| Owning a pool can be a source of regular enjoyment, | | | | issues you need to be confident you can complete or |
| entertainment, and exercise. But there are other | | | | can afford to hire someone to carry out. Pool |
| factors to consider in addition to the rewards. Some of | | | | maintenance will be a permanent addition to your |
| the disadvantages of a pool can be issues such as | | | | budget should you choose to have a pool. |
| safety, upkeep costs, and how much time you can | | | | Another deciding aspect will be the location of the |
| actually use the pool. Whether or not you decide to | | | | house. How many months out of the year will the pool |
| look for a house with a pool, considering both the risks | | | | be available for use? If it will spend more time covered |
| and the rewards will make certain you don't later | | | | in snow than filled with water, it may not be the best |
| regret your decision. | | | | choice of your yard space. A pool located in a |
| Having a pool can be a major safety issue if you have | | | | wooded area might have the added frustration of |
| children or live in a neighborhood with children. The | | | | small animals such as raccoons and rats swimming or |
| Center for Disease Control states that drowning | | | | drowning in it. |
| remains the second leading cause of accidental death | | | | Though a pool comes with its own set of risks and |
| of children from ages one to fourteen. Making sure | | | | concerns, it also has significant rewards. It is an instant |
| that your pool is fenced, locked, and has an alarm | | | | entertainment center for parties and events. Using |
| goes a long way in easing safety concerns, but you | | | | your pool for exercise is convenient, fun, and |
| must be aware that the risk is greater with a pool on | | | | refreshing. With children, a pool becomes a way to |
| your property. Housing insurance premiums will | | | | keep your kids entertained and home in your backyard |
| probably be higher with a pool. Insurance companies | | | | for the summer. In warmer climates where the pool |
| usually suggest three times as much liability coverage | | | | gets a lot of use, it can add to the resale value of the |
| for owners of a pool. | | | | house. A backyard pool is also cleaner and more |
| Upkeep costs can also be a factor in deciding on | | | | sanitary than a public swimming pool. |
| committing to a pool. If you can, ask a friend or | | | | Ultimately you are the only one who can decide if |
| potential neighbor who has a pool to estimate how | | | | having a pool is worth the cost. Whatever you decide, |
| much it costs them in terms of time and expense for | | | | making sure you are well-informed of the safety risks |
| upkeep. Filling the pool with water, covering or | | | | and upkeep costs will ensure that you will not regret |
| emptying it during the winter, heating a pool, testing and | | | | having a pool in your yard, but can instead enjoy it for |
| keeping the PH of the water balanced with chemicals, | | | | years. |
| and cleaning the pool are all regular maintenance | | | | |