A pool might sound like a great idea if you’re searching for a new home in Albuquerque. Keeping cool is important in this climate since it gets hot. Pools are extremely popular right now, so popular that there are waiting lists for pool contractors and a shortage of maintenance items like chlorine.
Does pool ownership live up to its hype? The answer is yes, but you need to prepare.
The Pros of a Pool
Can Improve Your Quality of Life
Owning a pool can make your life more enjoyable, and it can also enhance your lifestyle. It can also be used for exercising or getting out for fresh air and vitamin D.
Having a pool can enhance your social life in the sense that many families with them enjoy spending time together.
A Pool Can be Beautiful
The aesthetics of a pool might be a factor in your decision to buy a home with one. It’s great to look out at your pool or see the water from your deck. Many people find relaxation in the sight of water in any form, including in a pool.
Pools Can Increase Your Home’s Value
Pools can add value to a home in many instances. In warm climates like ours, this is especially important. In places like New Mexico, swimming pools are pretty much considered to be necessities.
In the case that you ever want to sell your home and your neighbors don’t, your property might be in higher demand or fetch a higher price than a home without a pool.
The Cons of a Pool
Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s true that some people prefer to clean and maintain their pools, but if you aren’t one of them, think twice about buying a house with one. You may need to spend several hours a week maintaining your pool if you do it yourself.
If you hire an individual or company to maintain your pool, expect to spend $50 to $150 per week.
You also have to pay for the supplies required to clean and maintain a pool.
Safety
Buying a home with a pool means checking for safety codes and complying with existing regulations. An alarm system or fence may need to be installed.
If you have small children or pets, consider how an in-ground pool will affect your family’s safety.
Insurance Costs
A pool is usually covered as part of “other structures” in a homeowner’s policy. In any case, you may be responsible for injuries caused by your pool. This is why some insurance policies refer to pools as an “attractive nuisance.”. It will cost you more to insure, since you’ll need liability coverage.
Not Always Be a Good Thing for Resale
Pools are not always viewed as pluses by buyers, so you need to consider that as well. You could end up limiting your options if you wanted to sell your house.
Last but not least, if you’re buying an existing home, what is the condition of the pool? Is there a possibility that you may need to make major repairs or upgrades when you move in?
Choosing whether or not to purchase a pool is a personal decision that should be made strategically and not emotionally.