Buying a home with a swimming pool in the backyard means more for families than escaping the summer heat each year, according to a Kiplinger report.

Time-consuming upkeep, expensive repairs and safety hazards are also part of the pool-owning experience, the data showed, with pool owners spending an average of $234 every year on professional maintenance.

Meanwhile, most U.S. locations want a safety barrier installed around a residential pool to help prevent accidental drownings.

Pool fencing options vary by type (glass, mesh, vinyl, etc.) and price, according to Kiplinger, costing anywhere from $15 to $40 per linear foot on average. Chain-link and mesh run $1,000 to $5,000, while wrought iron, aluminum, vinyl or wood are double that price at $2,000 to $12,000. Tempered glass is the most expensive and ranges from $7,000 to $20,000.

At the same time, safety hazards remain and special insurance policies may be required to offer full protection.

“Should you ever get sued, an umbrella policy kicks in once you've exhausted the liability coverage provided by your homeowners policy, which usually maxes out around $300,000,” Kiplinger said in the report. “The additional coverage can help cover paying for judgments against you, as well as attorney fees. You can purchase a $1 umbrella liability policy on average for $383 a year.”

In addition to having proper insurance coverage, homeowners with pools should consider the following safety tips from Acentria Insurance to reduce the risk of accidents:

  • Teach pool rules to children and guests and post them in a highly visible location.
  • Install a fence with self-locking and self-closing gates to completely isolate the pool from the house and the areas around it.
  • Do not leave children or any guests alone. In an emergency, they might need your assistance.
  • Remove all toys and flotation devices from the pool when not in use. Flotation devices can block the view of the water, and children reaching for toys and floats can fall into the pool.
  • Consider an alarm on exterior doors and gates that lead to the pool and a surface water alarm on the pool.
  • Always keep rescue equipment near the pool.
  • Make certain that any pool accessories, such as diving boards, basketball hoops and slides are securely fastened and in good repair to prevent them from becoming loose or breaking.
  • It is the owner’s responsibility to conduct regular inspections and maintenance on pool attachments to ensure they remain safe and functional. Regularly test and balance the pool water using appropriate chemicals.

The slideshow above illustrates what homeowners should know about backyard pools as selected by Kiplinger.
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