Things to Look Out for When Buying a Palm Springs Home with a Pool

Pools are an ubiquitous feature in the Palm Springs real estate market. If a home in Palm Springs doesn’t have a pool, chances are it’s within a few yards of one. The fantastic desert weather and frankly sweltering summer make pools a must-have quality-of-life issue in the valley. But, of course, they’re not without their complications and downsides. So, if you’re buying a home with a pool in Palm Springs, here are a few important things to look out for. Types of Pool Pools in Palm Springs come in a tremendous variety of shapes in sizes, making it likely that any pool you come across is some kind of concrete construction. However, this isn’t to say that you won’t find any other types of pool around, like fibreglass. Knowing exactly what type of pool you’re dealing with is important, as each will have its pros and cons. Concrete pools, for example, can be more prone to cracking, are harder to clean, and tend to alter the chemical balance of the water. Fibreglass pools, on the other hand, don’t have these drawbacks. People tend to favor concrete pools because of the price and the flexibility in installation. Pool Care & Quality While the type of pool makes a big difference, so does the quality and the care put into their installation. If you think about it, pools are quite the feat of engineering. While they may look placid and inert, they have to withstand a tremendous amount of wear, from the elements, water, chemicals, and use. A well constructed pool will persist with minimal problems for many many years, while a cheaply built or hastily installed one will take up a lot of time and money pretty quickly. As such, it’s important to make sure you know what you have on your hands when buying a home with a pool. The first step will be to ask the current homeowners some questions. These include: How old is the pool? When was it installed? Who installed the pool? Has the pool undergone any repairs or major maintenance? What is the average monthly and yearly cost of the pool? The cost of a pool can come down to many factors, including repairs, utility bills, maintenance costs, insurance, and so on. It’s also important to know the manufacturer and installer, as they can provide valuable information that the owner cannot. And finally, ask the owner what their day-to-day or monthly routines are when it comes to pool maintenance. This will let you know what kind of demands the pool will make on your time. Laws and Regulations Residential life is quite heavily regulated in Palm Springs, concerning what you can do with your property. Pools are no different. To begin with, you’ll need to check whether the pool you’re buying is compliant with local regulations. For example, does the pool have the required fencing or barriers, and anti-drowning measures. Check in with the local government to make sure you know what is required, and whether the pool you might be acquiring meets the requirements. Get Some Help The best thing you can do when buying a pool home in Palm Springs is to get some professional, expert help. When you hire a home inspector, try to get one experienced with pools. Or, better yet, hire an independent pool expert to come look at the pool. They can inspect the water quality and equipment to check for problems further down the road, as well as advising you on relevant regulations and the best practices for operation and care. Conclusion In Palm Springs, having a pool is definitely an asset to any home. Not just in terms of resale value, but in the benefits it has for your day-to-day life and comfort. If you’re willing to undertake the treatments, cleaning, maintenance, and added costs (or simply hire someone to take care of these for you), then you’ll be looking at years of enjoyment all year round. Just make sure to consult with an expert and ask a lot of questions.