what are the in's and out's swimming pool ownership

[what..the?]

I am looking a house to buy it has an indoor swimming pool out in the garden within a timber structure. I can see from google earth that it used to be an outdoor pool. I dont know if this means there will be problems with the pool in the long run and the timber structure built over is about 50' - 30' which also has changing area and loo at one end so it is quite a big pool it also has a boiler room housing filtration and pump systems and the oil fired boiler for heating the pool house.

The house itself is not that big or modern so really you are paying for the pool house in the guide price, but not knowing much about pools I am at a loss??

Whats the difference between an indoor or an outdoor pool and what would be the running cost. It seems to have pumps heaters and filters for the pool and a oil boiler to heat the pool room. Is there a way of reducing cost by just heating pool not room or maybe not even the pool or would that be too cold in the uk even indoors?

[buildersmate]

If you are not really interested in having a pool, I doubt that it is the house for you.
Ask the owner what his running costs are - heating and maintenance. I know they are not cheap - I would be guessing if I said �2k per annum - depending how much work (maintenance) you do yourself. A pool in a small house is definitely a negative and there should be a negative factor built into the price for the inconvenience of buying it with one. Although one buys a house to live in (for what it gives you today) don't lose sight of the fact that when you eventually sell you will exactly the same issue with buyers that you are today considering - and they will adjust their price downwards.
Finally I would be suspicious of a recent covering and what to see that proper steps had been taken regarding control of condensation. It may seem a simple job to shove a cover over the whole lot, but think about how humid it gets at CentreParcs in the main dome? I suspect that probably means aircon.

[what..the?]

thank you buildersmate and also for noting the humidity issue I am big on damp, mould and humidity having suffered it alot over time. I have seen pools within a house and wondered what stops the house getting damp and humid?? But I felt a little bit better at the thought this was in it's separate housing but yes it is still a problem to consider.

re running costs I did consider asking the the owner but assumed I wouldn't get a straight answer or at least a much reduced one to make the whole package seem more attractive.

I would like a pool and would use it, so the overall package is attractive. My other concerns are if the timber structure of course has the proper planning consents and is of course on your land, but I assume these are details confirmed throught the surveys etc.

I have noted your comments regards a price reduction due to size of house to pool.

Thank for you comments

[jake-the-peg]

Quick thought check that the structure has the necessary planning permission.

Obvious I know ....But!

[buildersmate]

There's some stuff here on running costs - but check out the assumptions it is based upon.
http://www.1st-direct.com/swimming-pool-heatin g-costs.htm
Could always try a few cheecky phone calls to potential supplies to try and extract further info.
That website also says something about dehumidifying as well.
I forgot to say that by far and away, the biggest cost of heat will be heating the water - not the air around the pool - and anyway the air will get heated by the humid water vapour rising off the pool - so I don't reckon your idea about saving heat is a go-er.
Sorry, this isn't my area of expertise - just seen the green and furry looking windows in the (currently moth-balled) covered pool of my near neighbour. Good luck with it. BM

[north star]

think too about safety issues re small children / grandkids / neighbours kids.

IMO unless you are a keen swimmer, any sort of pool is a liability rather than an asset.

[what..the?]

Thanks for all the answers everyone, some good issues have been raised, all things to look into and ponder over thanks again