Living in a home with a pool is a dream shared by many people. Unfortunately, this deep desire that people have can lead them to make bad decisions when they are buying a home. Just because a house has a pool does not mean that you should buy it. In fact, some pools can cost homeowners a lot of money if they have issues. That makes it crucial that you inspect the pool thoroughly at any house you are considering for purchase. Aqua Rec’s have created a checklist to make sure that the pool you are getting with your new home is in good shape.
1. Ask Some Questions
The first thing you need to do when you are looking at buying a home with a pool is to ask the homeowner some questions. You need to ask the owner who built the pool. This allows you to look for reviews of the pool constructions firm to determine if the company is a high-quality pool builder. You also need to ask the owner if there have been any issues with the pool while they have owned it.
2. Perform a Visual Inspection
If the pool turns out to have been constructed by a quality builder and the owner maintains it doesn’t have problems, you need to perform your inspection of the pool. Walk slowly around the pool to look for damage. Check to see if any tiles are missing or damaged. Look to see if it looks like the pool has been taken care off with regular cleanings. Check to see what shape the pool equipment is in. If the pool and the equipment appear to be in good shape, then you can move forward.
3. Check to See if the Pool Is up to Code
Even if the pool looks like it is in great condition, you still need to check with your local authorities to ensure that the pool is up to code. If the pool is not up to code, you may be able to negotiate a discount with the seller. If the seller is unwilling to offer a discount on the asking price, then you need to insist that the pool is brought up to code before you buy the house.
4. Ask About the Operating Costs
One of the most important things you need to consider when you buy a home with a swimming pool is the cost to operate the pool. You will need to pay for utilities, insurance, maintenance, and cleaning. These costs can add up, which makes it important that you ask the seller to share their average annual costs to maintain the pool. Although you may be able to spend less, the number that the homeowner tells you will give you a good estimate of how much it will cost to have the pool.
5. Get a Professional Pool Inspection
The most important thing you need to do before buying a home with a pool is to get the pool inspected by a professional. A professional pool inspector can tell you if there are any hidden problems with the pool that could cause complications in the future. It will cost you money to get this expert inspection, but it is well worth the expense to save you dough on expensive repairs down the road.
6. Think About a Warranty
One of the smartest things that homebuyers can do is to get a home warranty to cover repairs for many years after they purchase a new home. It is essential that you get your pool covered under the home warranty if you decide to buy a home with a swimming pool. This could end up saving you thousands of dollars in repairs if the pool turns out to have issues after you buy the house. You can sometimes even get the seller to pay for the cost of the home warranty.
Getting a home with a pool is a dream come true. Make sure that you follow this guide to ensure owning the pool doesn’t become a nightmare. With careful consideration, you can get your dream home with a pool that is in great shape.