What should buyers check before buying a Markham home with a pool?Treat the pool as its own purchase inside the home purchase. Confirm the City of Markham pool enclosure permit and that the fence meets the by-law, book a separate pool inspection, call your insurer before you firm up, and budget for opening, closing, chemicals, heating and eventual liner or equipment replacement. A pool suits some buyers and narrows the pool of others, so think about how long you plan to stay.
A pool can turn a Markham backyard into the place where summers happen. It also brings safety rules, a separate set of equipment to inspect and a yearly routine that starts with opening in late spring and ends with closing in the fall.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, walks pool homes with buyers step by step so the pool is a choice made with clear eyes, not an afterthought.
Step 1: Confirm the enclosure and permit
In Markham, a pool deeper than 0.6 metres (24 inches) must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) high, and a pool enclosure permit is required before the work begins. Ask the seller for the permit and the final inspection, and walk the fence line yourself.
- Gates close and latch on their own
- No gaps, broken boards or climbable features next to the fence
- Any doors from the house into the pool area are secured
Step 2: Book a pool inspection
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Liner or shell condition | Liners and resurfacing are among the larger costs |
| Pump, filter and heater | Equipment age affects near-term replacement |
| Decking and coping | Shifting or cracks can signal drainage issues |
| Electrical bonding and lighting | Safety and code compliance |
A general home inspector may not test the pool, especially when it is closed for the season. If you are buying between October and May, ask about a holdback or a seller warranty on opening.
Step 3: Call your insurer early
Some insurers ask about pool type, fencing, diving boards and slides, and some adjust the premium or liability coverage. Get a quote on the actual address before your conditions expire, and ask what the policy requires for the enclosure.
Looking at a home with a pool?
Michael John Lau can help you check the permit, the enclosure and the inspection before you commit.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Step 4: Budget for yearly costs
- Opening and closing, by you or a pool company
- Chemicals, electricity and heating fuel
- Higher water use when topping up
- A reserve for liner, heater or pump replacement
Ask the seller for recent pool service invoices to see real costs for that pool.
Step 5: Think about resale
Families with older children often see a pool as a draw. Buyers with toddlers, or those who want garden space, may see it as work. A well-kept, permitted pool with a safe enclosure appeals to more people than an aging one. If you might sell in a few years, factor in that the pool will matter to some buyers and not others.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you offer.
A pool is a lifestyle choice. Buy it knowing exactly what comes with it. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Does a pool need a permit in Markham?
Yes. Markham requires a pool enclosure permit before the work starts.
How high must a pool fence be in Markham?
At least 1.2 metres (4 feet) for pools deeper than 0.6 metres.
Does a home inspection cover the pool?
Often not fully. Book a separate pool inspection, especially if the pool is closed.
Does a pool raise home insurance costs?
It can. Get a quote for the specific address before your conditions expire.
Does a pool add value in Markham?
It depends on the buyer. A well-kept, permitted pool appeals to more buyers than an aging one.
What if I buy in winter when the pool is closed?
Ask about a holdback or a written seller warranty that covers opening in the spring.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Pool enclosure height and permit rules are from the City of Markham Fences and Swimming Pools page (By-law 2015-96). Insurance and cost points are general guidance. Confirm requirements with the City of Markham. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
