Should Your Vacation Rental Have a Pool?
Airbnbs with pools are a great way to attract guests. Deciding on whether or not to have a pool on your property will depend on a number of factors:
- Property location
- Maintenance and costs
- Liability and safety
- Market demand
- Seasonal circ*mstances
Vacation rentals located in areas that have harsher and colder weather conditions may not benefit from having a swimming pool on their property. Pools are a great amenity to include for vacation rentals in warmer climates. Not only will you maximize the value of your investment, but you can also have peace of mind knowing that weather conditions won’t cause unexpected repairs.
Also, keep in mind that not all pools have to be outdoors. Another option is to have an indoor pool available to your guests. Indoor pools offer guests in cooler climates a chance to enjoy the water and other swimming activities.
Consider a Hot Tub
A hot tub provides a luxurious and indulgent experience for guests. They offer relaxation, rejuvenation, and a unique feature that sets your property apart. It also creates an attractive selling point, particularly for guests seeking a memorable and soothing stay.
Additionally, a hot tub can be a year-round amenity, enticing guests during colder seasons when they crave warmth and comfort. It can enhance the overall guest experience, fostering positive reviews and encouraging repeat bookings. Moreover, a hot tub can increase the value of your property, attracting a more comprehensive range of guests and commanding higher rates.
How Much Value Does an Airbnb Pool Add to Your Listing?
While a pool can be an attractive feature for many guests, it’s essential to consider the market demand, location, and target audience of your specific listing. Guests often prioritize properties with pools when choosing their accommodations, perceiving them as a special feature that enhances their overall vacation experience.
In some regions with warm climates or popular vacation destinations, a pool can significantly enhance the appeal and marketability of your property. It can attract guests who prioritize relaxation, outdoor activities, or family-friendly amenities. Having a pool in such areas may command higher rental rates, increase booking inquiries, and potentially lead to higher occupancy rates.
According to Airbnb, amenities like vacation rental pools do matter to guests. For many guests, a pool adds a touch of luxury and indulgence to their vacation. It provides an opportunity to create memorable moments, whether it’s enjoying a sunset dip, hosting a poolside gathering, or simply relaxing with loved ones. The presence of a pool can elevate the overall guest experience and leave a lasting positive impression.
Furthermore, an Airbnb swimming pool can be an opportunity to increase your revenue. Hot tubs alone can increase a guest’s stay by 40% per night. With a swimming pool, you could increase your listing price to gain a higher profit rate.
How Much Does a Pool Cost to Maintain?
The cost of maintaining a pool as a vacation rental owner can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the pool, location, climate, and local market conditions. Here are some common expenses to consider when estimating the cost of pool maintenance:
Airbnb Pool Installation Costs
The average cost for inground pools in an Airbnb is $35,000. This does not include extras like lighting, a deck, or special features such as a waterfall. The best way to cut pool installation costs is to see if your pool supplier offers packages. This can range from the average expense up to $100,000. Remember, the size of your pool is the main determining factor of a price increase.
Airbnb Pool Maintenance Costs
To maintain your Airbnb pool, you will be paying an average of $1,450 annually. With proper care and maintenance, your costs can remain low. Depending on whether or not you have a chlorine, salt water, or freshwater pool, your maintenance costs could vary.
As an Airbnb with a pool, you will want to ensure that your pool is regularly cleaned. It is recommended that a professional pool cleaning service cleans your pool bi-weekly. For additional care, you can have your turnover specialist remove debris from your pool. This will help keep your investment fresh and clean for each guest.
Airbnb Pool Insurance and Liability Costs
With a pool added to your Airbnb property, your homeowner’s insurance will increase by $50 a year for an inground pool. Above-ground pools are not covered by homeowners insurance due to them being viewed as personal property. The liability portion of your homeowner’s insurance covers medical bills and lawsuits that happen from incidences that occur with your pool. This can cost you anywhere between $100,000 to $500,000 depending on your policy.
5 Airbnb Pool Safety Tips
With proper Airbnb pool rules and safety guidelines, you can create a secure and enjoyable pool environment for your guests.
Establish and Enforce Safe Behaviors to Guests
As a vacation rental property owner with a pool, ensuring the safety of your guests should be a top priority. To enforce and promote established safety measures and behaviors, clear communication is key.
Provide guests with a comprehensive set of pool rules and safety guidelines upon their arrival or include them in the rental agreement. Emphasize the importance of:
- Adult supervision for children at all times
- No diving in shallow areas
- Proper use of pool equipment, if provided
Install visible signage that reinforces safety instructions to ensure guests are consistently reminded of pool rules. In addition, regularly inspect the pool area to ensure that safety features like fencing, gates, and pool covers are well-maintained and functioning properly.
Keep Safety Measures Accessible
Airbnb pools should always have standardized safety measures easily accessible to guests. Your vacation rental swimming pool should always be equipped with:
- Lifevests and life rings
- Pool ladder or steps for an easy exit
- Removable pool safety fences
- Pool flotation toys or tools
- Pool alarms
- Pool cover or net
- Safety drain covers
All Airbnbs with pools should have a first aid kit readily available. Pool first aid kits are essential to vacation rental property owners who have a pool installed. To keep your pool safety equipment and tools and first aid supplies in one place, purchase an outdoor storage box. Any floaties, pool noodles, kickboards, or additional pool safety equipment can be easily stored and accessed by guests.
Install an Isolation Pool Fence
Airbnb’s summer home safety campaign is now launched with Life Saver Pool Fence to ensure hosts who have a pool are given a chance to purchase a safety pool fence at a discounted price. An isolation pool fence is especially important for hosts who cater to families.
These fences can be removable, semi-permanent, or permanent. If you’ll be mainly renting your vacation home to families with younger children, it is recommended that you install a permanent isolation fence around your pool.
Eliminate Hazards
The best Airbnb pool safety tip is to remove all hazards from your guest’s experience with your pool. A sign stating your pool rules will only go so far in ensuring guest safety. To guard against potential liability issues, consider the eliminating following:
- A diving board
- Dirty water
- Calcium build up
- Uncovered drains
- Inadequate lighting
- Chemical exposure
- Insufficient shading
It’s important to also be aware of additional accidents that could occur around a pool. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common hazards an Airbnb host can face when having a pool. While you can’t control your guest’s actions, you can provide non-slip matting or level uneven surfaces to prevent these types of incidences.
Include Depth Markers
Another common Airbnb pool hazard is drowning. When guests are unfamiliar with the depth of a pool, they can injure themselves when diving or jumping in. Pool depth markers are a great indication to your guests of how deep the water is. This aids in preventing incidences by guiding swimmers in making informed decisions.
How to Maintain an Airbnb With a Pool Year-Round
Protect your investment by maintaining your pool year-round. The easiest way to cut down on costs and eliminate risks is to establish a proper maintenance routine for your Airbnb pool.
Use the Proper Pool Cleaning Tools
Whether you’re choosing to clean your Airbnb swimming pool or having your turnover specialist do so, you’ll want to be equipped with the right tools and supplies.
Essential Airbnb pool cleaning tools:
- Pool skimmer net
- Pool brush
- Pool vacuum
- Pool leaf rake
- Pool tile brush
- Pool telescopic pole
- Pool filter tester and cleaner
Your pool cleaning tools and supplies are dependent on the size of your pool. Every vacation rental with a pool should have a pool telescopic pole and skimmer net readily available for guests or turnover specialists to use.
Encourage your guests to take advantage of the skimmer net on a need-basis. This is a good way to ensure that unwanted debris or animals like toads and lizards are removed from the pool at any given time.
Watch Chlorine and Bromine Levels
There are various types of chlorine available for pool sanitation, including liquid, tablet, and powder forms. Each type of chlorine mentioned varies in terms of cost, pH balance, method of dispersion, and volatility. In terms of powdered chlorine, calcium hypochlorite is widely preferred for private residences. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (dichlor) and chlorine tablets (trichlor) are also commonly used for residential pools.
To stabilize chlorine, cyanuric acid can be added. It is important to regularly add chlorine to your pool, either weekly or after events. While chlorine is popular due to its affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness as a pool sanitizer, it does have a strong chemical odor and requires frequent addition.
On the other hand, bromine is also an effective pool cleaner. Bromine is available for use in tablet form, which can be introduced into your pool through a feeder, floating dispenser, or in your skimmer net. However, bromine is slow to dissolve, so it is recommended to use a feeder for dispersion.
People with sensitive skin may prefer bromine as it is usually not as irritating to the skin or eyes as chlorine is. Bromine is more stable and effective than chlorine in high temperatures, which is why it is more commonly used in hot tubs and spas. For outdoor pools that receive direct sunlight, bromine will need to be replenished frequently to maintain healthy levels.
Hire a Pool Cleaner
Professional pool cleaners have the expertise and specialized knowledge to ensure that your Airbnb pool is properly maintained and in optimal condition. They are well-versed in the intricacies of pool chemistry, equipment operation, and water balance. Their specialization in pool maintenance aids in minimizing the risk of potential issues or damage.
By entrusting a professional, hosts can save valuable time and effort. Pool maintenance can be time-consuming and physically demanding. Focus on other aspects of managing a vacation rental while ensuring that the pool receives thorough and consistent care with a pool cleaner.
Furthermore, professional pool cleaners have access to commercial-grade equipment and high-quality chemicals that may not be readily available to individual hosts. This ensures that the pool is properly cleaned, sanitized, and maintained at a higher standard, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Importantly, professional pool cleaners identify and address potential problems early on, preventing costly repairs or emergencies. They conduct regular inspections, detect leaks, diagnose equipment issues, and perform necessary repairs or adjustments promptly. This proactive approach reduces the risk of guest dissatisfaction due to pool-related problems during their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnbs With Pools
Does Airbnb cover pool liability?
Airbnb’s Host Liability Insurance policy does cover bodily injuries – even those that occur as a result of an incident in your pool. Airbnb provides up to 1 million in coverage in the event you are found responsible for a guest’s injury. Your co-hosts and cleaners are also covered under this insurance policy.
How do I maintain my Airbnb pool?
To maintain an Airbnb pool effectively, hosts should regularly check and adjust the pool’s chemical balance. This is a simple way to guarantee proper sanitation.
In addition, clean the pool regularly by skimming the surface, vacuuming the bottom, and brushing the walls to remove debris and prevent algae growth. Cleaning a pool becomes easy when you maintain the pool’s equipment, such as the filter and pump, ensuring they are in good working condition.
Is an Airbnb with a pool a good idea?
Deciding whether to have an Airbnb with a pool depends on various factors. Consider the market demand and competition in your area. Assess if there is a need for pool amenities and if having one can give you a competitive edge. Factor in the extra costs associated with pool ownership, such as maintenance and insurance, to know if installing a pool is feasible.
In addition, you’ll need to understand your target guests’ preferences and if they value a pool. This ties back into your location. Don’t forget to comply with safety regulations and consider the associated liability. Weighing these factors will help determine if an Airbnb with a pool is a profitable choice for you.
Elevate Your Listing for Airbnb With Pools
Adding a swimming pool to an Airbnb listing can elevate the property and attract more guests. Highlight the pool as a standout feature in the listing description and showcase appealing photos. Emphasize the benefits, such as relaxation and enjoyment. Ensure the pool is well-maintained, follow safety regulations, and provide clear instructions to enhance the guest experience.
Keep your pool fresh and clean between each guest by hiring a turnover specialist. Turno’s cleaner marketplace connects hosts with experienced, reliable, and affordable Airbnb cleaners. Have your turnover specialist maintain your swimming pool by removing leaves, bugs, or other debris from your pool and ensure the pool vacuum is running efficiently. Automatically schedule your cleaners to handle maintaining your swimming pool per turnover.
Hire a turnover specialist through Turno to take care of your pool and additional property needs.
