Does a swimming pool add value to a house?

It can, especially in warmer climates like Florida where pools are in demand. However, the value increase depends on the neighborhood and the pool’s condition. In many cases, it helps your home sell faster rather than significantly boosting the appraised value.

If you are getting enjoyment out of the pool that is what matters! Do not look at a pool as a full return on the investment. If you put $50K in a pool it does not mean you increased your home value by $50K. However, you enjoyed it and it was important to you. When I work with buyers and if they are specifically looking for a pool, it is of more value to them if it is already in place. If the buyer does not want a pool, they will just move on from that listing. If it is done well then it definitely makes it more appealing to a buyer if they are looking for an entertainment space and a way to enjoy their own backyard. Keep in mind it also depends on the price point of your home, to begin with prior to the pool installation. So to directly answer your question a pool is not a dollar-for-dollar upgrade you get back in full. But it could be a selling point if this is specifically what someone is looking for when you go to put your home on the market and if there are few with pools and entertainment spaces compared to others on the market, this might work to your advantage.

I would say it is not a dollar for dollar return, and it depends on the condition of the pool.

A swimming pool can add value, but it depends on the location, the buyer pool, and how well the outdoor space is presented. In colder states like Wisconsin, some buyers view a pool as a luxury for summer living, while others see it as extra maintenance and a waste of money. So the value is often lifestyle-based rather than a direct dollar increase.

From my experience as a New York realtor, I recently listed a home in Long Island during the summer when temperatures were consistently in the 80s. The two biggest selling points were the school district and the in-ground pool. Because buyers were touring the home in the heat, the pool became a major attraction and helped the property stand out and sell quickly.

If your pool and outdoor kitchen are well-designed and in good condition, they can absolutely make your home more appealing to the RIGHT BUYER (not all buyers), even if they are only used part of the year.

Sometimes, but not dollar-for-dollar, and in Wisconsin it’s hit or miss.

In colder climates, an in-ground pool usually does not add the full cost back in value. It can make your home more appealing to the right buyer, but it can also turn some buyers away because of maintenance, insurance, and limited seasonal use.

An outdoor kitchen and well-done backyard space tend to help more than the pool itself. Those features photograph well and add lifestyle appeal even without swimming weather.

Bottom line: build the pool because you want to enjoy it, not because you expect a strong return when you sell. It can help marketability for certain buyers, but it’s rarely a guaranteed value add in Wisconsin.

Sometimes—but it depends heavily on location, climate, and buyer expectations.

In colder or seasonal climates, pools often limit your buyer pool rather than expand it. Many buyers see them as maintenance-heavy and expensive, especially if they can only be used part of the year. In warmer regions, pools are more often expected and can help a home compete.

From a value standpoint, pools rarely return dollar-for-dollar what they cost to install. They can help a home sell faster in the right market, but they don’t automatically increase appraised value. If you’re adding a pool purely for resale, it’s usually not a strong ROI move. If you’re adding it for personal enjoyment and plan to stay put, that’s a different story.

Short answer: Sometimes — but not always.

Pros:

Can increase appeal to buyers who want outdoor living

Helps most in higher-end homes/neighborhoods

An outdoor kitchen + pool can be a lifestyle upgrade

Cons (especially in WI):

Limited use due to climate

Higher maintenance, insurance, and repair costs

Some buyers see it as extra work, not extra value

Rarely adds dollar-for-dollar value to the sale price

Bottom line:

A pool may help your home sell faster to the right buyer

It usually does not significantly increase appraised value in Wisconsin

It can narrow your buyer pool

Best advice:
Build the pool if you’ll enjoy it — don’t rely on it as an investment return.

Both ! depends entirely on the buyer however most of the time a pool will add value to your home

In New Jersey, prior to covid pools were pretty neutral on value. I noticed during covid and continuing to now, homes with in-ground pools here, even though we only get 3-4 months use out of them, sell faster and for more. Note, you should choose putting a pool in for enjoyment first, as it's never dollar for dollar, but I think it's definitely a plus for amenities at this time.

It will not create value, but it will not reduce your value either. If you plan on keeping your home forever go for it! If you're thinking of selling in the near future it may not be a wise investment.

As stated you will not get dollar for dollar value. Most of the time on an appraisal (in Michigan) the appraiser will give maybe a $10k value. The pool could actually deter some buyers from purchasing your home but if you are looking to stay in this home for some time- your enjoyment might be worth the cost.

In Wisconsin, a swimming pool usually adds more lifestyle appeal than resale value. Because the season is shorter, some buyers love it, while others see it as extra maintenance and cost.
A well designed pool with an outdoor kitchen can help a home stand out and attract the right buyer, but it typically doesn’t return its full cost at resale. The best rule of thumb is to add a pool because you’ll enjoy it, not just for investment value

Since COVID we have seen more of a demand for a house with a swimming pool.