One of the best parts of living in Western Florida is the nice weather and warm temperatures we’re blessed with much of the time. The extended warmth and hot, humid summers often leave local homeowners like you wondering if building a pool adds value to your house. Explore the potential return on investment (ROI) for pools to help you determine if a pool is right for your property and family.
Average ROI on Pools
Pools offer measurable ROI, though it can vary widely between 5 and 56%, with a nationwide average of around 7%. The potential value a pool adds to a home in Florida differs from the countrywide mean. Realtor.com analyzed transactions dating back to 2017 and reported that pools accounted for a 20.4% price premium in Fort Myers, topping the list of metro areas analyzed.
Understanding Pool Installation ROI
Many factors can impact the specific ROI of your pool installation, including the type of pool, its condition, the neighborhood you live in and the features you include.
Construction Materials
In-ground pools will help you capture a higher ROI than aboveground options, which appraisers may consider temporary structures with little value. Yet, the materials you choose affect how much value your pool can add. There are three primary types of in-ground pool materials — vinyl, fiberglass and concrete, which can be shotcrete or gunite.
Vinyl is prone to deterioration as time passes, and fiberglass pools frequently offer more limited design flexibility. Conversely, shotcrete and gunite pools are long-lasting and compatible with fully customized shapes and sizes. Longevity plus a unique solution tailored to your property can help your property value when you’re ready to sell.
Condition
Your pool’s condition also influences ROI, so investing in upkeep is equally essential. A sparkling clean pool with no repair or maintenance issues will always offer more value to a potential buyer and improve your chances of capturing a higher ROI.
You have two options for routine upkeep. DIY is budget-friendly if you have time for regular cleaning, consistent water monitoring and adding chemicals if needed. The alternative is hiring a monthly professional pool service. While this solution is convenient, it’s still best to monitor water between visits to ensure its quality and safety.
Neighborhood
Look around your neighborhood and note how many nearby homes have pools.
If you live in a sought-after development where few homes have pools, adding one to your property could boost its value to buyers. Plus, it can distinguish your home from others in competitive markets, helping drive the price higher.
The impact is reversed if most homes in your neighborhood have pools and yours doesn’t. Buyers may be tempted to offer you less or may compete for other homes that have already made the investment.
Features
Finally, in-ground pools can contain features beyond still, cool water that appeal to future buyers. For example, unique pool lighting, spas and sun shelves, waterfalls, zero-entry edges, and elements like stacked stones or decorative tiles can add aesthetic appeal and usefulness, boosting your potential ROI.
A pool enclosure surrounding your pool may also increase its value to potential buyers. These structures provide added safety against unsupervised access, which is key for many families with pets and small children. Screen enclosures can help reduce your upkeep as well by limiting debris and restricting wildlife entry.
Additionally, the water type and system you choose can impact the value your new pool adds. For example, you can opt for saltwater pools versus chlorinated ones. A saltwater system offers lower long-term operating costs since pool-grade salt is often more affordable than chlorine.
While the sun takes care of heating for you during late spring, summer and early fall, adding a heater to your pool can help you enjoy it year-round. New homeowners may find that ability attractive enough to pay a higher premium, improving your ROI.
Don’t Overlook the Joy Score and Health Benefits
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) collaborated to coin the term “Joy Scores.” This metric refers to a homeowner’s satisfaction with the projects they chose to invest in — how much joy did the results bring?
It’s best to take the same approach to an in-ground swimming pool when considering your ROI, since it’s also an investment in your family’s lifestyle. The many years you’ll have to make poolside memories together are priceless. A pool can also be an excellent way to enjoy fresh air and engage in physical activity, contributing to your family’s overall well-being.
Are Swimming Pools Worth It?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, considering the following can help you make an informed decision:
- Frequency of use: If you frequently host friends and family or plan on heating your pool for year-round enjoyment, investing in one will add to your ROI through high Joy Scores.
- Operating costs: You can more accurately track your eventual ROI by adding the costs of maintenance, repairs and operation to your investment.
- Buyer pool: Pools can increase your ability to attract luxury homebuyers, who often see a pool as a status symbol and necessity.
- Balancing budget and quality: You work hard for what you earn, so maximizing your spending without sacrificing quality is important. A reputable pool company can help connect you to financing options for high-quality results at predictable payments that fit your budget.
Why Partner With Ritzcraft Pools & Pavers for Your In-Ground Pool?
Homeowners throughout Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties have trusted us for:
- Commitment to service: We are a family-owned and -operated company with a simple philosophy — serving our customers with the same care we’d expect and that they deserve.
- Exceptional quality and safety: We partner with the industry’s leading brands, including Pentair, Flagstone Pavers, Tremron, Belgard and more. Plus, our crews are highly skilled and undergo comprehensive training to uphold exceptional quality and safety.
- A history of customer satisfaction: Our team has a track record of creating happy customers, with the testimonials and reviews to prove it.
- Custom design capabilities: It’s our job to make your backyard pool dreams come to life. Our experienced designers will help you choose the best options for your pool, from swim spas to water features and more.
- Dedicated support: We’re the trusted pool builder who is with you every step of the way, from initial consultation to ongoing support after installation.
- Project variety: Our work speaks for itself. Browse our project gallery for inspiration on how we can help you transform your vision into a reality!
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Visit
Ready to start a conversation about your ideas? Reach out to connect with us online or call 941-269-3155 to request a free consultation.