Does a swimming pool add value to a home?

Lydia Taylor April 24th, 2007

We get asked that question a lot around here and the simple answer is no. The majority of home buyers do not want a pool and have no interest in maintaining one. This type of home buyer will actively avoid buying a house with a pool. There are a small group of people that enjoy swimming pools and a home with a pool would be counted as plus, but even for these buyers it’s not a ‘must have’ option.

Cool Refreshing dip, anyone?

If you are considering adding a pool to enhance your home’s value, please don’t. Spend your home improvement money on a new fireplace, kitchen and bath upgrade, or a larger deck. These type of home upgrades have a broad appeal to all types of home buyers. Even better is that those home improvements are less costly in terms of initial expense and long-term maintenance.

We all love a good swim, and they do look inviting during the long, hot summers we have here!! But you should not expect to take that money you spent on the pool with you when sell your home. The common sense approach is to only add a swimming pool to your home if you really enjoy swimming.