Pool ownership comes with some extra responsibilities, and it's important to take note of those extra duties before you move into your new home. Owning a pool means having some extra maintenance tasks, and it may also require making changes to the area if you have kids who need supervision while playing in the pool.

Before you sign the papers, start packing, and arrange for moving services, consider these tasks and tips for your new pool.

Before Your Long Distance Move: Ask Questions

If you're set on a home that has a pool, you'll still want to do your homework to find out as much about the pool as possible. Details like the age and manufacturer (or builder) may help you figure out if the pool is still under warranty, or how easy it might be to get the pool fixed if it needs work.

Ask these questions during sale negotiations or when you have a chance to speak with the owner or real estate agent.

  • When was the pool built?
  • Who installed the pool?
  • What does it cost to maintain?

You may want to talk with the builder to see if they have records about the installation or if there was anything unusual included in the building of the pool. Their answers may help you figure out if the pool has many years of enjoyment remaining, or if it will shortly need renovation.

Have a Professional Inspect the Pool

When you buy a home, part of the process includes a visit from an inspector who will take a look at all the major features of the home like the roof, the foundation, and the HVAC machinery. It's also worth having the pool inspected.

Just like you might have a car inspected by a mechanic, you can ask a builder or a pool expert to take a look at the pool. They can probably tell you if things are in good, working condition (like the filters) or if some work might be necessary (like resurfacing the pool).

Make Your Pool Part of Your Homeowner's Insurance

It's essential to include your pool in your warranty and insurance. A warranty for your home will usually cover a variety of repairs that are required in the first several months or the first few years you live in your home.

You'll want to make sure the pool is included. Some policies may include the pool automatically, but other policies may require that you pay an extra fee to add the pool. Always read the fine print of your warranty (even if you don't have a pool) to make sure you understand what it covers.

Create a Safe Environment for Kids

If you're a parent, you probably worry all the time about everything, and that concern can come in handy when it comes to pools. It's a sad fact of life today that hundreds of kids die in pools each year. If you have kids, the most important thing you can do is ensure their safety at the pool.

You'll want to complete some tasks related to pool safety, particularly if your kids are at an age where they're able to swim without help but still require supervision. Consider these features when making your pool kid-safe:

  • Install a fence that has a lock on the gate.
  • Buy a cover for the pool to use in the off-season.
  • Consider an alarm to notify you if anyone gets in the pool.

Tip: When buying a pool cover, make sure it's stiff and able to hold the weight of a child.

Making your pool safe for kids is probably the most important thing you can do before moving into a house with a pool. A few seconds can mean the difference between a minor pool accident and a tragedy, so make sure your pool is safe for family and friends.

After Your Relocation: Break it in!

Whether you're moving cross country or just across town, moving can be very stressful - even with the assistance of a local moving company. After all is said and done, there's nothing like a swim to help you relax. Better yet, invite a few friends over for a pool party! They'll love touring your new home and will enjoy a fun time in the water.

As we addressed in a previous post, it is very important to get to know your neighbors. However, it can be intimidating to do so as it is not always easy to find an appropriate opportunity to do so. Have a few of your closest neighbors over for a swim party with their families. It will be a good chance for you to break the ice and become well acquainted.