Are landlords responsible for pool maintenance?

With summer just around the corner, most people are getting their swimming pools ready. Having a swimming pool is a great perk for any rental property as it will attract tenants and add significant value to your property. But are landlords responsible for pool maintenance, or are tenants responsible for this? 

As with most maintenance in a rental property, there is no straightforward answer to this question, as it largely depends on the specifics outlined in your tenancy agreement with your tenants and the nature of the property. 

Landlord responsibilities

The main responsibility that you’ll have as a landlord is to ensure that it is safe, well-maintained and that it is compliant with all the relevant health and safety regulations. It is important to adhere to legislation such as the Housing Health and Safety Act and Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. 

So, in a sense, yes, landlords are responsible for pool maintenance. Let’s look at how: 

• Structural integrity: landlords should ensure that the pool structure, the deck and the surrounding areas are free from hazards
• Safety features: ensure that there are proper safety features, such as proper fencing, self-closing gates with working latches and clear depth markers in place. This needs to be checked regularly. 

• Water quality: make sure that the pool is regularly cleaned, chemicals are balanced and that there is a filtration system implemented to maintain hygienic water conditions. 

• Equipment maintenance: ensure that your pumps, filters and heating systems are in good working order. 

Also, ensure that you conduct regular professional inspections in order to identify and address any concerns as soon as possible. It is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure your pool is safe enough to use. 

The tenant’s pool responsibility 

Although landlords are responsible for pool maintenance, tenants are also obligated to undergo routine maintenance if stated in the tenancy agreement. This could include: 

• Skimming: Removing leaves and debris from the surface.
• Vacuuming: Basic cleaning of the pool floor.
• Checking chemical levels: Simple daily or weekly checks using test strips.
• Emptying skimmer baskets: Regular clearing to maintain water flow.

 A tenant’s responsibility for pool maintenance is something that should be shared with landlords. Ensure that you foster open communication with your tenants so that they feel comfortable enough to report any issues with the pool. 

Tenancy agreement

The most important part of any tenancy is the written tenancy agreement. Here, you can write down exactly what your expectations are for the maintenance of your pool in detail. 

For example: 

• Write down who is responsible for certain tasks 
• Explain what will happen if the equipment breaks  due to neglect
• State any rules regarding the use of the pool (i.e. no glass near the pool or restrictions on diving). 

Advice for landlords who have pools

There are a few things that you should consider as a landlord to ensure that the pool remains a positive asset to your property. For example: 

Use professional pool maintenance services

By using a professional pool maintenance service, you’ll ensure that the chemicals in the pool are balanced, equipment is checked, health and safety standards are adhered to, and risk is reduced. 

Secure insurance coverage

Make sure that your landlord insurance policy specifically covers any liabilities associated with swimming pools. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you’ll be covered by these risks, protecting you from financial harm.  

Regular inspections

Conduct your own regular inspections of not only the property but also the pool area, the fencing and any safety equipment you may own. 

Open communication

As mentioned above, be sure to foster open and transparent communication with your tenants, including discussions surrounding pool safety rules, maintenance schedules, as well as their responsibilities. 

Keep informed

Ensure that you keep up-to-date with any regulatory changes regarding pools, ensuring your property remains compliant.

Benefits of having a pool at your rental property

There are many benefits to having a pool at your rental property, and it is clear that having one will help in increasing the value of your property, too. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits of having a pool at your property. 

Extended lease

Providing a pool for your tenants will support longer lease durations as you’ll be providing them with an enjoyable experience. Tenants who have a great entertainment space will enjoy the property for longer, providing you with better financial security. 

Visual appeal

Having a well-maintained pool area is a great perk all year round. You could even look into adding water features to the pool area to further increase the visual appearance for tenants. 

High-income tenants

Another benefit to having a pool in your rental property is that you’ll automatically be luring more high-income tenants to your property. Again, this is a massive financial benefit, providing you with financial stability as a landlord. 

Increase in return on investment

Having a pool will increase your asset value, allowing you to invest in your property as a result of higher rental fees. This also ensures a steady income for you. 

As you can see, the benefits of having a pool in your rental property are obvious and allow you to invest back into your property. This allows you to keep your property well-maintained and modern, ensuring your tenants are happy and longer rental agreements. 

As much as landlords are responsible for pool maintenance, tenants also have responsibilities when it comes to pools. The most beneficial thing that you can do as a landlord is to ensure that you foster open communication with your tenants regarding the pool so that safety measures are adhered to. 

 Make sure that you take care of your property by investing in landlord insurance. At CIA Landlords, we have the expertise to find the best landlord insurance deals that are suitable for your needs as a landlord. Contact us today at 01788 818 670 for a quote, and don’t forget to visit our resource centre for more information on how to be a successful landlord.