Does a Pool Add Value to Your Home?

Whether you have a pool or you’re thinking about installing one, you may be wondering, does a pool add value to your home? While there are many benefits to a having a pool, including exercise and fun outdoor time, some people may see is as an added expense and chore. Continue reading to explore everything there is to know about residential pools and their influence on home value.

How Much Does Adding a Pool Increase Home Value?

If and how much a pool will increase your home’s value depends on a variety of factors, including your neighborhood, the target homebuyers, and the size of the backyard. Installing an in-ground pool versus an above-ground pool will also have an impact on whether it increases your home’s value.

Here are some cases where a pool might add value to your home and improve its marketability:

• Target homebuyers who have children or teenagers.
• Your yard is large enough that a pool will add to the appeal of the space without decreasing its appearance or functionality.
• Pools are a common feature in your neighborhood.
• The local climate allows for year-round use.

How Much Value Does a Pool Add to An Appraisal?

The amount of value a pool will add to an appraisal depends on the size, type, and complexity of your residential pool. Typically, an appraiser won’t include above-ground pools on the appraisal unless it is attached to your home.

In-ground pools, on average, will add 7% to a home appraisal. To accurately determine how much a pool will add to an appraisal, have your home appraised by a qualified appraiser. Appraisals will help you determine adding a pool to your property is worth the installation costs.

Does an In-ground Pool Increase Home Value?

An in-ground pool can increase your home’s market value by approximately 6% to 10%. The size, layout, and design of the pool influences the amount of added value.

To the right buyer, an in-ground pool can have numerous advantages, including creating a space for outdoor entertainment, replacing the use of public pools, and having a space to play or relax with loved ones. In contrast, some people may see a pool as a safety risk for kids, an extra insurance cost, and a constraint on backyard space.

Does an Above-Ground Pool Increase Home Value?

Above-ground pools rarely add value to a home. Installing an above-ground could have the opposite effect and end up decreasing your home’s value. This is because they often detract from the overall aesthetic of the yard and they can damage the lawn underneath.

However, a well-maintained above-ground pool that enhances the appearance of your outdoor space can make your house more marketable. For example, above-ground pools that are connected to your home, such as built into a porch, can be an attractive feature to homebuyers.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pool in Your Backyard?

Building an in-ground or above-ground pool in your backyard comes with installation and maintenance costs. Having a pool on your property will also increase your homeowner’s insurance.

Here is a breakdown of the costs for residential pool installation and maintenance:

Pool Installation Costs

After labor and materials, the average in-ground fiberglass pool costs between $45,000 and $85,000. Concrete or vinyl in-ground pools costs an average of $55,000 to $100,000. Above-ground pools don’t require excavation or as much site preparation, resulting in a lower average cost of $2,500. The size, shape, and complexity of your in-ground pool will affect its overall cost. Standard pool shapes include rectangle, square, L-shape, round, and kidney.

Add-ons that contribute to the final cost of your pool installation include:

• Lights
• Waterfalls
• Tanning ledges
• Jets
• Built-in slides
• Fountains
• Built-in hot tubs
• Automatic covers

Pool Maintenance Costs

Maintaining a pool, whether in-ground or above, comes with additional expenses. The average cost of maintaining a pool is $500 to $4,000. After utility expenses, the total maintenance costs per year can reach up to $10,000. Examples of maintenance related purchases include pool chemicals, vacuum cleaners, and leaf skimmers. Concrete pool also needs resurfacing every 10 to 15 years, which can cost anywhere from $2,250 to $15,000.

Should I Renovate My Old Pool Before I Sell?

Consider the new owners and the expenses they will encounter if you have an old pool that will need costly repairs, replacements, or maintenance. This can play a big role in a potential homebuyer’s interest in the house. Pools that are in poor condition should be repaired if you want to boost your home’s resale value. If you have a concrete or vinyl pool, you may need to replace the liners if it’s been 10 to 15 years since the last replacement or installation.

Modernizing an outdated pool can be a great way to add improve the marketability and value of your house. For example, if you have a concrete pool, you may update it to a fiberglass pool as they require little to no maintenance.

Here are a few questions you may ask yourself when deciding if you should renovate your pool before selling:

• Does the pool or surrounding area pose safety risks due to a lack of maintenance?
• Is the pool’s pump and filter system in good working order?
• Will the appearance of the pool turn potential buyers away?
• Are the pool heaters, lights, and chlorinators in good condition?
• Is my concrete pool due for resurfacing?
• How much will the renovations cost?

Will Buyers Consider Having a Pool as a Luxury or Added Cost?

Seeing a pool as luxury as opposed to an added expense depends on the homebuyer and the local housing market. If your target homebuyers are older individuals, a pool is more likely to be seen as a financial and physical burden. In contrast, if your target market is young individuals and families, a pool is more likely to be a desirable feature.

Another factor to consider is living close to the water or a community pool, as the added expense of a residential pool may seem unnecessary to prospective homebuyers. Creating a luxury pool is can be achieved through added amenities, such as custom spa features, a built-in hot tub, and high-end finishes.

Related Article: Elevate Your Space with Modern Pools and Outdoor Spas

Final Thoughts

Under the right circumstances, installing a pool can improve both the value and marketability of your house. Adding spa-like features to the pool is a great way to enhance its value and make it more attractive. To explore how Tall Builders LLC can assist you in creating a
luxurious pool installation that enhances your home’s value and appeal, give our team a call today.

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