With its limitless opportunities for entertainment and relaxation for people of all ages, swimming is one of the most popular recreational activities in the U.S. As such, access to a pool can be a win-win for the whole family. Having a pool in your backyard can be great for outdoor entertaining and spending quality time with your loved ones. However, pool installations, maintenance, and repairs are seldom the cheapest home improvement projects to take on. Surprisingly, pools can either delight or dissuade buyers as they make a decision about your home.

Determining the real value of a pool is crucial if you want your upcoming home sale to go swimmingly (shall we say). The value of a swimming pool adds to your home is mainly determined by your local housing market and whether or not buyers see the pool as a liability or an asset. You can improve your chances of winning over buyers by taking care of your backyard and pool, so they can see it has been well designed, properly cleaned, and thoughtfully cared for throughout the years. If your backyard is not tidied up or if the pool looks run-down in any way, buyers may not want to take on the extra maintenance aspect that will come with your home.

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There are two main types of pools that are commonly found in backyards:

• Above-ground pools became popular during the pandemic. When public pools and country clubs shut down across the country, more people became inspired to install a pool of their own. Though assembly is required, this type of pool can be attractive because it is technically temporary and not physically attached to a property. Some above-ground pools can be built as an extension of the home, while others can be placed to look more like an afterthought. Note that a high-quality above-ground pool will add more value to your home than a cheaper one.
• Inground pools have the potential to increase property value more than above-ground pools. Typically more construction, landscaping, and design work goes into installing an inground pool, resulting in higher structural quality and functionality than an above-ground pool. In a best-case scenario, a pool can boost a home’s value up to 7%.

Here are some factors to consider:

1. Condition. Is it well-maintained?
2. Style. Different pool shapes and types suggest different eras and architectural styles. Does the pool fit in with the character of the home and neighborhood?
3. Age. How recently was it refinished? How much updating or extra care will it need?
4. Buyer. Couples with young children might be concerned about pools due to safety issues. But couples with older children or childless couples may fall in love with it.

Why are pools so unpredictable in affecting home value?

While pools can serve as a relaxing oasis for some, other buyers are not going to want to sign up for the ongoing expenses and liabilities associated with pool ownership. The basic cost of pool maintenance, utility, and repair costs can range between $1,200 to $5,000 per year. A buyer also assumes responsibility for having the pool regularly cleaned and vacuumed or buying chemicals and accessories for cleaning and maintenance.

In spite of all this, many buyers will overlook those costs and liabilities in favor of the private outdoor entertainment value and fitness opportunities that pools have to offer. In places where there are warmer temperatures during most or all of the year, a pool can potentially add more value than in colder regions.

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Where and when do pools add value?

• In hot and humid climates: In places like California, Arizona, Florida, and Hawaii, buyers might be more inclined to invest in a home with a pool to get relief from heat waves
• When outdoor entertainment is wanted: A pool might compliment the lifestyle of buyers who are looking to host and entertain, or those that have older children that can safely enjoy a pool
• When the pool is well-maintained: If everything about the pool is safe, repaired, clean, and ready for enjoyment, this can send a positive message about the seller’s overall care for their property
• With ample backyard space: If a pool is taking up only a fraction of the backyard and there is potential for additional patio furniture or play areas, the pool will not seem as overpowering
• In high-end neighborhoods: If every other house on the block has a pool and yours does not, this could detract from the value of the home

Where and when do pools reduce value?

• When there are safety concerns: Couples with young children or individuals that do not know how to swim can see a pool as a liability
• If maintenance costs are an issue: Monthly, yearly, and other major expenses can add up over time
• If it limits backyard space: If a buyer is not interested in swimming or if the pool takes up a majority of the backyard, this might not be the best fit
• If insurance premiums are a concern: The insurance costs for the overall property will be higher due to potential damage and overall liability

The pandemic caused many people to reevaluate their personal values and placed higher importance on enjoying their homes and outdoor spaces. As such, pools have now become a place for many to unwind, enjoy a staycation, and improve both physical and mental health. On the downside, there are often many added expenses to pool maintenance which have to be taken into consideration, which may differ in importance from buyer to buyer. It may be difficult to anticipate how a buyer will feel about a pool as being a part of the overall package of a home, but certain factors such as neighborhood, buyer demographics and lifestyle, and weather are good indicators if it will be a good fit. All in all, a pool can add to a buyer’s quality of life and enhance the enjoyment of a home, which is difficult to put a price tag on.

You cannot control how buyers will react to your pool. But you can do your best to make sure that they are presented with a clean and well-maintained pool and backyard as they picture their future lives within your home!