A pool that appears green typically indicates a lack of proper maintenance. This often results from a chemical imbalance in chlorine and pH levels. Phosphates and algae can also contribute to the green color.
If you see a slightly green pool, it’s important to ensure all equipment is functioning correctly before closing on the house.
Top 3 Things to Consider
If you’re thinking about buying a house with a pool, consider the following:
- Lifestyle: Ensure it’s something you and your family will really enjoy and use.
- Pool inspection: Go beyond the general home inspection and have a pool contractor inspect the pool equipment before closing.
- Maintenance: Weekly maintenance is crucial for keeping the pool clean and preventing it from turning green.
This information should help anyone considering buying a house with a pool. It’s a great investment if properly used and maintained.