Cost $18,000Adds $14,940
Your estimate
Cost
$65,000
Adds at resale
$27,950
Recouped
43%
National planning figure: $65,000 cost, 43% recouped. Ranked #25 of 27 projects by ROI.
A pool is the classic "lifestyle, not investment" project. In Florida, Arizona or southern California it can be expected at certain price points; in colder regions many buyers see it as a maintenance and liability cost.
Why it scores where it does
- High build cost and ongoing maintenance.
- Regional expectation varies widely.
- Some buyers, especially families with small children, actively avoid pools.
Get the most from it
- Check what share of comparable homes nearby have pools.
- Fencing and safety covers are required in many jurisdictions.
- Budget for higher insurance premiums.
In-ground pool ROI by region
| Region | Cost | Value added | % recouped | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific | $78,000 | $35,776 | 46% | |
| Mountain | $65,000 | $29,627 | 46% | |
| South Atlantic | $61,750 | $26,832 | 43% | |
| New England | $72,800 | $30,745 | 42% | |
| West South Central | $59,800 | $24,317 | 41% | |
| East South Central | $58,500 | $23,478 | 40% | |
| Middle Atlantic | $71,500 | $28,509 | 40% | |
| West North Central | $63,700 | $24,596 | 39% | |
| East North Central | $64,350 | $24,037 | 37% |
Frequently asked questions
How much value does a pool add?
Estimates vary, but in most markets the added value is a fraction of the cost. The US Department of Energy and pool industry sources also note ongoing heating and pump energy costs.
Does a pool make a house harder to sell?
In cold-winter markets it can narrow the buyer pool. In hot markets with pool-heavy neighborhoods, lacking one can be the bigger drawback.
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