By David Elver for REALTOR.ca



With rising summer temperatures and frequent heatwaves becoming the norm across Canada, who hasn’t imagined having a stunning pool in their own backyard?

 

While a pool can be a refreshing retreat during sweltering summer days, if you’re thinking about purchasing a home with one, there are several important factors to consider before making the plunge.

Your Family’s Lifestyle

First, consider whether a pool aligns with your lifestyle.

 

If you’re frequently away on extended vacations or busy with activities like taking your kids to sports practices, you might not use a pool enough to justify the investment and upkeep. On the other hand, if your family enjoys spending warm summer days relaxing in the backyard, a pool could be a great fit.

 

“Having a home with a pool can greatly enhance your lifestyle,” explains Jane Hoffman, President of Unison Jane Hoffman Realty and a REALTOR® in Kelowna, British Columbia. “Pools provide an excellent space for family fun and togetherness. If you love swimming and outdoor leisure, a pool can greatly improve your living experience and create a lovely atmosphere for entertaining.”

The Size, Type, and Style of the Pool

 

Next, evaluate whether the existing pool meets your family’s needs in terms of size, style, and type.

 

Consider whether the pool is large enough for your family and guests, whether its shape suits your preferences, and if it’s positioned correctly in the yard. Additionally, check if the pool uses a traditional chlorine system when you might prefer a saltwater pool for easier maintenance and fewer chemicals.

 

Replacing an existing pool often costs more than installing a new one, so if the current pool doesn’t meet your requirements or lacks desired features, it might be wiser to either purchase a home without a pool and install a new one or continue your search.

 

“Buying a house with a pool saves you from dealing with permit applications, the construction process, and the initial costs,” says Chris O’Donnell, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Pool Craft, a pool installation and service company in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

 

“However, it also means you won’t have the opportunity to customize the pool to your liking,” she adds. “Building a new pool gives you full control over the design and allows you to include all the features you want.”

What is the Pool’s Condition?

It’s essential to assess the condition of the pool thoroughly. Determine if it is in good shape or if there are any cracks or significant repairs needed within the next few years. How much longer can you expect the pool to last?

 

For above-ground pools, condition and longevity might be less critical because they are generally easier to repair, replace, or remove compared to in-ground pools. However, if the pool is a permanent, in-ground feature, it’s crucial to thoroughly evaluate its condition before making any decisions.

 

Chris O’Donnell advises that issues like rust or damage beneath the liner can be difficult to detect without an expert’s eye. If you’re uncertain about the pool's condition, consider hiring a pool inspector to examine it.

 

“If you have the chance to have the pool inspected before making an offer, it’s worth having a professional assess it,” she says. “A technician can inspect the recirculation system and provide details about the pool’s condition.”

 

A pool inspection should be in addition to your general home inspection, as they are separate services. Your home inspector might include a disclaimer noting they aren’t responsible for any pool-related damage.

 

Here are some questions to consider before calling a pool inspector:

 

• Is the pool builder’s warranty still valid? If so, for how much longer?
   
• Can the current owners provide a water utility bill from the previous summer to verify water usage?
   
• How frequently was maintenance and upkeep performed on the filter?
   
• What type of sanitation system is used, when was it installed, and are there any issues with it?
   
• How often was overall pool maintenance performed?
   
• Is the heating system functional?
   
• Is the pump operating correctly, including its timer?
   
• How old is the pool?
   
• Have there been any past issues with mold or other substances?
   
• Have there been any cracks or damage to the pool’s lining?
  
  
  
   

The Costs of Pool Ownership

Owning a pool, while enjoyable, comes with significant costs.

 

From cleaning and maintenance to repairs, as well as the expenses associated with opening and closing the pool each season, higher homeowner’s insurance premiums, and necessary equipment and accessories, the annual cost of owning a pool can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

 

“There are many factors influencing the cost of maintaining a pool,” says O’Donnell. “At the low end, it might be around $1,000 per year, but it can go up to $8,000 at the high end. Using energy-efficient equipment can reduce costs, and proper water chemistry management can help avoid extra expenses. Costs will also depend on pool size, equipment, and whether you do the maintenance yourself or hire a professional.”

 

Monthly expenses can vary based on the type of sanitization system. For example, while saltwater pools often have higher initial installation costs, they are generally cheaper and simpler to maintain compared to chlorinated pools.

 

On the positive side, despite varying market trends and buyer preferences, a pool can enhance your home’s curb appeal and resale value, especially in regions with long, hot summers.

 

“In warm climates like the Okanagan, B.C., a pool is a highly desirable feature for many buyers,” notes Hoffman. “Homes priced at $1.5 million and above frequently include pools as a sought-after amenity, which can boost your property’s appeal and value. In the $2 to $3 million range, a pool is often expected.”

Time vs. Money

 

Another crucial consideration is the amount of time you’ll need to spend on pool maintenance versus simply enjoying it.

 

“There are many factors at play, depending on whether you handle most of the cleaning and upkeep yourself or hire a professional pool service,” O’Donnell explains. Generally, homeowners should expect to invest anywhere from a few hours a month to several hours a week, based on the pool’s size, condition, and features.

 

Routine tasks typically include:

• Skimming dirt and debris from the surface
• Cleaning the strainer basket
• Scrubbing the pool floor and walls to prevent algae growth
• Vacuuming the pool to remove debris that the filter misses
• Testing the water to determine if chemicals or pH adjustments are needed

Safety First

 

When it comes to pool ownership, safety is the top priority. As the homeowner, you are responsible for any accidents that occur in or around your pool, so it's crucial to take all necessary precautions.

 

“If you have children or pets, an automatic pool cover is essential,” advises Hoffman. A manual, crank-operated cover can also be a viable and more affordable alternative, though it typically requires two people to operate safely and involves manually opening and closing the cover each time.

 

“Additionally, pools generally need to be enclosed by a fully fenced and gated yard,” Hoffman notes. While regulations vary by province, municipality, or district, having a fence around your pool is a good practice and often required to help prevent accidents.

 

Other safety measures include installing alarms, motion sensors, and cameras around the pool area. Regulations and requirements can differ, so it’s important to check local codes or consult your REALTOR® for guidance.


 

In terms of maintenance, safety also means knowing when you can do it yourself, and when to call in the professionals.
 

“Opening and closing, weekly maintenance and water balancing can all be managed by savvy homeowners,” O’Donnell says. “Leak detection, equipment or liner replacement, and repairs in general should be handled by the pros.

If you are looking to buy a home with a pool, my custom property search site can filter your search to include homes with pools.  Just go to www.BrianKondoTeam.com/search and enter your criteria.  Or call me at 905-683-7800 and I will take down your exact search criteria, including pools, and you will start receiving properties that match what you’re looking for soon afterward.

 

David Elver's article was initially published on REALTOR.ca.  You can find it by clicking here. 

Thanks for reading today’s BLOG!!!

Brian Kondo
Sales Representative / Team Leader
The Brian Kondo Real Estate Team
Re/Max Hallmark First Group Realty Ltd.
905-683-7800 office
905-426-7484 direct
brian@briankondo.com
www.BrianKondo.com
www.BrianKondoTeam.com

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