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Need Advice Would you buy a house with a swimming pool?

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by php9700, May 17, 2012.

  1. php9700

    php9700 New Member

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    Would you buy a house that has a swimming pool? Is it really not safe if there are kids around? How much does it cost to get rid of it, and the hot tub too?
     
    php9700, May 17, 2012
    #1
  2. Mike-and-Kim

    Mike-and-Kim Member

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    My friend used to have a house in SoCal that had a pool and he hated it, with the maintenance. He bought it when he was younger and thought it was a good idea.

    I thought he said it was on the order of 10K to get rid of it, he ended up eventually selling the house.

    One of the great things about Broadlands is there are pools. For me, daughter just graduated college so I would not want a pool. If family visits I can just get some guest passes.

    Some people do want hot tubs though. Previous neighbors had one from the original owners (but not working), when they sold our new neighbors I think have gotten it working.
     
    Mike-and-Kim, May 17, 2012
    #2
  3. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    We considered a property in broadlands with a pool. Reviewing the previous owner's bills would be a good way to get a feel for costs. You can ask the realtor to provide previous month's utilities.

    Given most pools are well integrated into the yard, patios, fences, etc. I would expect paying to remove a in ground pool would be pretty expensive, and probably better off just looking for another house if you aren't interested in the pool itself. You'll have to redo so much.. while paying for the pool in the property cost, then pay to get rid of it all, etc.
     
    flynnibus, May 18, 2012
    #3
  4. Don't Say Cheese Photo

    Don't Say Cheese Photo Broadlands Photographer

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    There are plenty of ways to make a pool kid-safe. I used to live in Arizona and code required a few different things. I'm not sure what the code is here since we don't have a pool, but plenty of people have pools and children and they love them both!

    As for maintenance, that's a different thing. My pool in AZ was pebble tech with built in vacuums so cleaning was a breeze! It really depends on what you have, how much work it will be.
     
    Don't Say Cheese Photo, May 18, 2012
    #4
  5. Steve Campot

    Steve Campot Broadlands Real Estate Broker

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    I do not recommend pools to people that have or plan to have little children. I just can't forget the home surveillance video I read about that showed a three year old that got past a lot of safety barriers falls in and her twin tries desperately to help her but falls in also. They both drowned. Horrific! Now if you have older strong swimmers and like pools, then great.
     
    Steve Campot, May 19, 2012
    #5
  6. PDILLM

    PDILLM Well-Known Member

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    Just my thought, but I'd say no. We pay HOA fees for the commnuity pools, so a personal pool would just add expense and alot of work for something that is just down the street...... As a potential homeowner, I don't want any part of more bills or work!!!
     
    PDILLM, May 26, 2012
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  7. OSimpson

    OSimpson Certified Master Naturalist

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    To me it feels like can I afford to keep a Ferrari? Benefits of having a pool in Northern VA's climate comparing to the cost of maintaining it makes no sense. Unless, economically you can really afford to cost without hating it or breaking the bank.

    It would be nice to have but I wouldn't buy a house in northern VA with a pool unless it has a dome over it and heated.
     
    OSimpson, May 27, 2012
    #7

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