Does a swimming pool add value to a house?

Maggie, an in-ground pool can add some value, but in Wisconsin I wouldn’t expect to recover the full cost because of the shorter swimming season. Some buyers will love it, while others will see maintenance, insurance and upkeep as negatives. If you plan to stay awhile and your family will enjoy it, build it for your lifestyle rather than strictly as an investment.

Maggie, the honest answer is that you should build it if you want to swim in it, and not build it if you are hoping to get the money back. In Wisconsin, with a season that short, the second reason will not hold up. Let me give you the part of this the thread has not covered, because "it depends on the buyer" is true and not very useful. First, an honesty note. Pools are not a tracked line item in the Cost vs Value Report, which is the industry's annual recoup study. So nobody can hand you a percentage for this, including me. Anyone quoting you a specific recoup number for a pool is quoting a pool builder's marketing. What appraisers do in practice is assign a pool a contributory value well below what it cost to install, and how far below varies a lot by market. Now the four things that actually decide this for you. Call your insurance carrier before you sign anything with a contractor. A pool typically raises your homeowners premium, and many carriers require higher liability limits or have their own requirements about barriers and diving boards. Insurers often treat a pool as an attractive nuisance, meaning liability exposure even for someone who came onto your property uninvited. That premium increase is a real annual cost, it continues for as long as you own the house, and it is the number most people never ask about until the policy renews. Some carriers also get particular about pools at renewal, so ask specifically whether yours will continue to write you. Check the barrier requirements with the city before you design it. Fencing, gate hardware, alarms and setbacks are commonly required by state or local code, and they are not optional add-ons you decide about later. Get the requirements first, because they can meaningfully change the layout and the budget, and an outdoor kitchen sited without accounting for the barrier can end up on the wrong side of it. Understand the disclosure side, because this is where a pool costs you at resale even in a good outcome. Once you have a pool, it and its equipment become disclosure items. A slow leak, a failing heater, an aging liner or shell, a pump on its last year. You will have to disclose what you know, and buyers will inspect it separately. That is a manageable thing, but it is one more system that can produce a repair negotiation, and it does not exist if you never build it. And think carefully about the buyer pool, which in Appleton cuts against you in a way it would not in Phoenix. Your usable season is short. So the share of buyers willing to pay extra for a pool is smaller to begin with, and a meaningful group of buyers actively avoids pools, usually families with small children or people who do not want the upkeep. A pool does not just fail to add value in that scenario, it narrows your audience. None of that means do not do it. It means be clear about what you are buying. If you are going to be in that house for a long stretch and your family will genuinely use it every summer, the enjoyment is the return. That is a completely legitimate reason to spend money on your own home and I would not talk anyone out of it. If you are thinking about selling in the next few years, I would put that money almost anywhere else. Two practical notes if you go ahead. Decide between saltwater and traditional chlorine with your eyes open. Saltwater is generally gentler and lower fuss day to day, but the generator cells are a real replacement expense and salt is hard on some surrounding materials. It is a maintenance choice rather than a value choice, and no buyer will pay more for one over the other. And keep the outdoor kitchen restrained. The more custom it is, the more it reflects your specific cooking habits and the less any future buyer will pay for it. Good hardscape and a well-placed grill area travel much better than a highly built-out installation. Before you commit, ask a local agent what pools actually do in your specific neighborhood in the Fox Valley. That varies street to street and price point to price point, and it is a free conversation. I am a real estate professional, not an appraiser, a contractor or an insurance agent, so get quotes and a code conversation before anyone breaks ground. My name is Zoltan Peresztegi and I work in Los Angeles, the South Bay and on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where pools are used year round and the math is genuinely different, which is exactly why I would not want you taking my market's answer for yours. If you want an introduction to a strong Appleton area agent who can tell you what pools do locally, message me and I will make it. Zoltan

A swimming pool can add value, but it really depends on your location and the local market. In warmer climates where pools are common, they often increase a home's appeal and value. In places like Wisconsin, where they're only usable for part of the year, buyers may see a pool as more of a luxury than a necessity. Some will love it, while others may be concerned about the maintenance, insurance, and upkeep. If you're planning to stay in the home for many years, I'd build the pool because you'll enjoy it, not because you're expecting a large return on investment. If selling is only a few years away, it's worth talking with a local Realtor to see whether pools are highly sought after in your neighborhood.

It depends on your local market and buyer preferences. In warmer climates, an in-ground pool can add value and attract buyers. In areas with shorter swimming seasons, like Wisconsin, the return on investment is often lower because some buyers view a pool as an added maintenance expense. If you're installing a pool, it should be because you'll enjoy it, not solely for resale value. A local Realtor can help you determine how pools typically affect home values in your neighborhood. **Juan Picos** REALTOR® | JohnHart Real Estate Serving Burbank, Glendale & Greater Los Angeles

In Wisconsin, a pool usually doesn’t add much value. Because of the short season, most buyers don’t pay a big premium for it. Some will love it, but many see it as extra maintenance, cost, and liability. An in-ground pool can help your home stand out, but it rarely returns what you spend. Outdoor kitchens can add some appeal, but same idea, it’s more lifestyle than investment. Simple way to think about it. In colder climates, a pool is for your enjoyment, not for resale value.

In your market, a swimming pool will most likely not be considered an asset. Swimming pools tend to only be favored only in warmer markets. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

I usually tell clients a pool adds lifestyle first, value second, especially in a market like Wisconsin. You’ll enjoy it, no question. But because it’s seasonal, buyers don’t always pay a premium for it the way they would in a year-round climate. Some will love it, others will see maintenance, cost, and limited use. The return really depends on your price range and neighborhood. In higher-end areas where pools are more common, it can help. In more typical neighborhoods, it’s often a neutral or even a slight negative for some buyers. Outdoor kitchens can help round it out and make the space feel more complete, but they don’t fully offset the seasonal factor. If you’re doing it, do it because you’ll use it and enjoy it. Just don’t count on getting all of that money back when you sell.

In Wisconsin, a pool is more of a lifestyle purchase than an investment. You're going to enjoy it for three to four months of the year, and the rest of the time it's a maintenance expense sitting under a cover. Pools in warm-weather states where they're used year-round tend to add more value because the buyer pool that wants one is larger. In a cold-weather market like Wisconsin, the buyer pool shrinks significantly. Some buyers see it as a bonus. Many see it as a liability, an ongoing cost for chemicals, maintenance, opening, closing, insurance, and eventual repair or removal. The typical return on an in-ground pool at resale is around 40 to 50 percent of what you spent to build it, and in a northern climate it can be even less. A $60K pool might add $25K to $30K to your home's value. An outdoor kitchen on top of that pushes the total cost higher with a similarly modest return. None of this means you shouldn't do it. If you're staying in the home for 10 or more years and it's going to improve your quality of life, the enjoyment you get out of it has value that doesn't show up on an appraisal. Just don't build it expecting to get your money back when you sell. If resale value is a primary concern, that money would go further in a kitchen remodel, bathroom updates, or other improvements that appeal to a broader buyer pool regardless of season.

A swimming pool can add value in some situations, but it usually does not return the full cost to build it, especially in areas where the pool can only be used part of the year. In markets like Wisconsin, buyers often see a pool as a lifestyle feature rather than something that increases the home’s dollar value. Here are the main factors that affect whether a pool helps or hurts resale: 1. Climate and length of the season In warmer states, pools are more common and buyers may expect them. In colder climates, some buyers love them, but others see them as extra maintenance for something they can only use a few months each year. 2. The price range of the neighborhood Pools tend to add more value in higher-priced neighborhoods where buyers expect outdoor features. In mid-range neighborhoods, the cost of installing a pool is often higher than what buyers are willing to pay extra for it. 3. Condition and design A well-designed pool with professional landscaping and a nice patio can make a home more appealing. An older pool that needs work, or one that takes up most of the yard, can actually turn buyers away. 4. Maintenance and safety concerns Some buyers worry about upkeep, insurance costs, and safety, especially families with young children or buyers who don’t want the extra responsibility. 5. Outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas Features like patios, seating areas, and outdoor kitchens often add more broad appeal than the pool itself, because almost every buyer can enjoy them. In my experience, pools are best added for your own enjoyment, not strictly for resale value. If you plan to stay in the home for several years, it can be worth it. If the goal is maximizing return, other upgrades usually give more predictable results.

For Wisconsin specifically, a pool usually does not add significant resale value and can sometimes narrow your buyer pool. Because of the shorter swimming season and higher maintenance costs, many buyers see pools as an expense rather than a benefit. In most Wisconsin markets, homes without pools tend to sell just as well—or better—than those with them. That said, if the neighborhood already has a high concentration of homes with pools, it won’t hurt as much and may be expected at that price point. If they plan to stay long-term and want it purely for lifestyle and enjoyment, it can absolutely be worth it for them personally. But if the goal is resale value or they plan to move in the next few years, a pool is usually not a strong ROI play in Wisconsin

If you’re enjoying your pool, that’s what truly matters. A pool should be viewed as a lifestyle upgrade rather than a dollar-for-dollar investment. But it does add value in terms of enjoyment and how you use your outdoor living space. When working with buyers, I find that a pool holds strong appeal for those who are specifically looking for one. To those buyers, having a pool already in place can be a major advantage. On the other hand, buyers who don’t want a pool will often skip the home entirely. If the pool is well designed and well maintained, it can absolutely enhance a property’s appeal—especially for buyers looking for an outdoor entertaining space and a private backyard retreat. That said, the impact also depends on the home’s price point and the surrounding market before the pool was added. Bottom line: a pool isn’t typically a full return-on-investment upgrade, but it can be a strong selling feature for the right buyer. In markets where few homes offer pools or outdoor entertainment spaces, it may even work to your advantage when it’s time to sell.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.