A sparkling backyard swimming pool can seem like the ultimate dream. But when you’re buying a home with a pool, there’s more to think about than sunny weekends and poolside lounging.
In this guide, we take a deep dive into what homebuyers should know before taking the plunge. We’ll walk through the pros and cons, hidden expenses, maintenance needs, and even how pools can affect your property taxes, home financing, and resale value.
Is Buying A Home With A Pool The Right Move For You?
It depends. For some, pools offer a peaceful escape, a fun place for kids, or a perfect entertainment spot. For others, the upkeep and costs can quickly outweigh the joy.
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
- Will you use the pool often enough to justify the costs?
- Do you live in a climate where ground pools can be used most of the year?
- Are you prepared for the extra responsibilities that pools require?
If the answer is yes, buying a home with a pool could turn your backyard into a personal oasis. If you’re unsure, it’s wise to weigh the other factors first.
What Are The Different Types of Pools?
When you’re buying a home with a pool, it’s worth knowing that not all pools are created equal. The type of pool in the backyard can influence everything from ongoing maintenance costs to how much enjoyment (or hassle) you’ll get out of it.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common pool types you’ll encounter:
Vinyl Liner Pools
These pools are known for their smooth surface and gentle touch, but they come with a caveat.
- What to Know: The vinyl liner usually needs to be replaced every 7–10 years, which can be a costly and time-consuming project.
- Maintenance: More vulnerable to tears or punctures from sharp objects or even playful pets.
- Buyer Tip: Ask how old the liner is—if it’s near the end of its lifespan, you may be looking at a replacement soon after moving in.
Concrete (Gunite) Pools
This is the most durable and customizable option, often found in higher-end homes.
- What to Know: These pools can last decades, but they do require resurfacing roughly every 10–15 years.
- Maintenance: More intensive due to the porous surface, which can attract algae and require more frequent cleaning and chemical balancing.
- Buyer Tip: If the pool surface looks stained or rough, a resurfacing project may be on the horizon.
Fiberglass Pools
A sleek, low-maintenance option that’s gaining popularity.
- What to Know: The shell is smooth, non-porous, and highly resistant to algae buildup, making it easier to care for overall.
- Maintenance: Generally the lowest among all pool types, with fewer chemicals and less cleaning required.
- Buyer Tip: While fiberglass pools are long-lasting, it’s still worth checking for signs of wear or settling, especially around the edges.
Each pool type comes with its own set of expectations—and potential surprises. If you’re considering a home with a pool, be sure to ask about the pool’s age, maintenance history, and any recent repairs or upgrades. A well-maintained pool can be a dream. An overlooked one? Not so much.
How Much Does Pool Ownership Really Cost?
A pool comes with ongoing costs that go far beyond the home’s purchase price. Here’s what you need to know:
- Pool maintenance: Chemicals, cleaning, and routine service can run $1,200–$1,800 per year or more. If you’re hiring a pool service, expect higher costs ($1,800-$3,000 per year).
- Utility bills: Pools require electricity to run pumps, filters, and heaters. This can add $30–$100 per month to your utility bill. Heated pools may add another $100–$300 per month during swim season.
- Repairs and replacements: Even well-maintained pools need occasional repairs. Major long-term expenses include: Concrete pool resurfacing every 10–15 years: $7,000 or more or vinyl liner replacement every 7–10 years: $3,000–$5,000. Other potential costs include pump replacement, lighting repairs, and filter issues.
- Insurance: Some providers charge more for homes with pools due to liability risks.
In other words, pools require ongoing care and budget planning. It’s smart to factor in these maintenance costs when evaluating a home and your budget.
Does an Inground Pool Increase Property Taxes?
Yes, purchasing a home with an existing inground pool can lead to higher property taxes. Inground pools are considered permanent improvements that typically increase a property’s assessed value, which in turn raises the annual tax bill.
How Much Could Property Taxes Increase?
The exact increase varies based on local tax rates, the pool’s size and features, and how much value the pool adds to the property. For example, in California, property taxes are generally capped at 1% of the assessed value, with annual increases limited to 2% under Proposition 13. However, when a property changes ownership, it is reassessed at its current market value, which includes the value added by features like a pool.
Do Pools Help or Hurt Resale Value?
This is one of the biggest questions for homeowners and buyers alike: Does having a pool make your home more valuable when it’s time to sell, or does it scare buyers away?
The answer depends on three major factors: location, neighborhood expectations, and buyer preferences.
Location, Location…And Climate
In warm-weather states like California, Arizona, Texas, or Florida, pools are not just a perk—they’re often expected, especially in higher-end neighborhoods. In these areas, a well-maintained pool can attract more buyers, help your home sell faster, and possibly command a higher price.
In cooler or more seasonal markets, however, pools may be seen as more trouble than they’re worth. Buyers in places like the Pacific Northwest or the Northeast might see a pool as a maintenance burden or a space they’ll rarely use, especially if the home doesn’t include a heater or enclosure for year-round use.
The Buyer’s Perspective
Buyers tend to fall into one of two camps:
- Pool Enthusiasts: Think families who love to entertain, retirees seeking relaxation, or buyers looking for resort-style living at home.
- Pool Avoiders: This includes parents with young children worried about safety, buyers on a tight budget who don’t want the upkeep, or people who just don’t swim.
The key is whether the pool matches the expectations of your local buyer pool. In neighborhoods where most homes have pools, not having one can actually hurt resale value.
The Return on Investment
If you’re buying a home with a pool, think beyond resale. Will your household actually use and enjoy it? If so, that everyday value, especially in hot summers, may outweigh the resale math. But if it feels like more of a chore than a perk, you may want to consider how much time, money, and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining it.
What Should You Inspect Before Buying a Home with a Pool?
While a standard home inspection is important, pools require a separate inspection from a certified pool professional, as many home inspectors aren’t trained to evaluate pool systems in depth.
Here’s what an inspector should check:
1. Pool Structure and Surface
- Look for cracks, stains, bulges, or worn surfaces, depending on the pool type (concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass).
- Surface damage could signal costly repairs like resurfacing or liner replacement.
2. Equipment and Systems
- Confirm the pump, filter, heater, and any automation or lighting are fully functional.
- Check for signs of leaks, rust, or outdated equipment that may need replacing.
3. Plumbing and Electrical
- Ensure no leaks in underground lines.
- Verify the pool’s wiring is grounded and meets code—this is a key safety issue.
4. Safety Features
- Fencing, gates, alarms, pool steps/ladders, and pool covers may be required by law or insurance.
- Look for VGB-compliant drain covers to reduce drowning risks.
5. Decking and Surrounding Area
- Inspect for cracks, slippery surfaces, or poor drainage around the pool.
- Damaged coping or uneven decks can lead to injury or water intrusion.
A pool inspection can save you from surprise repairs, insurance issues, or safety concerns. Don’t skip it, especially if you’re planning to enjoy the pool from day one.
Questions You Should Ask About Your Future Pool
If you’re considering buying a home with a pool, asking the below questions upfront will often reveal how well the pool has been maintained and what you can expect in terms of future costs or responsibilities. Here’s what to dig into:
- How old is the pool and its equipment?
- When was the last time the pool was resurfaced or the liner replaced?
- What are the average maintenance costs per year?
- Is there a record of repairs, upgrades, or professional servicing?
- Are there any warranties still in effect?
- Are there safety features in place, and are they up to code?
- Has the pool been professionally inspected recently?
These questions help you understand if the pool has been cared for, and what surprises might be waiting after you purchase the home.
FAQs
Can I buy a home with an empty pool?
Yes, but proceed with caution. An empty or drained pool can signal anything from deferred maintenance to major structural issues. Leaving a pool empty for extended periods can lead to cracking, sun damage, and even shifting of the pool shell—especially in fiberglass or vinyl pools.
In addition to repair concerns, financing can be a challenge. Some lenders may hesitate to approve a mortgage on a home with a non-functioning pool, especially if it poses a health or safety hazard. They may require the pool to be repaired, filled, or brought up to code before closing, or they may adjust the appraised value downward, potentially impacting your loan terms.
If you’re considering a home with an empty pool:
- Request a professional pool inspection to assess the condition and cost of any repairs.
- Talk to your lender early about how it may affect your loan approval or appraisal.
- Budget for restoration if the pool needs to be brought back to usable condition.
Buying a home with an empty pool isn’t a deal-breaker, but it does require extra due diligence.
Will my mortgage or insurance be affected by the pool?
Possibly. Most mortgage lenders don’t have an issue with pools, but your homeowners insurance will likely require increased liability coverage due to the added risk. In some cases, your insurer may also require specific safety features (like fencing or a locking gate) to maintain coverage. Before closing, get an insurance quote and confirm what’s required to stay compliant.
How JVM Lending Can Help
Our team is committed to making the homebuying process smooth, transparent, and stress-free. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard oasis or just want to be sure you’re making a smart investment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to make a confident move toward poolside living? Let JVM Lending help you dive in with clarity and peace of mind. Contact us to get started or start your loan application here to get pre-approved.
