In many parts of the world, pool ownership is a sign of luxury and high-end real estate, the U.S. included. Because of this, many homeowners assume that a pool is a safe investment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and the investment value of a pool is a surprisingly tricky subject. While a pool and spa can add significant resale value to your home, factors like regionality, pool type, and even your specific neighborhood can drastically affect your pool’s value.

This article aims to help clarify some of this confusion by outlining the costs of owning a pool, how much a pool stands to increase your home’s resale value, and what factors can affect your pool’s worth.

    How Much Does a Pool Cost?

    Pools are expensive installations. They carry a significant upfront cost and add to annual expenses. The exact cost of a pool depends on several factors: the pool’s type, material, filtration system, and any add-ons.

    The Cost of an Aboveground Pool

    You can choose between two types of pools, in-ground or aboveground. A standard aboveground pool can cost you between $1,000 and $8,000. The average national cost for these sits around $1,500 to $2,600, including all additional costs associated with the installation of the pool, like pumps and filters. This figure does not, however, include the cost of features like decks, which can cost you up to $4,500 to $8,000.

    Other features, such as diving boards, pool pumps, or saltwater conversion kits, can further increase the price. Saltwater conversion kits can turn your standard aboveground pool into a saltwater pool. A saltwater system can save money long-term, as pool salt costs much cheaper than chlorine. In the short term, you can expect to pay an additional $450 to $1,000 for a conversion kit.

    The Cost of In-ground Pools

    For in-ground pools, you’re looking at $39,000 to $79,000, with the national average at around $50,000. In-ground pools come in many different shapes and styles, but their materials are the largest cost determiner:

    • Vinyl — Vinyl is the cheapest material for in-ground pools, and these types of pools have lower overall installation costs. However, they have some of the highest maintenance levels, as their liners will need to be replaced every 15 years. A standard in-ground vinyl pool (16 feet by 32 feet) costs around $46,000.
    • Fiberglass — These pools are more durable with a lower maintenance cost than vinyl and are the second cheapest. Furthermore, fiberglass pools are non-porous, meaning bacteria have a harder time clinging to and growing on the surface, requiring less cleaning and upkeep than vinyl. The average cost for a standard fiberglass pool (16 feet by 32 feet) is around $59,000.
    • Concrete — These are some of the most expensive pools you can buy. Concrete pools are practically indestructible and can last up to 50 years. The only downside is that their plaster coating needs resurfacing every decade. The average cost of a 16 feet by 32 feet concrete pool is around $66,000.

    Like aboveground pools, you can use a saltwater filtration system for in-ground pools. These systems use an electrolytic chlorine generator (ECG) to turn salt water into chlorine, keeping the water clean and devoid of bacteria. An ECG system has a high upfront cost, around $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the size of your pool, but it can save you more in the long run. On average, saltwater pools will save you up to 40% on your chemical pool maintenance costs per year.

    What Is the Annual Cost of a Pool?

    To account for the long-term expenses of a pool, expect an increase in utility, upkeep, and insurance costs.

    • Utility costs — A pool can increase your annual electricity bill by about $150 to $300, depending on your type of pump, heating system, and location. An average-sized pool can increase your water bill by $50 to $250 a year, depending on your location, average rainfall, and seasonal heat. You can cut the cost of water in half for your pool if you close it for the winter.
    • Upkeep cost — The primary upkeep cost for a pool is the chemicals needed to maintain the pool’s pH levels. The average cost of pool chlorine is about $500 annually, with wiggle room depending on how often you use your pool. Saltwater pools cost just under half this amount to upkeep (around $200.)
    • Insurance — Pools, like trampolines or certain landscaping designs, are considered attractive nuisances. An attractive nuisance is any structure or item on your property that is potentially dangerous and attracts children. When a homeowner has an attractive nuisance on their property, their insurance company increases their homeowners insurance premium. Typically, you can expect your premium to increase by $50 to $75 after installing a pool.

    Overall, it will cost you an average additional $750 to over $1,000 yearly to maintain a pool. On top of this, you have additional expenses like filters, pH test kits, pool covers, opening and closing costs, and minor maintenance that equals up to $400.

    Related: The Best Solar Pool Ionizers

    How Much Does Your Pool Affect Resale Value?

    Under optimal conditions, a pool can increase the resale value of your home, but, unfortunately, according to real estate agents, not by much. On average, a pool adds only about 7% to your home’s total resale value, with a high-end in-ground pool adding up to 8%. Currently, the cost of homes in the United States averages between $375,000 to over $500,000, with the median cost currently at $428,700, which means a pool will, on average, net you about $32,000.

    What Factors Can Affect the Impact of Your Pool’s Value?

    Certain factors make your backyard pool a better return on investment. For example, pools are less common and sought after in regions with long and heavy winters. Therefore, having a pool in Maine will not add as much value to your home and may even result in your sale taking longer to close. Below are the major factors affecting your pool’s resale value on your home.

    Region

    As mentioned above, your region (this includes your state and your neighborhood) is the primary determinant of the value of your pool. Pools are much more common in warmer climates, especially in Midwest states like Arizona and Nevada. Some Southern states like Florida also sport the most pools per capita. In these locations, pools are a valuable commodity year-round. Furthermore, if you live in a high-end neighborhood where pools are common or expected, not having a pool can negatively impact your chances of making a sale.

    Condition

    As a pool owner, keeping your backyard oasis neat, clean, and functional is paramount in getting the maximum value out of your investment. A poorly maintained pool represents future problems for potential home buyers; this can affect your home’s value and ability to close a sale. If you’re going to sell your home, ensure that all parts of the pool are functioning properly and that it’s clean and well maintained.

    Age

    Age affects resale value more for shorter-lived pools, such as aboveground and vinyl models. If your pool is nearing the end of its lifetime, replacements or repairs may be just around the corner, driving down its value.

    Pool Type

    Your type of pool, accessories, and presentation can impact its resale value. Lower-end pools, like aboveground or in-ground vinyl pools, will only increase your home’s resale value by around 5%. Given the right conditions, higher-end pools, like concrete or fiberglass, can reach up to 8%.

    Key Takeaways

    You can expect to pay around $2,000 for an aboveground pool or around $45,000 to $50,000 for an in-ground pool. This cost does not include additional structures or features like decks, bars, lights, or sheds. In ideal conditions, you can expect a total increase to your home’s resale value equaling about 7%, which on average equates to just over $32,000.

    Unfortunately, in-ground pools are by no means a good investment. At best, you can recoup some of your losses during your sale if all goes right. Aboveground may result in a net positive, but this only happens if conditions are perfect and your pool is in excellent condition.

    Ultimately, you should only buy a pool if you value having one. Whether working out, cooling off, or lounging by the poolside, the primary reason for owning a pool should be your enjoyment. If you decide to buy a pool, do so because it will add value to your life, not your home. You can undertake many other, more cost-effective home improvement projects or renovations to increase your home’s resale value.

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Elisabeth Beauchamp

    Elisabeth Beauchamp

    Senior Staff Writer

    Elisabeth Beauchamp is a content producer for Today’s Homeowner’s Lawn and Windows categories. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Journalism and Linguistics. When Elisabeth isn’t writing about flowers, foliage, and fertilizer, she’s researching landscaping trends and current events in the agricultural space. Elisabeth aims to educate and equip readers with the tools they need to create a home they love.

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    Andrew Dunn

    Senior Editor

    Andrew Dunn is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years of experience reporting and editing for local and national publications, including The Charlotte Observer and Business North Carolina magazine. His work has been recognized numerous times by the N.C. Press Association and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. He is also a former general contractor with experience with cabinetry, finish carpentry and general home improvement and repair. Andrew earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a certificate in business journalism. He lives in Charlotte, N.C.

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