Buying a Home With a Pool? Know What You are Getting Into
With averages approximately 300 days of sunshine and average of 100 days annually with a high of at least 100 °F in Phoenix, who does not want a pool in their backyard, right? Before you start looking for homes for sale with pool, take a moment to read: Things to Consider When Buying A Home With A Pool.
Ongoing maintenance
Pool requires weekly maintenance. It includes skimming the water’s surface for floating debris, vacuuming the pool floor, brushing the pool walls, as well as checking the water pH levels and chlorine levels. Pool filter need to be cleaned at least twice a year. You also need to drain and refill the water every other year.
What’s a pool cost to maintain?
Handy homeowners who want to treat their own pool from week to week will spend around $80 a month to keep their pool clean. This is just a guesstimate to covers unexpected repairs, replacement parts and fun accessories that you will want to buy, in addition to pool chemicals. For professional pool service, prices vary with up to $100 – $200 a month to clean your pool, add pool chemicals and maintain the pump and filter.
Your energy bills will go up
With pool vacuum running at least 8 hours per day, you could end up paying an extra $50 a month just for the additional electricity required to run the pool pump. Those who want their pool to be heated will need to pump the water through an electric or natural gas heater and then back into the pool, which can increase a homeowner’s monthly utility bills.
Safety issues
Safety is an extremely large consideration when owning a pool. If you currently have children or are planning a family, pool safety is at the top of your list. Pools can be made safe for small children with safety products like mesh fencing and mesh covers. Self-closing gate and door also highly recommended if you have a pool. Remember to check with city for pool safety requirement.
Extra insurance costs
The safety issue with pools directly link to the need for the homeowner to pay for additional insurance to cover pool accidents and other safety issues. In many cases, having a pool may increase homeowners insurance due to the increased risk of accidents – either by the homeowners themselves or guests. Pool owner might also want to consider increase the liability coverage to higher amount.
Considering hire pool inspector
If you are making an offer on the house, you’ll need hire separate pool inspector during the inspection period to check the pool. A visual inspection should include the pool, pumps, heater, liner, ladders, railing and diving boards, in addition to checking for cracks and leaks. The pool inspectors should look for ground-fault circuit-interrupter devices to help prevent electrocution.
Have your pool covered by a home warranty
Home warranties are often included with home purchases to pay for any repairs. Swimming pools may also be included, usually for an additional fee. Make sure you read the fine print so you know what is and isn’t covered.
Owning a pool can be a great way to relax, swim, and enjoy a gorgeous sunny day with family and friends. You want to have predictability in terms of cost, and you don’t want to suddenly find out you have some huge repair. Be sure to create additional budget plan for pool maintenance and repair if you want buy a house with pool in your backyard.
Swee Ng, Realtor and Resident in Phoenix East Valley specializing in win-win real estate transaction through great communication and fighting for his clients’ best interest. After all, this is more than real estates, this is about your life and your dreams.If you are looking to buy or sell your home in Phoenix or surrounding area, I would the the opportunity to be interviewed for the job. Contact Us today for complimentary and no obligation consultation. I hope that you will put my experience, knowledge, service and professionalism to work for you.
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