What to know before buying a home with a pool

Question: Dear Kari, My husband, myself and our three boys just moved to California for my husband's new job. We all think it would be a blast to buy a home with a pool. Do you have any advice for us? Answer: That is a great question. Buying a home with an in-ground pool can be incredibly exciting for folks of all ages. Imagine lounging poolside, cooling off on a hot day, having a perfect spot for outdoor gatherings with family and friends. Having your own pool can truly elevate your lifestyle, save money by vacationing at home and continue to add value to your property, especially in warmer climates like California. As a potential pool owner, you'll need to set aside time for the ongoing maintenance required to keep your pool in good and safe condition. These tasks include regular cleaning, such as skimming the surface for debris, brushing the walls to prevent algae and vacuuming the bottom. You also need to maintain the correct chemical balance by testing the water and adding chemicals weekly to ensure safe swimming. Since a pool requires a consistent investment of time and effort, some folks choose to budget for a professional pool service, which typically costs $200 or more per month for weekly services. Understanding these responsibilities is a major step before deciding to buy a home with a pool. Some folks make a priority to set aside some funds for larger pool maintenance or future repairs that may be unexpected; this way, it would not be a financial strain. Some folks save money by using a pool cover, as it can reduce chemical needs, minimize water evaporation and save on heating costs. Safety is a great concern when it comes to pool ownership in California. It is important to be aware of and comply with the state's pool safety laws. These regulations are in place to ensure pools are as safe as possible and to prevent accidents. When you are making a purchase offer on a home with a pool, it is crucial to obtain a separate pool inspection, because most general home inspections do not cover pools. A pool specialist will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the pool and all of its equipment, looking for potential problems, safety issues, structural problems or functional deficiencies that could be costly to fix. Things such as leaks, faulty equipment or structural damage may result. The inspector also makes sure the pool meets all current safety regulations. A typical pool inspection costs at least $200, with the price increasing for larger pools. It is a good idea to be on site during the inspection so you can ask the inspector questions. In the event items are discovered that are in need of repair or replacement, these should be negotiated with the homeowner before completing the home sale. Make sure to ask the homeowner for all the pool records, maintenance, repairs and the original installation information, as this will provide a better understanding of the pool's past history and performance. Owning a pool may impact your homeowner's insurance policy with liability, or perhaps additional coverage might be recommended. Many long-term homeowners with pools will tell you taking care of their pool is not a big deal. It is well worth their return of enjoyment along with the lasting memorable times it provides. As long as it fits your lifestyle and budget, a pool can be a significant addition to a home. Before diving into buying a home with a pool, it is important to weigh the benefits against the responsibilities and potential drawbacks. I hope this information finds you well in helping with your home decision process.