Vacation Rentals With a Private Pool: Five Questions to Ask Before You Book

Is it heated? Is it screened? Is it really private? What to check when "private pool" is at the top of your list.

Searches for "vacation rental with private pool" spike every winter and every summer, because a pool turns a nice rental into a resort of your own. Not every pool is the same, so ask these five questions.

First, is it heated, and does heat cost extra? The Gulf is chilly for many swimmers from December through March, so a heated pool can make or break a winter trip. Second, is it truly private, or shared with other units? Third, is it screened? Screened pools keep out bugs and leaves and make evening swims easy.

Fourth, what is around the pool? Shade, comfortable loungers, outdoor dining and lighting decide whether you will spend whole afternoons there. Fifth, is there a hot tub? On cool evenings, it becomes everyone's favorite spot.

Every BigTree home has its own private heated pool, and most add a hot tub. If you are traveling with young children, also ask about pool safety features and plan for an adult Water Watcher.

See our homes →