Buying a Home with a Pool in the Winter: What You Need to Know

Purchasing a home with a pool during the winter months can feel a bit intimidating. With the pool covered and temperatures well below swimming weather, buyers often wonder how they can properly evaluate such a major feature of the property. The good news is that buying a pool home in the winter can still be a smart move when you know what to look for and how to prepare.

At Wenzel Select Properties, we help buyers navigate pool purchases year round. Here is what to consider when buying a home with a pool in the winter and how to protect yourself before closing.

Understand the Pool’s History

Since you cannot see the pool in use, documentation becomes especially important. Ask the seller for maintenance and service records, including the age of the pool, any resurfacing or liner replacements, and updates to equipment such as pumps, heaters, filters, and covers. These records can provide valuable insight into how well the pool has been cared for and what future expenses you may need to plan for.

It is also helpful to know whether the pool is chlorine or saltwater, as this can impact maintenance costs and long term care.

Confirm Proper Winterization

One of the most important questions to ask is how and when the pool was closed for the season. Proper winterization helps prevent cracked pipes, damaged equipment, and costly spring repairs. Find out who performed the pool closing, whether it was a professional service or the homeowner, and what steps were taken during the process.

A properly winterized pool is a good sign that the owner has been proactive about maintenance.

Schedule a Pool Inspection

Even in the winter, many licensed pool inspectors can evaluate key components of the pool. While they may not be able to test everything until the pool is opened, they can still assess the pool structure, visible surfaces, safety features, and equipment condition.

In some cases, buyers may choose to negotiate a spring inspection or request that the seller open the pool prior to closing, depending on timing and market conditions.

Review Safety and Local Requirements

Pool ownership often comes with local safety requirements. This may include fencing, self closing gates, alarms, or pool covers that meet code standards. Understanding these requirements ahead of time helps avoid unexpected upgrades after closing.

Your real estate professional can help you determine what regulations apply in your specific community.

Budget for Opening and Ongoing Maintenance

Buying a pool home means planning for both short term and long term costs. In addition to the purchase price, buyers should budget for the cost of opening the pool in the spring, routine maintenance, utilities, chemicals, and potential repairs or upgrades.

Knowing these expenses upfront allows you to move forward with confidence and avoid surprises.

Winter Can Be an Advantage for Buyers

While it may seem counterintuitive, buying a pool home in the winter can actually work in your favor. With fewer buyers actively searching, there is often less competition and more opportunity for negotiation. Sellers may also be more flexible on price or terms, particularly if the home has been on the market through the colder months.

Work with the Right Guidance

A home with a pool can be a fantastic investment and a source of enjoyment for years to come. The key is knowing how to evaluate it properly, even when it is covered in snow.

At Wenzel Select Properties, we guide our clients through every step of the process, asking the right questions, coordinating inspections, and helping you make informed decisions no matter the season. If you are considering a home with a pool this winter, we are here to help you dive in with confidence.