When you’re ready to take a splash and buy a home with a pool, there are several factors to consider.
Utilities – Ask to see a year’s worth of utility bills. Find out what months the previous owners have kept the pool open as well as the average temperature they’ve kept the pool heater set. Your usage may differ and you should take that into account.
Maintenance and repairs – Even if you plan to maintain the pool yourself, factor in the cost of chemicals. If you plan on hiring a pool service, be sure you understand the cost of not only weekly service, but opening and closing the pool each year.
Maintaining the pool – If you plan on maintaining the pool yourself, make sure you understand how much time this will take. If you hire a service, you generally wouldn’t need to be home.
Landscaping – Does the current landscaping have a bearing on keeping the pool clean? Overhanging trees may drop leaves or grass may blow in during mowing.
Pool cover – What type of cover does the pool have? There are pros and cons for each type. There are several types including solar, vinyl, semi-automatic, and automatic.
Type of pool – There are different types of pool construction, such as vinyl, fiberglass, and inground gunite pools. Understanding the type of pool construction is important since it affects the maintenance and longevity. An inground gunite pool is considered top of the line.
Children – Do they know how to swim? Are there safety features in place or have you factored in the cost of adding them?
Pets – Do you have outdoor cats or dogs? Again, consider their needs and consider if you need a fence or net for them.
Fence or Safety net – is there a fence around the pool? Or a safety net? If not, do you need one? Make sure you factor in the cost.
It is imperative to have a pool inspection done by a licensed, qualified individual. For more information about the importance of a pool inspection, Cyndee Haydon, a Clearwater, Florida Real Estate agent, has written an informative post with detailed photos. Read Tampa Bay Pool Homes for Sale for valuable information about getting a pool inspection.
When purchasing or selling a home with a pool, make sure you have an agent that understands all the factors involved. If you are looking to purchase a home in Albuquerque with a pool, contact me today!
View an up-to-date list of NE Albuquerque pool homes and condos for sale.
The above information and images are Copyright © 2007 Ashley Drake Gephart and may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed or published without permission. Entire copyright notice must stay intact. All rights reserved. Plagiarism will be detected and is punishable by law.
Ashley Drake Gephart |
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Hi Ashley, Good post! The thing that sticks most in my mind is the safety of pools, or lack thereof. Years ago we had a hot tub in our backyard. When not in use we always kept it properly covered with a hard shell cover, strong enough for a child to safely walk on. We came home from a weekend away to find the next door neighbor boys happily spashing around in the tub…naked. They were old enough to know better and luckily they didn’t get hurt.
Kristal – Thanks! That is funny coming home to find naked boys hot tubbing in your backyard! Hot tubs are another safety issue as well.
Lynda thanks for linking my article to your site. I hope your readers find it helpful!
I’m with Krystal – safety is a very big issue. If there are any children in the neighborhood -at all- there should be a fence. Every summer some local child here in northeast PA drowns in a pool. Sometimes there is a fence, but sometimes not. It’s an ugly thing to think about, as a pool can bring such enjoyment.
As a homeowner, I know it’s a liability that I would think very hard about, and this blog helps bring up more issues that generally don’t come to surface beyond the “Wow, I want a pool” during the house hunting phase!
Karen – The safety issue is a major consideration in purchasing a home with a pool. I know I would feel better having an indoor one.
Ashley this is such an excellent article – it is timeless and a hot topic in Florida – thanks for the mention – Cyndee Haydon
Can anyone give me a estimate as to how much a pool service charges a month to maintain a pool at your home?
Kimberly – I have spoken with Poolmasters here in Albuquerque and depending on the homeowners needs weekly maintenance would run about $48 plus the costs of chemicals. You can also have bi-monthly service. To have the pool opened for the season runs $180-$300 and to close it runs about $250. The pool in the photo was maintained by Poolmasters and weekly cost was about $80 which included the chemicals. Those homeowners did nothing more then scoop out an occasional leaf. You can reach Poolmasters at 505-899-8677.
I’m always torn whether to buy a pool or not…so much hassle and dedication maintaining it, But I know it’ll pay off when the kids are loving it!
Ashley – it’s that time of year and buyers are looking at pool homes – this is one of my favorite articles on things to consider before buying a pool.
Great Post, When I started I was surprised that most of my buyers wanted to avoid a pool. I actually expected the opposite. I think the thing that was most telling, is that anyone who had owned a pool in the past definitely didn’t want another one.
I get nervous when a buyer with small children tells me that they want a house with a pool. They can be a source of great pleasure, but they do require a lot of maintenance. I make sure that my buyers are aware of the costs associated with owning a pool.
Can anyone tell me that month you should open a pool in Albuquerque? Our new house has one and I can’t wait to open it, but my husband insists that no one opens their pool until late May. Are there any downsides to opening your pool in April if it has a solar heater?
Karen – using a solar pool cover can lower heating costs substantially. But you are still heating in cooler weather the earlier you open the pool. Average temperatures in Albuquerque for April are 71 and May is 80. Those few degrees could raise the annual heating cost from just under a hundred dollars to several hundred depending on your temperature setting. Most homeowners tend to open in mid to late May to keep the cost affordable.
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