Is adding swimming pool increase house value?

Question

How much is the estimated value if you add a pool to the property?

Please state a REASON why it will or will not add value?

Answer 1

As you've probably deduced from the answers you've received, their is no "correct" answer to this question. In my neighborhood, it's a negative if you DON'T have a pool. But even that depends on the prospective buyer. Some buyers don't want the hassle/liability of a pool.

My advice, if you want a pool and the usefulness justifies the expense, put it in and enjoy it. If you get a little more money for your house later because of the pool, consider it a "bonus".

We put ours in last November and love it. Down here (Miss. Gulf Coast) we use it year-round (it's heated).

Answer 2

On average a pool will add somewhere between 30% and 50% of the installation cost, assuming that it is a straightforward installation, i.e. no access issues, slope, boulders or septic systems in the way.

However, that's only "average". In some parts of the country a pool adds little value. This is particularly true in northern climates with hard winters. A short season coupled with high maintenance costs significantly reduces the value added by a pool. I've even heard of buyers demanding that a pool be filled in as a condition of the sale!

On the other hand, some upscale neighborhoods in warmer climates may almost demand a pool, especially if most of the other properties in the area already have one. You'd be much more likely to get a greater portion of your investment back on one of those areas. You'll rarely if ever get all of your costs back putting in a pool, however. Most pros will tell you that a pool has the worst return on investmet of any home improvement.

Answer 3

This is probably a luxury item so it will add some value but less than the cost to build it. The exception is if you are in a really hot place, or really expensive area where pretty much everyone has a swimming pool so its not a luxury but standard (and therefore not having one will really detract from your property). How much value it adds depends on your area and what kind of pool, etc...but I'll guarantee you won;t get back what you put in to build it if few of your neighbors have one. Still, if you like swimming pools and can afford it, then go ahead. It'll lose you money but you still get to enjoy it.

Answer 4

I had the same question. I just bought a house and I have enough room to build a pool. An in ground pool would cost like 20,000 not to mention permits, new fences with locks, and pool maintenance and it would only increase the value about 20,000 if that. I went with redoing my kitchen and adding a bathroom, which increased my houses value the same amount as a pool would without the drama.

Answer 5

Yes and no. You can ask more for the house because it has a pool. However, you won't recoup the cost of putting in a pool! Plus, there are a large number of people who wouldn't buy a home with a pool. It's just not a good idea, if the only reason you are doing it is for value.

Answer 6

Adding a swimming pool does not usually increas the value of a property. And it never increases the value of the property as much as the pool costs you. Particularly in this down market, it is not a good investment for financial reasons. But it's fine if you like swimming!

Answer 7

Some people actually see adding a pool as a drawback and not an improvement to a house because of all the costs of keeping it up and also making sure kids stay safe.

It also depends on the area you live it - if everyone has a pool it may help, but not anywhere close to what you will pay for it.

Answer 8

Less than the cost to build it.

Pools increase your insurance, and some insurers will not insure homes with pools at all (something about neighborhood kids drowning).

For similar reasons, you cut down the size of the market for your house. Most couples with infants will not consider a house with a pool.

Pools are fine if you have teens and plan to be there a while, but an investment they are not.

Answer 9

Depends on the pool and the property.
In general yes, it will add value.
A "in-ground" unit will add the most value to the property.
The above ground installations just don't do the same for the property.

Answer 10

No.

Actually, yes. A pool will increase the value of your home. However, if you install one, it will cost five times as much to install as your house will appreciate.

Pools are one of the worst home improvements in terms of the ratio of $spent/$value created.

If you want a higher ratio, go for a bedroom or bathroom. However, even those usually don't give you all of your investment back.

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