Want to be the most popular house on the block? Get a swimming pool. If your home has a pool, you can enjoy relaxation and fun right in your backyard. A pool is perfect for parties and celebrations with family and friends. Of course, maintaining a pool requires time and financial commitment. It costs money and takes effort to keep a pool clean and running well. The cost to repair this feature can be steep. If something happens unexpectedly, it could put you in a financial bind. This is when purchasing the best home warranty plan available that covers pools could come in handy. You may be debating whether purchasing such protection is worth it. Here’s some information to help you understand how it works, so you can make the right decision for you and your family.
The Cost of Putting in a Pool
Before you consider whether to get a warranty on your pool, it’s helpful to first understand how much you can expect to pay to replace it. Let’s say you have a pool, and it’s in such despair that you need to start from scratch. Installing a new pool can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $65,000. Those costs can be even more for larger, custom-built pools with waterfall features, beach entry, and other add-ons. The shape of the pool and the material used—vinyl, concrete, or fiberglass—will affect how much you spend too.
The Cost of Repairing a Pool
Again, the amount of money you spend to fix problems with your pool can vary widely. Typical problems include a worn-out pump, leaky or broken pipes, and issues with the drain, skimmer, pool cover, heater, and beam. You could plan on spending a couple of hundred dollars to make repairs up to thousands of dollars or even more than $10,000, depending on the problem and how extensive it is. If you have multiple problems with the pool, be prepared to pay much more.
How the Warranty Works
As with any type of product warranty, a swimming pool warranty is a contract with a service provider. You agree to pay a premium, and the provider will fix or replace the affected piece. The broken down or damaged parts may be due to wear and tear or poor installation. Be aware that your warranty will not be valid if the problems arise because of misuse or deliberately damaging equipment.
Warranty on the Pool
One type of warranty covers the actual swimming pool and the materials used. If the concrete, vinyl, or fiberglass has a crack or other defects, a warranty could cover the costs to fix these issues. Such a warranty usually lasts for 15 years.
Equipment Warranty
More often, you may have problems with equipment breaking down. Pumps, heaters, and filters will suffer wear and tear and eventually start to falter. This will affect the quality of your pool and the enjoyment you can get out of it. When you build the pool, the manufacturer will typically put a one-year warranty on these components. Once that term expires, consider extending the warranty. The plan will cover the costs to repair any parts or replace them.
Craftsmanship Warranty
The third type of warranty you will encounter with a pool is a craftsmanship warranty. This will cover problems with the plumbing, settling in the ground, and other leaking that may occur. It is wise to choose this coverage because many of these issues will not show up right away. It could be years before such repairs are needed.
Warranty Costs
With careful research and comparing plans, you can find warranties that run less than $200 a year. Before you select a warranty, explore multiple options and examine the details of the plan. Read reviews about each plan so you can make an informed decision that you feel good about.
Saving in the Long Run
Spending $150 to $200 a year pales in comparison to what you could spend repairing your pool or replacing components of it. Even weekly or monthly pool maintenance can run you a couple of hundred dollars. Plus, when you make a service call, the technician will usually charge a diagnostic fee. Also, there is an hourly labor charge to consider, in addition to the costs of the parts themselves. Pool warranties will cover all of these costs, sparing you financial stress and hassles now and in the long run.
It should be clear to see how a pool warranty makes a lot of sense. If you plan on using your pool often and you’re not moving anytime soon, this is a wise investment for many years to come. You’re paying enough to install and maintain the pool. Don’t feel overwhelmed when repair needs come. Start your research today and begin looking for a plan that makes sense and fits your budget and needs. You can have peace of mind and rest at ease knowing your pool has protection.
