So you’re considering adding a pool to your backyard. Pools can be great for increasing your home’s value and increasing your home’s fun for your family and friends. However, pool ownership is not a decision to be taken lightly or made quickly. Before you commit to owning a pool, there are a few things you need to consider.
Costs
Pools are costly, both at first and in the long-term. Installing a pool can cost $40,00 or more. Costs to run and maintain a pool vary depending on the region, but, on average, a finished pool will cost you $200 per month. You will have to pay electrical expenses in order to run pool equipment, electrical or gas costs to heat the pool, chemicals, and repairs. Some infrequent maintenance can be extremely costly, with repairs such as re-plastering a pool costing $10,000 or more. There are some ways to cut pool maintenance costs, but it will still be expensive. Depending on your financial priorities, a pool could be well worth it, or it could turn out to be over-priced.
Maintenance
There are many things you have to do to maintain your pool. You need to clean it frequently, including skimming the pool, brushing it, and vacuuming it. You also have to maintain a pool’s circulation and chemistry to keep it a safe and pleasant place to swim.
Pool maintenance is essential for keeping both your pool and your home from being damaged. A lack of maintenance can result in water damage, but there are a few things you can do to make sure your pool doesn’t cause water damage to your home. Test your pool equipment for leaks if you observe the water level going down, and watch out for cracks in your pool—these issues can cause damage to your home’s foundation. You do not want water leaking from your pool into the soil around your home.
HOA Rules
It is important to be aware of any HOA regulations or other local rules before you commit to adding a pool to your backyard. You may be required to follow certain rules. These might include things like drainage requirements and rules about pool use. This can complicate and change your pool plans. Make sure that getting a pool will be feasible according to local regulations and that, as you consider what you want that pool to look like, you are prepared to abide by any rules.
Pool owners often run into issues and face unexpected consequences of deciding to add a pool to their backyard. Before you decide whether or not to commit to pool ownership, be sure to educate yourself about what it takes.
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