Pools can be a great addition to a home, and many home buyers dream of one day buying a home with a large pool that everyone can enjoy. However, owning a pool comes with a lot of factors that are often overlooked. Before buying a Gallatin home with a pool, homeowners need to make sure they know exactly what they’re getting into. Here are some of the most important things home buyers need to know about pools before they decide to buy a home that has one.

Pools Require Maintenance and Upkeep

Every part of a home will require occasional upkeep to ensure it stays working, and pools are no different. However, many buyers don’t realize just how much effort pools require and think the most they will need to do is add chlorine and keep the water topped off. In actuality, the pool owner will need to do quite a few things to ensure their pool stays in working order. They’ll need to open it in the spring, close it in the fall, clean the filters, maintain the heater, and of course, add water and chlorine when necessary. Buyers need to be aware of what they will be required to do and how much it will cost before investing in a pool.

Home Inspections Don’t Cover Pools

When a buyer’s offer for a home gets accepted, they will have a certain amount of time to get the home inspected. This inspection will be a thorough look into every part of the home to look for damage and faults. However, what many buyers don’t realize is that most home inspections don’t cover pools. If a buyer wants the pool to be inspected, they will need to hire a certified pool builder. The builder will come out to the home like a normal inspector and focus entirely on the pool. They’ll look at the heater, the water pumps, the base, and so on to look for any damage.

Pools Have Higher Insurance Rates

When it comes to pools, security is always a concern. There are many laws regarding pools, such as all pools need to be surrounded by a fence and have clear signage indicating a pool is present. Pools also require higher insurance rates because of the inherent risk they provide. Pools fall under a category of things called “attractive nuisances,” which means they can attract young children and present a danger to them. Homeowners who want a pool need to be prepared for higher insurance rates each month.

Pools Affect a Home’s Value

Some people automatically assume that a pool boosts the value of a home. However, this isn’t necessarily true. A home having a pool can affect the value both positively and negatively, depending on several other key factors. For instance, one of the most important factors is where the home is located. Homes with pools in warm areas will sell for more money than a similar home with a pool in a cold climate. Another factor is how much the buyer wants a pool. Buyers are willing to pay more money for a home if a pool is at the top of their wish list, while a buyer who doesn’t really want a pool won’t want to offer as much.

A pool can be a great investment for summer fun, but home buyers need to be fully aware of what they’re getting into. Being aware of all the different factors that go into pool ownership can help prepare buyers and help them decide if owning a pool is something they really want.