Whether you’re looking to build a pool or replace an old one, it can be difficult to finance the cost without taking out a loan. Financing options range from personal loans to home equity loans and HELOCs.
Long-term loans typically have lower recurring payments, but they come with higher interest rates. It’s important to determine what your pool will cost you in the long run and choose a term that fits your budget.
Personal Loans
Whether you’re thinking about installing a pool or already have one, it’s important to consider your financing options. Financing can help you pay for the project and make it easier to manage payments. It can also help you get a good return on investment and increase the value of your home.
The best way to determine how much you need to borrow is to shop around and compare different loan options. You can use Credible to quickly compare rates and terms from multiple lenders in just a few minutes.
Personal loans are unsecured and typically have fixed interest rates, making them an easy choice for homeowners. They can be a better option than other types of financing, especially when you consider that they can lower your total cost of ownership over time by reducing the amount of money you need to repay interest over several years.
Credit requirements vary by lender, but most require a minimum credit score of 600 or higher. Some lenders have even lower credit requirements than this, so it’s possible to get a loan with a low credit score.
Taking out a personal loan can be an effective way to finance a pool, but it’s also a big commitment. You’ll need to make monthly payments, so it’s important to understand how these can impact your budget and financial goals.
It’s also important to consider the yearly maintenance costs of a pool, which can add up over time. It’s a good idea to save up for a sizable down payment before you start your financing process, as this can lower your interest rate and reduce the overall cost of the project.
A personal loan may be an affordable and convenient way to finance your pool, but it’s important to take the time to research your options before applying. You should also be aware of any fees that you might incur, such as origination or application fees.
The type of financing you choose will depend on the size of your pool and your other financial priorities. For example, if you plan to sell your home in the future, it may be a better idea to invest in other home improvements, like landscaping or a new kitchen, instead of paying for a swimming pool.
Home Equity Loans
If you have enough equity in your home, a home equity loan can help you finance a pool. This type of mortgage combines your existing debt with the cost of your new pool, and it can have low interest rates.
This type of loan is best for people who want to lock in a lower interest rate than they would with a credit card or personal loan. It also can be helpful if you have a fixed budget and need to cover one specific expense, like a new pool.
You can also use a home equity loan for other life expenses, including higher education costs and unplanned medical bills. However, you should be aware that the value of your home could decrease after you receive the money from a home equity loan.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is another option that allows you to draw from your equity line as needed. The advantage of this type of loan is that it has lower interest than other types of loans because your home is used as collateral.
Your home’s value could decrease if you fail to pay back your mortgage, which could negatively impact your equity. That’s why lenders often require that you have at least 15% – 20% of your home’s value before they will approve you for a home equity loan or HELOC.
You should consider your home’s value, as well as your credit score and debt-to-income ratio when deciding whether or not to get a home equity loan for a swimming pool. A lower credit score may mean a higher interest rate, so it’s important to shop around for the best deal.
Most lenders require a credit score of at least 600 to qualify for a pool loan. Some even have minimum scores that range from 500 to 680, so you should make sure you meet these requirements before applying for a loan.
You’ll have a few different options for financing your pool, including home equity loans, lines of credit and cash-out refinances. These can all be helpful, but you should make sure that you choose the right one for your unique situation.
HELOCs
A HELOC (home equity line of credit) works like a revolving line of credit, such as a credit card, only you’re borrowing against your home equity instead of your personal savings. It can be an effective financing option, especially if you want to make large expenditures and you don’t have a good credit history.
A lender evaluates your credit score and other factors before extending you a HELOC loan. They also want you to have enough equity in your home to keep your loan-to-value ratio low. In general, lenders like to see you have about 15% – 20% of your home’s value in equity before they approve you for a HELOC.
However, a HELOC can be risky because it’s tied to your home, and if you default on the loan, you could lose your home. You may be able to avoid this risk by applying for a home equity loan or refinancing your mortgage before applying for a HELOC.
In addition, if interest rates rise, you’ll be required to pay more to cover the interest payments on the loan. This can lead to big changes in your monthly payment, if you have a revolving line of credit.
While a HELOC can be a helpful tool to finance your pool, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks carefully before applying. This is because a HELOC comes with both advantages and disadvantages that are specific to your circumstances.
The main advantage of a HELOC is that it allows you to borrow cash against your home’s equity, which can be useful for making purchases such as a new pool. It’s also a way to build up a buffer of emergency funds that can help you handle unexpected expenses.
You can also use a HELOC to pay off other debts or support your family financially if you’re laid off or have a reduction in income. It’s also an affordable option, since it usually comes with lower interest rates than a personal loan or a cash-out refinance.
Before deciding to take out a HELOC, you should consider all the fees and other upfront costs, including an application fee, a home appraisal, title search and attorney fees. These can add up, and they’re not worth the cost if you don’t need to borrow money.
Cash-Out Refinance Loans
If you have a significant amount of equity in your home, a cash-out refinance loan could help you finance a new pool. In most cases, refinancing is a way to take out a mortgage with a lower interest rate and reduce your monthly payment. This allows you to use the extra money you get in cash to pay for other expenses, including home improvements or catching up on your student loans.
A cash-out refinance lets you replace your existing mortgage with a new one that has a different interest rate and term. You can also use it to consolidate debt, pay off credit cards or cover unexpected medical bills and auto repair costs.
To qualify for a cash-out refinance, you must have enough equity in your home to secure the loan and be willing to pay closing costs and other fees. Lenders typically want at least 20% of the value of your home as collateral.
Getting a cash-out refinance can be beneficial for borrowers with lower rates and shorter loan terms, but you should weigh the cost against the benefit of obtaining more cash. For example, if you have an adjustable-rate mortgage with a low interest rate, a refinance may not be worth it because the monthly payments will be higher.
If you have a large amount of home equity and good credit, a cash-out refinance could be an ideal financing option. However, if you have poor credit and need a large loan, a personal loan might be a better choice.
The key is to find a lender with competitive interest rates and loan terms. You can do this by shopping around and being prequalified with multiple lenders.
You can also check out loan calculators that will give you an idea of how much you would need to borrow for your project. This will help you determine your budget and the overall cost of the project, including the costs associated with pool installation.
Another advantage of a cash-out refinance is that you can combine the costs of a new pool with your existing mortgage debt into one larger loan amount, which makes it easier to handle the monthly payments. But this is only worth it if your current mortgage is high in interest and you need the money to consolidate your debt or make other home improvements.