Would you buy a house with a pool?

[Anonymous]

DH and I have seen a few houses we like with in-ground pools. However, he is dead set against buying one with a pool. I can't figure out why because it seems like a great thing -- pool parties, a natural place for the kids and their friends to hang out (I like them to gravitate to our place and a pool would be a magnet!), no need to join a pool in the summer, less grass to mow(!). Still, he says it's more like a boat - more work than it's worth. With whom do you agree? Should I get my pool or not?!?

[Anonymous]

I would love a pool when the kids are old enough; maybe when the youngest is 7 or 8. I would worry too much before that. I had a pool growing up, and it was a lot of work but that was easily outsourced. It's great for the type of family that loves a house full of young people. I do think that liability is a much bigger issue now than it was when I was a kid, though.

[Anonymous]

If I had money to hire someone to take care of it, YES.

But in reality, NO.

[Anonymous]

no

[Anonymous]

I agree with DH. Research how much it costs for a company to maintain your pool and what tasks are involved. Then decide if you'd be willing to take on some of those tasks to reduce the cost. It's either a lot of work or a lot of $. I'd rather join a pool b/c the pool is often nicer/bigger, has lifeguard, swim team and swim lessons, and is a way to meet people in the area. There's also a lot of liability with having a pool - both the risk of your own kids drowning and kids sneaking in and drowning. I bet having a pool increases your homeowner's insurance. Factor in the age of the pool and systems. If it’s newer, the cost probably isn’t terrible. If it’s older, the equipment will probably break down regularly until you replace it.

That said, my best friend growing up had a pool. They used it a lot, her dad didn’t mind maintaining it (he’s the one who wanted it). They moved into that house when the youngest was in 5th grade or so and all the kids could swim. It was fun going over to her house and they had people over often. But they’re much more social than I am – so it worked for them but wouldn’t work for me.

[Anonymous]

No. More dangerous statistically than owning a gun with small kids.

[Anonymous]

I keep marking houses off my list when I see they have a pool.

[Anonymous]

I grew up with a pool and it is wonderful when you have children (and of course if you take proper precautions). We were always outside and I have great memories of spending summers in the pool with my friends. However, now that my parents are older it is too much work to maintain and they haven't even opened it in years. So, while in theory I would love a pool I can see how your DH would be against it.

[Anonymous]

Resale is harder with a pool.

I would never do it with younger children. The first house we lived in had a pool and I had many near-drowning experiences. And that was with a fence, locked doors, and attentive parents. My parents quickly moved us out of that house.

[Anonymous]

No way. Not worth the time, energy, worry, money for an area where the swimming season is less than year round.

[Anonymous]

have teenagers now and would love one. I grew up in CA and we always had homes with pools.

[Anonymous]

I grew up with a pool and it was the best thing ever. This time when house-shopping I only considered houses with pools, or ones with enough space and a low enough price that we could install one ourselves. It's a lot of maintenance but it's worth it. Also, since the time I grew up, pool technology has changed. The new saltwater pools are a little easier with the chemicals, and there are easier to clean surfaces and better cleaning machines than we had in the 70s.

[Anonymous]

Never. If it were otherwise my dream house and I could afford it, I'd buy the house and fill in the pool (remove it).

[Anonymous]

In this area, where you can really only get use of the pool from May-October (maybe?), I agree with your Dh. I don't want the extra work, liability, etc. I'd rather just join a pool or move to a neighborhood with a HOA pool.

If I lived in a warmer climate, where we could get at least 8+ months/year use, I might change my mind.

[Anonymous]

I personally know 2 families whose 2 year olds died in a home pool drowing accident. In both cases there was a party at the house with the pool- the 'pool' part of the party was over- people were inside- the toddler wandered off and fell in and drowned. One died instantly- one never regained consciousness but was on life support for over a year before she finally passed away. Absolute tragedies.
This would keep me from ever wanting to own a house with a pool-- its just to much risk.