You have several pool financing options to choose from if a pool loan just doesn’t work for your budget. Pool loans typically require less paperwork, and with an unsecured pool loan, you won’t risk losing collateral like your home and car if you can’t make payments.
But putting your home on the line could help you qualify for lower rates. Here’s what you need to know about how to use your home equity to get cheaper pool financing.
Home equity loans
Best if: You have a lot of equity and need a long time to pay off your pool
You can pay for your pool with a home equity loan, and you’ll likely get lower rates because you’re using your home as collateral. But home equity loan terms typically start at five years, so you’ll be in debt longer than you would with a personal loan. Plus, you risk losing your house if you can’t make payments.
Home equity lines of credit
Best if: You don’t know how much money you’ll need
Like home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (or HELOCs) allow you to borrow against the equity you have in your home. But since HELOCs let you borrow money and repay it again and again, they’re a better option for ongoing home improvement projects with no definitive final cost.
Make sure you can afford to pay off what you borrow, since you risk losing your house if you don’t make payments.
Cash-out refinance
Best if: You already want to refinance your mortgage and rates are low
If you’re looking to refinance your mortgage and borrow money to pay for your pool, you’re in luck — a cash-out refinance accomplishes both. You’ll borrow more money than you currently owe on your home and pocket that money to pay for your pool. You’ll also refinance your mortgage in the process.
However, taking out money for your pool could mean higher monthly payments on your mortgage, so make sure you can afford the new payments. If you stop paying, you risk losing your home to foreclosure.