Buying Home with Pool Issues

[Sigmabond]

Hey Everyone,

-We are looking at a home with a pool that looks like it will need some significant updating. I currently have a pool, so I understand the headaches that come along with buying a pool. According to the owner, the pool was installed in 2008. I've attached pictures with the sizing and shape. It appears to be a 3ft shallow and 6.5-7 foot deep end and 14x36 at its widest point. The pool has a vinyl liner, Hayward pump and booster, an Hayward / Aquarite SWG, and DE Filter.
-Overall the pool appears in below average shape, but it was running when we toured, so all the equipment is operable (except the salt water system), but definitely showing its 12 year age. The liner is bleached in a few spots and pulling away at the concrete line in 2-3 locations. I'm guessing a new liner is due and was wondering what you think an estimated cost to replace would be.
-The pumps are working, but likely will need to be replaced in the upcoming / next season.
-I don't have any experience with DE Filters, only sand, what should I look for on a DE Filter to determine if it would need to be replaced? The pressure gauge had significant clouding on it, so I assume this filter is also ~ 12 years old.

At first glance, I was estimating about $4,500 for a liner, $350 for a new pump (probably removing booster when it fails), $1,500 to swap out the SWG with a new updated version (if inoperable).

 

[ajw22]

The pressure gauge is easily replaced. A DE filter consists of a few parts:

• Housing - any cracks? drain plug leaking? otherwise the housing should be ok
• Grids - DE covers the filter grids. You will not know the shape of the filter grids until you open it up. If a DE filter needs replacement it is usually due to grids that can't be cleaned or are torn
• MPV valve - the gasket in the MPV is usually replaceable

DE Filter Use and Care - Further Reading

 

[AndyTN]

Is your expectation to be able to buy a house with an existing pool and not have to touch a thing? Unless the pool is brand new, you should assume half the equipment needs to be replaced within the next few years. That is the life of a pool owner and previous owners are going to be much less picky when it comes to the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" rule than your assessment. If everything but the SWG is operating without any major leaks or terrible sounds, it is just like buying a used car.

Even though you are a lot more experienced with pools than normal people in this house buying situation, I would still have a pool guy come do a pool inspection just like you would for your normal home inspection. That will help you leverage the pool equipment in negotiations. Look for any structural damage to the pool deck.

By the way, I paid $3500 for a new liner for a 18*36 oval pool with 8-ft deep end.

 

[borjis]

Prices tend to be regional, but I paid 4,500 for my liner which included custom measuring. The measurements itself was 800 ish of the cost. If you can locate the serial number you might save some.

 

[Sigmabond]

Is your expectation to be able to buy a house with an existing pool and not have to touch a thing? Unless the pool is brand new, you should assume half the equipment needs to be replaced within the next few years. That is the life of a pool owner and previous owners are going to be much less picky when it comes to the "if it aint broke, don't fix it" rule than your assessment. If everything but the SWG is operating without any major leaks or terrible sounds, it is just like buying a used car.

Even though you are a lot more experienced with pools than normal people in this house buying situation, I would still have a pool guy come do a pool inspection just like you would for your normal home inspection. That will help you leverage the pool equipment in negotiations. Look for any structural damage to the pool deck.

By the way, I paid $3500 for a new liner for a 18*36 oval pool with 8-ft deep end.

Thanks for the reply. My main concern is the pool liner and expected costs associated with getting it replaced and based on the few responses $3,500-4,500 seems reasonable to expect. I can easily swap out the SWG or the pump without major demo expenses. The owner realizes the pool needs work and she hasn't keep up with the maintenance like she probably should have.