Your Quick Guide on Selling a Home With a Pool

If you own a house with a pool in Australia and are planning to sell, it’s only normal to start wondering what the process entails, especially since regulations have changed in the last few years. Does the pool need pool barrier safety compliance before selling? Will the pool increase your property's value? What are the government requirements when it comes to selling properties with pools? 

We will discuss the answers to these questions in this blog post. We will also go over some of the factors that determine whether a pool increases the value of a house, what to expect when dealing with buyers, and provide tips for selling a house with a pool.

Does Having a Property With a Pool Add Value?

Firstly, it is important to note that having a pool can be a great selling point for your property, especially in Melbourne's warm climate. Pools have so much to offer a household when it comes to relaxation, recreation and exercise. They can also make your property stand out in the real estate market, giving you an edge over other properties without a pool.

However, having a pool doesn’t always guarantee an increase in your property's value. If your property is located in an area where most homes have a pool, having one will probably not add much value to your home. Additionally, the size, style, and quality of the pool also play a crucial role in determining its value. A modern and well-maintained pool that complements your property's overall aesthetic can add significant value to your property. On the other hand, an outdated-looking or poorly-maintained pool can decrease the home’s value.

Selling Your Home & Pool Barrier Safety Compliance

If you’re considering selling your home and it has a pool, you should be prepared to receive several questions from potential buyers regarding the safety compliance status of your pool area. Therefore, getting your pool inspected and obtaining a certificate of compliance before showing off your property is the best thing to do. 

According to the Victorian Building Authority, every pool or spa owner needs to do the following:

• Register the pool with their local council.

• Obtain an inspection of the pool barrier by a registered swimming pool inspector.

• Correct any safety hazards identified during the inspection.

• Submit a certificate of compliance to the local council by the due date.

A pool inspection can help identify any issues that need to be addressed before listing the property. Fixing any problems in advance can help the property sell faster and potentially at a higher price. Moreover, providing a certificate of compliance can give buyers peace of mind in knowing that the pool is in good condition. This will make the sale process run more smoothly.

To sum up, property owners with pools or spas should get in touch with their local council for more insights on the registration and certification process in their area. 

Tips on Selling a Home With a Pool

There are several things you can do to maximize a house’s value if it has a pool, such as: 

Keep the pool in top condition

A properly-maintained pool can significantly increase a home’s value. Things like ensuring the pool is clean and properly balanced are a must. Fix any leaks, cracks, gaps in the pool fence and gate, or other issues before putting your property on the market. Also, make sure that the pool equipment, such as pumps, filters and heaters, are in working order.

Make improvements to the pool area

Aside from being functional and safe, a pool area should also be visually appealing. You can enhance the area by adding extra features such as outdoor lighting, landscaping, shade structures, seating areas, a bar, and even a grill. Additionally, make sure that the pool area is safe, especially for families with children, by installing pool barriers, fencing, and safety gates.

Showcase the pool in your property's marketing materials

When advertising your property, make sure to use your pool as a selling point. Use high-quality photos and videos of the pool area in your online listings and social media posts, and be sure to highlight safety compliance. You could also take it a step further and stage the pool area to show how it can be used for relaxation and entertainment.

Price your property appropriately

Consider the value that your pool adds when determining your property’s price overall. You can get a good idea of how much your pool is worth by doing thorough research on the market and finding similar properties with a pool in your area. Consulting with a real estate agent with experience in selling properties with a pool is also a good move to help you price your property appropriately.

Final Thoughts

To sum things up, having a pool on your property can be a valuable asset when selling your home in Australia. However, its value depends on various factors, such as its condition, size, style and quality, safety compliance, as well as the location of your property. By following the tips we share above, you can maximize the value of your pool and attract potential buyers.

If you’re getting ready to sell your home with a pool and are looking for a pool barrier inspection, be sure to check us out! At VIC POOL INSPECTORS, we have the expertise and are backed by the Victorian Building Authority and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria. We will work with our clients till their pools are 100% in compliance with their local regulations. Click here to set up an inspection today!

---

Get Your Certificate of Compliance with One Fixed Price & Unlimited Phone Support

Our Guarantee- We Will Work With You Until You Get Your Certificate of Compliance. No Hidden Fees

Safeguard Your Family: Debunking 8 Myths of Pool Barrier Safety

Pools are a fantastic addition to any property, but there are pool barrier safety myths out there that keep property owners from doing the right thing and getting their pools inspected for safety compliance. 

A pool in your backyard offers endless hours of enjoyment, exercise, and relaxation. Using a pool responsibly, however, requires strict pool barrier safety. It’s every property owner’s responsibility to ensure that their pool is safe for all those who use it, especially children. That’s why government-enforced regulations are in place to guarantee pool barrier safety compliance.

Unfortunately, there are several misconceptions about pool barrier safety that influence homeowners to skip out on inspections, which can put people of all ages at risk. Below, we will explore and debunk some of the most common pool barrier myths.

Myth #1: Only children need protection from pool hazards.

While children are the ones most likely to run recklessly towards a pool, it is important to remember that anyone can be a victim of a pool-related accident. As a matter of fact, adults and pets are just as likely to drown in a pool as children are. And when it comes to adults, we also have to consider the fact that many social gatherings and parties will take place in backyards with pool areas. This means that it’s highly likely for someone with one too many drinks might try to jump in the pool!

This is why pool barrier safety is essential. A safe and compliant pool barrier that functions properly will help protect everyone who uses the pool, keeping accidents and injuries from happening. 

Myth #2: As long as the pool is supervised, there is no need for barriers.

Relying solely on supervision to prevent pool accidents is definitely not a good idea. Parents and pet owners know all too well that it only takes a few seconds for anyone to get into trouble, especially in a pool. Accidents can happen even when someone is watching. Proper pool barriers, such as fences, gates, and covers, are essential to ensuring the safety of everyone who lives on the property and uses the pool.

Myth #3: Just a pool cover is enough to keep children safe.

Pool covers can help prevent accidental drowning but they are not a foolproof fix when it comes to pool safety. This is one of the big pool barrier safety myths.

Pool covers can become damaged or dislodged, leaving gaps big enough for children or pets to fall through without a clear way to get out. Additionally, pool covers are ineffective at preventing other pool-related accidents, such as falls. This also depends on the material used for the pool cover. Rigid ones tend to be on the safer side, while the vinyl or mesh kinds pose greater risks.

Myth #4: Pool barriers are ugly and detract from the pool's beauty.

While it’s true that some pool barriers can be unattractive eyesores, there are several options available now that can be both effective and aesthetically pleasing. For example, glass fences or fences with decorative elements can enhance the look of the pool while still providing essential safety.

Myth #5: Installing a pool barrier is expensive and not worth it.

The cost of installing a pool barrier may seem elevated, but it’s a small price when it comes to safety compared to the cost of a pool-related accident. Additionally, a pool barrier provides peace of mind to homeowners in knowing that everyone who uses the pool is safe.

Myth #6: If a pool is located in a gated community, there is no need for additional barriers.

Gated communities can provide an additional level of security, but that isn’t an excuse to skip out on a pool barrier installation. In gated communities, there are instances where visitors or guests gain access to the pool area, therefore, safety is paramount. If there were to be an accident, there could be legal problems. Additionally, there may be times when the gate is left open or malfunctions, creating a safety hazard. The bottom line is, a proper pool barrier is necessary, no matter where the pool is located.

Myth #7: There is no need for a pool barrier if a child can swim.

A person’s swimming ability is not a substitute for a properly installed pool barrier. Even the strongest swimmer can become exhausted or disoriented, leading to an accident. Furthermore, children who can swim may become overconfident and take risks that could lead to injury or drowning. Imagine someone miscalculating a jump or accidentally slipping too close to the pool. A proper pool barrier would prevent further damage.

Myth #8: A shallow pool doesn’t need a barrier. 

A shallow pool can be a safety hazard whether you believe it or not, especially for young children who may not be able to stand up or swim to safety. The laws require that any swimming pools or spas capable of holding more than 30 cm of water need pool barriers. This includes permanent pools, above-ground pools, indoor pools, hot tubs, bathing or wading pools and some relocatable pools.

To wrap things up, it’s important to recognise and address the common myths and misunderstandings surrounding pool barrier safety. By doing so, we can guarantee that everyone who uses a pool is safe from accidents. 

If you’re planning on installing a pool on your property or have one already built, then a proper pool barrier safety inspection is the next step. At VIC POOL INSPECTORS, we have the expertise and are backed by the Victorian Building Authority and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria. We will work with our clients till their pools are 100% in compliance with their local regulations. Click here to set up an inspection today!

---

Get Your Certificate of Compliance with One Fixed Price & Unlimited Phone Support

Our Guarantee- We Will Work With You Until You Get Your Certificate of Compliance. No Hidden Fees

I have recently installed a cover over my swimming pool or spa. Does it comply with the legislation as a safety barrier?

In Victoria, a pool or spa cover does not comply with the legal requirements for a safety barrier. According to the Building Regulations 2018 (Victorian Building Authority), a safety barrier must be a physical structure or fence that restricts access to the pool or spa area.

While a cover may prevent access to the water, it is not considered a suitable alternative to a safety barrier, as it can be removed or opened, and a child could potentially fall into the pool or spa area.

Therefore, if you have installed a cover over your swimming pool or spa, you are still required to have a physical safety barrier that complies with the building regulations in place.

Our VPI team is ready to help you schedule an appointment at your convenience, so please don't hesitate to contact us. 0422076550 / 0407817714