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☀️ Does a Pool Add Value to Your Home? ☀️

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

When listing homes, a common question we get here in Texas has to do with a swimming pool adding value to a home. While I would love to have a standard answer, there are so many variables to consider on this topic. And, those of you who live in climates where swimming pools are not a common thing, you may not get this question often.

In my market in North Texas where our summers are blazing hot, swimming pools are very common. However, not all pools are created equally. There are many factors to consider about homes with swimming pools.

ASPECTS TO CONSIDER WITH A SWIMMING POOL:

☀️ If you enjoy swimming, tanning, water sports, etc. a pool in Texas is always a great option. 

☀️ Make sure and consider the space you have in your backyard to determine the size and scope of a pool. Professional pool designers are a must. I have seen too many poorly planned pools that do not add value to the real estate. The pool design is critical as a teenie pool behind a massive home doesn't work. Likewise, a teenie space with a giant pool doesn't work either.

☀️ The style of the pool needs to compliment the style of the home. An ultra-modern pool design doesn't work with a traditional home. You can marry different styles as long as the overall design works together. Again, a good pool and landscape designer are essential.

☀️ Make sure you know where the pool equipment will be located. This is an aspect that is often overlooked. Putting the equipment in an area that is out-of-sight is important. You also need to consider pool equipment can be noisy and unsightly.

☀️ Understand your current tree situation before you dig that pool. You may have to sacrifice some trees before you put in a pool. Also, the trees that are left around the pool need consideration. Trees that lose a ton of leaves or flowers will create a lot more maintenance for you in the long run. Just a heads up.

☀️ A pool does come with a long-term obligation for weekly maintenance. Keeping a pool in top condition takes a budget and time. If you don't have the time to do this yourself, you will need to hire a pool maintenance service.

☀️ Create the entire backyard space with a critical eye. You will need to consider pool furniture and landscaping that will frame the pool. The pool is the main focus but the additional aspects are like the jewelry to complete the project.

☀️ Finally, understand that the expense of putting in a pool and accessorizing it, will not always bring the added value you may expect when you decide to sell your home. A pool is great if it is something you and your family will enjoy.  Build it for yourselves, maintain it, and, enjoy creating memories. 

We enjoy our swimming pool and have put one in every home we've lived in. For us, it is part of our lifestyle. Not every home is suited for a pool. Take some time assessing your needs, wants, and budget, before making the decision to put in a pool. If you do, enjoy every moment. If you determine your space is not right for a pool or that it will be more of a headache, use the money to invest in creating a beautiful backyard escape with walkways, plants, trees, fountains or, whatever you would like.

 

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Comments(11)

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John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Dr. Paula McDonald very valuable helpful report about does a pool add value to a home.

May 23, 2025 01:36 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, John. Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

 

May 23, 2025 01:59 PM
Dennis Neal
Exp Realty of Southern California, Inc. - Big Bear Lake, CA
Your Home Sold in 21 Days or We Sell It For Free

Hello Dr. Paula McDonald, this is such a thoughtful and insightful post about pools and home value! Your emphasis on building a pool for personal enjoyment, rather than solely for resale value, offers a refreshing and realistic perspective. It's truly valuable advice for homeowners in warmer climates.

May 23, 2025 02:42 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

We love our pool and use it all of the time. It really is an investment that needs to thoughtfully considered.

May 23, 2025 02:48 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Paula,

Swimming pools in Austin are always desired and sought after. Especially now with the length of time it takes to get the approvals, city permits and the pool company to construct! Resale homes with pools are in demand and if done right will always fetch a higher dollar. I love our pool and still use it even if I'm the only one here now!

May 23, 2025 04:21 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I know your area is teeming with pools. And yes, in Austin, they are a premium for sure.

May 24, 2025 08:46 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Dr. Paula McDonald - like most improvements to any home, do it because you will enjoy it, and/or need it, not because it may add value to the home. 

Your home and pool are so flipping amazing!  

May 23, 2025 04:35 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Kathleen. We love our home and I never tire of being here.

May 24, 2025 08:47 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for sharing such a thorough and practical take on pools, Dr. Paula McDonald. It's clear that a lot goes into making sure a pool adds value, not just fun. I appreciate your insights on balancing lifestyle, design, and long-term upkeep. 💦 Whether for relaxation or resale, it’s all about creating a space you love!

May 23, 2025 04:50 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Lew. You are so right about creating spaces that we love. That is the name of the game for sure.

May 24, 2025 08:47 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Most of our buyers here in the Phoenix area wanted a pool for various reasons.  And some simply didn't want the upkeep or cost a pool or knew they wouldn't use it often.  We're at the point where we enjoy the pool.....but we're not going to buy another home with a pool as we want less maintenance and prefer a golf course location now with all the community amenities to enjoy.  Great post Paula!

May 23, 2025 06:29 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Anna. I bet that pool has come in handy for some of your rehabilitation after surgery. Glad you are enjoying it.

May 24, 2025 08:48 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Paula - adding a pool can add value to a property especially when the enjoyment factor is calculated.  However, when that property goes on the market for sale, other considerations come into play.  So, yes, once again, "it depends" seems an appropriate response before plunging into such an investment.  

May 24, 2025 04:13 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Michael, the enjoyment factor is where it is for us. 

May 24, 2025 08:48 AM
Joe Mojica
Laer Realty Partners Bowen - Port St Lucie, FL
Your Home Adds Value to You

Hello Paula - living in Florida, I get the pool question all the time. As you stated in your post, adding a pool to a property does not necessarily add the value added one thinks. I believe it makes a property more attractive and marketable.  Thanks for your insight.

May 24, 2025 05:30 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Joe. We have relatives in Florida and it seemed like everyone had a pool under those covered areas.

May 24, 2025 08:49 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Paula... I think the answer to that question is "it depends." Sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't. I can see how in Texas it would add value... less so in Charlotte on the whole, but in individual instances they do add value.

May 24, 2025 05:48 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You are so correct, Nina. It does depend on so many factors.

May 24, 2025 08:49 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That is a big dog, and it looks like the kids are having plenty of fun in the pool.  I have heard that the chlorine in pools is detrimental to our bodies and our health, so I try to only dip into saltwater pools, if I have a choice, haha.  I would love to hear your take on that, since I know that you do a lot of research in the realm of good health.

May 24, 2025 07:29 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Hey Brian. And yes, the Chlorine issue is a concern. I combat it with showering with fresh water after and taking in good, clean, toxin-binding products. 

May 24, 2025 08:51 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

- Hi Paula- "it depends" is a good answer. We had a pool in one of our homes and loved it. Of course, in FL, a pool was a no-brainer for us. However, it's important to consider the upkeep and responsibility of owning a pool 

May 24, 2025 03:34 PM