If you own a single family home, you may have the option to add a swimming pool. While there are many considerations in building a pool depending on where your property is located and the type of lot your home sits on, here are a few of the pros and cons of adding a pool to your vacation rental home.

The Pros

• Higher occupancy. Adding a pool will help increase the overall appeal of your home and therefore increase its rentability.
• An extended rental season. Since your renters won't be as dependent on ideal weather for a good time, you will likely have more shoulder weeks and weekends booked.
• More $ per rental. By adding a pool, you can charge a bit more than your non-pool-offering neighbors.
• Happier renters. With a pool, your home becomes a self-contained tourist attraction. The kids will enjoy splashing around in the pool and the parents will enjoy not having to go out on the town each day.
• Personal use. Your family gets to use the pool when you visit your home.

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The Cons

• Cost to build and maintain. Building a pool can be quite expensive, especially if you own in an area with a rock foundation. In addition, once it's built, you'll have to pay someone to maintain it-- yet another service provider to add to your rolodex.
• Increased liability. Building a pool increases your personal liability. Talk with your attorney about the potential implications before building.
• Another worry on your plate. Adding a pool will add more rules for renters to follow and for you to enforce. 

If you're contemplating building a pool at your vacation home, investigate the impact of swimming pools in your vacation rental market. Do properties with pool have more days booked than properties without?