After reading some scary stories online, you likely wonder if they’re right: does a swimming pool devalue a house? The truth is that it depends on quite a few factors, like the location of the house, the type of pool, and the prospective buyers. However, in most situations, a pool does increase the value of your home. And it does even more than that — it also adds an entertainment space and provides an excellent way to create memories, all while increasing the resale value. Here are several ways a pool can increase your home’s value and enhance your quality of life.
The Home-Seeker
While some people will shy away from pools, others are explicitly seeking them. Therefore, putting one in will attract the second group and deter the first. Whether to entertain guests, children, or both, families seek out houses with pools in them so they can enhance their lifestyle. Those families looking for a house with a pool are typically well-positioned to pay well for a pool house. They’ve already factored in maintenance and the cost of hiring someone to perform it, and this may indicate that they have more disposable income.
Pool-seekers are more common in some neighborhoods than others. Therefore, it’s a good idea to research the market in your immediate area to see if a pool seems like it’d fit the area. However, if you’re in an area that doesn’t have a lot of pools, this can also be a great opportunity to host and make friends. This is a major selling point for your home.
Pool Type
In some locations, the answer to “does a pool add value to a home appraisal” depends on whether it’s in-ground or above-ground. Generally, in-ground pools are more desirable thanks to their aesthetic appeal and permanency. That’s not to say above-ground pools aren’t an asset; but, in-ground pools will reap the biggest rewards for you, your family, guests, and potential buyers. Putting a pool in-ground, even a smaller one, is the perfect platform for boosting the price of your home.
The answer to “does an inground pool increase property taxes,” alas, is yes. Tax assessors recognize that these are improvements to the property and appraise accordingly. On a positive note, appraisers involved in the valuation of homes for sale typically agree that a home with a pool is more valuable.
How Much Does a Pool Increase Home Value?
Though everyone would like to know exactly how much of an increase to look for, it requires a closer examination of all of the home’s factors to answer this. The number of other pools in the neighborhood, the area’s average income, the size of the pool, whether or not the pool is in-ground, what the area around the pool looks like, and the condition of the pool all factor in. It’s a good idea to talk to a real estate agent or appraiser to get a professional estimate for an idea of how much a pool will increase your home’s value.
The size of the pool also affects its impact on home value. As you might expect, a larger pool is typically more desirable. The exception may be if the lot is small – then, leaving some space for a lawn could be a good idea. Some homeowners opt to have more patio space over a lawn area in smaller lots. Security features around the pool may also be important, so adding an automatic safety cover or fence that is truly kid and pet-proof helps to alleviate these fears.
Finally, the time of year that you choose for selling your home will affect how much the pool attracts buyers. People like to swim in the heat of summer, and that’s when the idea of having an onsite pool will be the most attractive. In the winter, when the pool is covered with a tarp and possibly a layer of snow, it may not seem as exciting.
Not only can getting a pool can greatly increase your home’s value, but it will also help you and your family enjoy your own home a bit more. And, if you reach out to professionals like Aqua Spas and Pools, you’ll experience a hassle-free installation and upkeep.
- Pools attract those who want to be able to swim on demand
- In-ground pools are usually better at increasing home value
- Add upgraded security features to improve a pool’s appeal
To learn more about having a pool installed and how it’ll raise value, just contact us here at Aqua Spas and Pools in Gig Harbor, Washington. We’ll also be glad to give you a quote for your own private swimming pool!