Renting A Home With A Pool: Considerations For Owners

If you are thinking about purchasing a rental property in the Tampa area, you might be tempted to buy a house with a pool. After all, West Central Florida has great swimming weather throughout most of the year. A pool can also be desirable for potential short- and long-term tenants.

Yet having a pool also presents its share of challenges, from maintenance to the risk of injuries to increased insurance costs. You should carefully consider whether a pool would be a smart rental property feature. If you decide to rent out a house with a pool, you should take certain precautions—like upping your insurance and adding some language to the lease—to protect yourself against liability.

At Eaton Realty, we work with property investors and landlords throughout Hillsborough County. We can help you find a great rental property - and then manage your property for you. Reach out today to talk to a member of our real estate team about our property management services for rental properties in the Tampa area…with and without pools!

Create Passive Income With Better Property Management. Speak With An Experienced Hillsborough County Property Manager › 813-672-8022

Pros of Renting a Home with a Pool

Attracts Renters

The Tampa area has a humid, subtropical climate. It is hot and humid in Tampa from May through October and drier with mild temperatures from November through April. While many people wouldn’t want to swim outside in the middle of winter, it isn’t unusual for Floridians to use their pools 7 or 8 months out of the year.

This reality is a huge reason why landlords might want to purchase a home with a pool for tenants. In Florida, houses with pools are simply more attractive to prospective tenants. This is true for both long-term tenants with a yearly lease and short-term renters such as tourists.

Increases Rental Value

In addition to attracting renters, having a pool can also increase the rental value of your home. Prospective tenants are more likely to want to rent a house with a pool and will be more willing to pay extra for a home that has a pool. One study by HotPads found that renters are often willing to pay 4.5% more to rent a property with a pool. This can improve the profitability of your rental home and ensure that it stays rented.

Increases Home Value

A pool can also help your home keep its value over the years - provided it is properly maintained. A pool is a feature that both homebuyers and tenants often seek in Hillsborough County. A house without a pool simply won’t be as appealing as one with a pool, which means that if and when you decide to sell, you should get a great return on your investment. Studies have found the return on investment for an in-ground pool to be 56%.

Cons of Renting a Home with a Pool

Higher Risk Of Injury

Of course, pools also come with certain downsides. First, pools can be dangerous. Pool injuries are fairly common, whether from accidents in the water or from walking on a wet surface around the pool.

Higher Insurance Premiums

Because of the higher risk of injury, you will likely have a higher insurance premium for your rental property. Typically, your insurer will require you to get coverage specifically for the pool. You may even want to add extra liability insurance to protect yourself in the event that one of your tenants hurts themselves in or around the pool.

Increased Maintenance Work

Pools also require a lot more maintenance than other parts of your home. The proper chlorine levels must be maintained, the pool surface should be skimmed regularly, the filters must be cleaned, and the pool itself must be vacuumed. Most landlords outsource this job to a pool maintenance company, which is an added cost that may not be entirely offset by the increased rental income.

Ordinance-Related Expenses

Finally, most cities and towns have specific ordinances related to pools. For example, in Tampa, all swimming pools and spas must be enclosed with a fence, barrier, or screen with a locking mechanism. Although adding these barriers to your pool area may cost more, they are important to protect your tenants and prevent people from trespassing onto your property to use the pool.

There are some things that you can do to lessen some of these concerns. This may include:

• Installing certain safety features, such as motion light and a security camera near the pool and changing the decking material to a non-slip surface;
• Providing rescue equipment, such as a life preserver, flotation devices, and a first aid kit;
• Posting warning signs around the pool, such as “no diving” or “swim at your own risk;” and
• Adding language to your lease that requires the tenants to perform basic daily pool maintenance, to keep the gate to the pool locked and secure, to use the pool subject to certain rules, and to notify the landlord and/or property manager of any necessary repairs immediately.

Setting pool rules can be a good way to protect yourself against liability in the event of an accident. Your property manager can also set up routine pool maintenance and schedule any repairs when necessary.

Thinking of Renting Your Home with a Pool? Give Eaton Realty a Call

Renting out a house that has a pool can be a good idea. A pool can help to attract tenants and allow you to set a higher rent price. However, downsides - like increased insurance and maintenance costs - come with the potential danger associated with pools. Addressing these issues can ensure you can rent your home with a pool while minimizing liability.

Eaton Realty is a Tampa property management company thatworks with landlords throughout Hillsborough County. We can help you choose the perfect rental property for your goals and then manage your property to ensure its profitability. As Floridians ourselves, we understand the value of a pool and can advise you on ways to mitigate the potential risks of having a rental property with a pool. Our team can also market your rental property to highlight the benefits of having a pool right outside your back door. To learn more about our property management services, fill out our online contact form or call our office at 813-672-8022.