If you manage a rental property, your tenants will appreciate having access to an in-ground swimming pool on site. This amenity offers a much-needed refuge from the scorching sun. Residents and guests can relax, get some exercise and socialize with one another.
Maintenance and care are critical to ensure a safe, clean and enjoyable swimming area for everyone. Proper upkeep helps prevent contamination, sickness and injury, while extending the pool's longevity.
Do landlords need to maintain pools for tenants? What pool safety measures should you take? Learn the answers to these questions and others in this handy guide.
Benefits of a Swimming Pool for Your Property
Here are some advantages of adding a swimming pool to your rental property.
Increases value: An in-ground swimming pool can boost property value by 5 to 8%, depending on your location and market. A swimming pool is an excellent luxury that's sure to attract tenants, as it gives them a retreat to beat the heat.
Adds aesthetic appeal: Swimming pools come in many designs, shapes and sizes to complement your property's look. A pool can create a beautiful focal point, significantly boosting your aesthetic appeal. Unique elements like waterfalls and bridges can add more interest to the space.
Promotes health and wellness: Installing a swimming pool can help improve physical and mental health for tenants of all ages. Whether children play in the pool with friends or adults swim laps, this activity can reduce pressure on the joints and decrease stress and anxiety.
Are Landlords Responsible for Pool Maintenance?
Yes — swimming pools are part of landlords' responsibility to maintain safe common areas on the property. Whether you temporarily rent out a vacation home or provide long-term house rentals, you must keep pool users safe and prevent injuries on your property.
Improperly maintained pool water creates a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. These microbes can make users sick and lead to ear, nose and throat infections, gastroenteritis and inflamed lungs and eyes. You could also be liable if a tenant or non-tenant sustains an injury by slipping or falling near the pool.
Unless you add a swimming pool liability waiver deeming tenants responsible for maintenance, you'll be responsible for an incident in the following situations:
You're aware of a dangerous pool condition.
You don't take reasonable steps to remedy the issue.
The condition puts users at severe and foreseeable injury risk.
Pool Safety Considerations
Swimming pool regulations vary by state, county and municipality. Understanding your area's pool laws can prevent unwanted accidents and injuries. You can find state and local swimming pool codes and regulations online, so review these carefully. You can contact your area's public sanitation or health department with any questions.
Here are some essential safety measures for your swimming pool.
1. Safety Barriers
If your city or municipality requires it, install a safety barrier like a self-closing latching gate around the swimming pool. Even if state or local laws don't mandate safety barriers, adding them is in the best interest of young children and cautious parents.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission advises the top of the barrier to be at least 48 inches above grade. A child can climb over a safety barrier if it's too low or has handholds or footholds. Some states, counties and cities require 60-inch pool barriers.
2. Pool Addendum or Liability Waiver
Consider adding a pool addendum to your lease agreement. This amendment outlines your property's rules regarding swimming pool, hot tub, spa or jacuzzi use and defines all parties responsible for its maintenance.
Additionally, an addendum transfers pool or spa maintenance duties to the tenant. It doesn't hold the landlord responsible for any pool-related negligence, damages or injuries to tenants and non-tenants.
You can find sample swimming pool liability waivers online, but it's best to consult local counsel. Otherwise, you can hire a professional to maintain the pool and report any safety hazards requiring attention.
Here are some other pool safety measures to consider:
Posting safety notices — such as depth markers, no running and no diving — on doors, walls and fences
Installing a hook high up by the door for the gate key, water-watcher card and whistle
Storing a rescue pole and life ring near the pool area
Posting a “Please lock the gate when finished swimming" sign on the pool gate
Keeping the swimming area well-lit
Trimming back surrounding shrubbery and trees for optimal visibility
Giving tenants pool safety information such as drowning prevention
Pool Repair and Regular Maintenance
If you'll be responsible for swimming pool repairs, maintenance and upkeep, it's wise to choose a company to handle these tasks. To maintain a safe, clean swimming area for tenants, you'll need to hire someone to:
Clear debris from the surface and bottom of the pool.
Maintain chlorine levels.
Check and adjust water levels, hardness, pH, dissolved solids, filter pressure and backwash.
Ensure a functional pump and motor.
Clean the filter.
Identify and address grimy surfaces, leaks, poor lighting and other safety hazards.
Learn and stay abreast of your local laws and regulations.
Schedule preventive maintenance tasks and services.
Safely store chemicals and other pool supplies.
Monitor and clean any restrooms, locker areas or shower facilities.
Regularly check in with updates about maintenance tasks and safety measures.
Considerations for Choosing a Pool Maintenance Company
Since taking care of a pool can be time-consuming, you will find it's far easier to hire a company to handle these tasks for you. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a pool maintenance provider.
Available services: Swimming pools require extensive maintenance. Therefore, you should select a company that offers a wide range of services, including weekly upkeep, repairs, opening and closing services, inspections, heating and covering.
Previous work: Looking at the company's work history and experience can give you a better idea of their qualifications to install, repair and maintain your pool. That way, you can feel more confident and at ease about hiring them.
Responsiveness: Be sure to choose a pool maintenance provider that won't leave you waiting on the phone. A responsive pool company can quickly help fulfill your needs and requests.
Contact Quantus Pools for Pool Maintenance Services
If you need a trusted installation, repair and maintenance company to handle your property's unique swimming pool needs, look no further than Quantus Pools. We proudly serve the greater Chicagoland area and parts of Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin and Indiana.
With years of industry expertise, an OEM-certified team of technicians, affordable services and no hidden fees, you can count on us to maintain a fun, clean and safe swimming area for tenants and visitors. Contact us today to learn more about our services or get a free quote!
