A question that many home buyers and sellers will toss around is “does a pool add value to my home and if so what type of pool?”
So should I get a property with a pool?
My answer to this is it depends entirely where you live. If you’re in New England or the Midwest? They won’t add as much value as if you’re in a warmer climate state including Florida, Arizona or even parts of Texas. Why? Simply put, the length of the seasons. A free-standing hot tub might be a better investment in states where winter is a longer season.
From personal experience, in New England it’s most common to see swimming pools in use from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In colder states like Maine or New York, something like an above ground pool may be a better investment for you in the long run. Above ground pools are cheaper and can be stored away during off seasons. However, this can sometimes damage the grass on your property, leading to a decrease in property value.
What about pools in Florida?
As somebody who lives in Florida and helps people relocate to the area, pools are much more of a common finding. Rarely ever will owners close up a pool in the off season. For those unfamiliar with Florida, you’ll find a healthy mix of infinity pools, basic in-ground pools, and some above-ground pools. So yes, as long as the climate permits, a pool will raise your property value.
So what about my pool’s value?
It strongly depends. If you have an above ground pool and sell it with your property, it will not raise it nearly as much as a 25,000 gallon infinity pool. Another thing which will greatly increase your home and pool’s values are in-ground hot tubs. During colder seasons, and even summer, hot tubs are a nice way to decompress. As somebody with an in-ground pool and hot tub, I use it to relax after a long day.
Another thing which will help the value of your pool and property is proper maintenance. Keeping them clean is hard work, but is a great way to maintain smooth operations protect your investment. If you are in northeast Florida and need your pool cleaned, you can check out Alegro Pool Care.
That said, I’m not saying a well-designed showcase pool won’t add value to a property in cooler climates. The likelihood is just that for most homes, between maintenance, length of season and insurance costs – the pool is often regarded as less of a nice to have. It may seem cool at first, especially if you buy a house during the summer, but come winter it’s less practical.
In my opinion, pools in Florida do add value to properties given the increased amount of time spent outside. Especially if the pool is large or has an attached hot tub. So yes, they do add value to properties and homes.
Are you considering a move to Florida and want to find the perfect pool? Feel free to send me a message, or check out my Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.