
Buying a home with a swimming pool in the backyard will certainly score you bragging rights around the neighborhood, especially during the heat of the summer. However, there's much more to pool ownership than planning deckside parties and kids' playdates. For starters, maintaining a pool is time-consuming and expensive, especially with the high cost of living. Plus, there are safety hazards to consider.
We've interviewed many real-estate experts over the years about the pros and cons of owning a home with a swimming pool. Be forewarned: The cons outnumber the pros.