Journal
Villas With a Private Pool: What to Check Before You Book
A private pool is the reason most people book a villa. Seven things to check before you book: heating, size, shade, privacy, fencing, cleaning and the rules.
For most families and groups, a private pool is the reason to book a villa rather than a hotel. It is also where listings are least specific. Before you book one of the villas with a private pool, these are the things worth asking.
1. Is it heated, and is heating included?
In the Mediterranean, an unheated pool is cold until June and again from late September. Many villas offer heating as an extra with a weekly charge, and some only heat to a set temperature. Ask whether heating is included in your dates.
2. How big is it, really?
Photographs flatter. Ask for the dimensions and the depth. A plunge pool suits two; a family with teenagers wants something they can swim lengths in.
3. Sun and shade through the day
Ask which way the terrace faces. A west-facing pool keeps the evening sun; a pool with no shade at all is hard work with small children at midday.
4. Privacy
"Private" should mean not shared with other guests, and not overlooked by the neighbours. Ask directly if it matters to you.
5. Fencing, gates and alarms
If you travel with young children, ask whether the pool is fenced or gated, or has an alarm or cover. Rules differ by country and many older villas have none. The UK travel association ABTA advises checking pool safety before you arrive, and RoSPA notes that children should be supervised at all times around water on holiday.
6. Cleaning and maintenance
Ask how often the pool is cleaned during your stay and whether that means someone arriving at the house. Most villas include it two or three times a week.
7. House rules
Some villas limit pool hours, glass and music, particularly where neighbours are close. It is better to know in advance.
Our read
Ask the seven questions in one message before you book. A good host answers all of them easily. Every house in our collection links to live rates with our booking partners, where the full listing shows what is included.