Do Pools Increase Home Value? The Truth Revealed

Do Pools Increase Home Value? The Truth Revealed

In Las Vegas, a swimming pool isn’t just a way to cool off—it’s often seen as a natural extension of desert living. With long, hot summers and abundant sunshine, many buyers consider a pool an essential feature, not just a luxury. But does adding a pool actually make financial sense when it comes to resale value? Or is it more of a personal investment that may not fully pay off when it’s time to move on?

Let’s explore whether owning a pool in Las Vegas truly adds value to your property, the factors that make a difference, and what homeowners should think about before taking the plunge.

The Value a Pool Can Add

In general, a pool in Las Vegas can boost a home’s value by roughly 5 to 8%. In neighborhoods where pools are common, having one often helps a property stay competitive. For example, on a $500,000 home, this increase could translate to an additional $25,000 to $40,000 in value.

However, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. Most homeowners recover only about 50 to 60% of what they spend to build a pool when they sell. In other words, while a pool might make your home more appealing and potentially sell faster, it rarely pays for itself outright.

What Factors Influence the Value?

Several elements determine how much value a pool might add in Las Vegas:

Neighborhood trends: If you’re in an area where most homes have pools, not having one could actually hurt resale value. On the flip side, in communities where pools are rare, adding one might not provide a strong return.

Quality and condition: A well-designed, professionally built pool that’s been properly maintained can certainly

enhance your property’s appeal. Outdated or poorly maintained pools, however, may turn buyers away due to concerns about costly repairs.

Overall lot and yard size: A pool that complements the outdoor space—without taking up the entire yard—tends to be more attractive. Buyers still want room for patios, landscaping, or play areas.

Operating costs and safety: Some buyers hesitate at the idea of higher utility bills, ongoing maintenance, or potential safety liabilities. Features like energy-efficient equipment, fencing, and modern covers can help ease these concerns.

Drawbacks to Consider

While pools are popular in Las Vegas, they do come with certain downsides:

Significant upfront cost: Building a pool often ranges from $65,000 to over $150,000, depending on size, design, and features.

Ongoing expenses: Regular maintenance, cleaning, chemical treatments, insurance, and repairs can add thousands per year.

Limited buyer pool: While many see a pool as a plus, some buyers—such as families with very young children or those who prefer low-maintenance yards—may view it as a negative.

Bottom Line

In Las Vegas, a pool can absolutely make a property more marketable, especially in established neighborhoods where pools are the norm. It can help your home stand out, attract more interest, and potentially secure a higher selling price. Still, it’s rarely an investment that fully pays for itself in pure dollars.

For most homeowners, the decision to add a pool comes down to lifestyle. If you plan to stay for several years and enjoy the benefits—relaxing weekends, entertaining friends, a personal retreat from the summer heat—it can be well worth it. And when the time comes to sell, you’re likely to see at least some of that investment reflected in your home’s value.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Las Vegas Valley, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll get back to you personally and promptly. Thanks for visiting!

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Angela O’Hare
Favorite Las Vegas Realtor
REAL Broker LLC at Urban Nest
Lic.# S.0180246
702-370-5112
[email protected]
www.neighborhoodsinlasvegas.com