Q. We are VERY interested in a house and are seriously considering making an offer. The only thing holding me back is that the house has an inground pool. Personally, I hate inground pools. They seem like so much work, maintenance and are such a huge liability. We have small children and I just don't feel safe about it at all. Because of this, we will offer much less than what they are asking.
The sellers insist that its not that bad though. I beg to differ. Constant cleaning, all the pumps and motors and such, the items we'd have to buy to childproof it (there are none installed currently), all the chemicals and let's not forget the increase in home insurance due to the liability of the pool. So, my question to pool owners is, how much does it REALLY cost to maintain the pool?
The sellers insist that its not that bad though. I beg to differ. Constant cleaning, all the pumps and motors and such, the items we'd have to buy to childproof it (there are none installed currently), all the chemicals and let's not forget the increase in home insurance due to the liability of the pool. So, my question to pool owners is, how much does it REALLY cost to maintain the pool?
Answer
We bought a house with an in-ground pool about 10 years ago. We also have two small children and were in the same dilema. It has been worth it. The yearly maintenance is relatively easy. If you take care of the pool, bring the filter/pump in to the house in the off season (if you live in areas that you wouldn't use it year round). We use the pool May-Oct. We have large oak trees, but the daily and weekly care is not bad. I vacuum once a week, I have an automatic chlorinator (not expensive), and the return jets are set up so that the pool skims itself. The monthly cost for chemicals is not bad, after the initial "opening" of the pool (apprx $100-150) I spend about $20 a month. The learning curve goes quickly, just find a good pool person to advise you. I spend less than 15 minutes every other day checking it, doing a quick skim or adding chlorine.
We also had big concerns with pool safety. We did two things to help. One was to teach the kids how to get to the side of the pool and hold on if they fell in, we taught them how to swim early and we put locks on the doors to the outside with an audible alarm. The pool alarm that goes in the water does not work well, not worth the money.
If you really want the house but don't want the pool you can get a safety cover, drain the pool and not use it. The cost of filling in the hole and making a lawn is relative to running it for a few years. I had a friend that had his filled.
But, the kids have used it for years, they love it, spend a lot of time in it, and learned to swim very well and to respect the water....good luck!
We bought a house with an in-ground pool about 10 years ago. We also have two small children and were in the same dilema. It has been worth it. The yearly maintenance is relatively easy. If you take care of the pool, bring the filter/pump in to the house in the off season (if you live in areas that you wouldn't use it year round). We use the pool May-Oct. We have large oak trees, but the daily and weekly care is not bad. I vacuum once a week, I have an automatic chlorinator (not expensive), and the return jets are set up so that the pool skims itself. The monthly cost for chemicals is not bad, after the initial "opening" of the pool (apprx $100-150) I spend about $20 a month. The learning curve goes quickly, just find a good pool person to advise you. I spend less than 15 minutes every other day checking it, doing a quick skim or adding chlorine.
We also had big concerns with pool safety. We did two things to help. One was to teach the kids how to get to the side of the pool and hold on if they fell in, we taught them how to swim early and we put locks on the doors to the outside with an audible alarm. The pool alarm that goes in the water does not work well, not worth the money.
If you really want the house but don't want the pool you can get a safety cover, drain the pool and not use it. The cost of filling in the hole and making a lawn is relative to running it for a few years. I had a friend that had his filled.
But, the kids have used it for years, they love it, spend a lot of time in it, and learned to swim very well and to respect the water....good luck!
Pros and cons of getting a backyard pool?
poolgirl22
Inground. I guess I know the pros. Wanting to know if the pros outweigh the cons. I have a 5 & 10 yr old. Is maintaining it overly costly or time consuming. I would be the pool guy.
Answer
Get the pool, but only if you are willing to "feed it" just as you would a pet. DAILY-- even when you can't use it because it's too cold. You must commit to cleaning (made easier by automatic cleaners), checking and adjusting chemicals, emptying bags and baskets, adding water to it. Higher utility bills are a given. Pools don't cost much in repairs UNTIL the warranties expire. Then get ready!
And, most importantly, do NOT buy price! Quality costs money. Remember, this fixture is attached to your property and can add to-- or take away from-- your property value. It will not add as much value as it's cost, however.
Consider a pool as you would a room addition. An outdoor room!
Get the pool, but only if you are willing to "feed it" just as you would a pet. DAILY-- even when you can't use it because it's too cold. You must commit to cleaning (made easier by automatic cleaners), checking and adjusting chemicals, emptying bags and baskets, adding water to it. Higher utility bills are a given. Pools don't cost much in repairs UNTIL the warranties expire. Then get ready!
And, most importantly, do NOT buy price! Quality costs money. Remember, this fixture is attached to your property and can add to-- or take away from-- your property value. It will not add as much value as it's cost, however.
Consider a pool as you would a room addition. An outdoor room!
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