Does a Swimming Pool Add Value to Your Home?

One of the questions our pool experts get asked most often is whether or not a swimming pool
will add value to their home. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there on this topic, and a
lot of it is downright incorrect.

The truth of the matter is, a pool may add value to your property, but how much depends on a
wide variety of factors. Let’s take a closer look at how a swimming pool could potentially
increase your home’s value, and whether or not that should be the primary consideration when
you’re thinking about installing a pool.

Types of Pools

First and foremost, it’s important to define our terms. When we talk about swimming pools
adding home value, we’re talking about in-ground pools. While an above-ground pool certainly
has its advantages, mainly that it’s a budget-friendly alternative to an in-ground pool, it doesn’t
really do much to impact property value.

The type of pool and the size of the pool are just a couple of the many factors that come into
play when it comes to value. But it’s safe to say that if you want a pool that will increase your
home’s resale price, you should be thinking about an in-ground pool.
Regional Considerations

There are over 10 million swimming pools in the United States. Unsurprisingly, they are most
common in hotter parts of the country. The states with the highest “pools-to people” ratio are
Arizona, Florida, and Nevada.

It also comes as no surprise that pools are most widely seen as adding value in warmer states,
including here in South Carolina. Homeowners in warmer climates are more likely to be willing
to pay more for a home with a pool, and homes with pools tend to sell more quickly. That’s partly
because very hot summer weather means a pool will be more enjoyable, but also because
milders winters mean that pools are usable for a greater portion of the year.

Does Your Pool Compliment Your Property?

If you’re thinking about having an in-ground pool installed, one of the big factors to consider is
whether or not it fits in with the overall size and aesthetic of your property. Does it match the

architectural style of your house itself, and does it make sense in your yard without crowding or
overpowering the space?

Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that a bigger pool will yield greater value.
That may be true in certain circumstances, but it won’t add value if the pool takes up your entire
backyard and makes the space feel crowded and uncomfortable.

This is one of the great reasons why it’s often best to work with a pool company that designs
custom pools from scratch. That way, you can be sure that the size, shape and style of the pool
will compliment your space.

Are Pools the Norm in Your Neighborhood?

A swimming pool is more likely to add value to your home if you live in a neighborhood where
pools are the norm. Your home could turn out to be difficult to sell if it’s the only one on the block
that doesn’t feature a large in-ground pool.

It’s also worth remembering that the value of your home may be appraised, at least in part, in
comparison to other nearby homes that may or may not have pools. On the other hand, being
the only house on the block with a pool isn’t likely to hurt your home’s value, but it might not add
quite as much as it would in other circumstances.

Are You Planning to Resell Your Home?

If you’re thinking about a swimming pool as a way to increase the value of your property, then it
is implied that you are planning to sell your home at some point. That makes a pool a long-term
investment as well as a short-term one.

Consider the length of time you plan on using and enjoying the pool yourself, as well as the
costs of maintenance, utilities and upkeep over time. You’re more likely to make back the cost of
installing a pool if you plan on selling your home in the near future, as opposed to 20 years from
now.

Are Pools Off-Putting to Some Buyers?

It is often said that having a swimming pool is a liability rather than an asset, because it will turn
off certain buyers who don’t want to have to deal with the ongoing costs and maintenance of a
pool. While this is always a possibility, it’s important to remember that while a pool might be
off-putting to some buyers, it will also be enticing for others.

This is especially the case in warm, Southern locales where the benefits of a pool outweigh the
costs to a much greater extent that in chilly northern regions. Home buyers in places like South
Carolina are more likely to see a swimming pool as a desirable feature.

The Bottom Line: Do Pools Add Value?

On average, an in-ground swimming pool can be expected to add around 7% to a home’s value.
The best way to determine whether installing a pool will add enough value to be considered a
worthwhile investment is to talk it over with a real estate expert or a local pool professional who
can help you compare the cost of installing a pool with the current value of your home.

At the end of the day, deciding whether or not to have a swimming pool put in comes down to a
wide variety of factors, and the added value to your property is just one of them.

More importantly, consider the benefits in terms of your own quality of life and how it enhances
your enjoyment of your property. While a pool may increase the resale value of your home, it will
definitely provide relaxation, enjoyment, and transform your backyard into a better social
entertaining space. That, ultimately, is a difficult thing to put a price tag on.

Learn More About Custom Swimming Pools

If you’re thinking about having a custom in-ground pool installed, we’re here to help. Contact us
today to discuss ideas and talk with our team about the costs and benefits of new pool
installation in the South Carolina Lowcountry.