If you’re planning on listing your home for sale in the spring, you might be wondering if your backyard pool will help the process or stall it. Buyers have strong opinions about swimming pools. Some want them, others don’t. Rather than trying to sell someone on the idea of having a pool, it’s better to market your home to people who would be interested.

Below are some tips for selling your home quickly – with a swimming pool.

Clean and Maintain

Take some time to freshen up the pool and its surroundings before listing your home. Replace worn or broken pool parts. Power wash the deck. Trim overgrown trees. Fix sections of a sagging fence. Make the pool area look bright, well maintained and safe for children and pets.

Open the Pool

Potential buyers like to see that things are working around the home. A pool that is closed brings out concern. Is there something wrong with the pool? Is it not in swimmable condition? When was the last time it was maintained?

A home with a clean, open pool is always more attractive to potential buyers. Plus, people like knowing that if they were to buy the home, they could enjoy a swim right after closing. If you must keep the pool closed, write in your agreement that you plan to pay for a pool opening and inspection.

List at the Right Time

Not everyone goes into the home buying process wanting a pool, but once they see it on a hot summer day, they change their mind. This is why timing is everything. Try listing your property in the spring or summer, and your pool will be viewed as an asset on a hot and humid Mississippi afternoon.

Create a Pool Binder

A pool binder includes everything that is needed to care for your pool and provides new owners with peace of mind. Here are some details that should be added to the binder:

• How the pool operates
• Service records
• Chemical records
• Renovation and replacement work
• Names of reputable service companies

Also include all of your pool chemicals, equipment and accessories with the sale of your home. This alleviates stress and allows the new homeowners to enjoy the pool right away.

As you get your home ready to list in the spring, don’t try to hide the fact that you have a pool. Update the space, open it as usual and embrace everything that it has to offer!