Have you long dreamed of owning a house with a pool? Summer is upon us, and the warmer weather makes now the perfect time to take a dip. The desire to go swimming on a hot day has influenced many home buyers, but should it play a role in your purchase?

While there’s a lot to love about owning a pool, it’s not right for everyone. Knowing the pros and cons will help you make a more informed decision—and a purchase that will work for you in the years ahead.

If you’re thinking of buying a house with a pool, here’s what you should know…

The pros

If you’re even remotely interested in owning a pool, you probably already know the potential benefits of having one. But if you’re looking for a reason to take the plunge, here are a few of them.

First off, jumping into a pool when it’s hot out can be a whole lot of fun. Sure, you could go to the beach—but there are days when you probably won’t feel like packing up, finding a parking spot, and sharing a strip of sand with strangers. If you have little ones, these trips can be an even bigger ordeal!

Then there’s the exercise you’ll get. If you’re the type who’d prefer a few laps in the backyard to spending time at the gym, having a pool could be your key to staying in shape. Even splashing around with the kids will help keep you active.

Lastly, there’s the social aspect. If you have fond memories of attending pool parties, you’re not alone. When you have a refreshing oasis in your yard, the summer is one big excuse to catch up with friends and family!

The cons

Now for the not so fun part. There are some potential drawbacks to owning a pool, and you should know about them in order to make an informed decision.

Let’s start with the upkeep. While many homeowners don’t mind putting in the time required for pool cleaning and maintenance, some consider it less than ideal. If you take on this responsibility, administering chemicals, testing PH levels, cleaning filters, and getting handy with a skimmer will all become part of your life. There’s also a chance that at some point, you’ll have to deal with an unwanted pest or two.

The costs involved are another potential downside. In addition to cleaning agents and testing equipment, you may have other costs to cover. Repairing a pool lining can cost a couple hundred dollars, while fully replacing one may be upwards of $1000. You should also know that your insurance premiums will almost certainly be higher, since there are some risks associated with ownership.

Due to the time, effort, and costs associated with a pool, some home buyers prefer to avoid them. That’s worth keeping in mind for when you decide to sell your home down the line. While it’s entirely possible to get a great price for a property with a pool, you should be aware that you may have fewer interested buyers.

Making a decision

If the idea of buying a home with a pool appeals to you, doing so may seem like a no-brainer. That said, it’s important to take all relevant factors into account before making a decision.

Think about your lifestyle and financial situation. Do you have the time and room in your budget for maintenance? Are you okay with the possibility that fewer buyers will be interested in your home when it goes on the market?

Last but not least, you should carefully consider your homeownership priorities. If you’ve always dreamed of having a pool in the backyard, buying one may be well worth any extra effort that comes along with it. Keep in mind that a skilled agent can help you market your property to the right home hunters, no matter what features it has.

Are you ready to seriously consider buying a house with a pool? If so, a local real estate professional can help you weigh the pros and cons—and give you a sense of what’s on the market!

Ready to decide whether a home with a pool is right for you—and see what’s available on the market? We’d love to help—reach out to get started!