January 2025
Reading Time: 3 Minutes
Summer is in full swing, and the hottest months are yet to come. Having a swimming pool in a rental property seems like an appealing idea for attracting tenants, but what are the risks and benefits of installing a pool? We look at the pros and cons.
One of the biggest benefits of having a swimming pool is the increased attractiveness it gives your rental property. In a competitive market having a swimming pool may help your property stand out.
Offering a pool may allow you to charge higher rent, especially in the premium bracket.
Rental properties are homes, and home occupiers are likely to stay longer in quality properties. If the pool is well maintained, it could help improve tenant retention.
In the longer term, a swimming pool could add value to your property, but this will depend on market conditions.
Landlords are usually responsible for pool upkeep, including water testing, balancing chemicals, and monitoring systems.
Read more about Who Looks After the Pool in a Rental Property
Landlords must ensure pools are safe, including maintaining non-slippery surfaces and ensuring pool fences meet safety standards.
Swimming pool installation typically costs upward of $50,000, with high-end pools going into the hundreds of thousands. It is unlikely you will recoup these costs in the short term.
If you decide to install a pool, it is important to specify who is responsible for pool maintenance in your tenancy agreement.
Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are responsible for maintaining the premises, while home occupiers are expected to keep the property reasonably clean and tidy. The landlord typically handles the overall maintenance of the pool, regardless of whether the home occupier uses it. However, occupiers are usually responsible for daily tasks, like removing leaves and branches. As there is no statutory provision for who is responsible for pool maintenance, set out your expectations in your tenancy agreement.
To encourage best practice, include a clause that the tenant should get in touch immediately if the pool fence or gate is damaged or other safety risks are identified.
It is worth carefully weighing up whether to install a swimming pool in a rental property. The costs and risks often outweigh the benefits. Some home occupiers may prefer a simple, grassed section.
As pool maintenance is a skilled activity, Crockers advises that leaving the job to a professional contractor is often in a landlord’s best interest.
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