If your goal is to set yourself apart from the competition in your area, you may be brainstorming amenity ideas to give you that lifestyle edge. With summer around the corner, a community pool might be high on that list. At OccupancySolutions.com, we know how inviting the idea of a pool can be to prospective residents, but we also know that the installation of a new pool may come with a few challenges as well.

Pros

A community with a pool has a great chance of having an edge over a similar community without one. In short, it could be that “thing” that causes prospects to choose your community over the competition. For families, a community pool presents a social space where children can play during the long summer days while parents connect with their neighbors in a fun and organic way.

Community pools are also popular with active residents of all ages. For seniors, the pool can be a hosting location for low-impact exercise classes. For younger residents, a space for them to swim a few laps to end their day.

A community pool may enable community management teams to charge a separate amenity fee that helps to cover the cost of operating the pool. For management, this means you gain the benefit of having a pool to entice prospective new residents, while the cost is offset by the sale of pool passes, tags, or tickets.

Cons

While having a pool comes with a number of benefits, these aren’t without cons. One thing to consider before investing in a pool installation is the additional maintenance, staffing, and security costs that come along with having a pool. The pool will need to be secured during off-hours with a camera system or security patrols. While in use, the pool will need to be monitored by a professional lifeguard. All security cameras, fencing, and other technology will also need to be maintained to remain safe.

Using a pool, even safely, is not without risk. Community management teams will need to make sure liability lies solely with residents using the pool should any incident occur. This will require having residents sign waivers or other contractual agreements before being given pool access. If guests are allowed to visit the pool with a resident, the contract should cover responsibility for them as well.

Pool maintenance can be costly, and in some cases, more than what can be reasonably charged in an amenity fee. This may mean taking on some of the financial burden of running and operating the pool throughout the summer season.

At OccupancySolutions.com, we want to make sure community management teams have the full picture before making any investment in the betterment of their community. To learn more about different amenities you can incorporate into your community, contact us today.