Swimming is one of the most popular pastimes in the country, and home pool installations have been climbing. Beyond the enjoyment, a pool can raise your home’s value, by as much as 7 percent under the right circumstances, though how much depends on several factors. Here is a realistic look at what drives that value, and why the desert is such a strong market.
The factors that determine added value
How much value a pool adds comes down to a few things: the type of pool, how well it is maintained, the location of your home, and how much of the yard it takes up. Get these right and a pool becomes a genuine asset rather than a drawback.
Inground versus above-ground
The two most common pool types affect value very differently. An inground pool is a permanent fixture built into the ground, and it adds far more value thanks to its longevity: a well-maintained inground pool can last as long as 50 years, versus around 15 for an above-ground pool. Inground pools with luxury features like a waterfall tend to increase value even further because they stand out. Above-ground pools are smaller, more temporary, and in some cases and neighborhoods can even reduce value.
Maintenance protects the value
A pool only holds its value if it is kept up. A neglected, algae-filled pool reads as a liability to buyers and can lower your home value, so keeping the water balanced, cleaning the filter, and covering the pool when it is not in use all matter. Quality construction from the start makes that upkeep easier.
Why Arizona is a strong market
Location matters, and the desert is one of the best cases for a pool. In a warm climate, a pool is usable almost year-round rather than a few months, which makes it far more desirable to buyers. Your neighborhood plays a role too: in an area where pools are common, having one keeps your home comparable to those around it, while lacking one can send buyers elsewhere.
Size and everyday enjoyment
Buyers generally prefer a pool that does not consume the entire yard, especially families who want room for children to play. And beyond resale, there is the value you cannot put a number on: the time with family, the reduced screen time, and the relaxing space a pool gives you while you own the home. For many owners, that daily enjoyment is the larger return. Because resale value varies with your specific home and market, a local real estate professional can give you figures tied to your situation.
Increase your home value with Pools by Design
If you want to add value with a quality inground pool, Pools by Design can design and build a custom pool that transforms your backyard. As the only Master Pools Guild member in Southern Arizona, we build for lasting quality across Tucson and the surrounding communities.
Frequently asked questions
How much value can a pool add?
Up to about 7 percent under the right circumstances, though it varies with the pool type, condition, location, and your local market.
Does a pool add more value in Arizona?
It tends to, because the warm climate makes a pool usable nearly year-round, which buyers here value, and neighborhood norms often expect one.
What lowers a pool’s value?
Poor maintenance, a dated design, or an above-ground pool can all reduce value, which is why quality and upkeep matter.
Invest in a pool built to last
A quality pool is both a lifestyle upgrade and a smart addition to a desert home. Contact Pools by Design for a complimentary consultation across Southern Arizona.
