Are you wondering how much value does a pool add to a home? It may be hard to work out your home pool’s value to potential buyers. Many retailers will tell you that buyers love built in pools. This makes sense as there is nothing more appealing than a sparkling cool pool on a hot day.
Many potential home buyers would love a home pool. After all, a pool adds value to your life. However, some buyers feel that the maintenance costs of a yard pool make it an unnecessary expense. However, it is safe to say your pool adds value to your home.
Some buyers would love a home pool whereas others might not but does your home have more value if you have a house with a pool? Several experts share what it means to have a home with a pool. You’ll also find some tricks on how to sell your home pool as a dream option to a new owner.
How does your swimming pool add value?
Image source: Hamptons Habitat Enterprises Corp.
The majority of the time a pool adds value to a home. This is because the cost of a pool adds value by increasing the monetary value of your home. However, your pool will also increase the personal enjoyment a prospective buyer will experience. This often encourages buyers to make a higher offer on a home.
That said pools are not always the best financial investment. There are factors that you should take into consideration before investing in a house with a pool.
The following factors are therefore important to consider:
Location
Image source: Shinn Construction
If you are asking “How much value does a pool add to a home?” remember to take location into account. If you live in a sunny location and would get a lot of use out of your pool then it makes sense to have a home pool.
The value of your neighbourhood
Before you find out how much it would cost to put in a pool, consider your neighbourhood. If you live in a neighbourhood where houses are expensive and there are many pools installed in surrounding homes then a home pool may be a great idea. Not having a house with a pool may make your home less valuable to potential buyers.
The size of your property
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Do you have space for putting in a pool or will the pool take up your entire garden? Although splash pools in houses with small yards can be attractive, it may not be a good idea if you have no space left over to entertain your friends. However if you have a large lawn with enough space for putting in a pool and entertaining, then a pool will add value to your home.
Selling your home
If you have a home swimming pool and you plan on selling it within a short time period then you will probably gain back what it cost to add a pool to your home. Owners who sell their homes within 10 years of adding their pool will regain the pool price when they sell. If you make this choice you will also have years to enjoy your pool before you sell.
The style of your pool
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Home swimming pools which are built into the ground will be more attractive to potential buyers. An above ground pool is sometimes considered to be unattractive. Unless you have a deck built around an above ground pool, it may be better to skip a pool altogether. You are more likely to recover a built in pool cost than an above ground one unless it is made to appear like a faux built in pool.
It is also important to consider the style of your pool. Try to match up your pool to the style of pools in your neighbourhood. The average pool costs or pools around you would give an indication of the amount you should spend on your pool.
Why does location matter?
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When asking how much value does a pool add to a home, location will always be your most important factor to consider? This is because it determines how much a buyer would value home pools. The cost of a pool can be expensive if you only have a few swimming days. The opposite is true if a buyer is able to swim regularly and a house with a pool will improve his lifestyle.
As mentioned earlier, areas with warm climates are the perfect places for a yard pool. Hot summers can be uncomfortable without the chance to cool down. If a pool adds to a person’squality of life, it will add value. However if it is merely expensive to maintain and offers up very few swimming days, a buyer will question how much value a pool adds to a home. A swimming pool in a cold location will make a home less desirable.
Remember as well to look at the style of your swimming pool. If your pool is out of style or unattractive, it will not add value to your property and it may be better to remove it.
Pool types
Image source: Moller Architecture, Inc.
As mentioned earlier, a built in pool is much more attractive to a potential buyer than an above ground pool. The costs of in ground pool installations are much higher and the pool itself will be a permanent fixture in your home. The pool will be installed using concrete.
An above ground pool kit is easy to install and the pool price is far less expensive. These pools are often made of plastic and vinyl and may have metal enforcements. Above ground pools may be enjoyable but it is worth considering how much you will use them.
If you are adding an above ground pool for personal enjoyment it may be worth your while. If you are asking how much value does a pool add to your home when it is above ground? The answer is that it won’t, unless you deck it and landscape it, increasing your costs.
Consider the costs of a swimming pool
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The cost to add a pool to your home is high. If you are wondering how much an in ground pool costs, the average will be between $35, 600 and $65,100. The overall average price of a concrete pool is about $40, 000 while a vinyl pool is closer to $30, 000. A fibreglass pool is approximately $28, 500. The size of your pool will also determine the costs and how much you will pay for your home swimming pool.
Costs of in ground pools are affected by your pool choice
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After your pool has been built it will need to be lined with a surface material. Gunite is a popular choice. Gunite is a combination of cement and sand and gives a textured lining to your pool. You can use Gunite in a pool of any shape and it has largely replaced concrete as the pool lining of choice.
Fiber glass and vinyl linings make the cost to add a pool far more affordable. However, these liners will need replacing every 10 years. This will mean having to drain the pool and replace the edging. This will add to the average cost to put in a pool of this type. A vinyl liner will need replacing every ten years.
Take into account the cost of heating your pool as well as your filtration system
Image source: Aqua Star – On Ground Pools
Your pool’s filtration system uses up a lot of energy. In order for your pool to remain properly clear, you will need to run your filter for approximately 8 hours a day. It is worth investing in a variable speed pump in a home with a swimming pool. These pumps are 80% more energy efficient than the old single speed pumps of years gone by. This will cut down the cost for pool maintenance.
How much is a pool pump with variable speeds? It is approximately $500 which makes it more expensive when you are initially installing your swimming pool. However because it will save you so much energy, some utilities companies are offering a rebate. You will also save energy if you filter your pool after peak times. This will mean that your electricity rates will be lower.
If you are going to heat your pool, you will need to add your heater to the cost of a pool. Once again, the cheapest option may not be the best in the long term. A gas heater is the cheapest to install but the operating costs will be high. Many pool owners choose electric heat pumps instead.
These pumps use heat from the surrounding air which they transfer into the water. They take a long time to warm your yard pool but they are an energy efficient option. They will often save you between $200 and $400 per swimming season. If you use a solar blanket to trap the heat into your pool and reduce the evaporation rate, you will save on pool maintenance.
The costs of maintaining your pool
Image source: Central Jersey Pools
The cost of a pool is not limited to installing or filtering it. In order to have crystal clear water, your pool will need to be chemically balanced and the water kept clean. It will cost you on average between $1200 and $1400 to maintain your home swimming pool. When asking how much value does a pool add to a home, remember that in order to add value your pool must be in good repair and your water should be clear and algae free.
Every year you will need to cover your pool in winter, rebalance your chemicals during the summer season, maintain your filter system and refill your pool due to splashing, evaporation and backwashing your pool. This will cost you between at least $200 and $300.
Although you will have to pay to uncover your pool at the end of winter, you will also need to pay approximately $150 to $300 to close and winterize your pool.
The monthly maintenance costs of a swimming pool
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Monthly maintenance will range from $80 to $150 per month. If you have a service agreement for your home swimming pool, services offered could vary. At the bottom end of a service agreement a company might test the chemical balance of your water as well as ensure your pool equipment and filtration system is well maintained and the settings are accurate.
A more expensive service agreement would also include brushing down your pool to get rid of dust and debris, vacuuming your pool, skimming to get rid of surface debris and cleaning your filter baskets and traps.
Not all people with pools in houses have a service agreement however. If you go the DIY route and maintain your pool yourself, you will have to calculate the time you will need to do this. You’ll also have to budget for the following:
- Chlorine to keep your pool sanitised: $60 t0 $70 for 25lbs
- Soda ash for pH balance: $8 for 6lbs
- Muriatic acid for pH balance: $8 per gallon
- A testing kit for chemical balance: $15
- Replacement solutions for your testing kit: $8 per set
- Skimmer for removing surface debris: $7
- Vacuum for debris: $20 to $600
- Filter maintenance (depending on which filter you have): Replacement cartridge filter $7 to $75, replacement sand for sand filter $12, diatomaceous earth for DTE filter $20 per 25lbs.
- Pool cover $600 (depending on the size of your pool
Image source: Michael DeJong Homes
There may also be times when you will need to shock your pool, such as after a rainstorm when your chemical balance has reduced the level of chlorine in your water. This can result in cloudy water and even algae growth. Chlorine for a pool shock comes in 24 to 50 lbs and costs $55 to $120. You will need to add this into your average cost of swimming pools.
When you maintain your pool you will need to ensure that your pH is constantly balanced as well as maintain your calcium and alkalinity levels. You will also need to sanitise your pool so that you keep away bacteria and germs as well as prevent algae growth.
Many people use chlorine as a pool sanitizer. However, there are different options such as salt, ozone, bromine and ionisers. These chemicals are often more gentle on the skin. Chlorine is usually the most popular choice amongst home owners because it is not too expensive at first and a chlorine pool is easier to maintain. Most pool sanitizers cost an equal amount in the long run.
If you have a great all year climate for swimming and you find that a house swimming pool is worth it, budget between $15 to $25 per week for home maintenance or about $600 per year for a service company to maintain your pool. You can also by yourself an automatic vacuum cleaner to keep your pool clear of debris.
This will only be a once of cost for pool maintenance and will come to between $500 and $800. If you close your pool for winter and need a pro to do this for you, add $500 to $800 to your yearly maintenance fee.
The insurance costs of having a pool
When asking how much value does a pool add to a home it is also worth taking insurance costs into consideration? Increased insurance premiums will add to the cost of having a pool. You’ll be able to insure your pool’s structure without a separate policy but you will need to increase your liability cover.
How will your insurance costs or tax costsincrease?
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When you have a pool on your property you are at risk of having pool related incidents occur at your home. Experts recommend increasing your pool liability to $500,000 which will cost you $30 a year more.
Many insurance companies will require you to replace a fence around your pool to prevent accidents.
In some areas it will cost you to add a pool to your property taxes. However, it may not add to the selling price of your home. Try to keep the cost to make a pool between 10% and 15% of what you paid for your home. This will prevent you from putting too much money into your swimming pool when you may not get a return on your investment.
When a pool is not a good investment
Image source: Litchfield County Pools Inc.
We’ve asked “How much value does a pool add to your home?” and found that there are circumstances where having a pool would be of great benefit. We’ve also looked at the overall costs of pool maintenance and what these would mean to a new home owner. Now it is time to look at when a pool would not be worth the investment.
You will only have seasonal use of your pool
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A swimming pool is a great option if you live in a hot climate and would have regular use of your pool. However, if you have more downtime than use of your pool, it might feel like an unnecessary expense. In this case it may be best to think of installing an indoor pool. If you don’t have the funds for an in house pool, it may be better to put off installing a pool in your home.
There are not many swimming pools in your area
Just as not having a pool in an area filled with swimming pools may make your home less appealing to potential buyers, having a pool when your neighbours don’t may make your home feel more like a burden than a treasure. It might be worth asking why your neighbourhood does not have swimming pools.
Is it that there is not enough warm weather or that you have bought in an up and coming area which is still being improved? Consult a professional for advice before installing a pool.
You plan on selling either very soon or far into the future
Image source: Cipriano Landscape Design & Custom Swimming Pools
A pool is a great investment if you plan on using your pool for approximately 5 years before selling your home. If you sell in less than 5 years you may feel as though you barely got your money back and you didn’t enjoy your pool yourself.
On the other hand, if you love your home dearly and won’t sell for at least 15 years then you will have the costs of resurfacing and repairing an old pool. This will mean you won’t get a great return on your investment.
Your home will appeal to a young family
If you have a family home which will appeal to a young family then your pool may not appeal to prospective buyers. Some families are reluctant to have a swimming pool with small children because of the safety risks. If you live in a neighbourhood with lots of children and not many swimming pools, it may be wise not to invest in a pool.
You don’t have the budget to maintain a pool
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When considering the typical in ground pool cost you will need to take maintenance into account. As shown above, this will add to your monthly household costs and will be ongoing. A pool can be expensive.
Cleaning, filtering, maintaining and heating your pool will cost you money on a monthly basis. If you intend to keep your home for a long time and you don’t have the money to maintain your pool or replace parts, investing in a backyard pool is not a good investment.
A pool will affect your finances
Adding a pool to your home is expensive. There is no doubt about it. The cost of installing a pool, heating, cleaning and maintaining your pool as well as buying expensive equipment will impact on your finances. If you can afford a pool but it will leave you without financial reserves, a home pool is not worth it.
In this case it may be better to put off your pool until later. Alternatively you could apply for a loan. This way you won’t be using all of your money on a swimming pool and you can even beautify your garden.
Selling a home with a pool: getting to know your buyers
Image source: Christensen Landscape Services
When you place your home with a pool on the market, it is important to know who your potential buyers are. A home with a pool is best marketed to high end buyers, families with teenagers, middle aged buyers and people who want to live a healthy lifestyle. These are the people who are most likely to purchase a home with a pool.
People who love the outdoors would love a pool for relaxation during warm weather. When you install a pool into your home you will shrink your potential buyer base and your home may take a little longer to sell.
Why pools can be tricky
Image source: Ken Linsteadt Architects
A swimming pool is an extremely personal investment and a potential buyer has to really want a pool to be willing to live with the financial investment a pool requires. However, if you have an attractive in ground pool in a great (and sunny) neighbourhood you home might have a wide appeal.
Remember that when asking “How much value does a pool add to a home?” you’ll be looking at how desirable your pool would be to a potential buyer. A well maintained pool in a large enough garden may add to a potential buyer’s lifestyle. If your pool has appeal to a potential buyer it could add up to 7% to your home value.
Ending thoughts on the value a pool will add to your home
Image source: Craig Reynolds Landscape Architecture
If you have asked “How much value does a pool add to a home?” and you are weighing up whether to install a pool, contact a professional appraiser to see if a pool would be right for your property.
A professional will give you the value of your pool with and without a pool by looking at the cost of homes with pools in your area. You can then weigh up the value a pool will add to your home against the costs of installing a pool. By determining the difference, you will be able to work out whether a pool will add value to your home.
Remember, when adding a pool, to take desirability into account. A home with a pool might take some extra time to sell in winter time. During a very hot summer day in a hot climate, it may just sell very quickly. When selling your pool keep a record of any maintenance you have done.
We have asked “how much value does a pool add to a property,” and the answer is that it depends. A pool can add up to 7% to your home in a warm climate, in an area where your neighbours have pools. However, the true value of your pool lies in the difference it will make to your lifestyle.
If you can think of nothing better than having a home pool so that you can go for a swim during hot summer days, and if the maintenance is affordable, then a home pool will add value to your life. If having a pool will keep you fit and healthy, create a fun experience for your children and create a great source of entertainment for your friends, these reasons alone could justify having a pool.
If you liked this article about how much value a pool adds to a home, you should check out these as well:
- DIY pool: How to build a natural swimming pool
- Outdoor Pool Designs That You Would Wish They Were Around Your House
- Small pools: inground, fiberglass, backyard pool designs
- Pros And Cons Of Having A Swimming Pool In Your Yard
- Best 46 Indoor Swimming Pool Design Ideas For Your Home
- Pool maintenance tips and ideas
- Outside Swimming Pool Design And Landscaping Ideas
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