Some homebuyers see a swimming pool as a property enhancement — an aesthetically pleasing feature that provides entertainment for friends, family and neighbors and endless fun and exercise for the kids. It’s almost like being able to vacation every day at the comfort of your own home. Other homebuyers aren’t so eager to get their feet wet.

To be sure, there are significant considerations: the cost and effort to maintain a pool, whether or not it will actually be used, and safety and liability issues. However, most common concerns are easily addressed.

The cost of maintaining a pool is relatively reasonable, particularly for newer pools or those in good condition. Local pool service companies can open and close a pool and maintain the chemical balance; but, after learning how to open and close it properly, many homeowners are able to maintain the pool themselves. Pools operate on a sand or cartridge filtration system, which circulates the water and have a skimmer to filter out leaves and dirt. An automatic pool robot vacuum can be programmed to continually clean the pool. A simple weekly water quality test will determine the chemicals, salt or acid needed to keep the water clear and safe for swimming.

Pool heaters can extend the seasonal use, and solar covers can naturally warm the water while also helping to keep out leaves and debris. Lockable, retractable safety covers will help restrict kids and pets from unsupervised entry.

There are two types of pools: lined and gunite. A lined pool is usually round or rectangular and has a plastic liner that can last 10-20 years and can easily be replaced. They sometimes come with a warranty. Gunite pools can be free-forming in shape; they are made with concrete and often have tiles at the top. They typically need to be resurfaced approximately every 20 years, and the tiles will need to be replaced if they start falling off. Saltwater pools can be easier to maintain than chlorine or bromine.

It’s financially advantageous to find a home with an existing pool rather than install it. Considerations of adding a pool include topography, which can become complicated and costly in an area with ledge or rocks that might require drilling or dynamite. There are also town and neighborhood restrictions and permits, fence requirements, zoning and wetland issues, the addition of surrounding patio or stone-scaping, and so forth. Because a pool doesn’t typically add much value to a home due to not being able to use it the whole year, it’s unlikely an owner would see a return on the investment of installing one. (Additionally, the pandemic spurred a demand for pools; many vendors have a waiting list of a year or longer.) Above-ground pools are cheaper to install but usually less visually attractive depending on the topography.

So, if the house you love has a pool you’re not sure about, take a moment to reconsider. Grab a glass of lemonade, pull up a lounge chair and dip your toes in while you think about it!

Kim Foemmel
Foemmel Fine Homes
1 Lumber Street, Suite 207C
Hopkinton, MA
(508) 808-1149
Kim.Foemmel@gmail.com
FoemmelFineHomes.com

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