It’s a recurring question that will get you different answers each time: Does a swimming pool add value to my property? There are many factors that determine the answer to that question. Length of swim season and neighborhood are just two of the contributing factors. For some, a pool is high on the list of amenities they look for when buying a home, but families with young children or pets can see it as a liability. However, no matter what your area or target demographic, a pool that is poorly built or difficult to maintain will drag down the price of your home. And if you are buying, the dream of swimming all summer can turn into a maintenance nightmare without proper inspection.

If you are planning to add a pool to your property, having a licensed real estate inspector come in for each phase of the build can mean the difference between the dream and the nightmare, both for personal use and when the time comes to sell your home. If you are considering buying a home with a pool already in place, an inspection is essential to make sure your investment is a smart one – or if you need to request funds to fill it in! Here are some of the steps and elements that will be inspected as you build, or for a pool already in place:

1. Placement and protection – Local building codes determine how close a pool can be located to your home. The depth of the pool in relation to the footing of your home comes into play to make sure the pool will not affect the structural integrity of the home. You will also need to know about proximity to electrical wires, gates, fences, screening, etc. A major concern for parents of young children is whether or not the pool is accessible if the children are accidentally left unattended.

2. Pool and deck surface condition – What type of liners/surfaces work best for your area? Is it being/was it installed properly to avoid cracks, shrinkage, discoloration, and pitting? Flaking or pitted surfaces are a great hiding place for bacteria and algae to grow. Is drainage to code and adequate for the pool’s size? Is the walkway around the pool level and in good shape? Tripping is the most commonly reported accident around pools; it is essential you make sure the area is safe for use.

3. Equipment – What type of pump and filter will work best for you? If the pool is already installed, are the components working properly? Is a heater necessary for your preferences, or is it in good working order?

4. Accessories – Are the permanent accessories like grab bars, lights, diving boards, leaf skimmers, etc. all in working order? If building, are they installed not just according to code, but to maximize safety and efficiency?

5. Water quality – Water that has excessive minerals or off-balance PH can cause corrosion and scale that will limit the life of your systems. Not only can it damage your pool, skin irritation and disease can result from untreated water.

Buying a home with a pool or installing one on your property can be a wonderful investment. It can potentially raise the value of your home while providing hours of enjoyment for your family. Hiring a licensed inspector to take a good look at the pool before you buy or inspect during the build is a great way to insure that your experience is as smooth and pleasurable as possible. Consider your pool as another room of your home that you want to make sure is as safe as possible for your family’s use.