Buying a house with a swimming pool | Key considerations

Are you house-hunting and considering buying a house with a swimming pool?

When buying a substantial home, luxury amenities such as a swimming pool can be an attractive feature. In this article, Garrington provides some information to help you consider the pros and cons of buying a house with a swimming pool.

Key considerations when buying a house with a swimming pool

When considering buying a house with a swimming pool, there are several key factors that should be taken into consideration. These include maintenance, planning permission, and limited use.

Maintenance

Swimming pools require regular maintenance to keep them in a good and safe condition. This includes cleaning, chemical treatments, and regular inspections to check for any leaks or damage.

The costs of maintenance can vary depending on the size of the pool, the type of materials used, and whether it’s heated or has a motorised resistance wave feature.

It is important to factor in these on-going costs when considering the purchase of a home with a swimming pool.

Do you need planning permission for a swimming pool?

In the UK, an outdoor swimming pool would most likely fall within permitted development rights depending on its size and type.

There are some exceptions to this including if the pool is within the grounds of a listed building, in a conservation area, or an area of outstanding natural beauty.

It is essential that you or your solicitor check with the local planning authority to determine whether planning permission was required and granted for the pool and any accompanying buildings. Additionally, there may be other requirements such as building regulations and safety standards that must have been complied with.

Limited use

It is important to consider the potential limitations you may face to use an outdoor swimming pool before committing to an expensive purchase.

There may be climate restrictions dictating how often you’ll be able to use your outdoor pool. Pools in homes located in colder areas or with high levels of rainfall will only be able to be used for a few months a year unless heated or indoors.

Benefits of buying a house with a swimming pool

Convenience & privacy

A significant benefit of owning a house with a swimming pool is the convenience and privacy it offers. Homeowners can enjoy a swim at their convenience without having to travel to the pool or deal with overcrowding.

This could be particularly important for those with restricted mobility, who have neurodiverse conditions, or simply want to swim regularly.

Potential investment

Depending on the size and style of the property, buying a house with a swimming pool could be viewed as an investment. If you’re buying a large country house with a few acres of land, it is generally expected that it will have a pool. The prospect of having to install a pool will likely deter buyers; important if you’re considering a future resale value. Owning a swimming pool may also provide homeowners with a source of income by renting it out for events or parties.

Aesthetic appeal

A swimming pool can add significant aesthetic appeal to a house, enhancing the overall look and feel of the outdoor space, and the desirability of the property.

It can provide a great setting for outdoor entertainment such as pool parties and barbecues, creating a fun and lively atmosphere for family and friends.

Drawbacks of buying a house with a swimming pool

Maintenance costs

Owning a pool comes with significant maintenance costs even if it isn’t heated. It must be safe to use, from the chemical levels in the water to the type of safety cover used. These expenses can add up quickly, and the owner must be prepared for the ongoing financial commitment.

Resale value

Whilst a swimming pool can be a great addition to a home, it may not necessarily add value to the property, especially if it is not appropriate to the size or style of the house, is not high quality, or well maintained.

In fact, there will be some buyers who may see a pool as a liability and not want to take on the additional maintenance costs. Also, families with young children may be concerned that a pool presents a safety risk and will not consider buying a property with one. As a result, the resale value of the property may be lower than expected.

Considering installing a swimming pool?

If you’ve found a house you’re interested in buying and are deliberating whether or not to install a pool, the information given in this article will help in your decision-making process.

If installing a pool is essential for you, it’s imperative to find out if whether any permissions are required before you commit to the purchase. Speculative pre or full planning applications can be submitted and offers made for the property subject to having planning permission granted.

Installing a swimming pool is extremely expensive and it’s unlikely to show a return in the value of the property when it comes to resale. A pool well-suited to the property and its grounds, built to an extremely high standard, may not increase the value, but it may increase the desirability of the house and its saleability when it comes time to sell.

Indoor swimming pools

If you are considering buying a home with an indoor swimming pool it is prudent to correct that any necessary permissions are in place, as should be checked with any notable features at a property.

If you are thinking of buying a home and installing an indoor swimming pool you may need to obtain planning permission.

It is entirely possible that in the instance you plan for your indoor pool in a new building constructed in your garden or as an extension to your existing house, you should check with your local planning department. Such outbuildings are known as “pool halls,” and in most cases, they fall under your permitted development rights. However, it is important to ensure that your pool hall meets the limits and conditions before starting the construction work. Similarly, if your pool is to be located in a new extension to your house, you may not need planning permission as long as the extension does not exceed your permitted development rights. It is advisable to obtain a Lawful Development Certificate, especially if you plan to sell the house in the future. Keep in mind that constructing a swimming pool will require space for a plant room, so consider this when designing an outbuilding or extension for the pool.

Learn more about buying a house with a swimming pool

If you’re considering buying a property with a swimming pool and feel you would benefit from some assistance, a member of the Garrington team would be delighted to assist using their wealth of knowledge and years of experience.

Please contact us for a no-obligation discussion.