For many homeowners, having a backyard pool is about much more than cooling off on a hot summer day. It’s a true lifestyle upgrade. From hosting family barbecues and poolside gatherings to creating a private retreat for relaxation, a pool often becomes the centerpiece of outdoor living. Beyond enjoyment, though, a well-designed pool can also play a significant role in boosting your home’s resale value.
Whether you’re planning to install a new pool or breathe new life into an existing one, it’s important to understand how these features influence property value, what today’s buyers prioritize, and which updates deliver the best return on investment. Partnering with experienced pool remodeling contractors can ensure the upgrades not only enhance your backyard oasis but also maximize your home’s long-term appeal.
Do Pools Really Add Value to a Home?
Nationally, studies show that a pool can increase a home’s value by anywhere from 5% to 8%. In markets where pools are highly desirable – think warm-weather regions like Florida, Arizona, Texas, and parts of California – the boost can be even greater. In cooler climates, or areas where pools are less common, the added value may not be as significant.
Key factors that influence how much value a pool adds include:
Location: Homes in sunbelt states or coastal areas with longer swimming seasons benefit the most.
Neighborhood norms: If many of the surrounding homes have pools, yours will be expected too. Conversely, in neighborhoods where pools are rare, buyers may not view them as essential.
Pool type and quality: A well-designed in-ground pool with modern finishes is far more appealing than an aging, high-maintenance structure.
Overall home value: Luxury homes often see a larger percentage boost because buyers at that level expect lifestyle amenities like pools.
What Buyers Look for in a Pool
If you’re installing or upgrading a pool with resale in mind, it’s important to know what today’s buyers prioritize:
Low Maintenance
Buyers want enjoyment without hassle. Features like energy-efficient pumps, saltwater systems (which reduce chlorine use), and robotic cleaners are major selling points.
Safety Features
Families with children will be drawn to safety fencing, alarms, and slip-resistant decks. Buyers also pay attention to whether safety features meet local code requirements.
Modern Design
Outdated kidney-shaped pools with old plaster finishes don’t excite buyers. Sleek geometric shapes, infinity edges, and attractive finishes like pebble or quartz are far more appealing.
Outdoor Living Integration
Today’s buyers want an outdoor experience. Pools that flow seamlessly into patios, kitchens, fire pits, or lounge areas carry much stronger appeal.
Energy Efficiency
Eco-conscious buyers appreciate pools with variable-speed pumps, solar heating systems, and LED lighting, all of which cut down on long-term operating costs.
Spotlight on Gunite and Why It’s a Popular Choice
When it comes to pool construction, one material consistently rises above the rest: gunite. Made from a blend of cement, sand, and water applied through a high-pressure hose, gunite creates a highly durable and customizable shell that has become the gold standard for homeowners seeking a luxury pool. Its strength, flexibility, and design potential make it a favorite not only for new builds but also for long-term property value.
Benefits of Gunite Pools
One of the biggest advantages of gunite pools is their durability. Properly maintained, they can last for decades, outshining alternatives like vinyl liners that require periodic replacement or fiberglass shells that run the risk of cracking. Homeowners appreciate that their investment is built to withstand both time and weather.
Unlike prefabricated options, gunite pools can be designed in virtually any shape or size. Whether you envision a sleek, modern rectangle, a freeform lagoon, or a complex design complete with tanning ledges and a built-in spa, gunite makes it possible. This flexibility allows homeowners to create a space that perfectly complements their home’s architecture and their personal lifestyle.
Homeowners can choose from an array of premium finishes, such as pebble, quartz, or even glass bead, that not only enhance its beauty but also adds texture and resilience to the pool’s surface. These high-end finishes give pools a timeless elegance, ensuring they remain stylish and appealing for years to come.
The Preferred Choice for Home Buyers
Because gunite is viewed as a premium, long-term option, homes featuring these pools often stand out in the market. More than just an amenity, gunite pools represent a luxury lifestyle investment that elevates the entire property.
Even if a gunite pool begins to show signs of age, resurfacing or upgrading the finish can breathe new life into it without requiring a complete rebuild. This makes gunite not only a durable choice but also a cost-effective one over the long term.
For today’s homeowners, pools are more than functional spaces; they’re statements of lifestyle and taste. Gunite pools align perfectly with this expectation, offering timeless designs, custom looks that harmonize with a home’s architecture, and luxury finishes that transform a backyard into a true retreat. These advantages are especially attractive in competitive markets, often tipping the scales when buyers compare properties with similar features.
Building New and What to Expect
If you’re starting from scratch, keep these considerations in mind to maximize your investment:
Choose the right size: Bigger isn’t always better. Buyers often prefer a pool that leaves room for a lawn, garden, or outdoor entertaining area.
Mind your materials: Concrete (gunite) pools offer customization and durability, while fiberglass pools are easier to maintain and install quickly. Vinyl liners are more budget-friendly but may be less attractive to buyers due to maintenance requirements.
Think about landscaping: Don’t underestimate the power of presentation. Attractive landscaping, lighting, and hardscaping can make a modest pool feel like a luxury resort.
Plan for amenities: Built-in spas, water features, or tanning ledges can elevate your pool from functional to extraordinary in the eyes of buyers.
Renovations: An Often Overlooked Resale Boost
What if you already have a pool, but it’s showing its age? Renovating may be just as valuable as installing a brand-new one, and sometimes even more so.
Many buyers are hesitant to take on the responsibility of repairing an outdated pool. By modernizing your existing pool before listing your home, you can remove that hesitation and turn it into a selling feature rather than a liability.
Common Renovations That Pay Off
Resurfacing – Updating the pool’s interior finish (plaster, pebble, or quartz) instantly refreshes its look. Modern finishes also last longer and require less upkeep.
Upgrading Equipment – Installing a variable-speed pump, energy-efficient heater, or modern filtration system reduces operating costs—something buyers love to hear.
Adding Smart Technology – App-controlled lighting, temperature, and cleaning systems add convenience and appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
Deck and Coping Updates – Replacing old concrete with stylish pavers, natural stone, or composite decking makes the entire outdoor area feel new.
Water Features & Lighting – Cascades, fountains, and LED color lighting create ambiance and make the pool feel like a true luxury feature.
Safety Enhancements – Installing new fencing, alarms, or covers ensures the pool meets modern safety expectations, easing buyer concerns.
Which Adds More Value?
If you don’t already have a pool, installing one can certainly increase your home’s desirability, especially in markets where buyers expect it. However, if you already own a pool, renovations can often provide a better return on investment than starting from scratch.
Here’s why:
- Renovations usually cost less than new builds.
- Buyers are more willing to pay a premium for a home with an attractive, move-in-ready pool.
- A modernized pool blends seamlessly into your existing outdoor space, making the whole property feel updated.
Market Considerations: Is a Pool Right for Your Home?
Before you dive into building or renovating, it’s important to ask:
- Is a pool standard in your neighborhood? If yes, not having one could put you at a disadvantage.
- Do buyers in your area value pools? In regions with long swimming seasons, the answer is usually yes.
- Does your property have space? A pool that overwhelms the backyard may turn off buyers rather than attract them.
Consulting with a local real estate agent is a smart step before making the investment. They’ll know whether pools are boosting sales in your area.
The Lifestyle Value
Beyond dollars and cents, pools also carry a lifestyle value that shouldn’t be underestimated. Many buyers will stretch their budget to secure a home that comes with instant vacation vibes in the backyard. For families, it’s about fun and memories. For retirees, it’s relaxation and wellness. For entertainers, it’s the wow factor when hosting friends.
When buyers can picture themselves living a better life in your home, they’re more likely to pay a premium.
Final Thoughts
Adding a pool or updating the one you already have can be one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s appeal and value. While the financial return varies depending on your market, the right pool features can make your property stand out in a crowded field.
For homeowners without a pool, a thoughtfully designed installation may attract more buyers and command a higher selling price. For those with an older pool, targeted renovations like resurfacing, updated equipment, and modern decking can transform it from a liability into a major selling point.
At the end of the day, buyers are looking for beauty, convenience, safety, and low maintenance. If your pool delivers on those expectations, it will not only enhance your own enjoyment but also pay dividends when it’s time to sell.
