How Much Value Does a Pool Add to My Property Value in PA?

Children laughing, beating the heat with friends and family, and being the go-to hang spot all summer long…

Having a pool at home is a major lifestyle upgrade for many Pennsylvania residents.

But is it financially worth it? Especially if you’re planning on selling your home sometime in the near future?

To help you make that decision, we’ve put together the following guide. 

Keep scanning to find:

• The expected ROIs of different pool types in Pennsylvania
• A comprehensive plan for maximizing the resale value of your custom pool
• The ways a pool can actually hurt resale value—and how to avoid them
• Final thoughts on whether installing a new swimming pool is right for you

Let’s dive right in with the hard numbers. 

What is My Expected ROI on a Pool in Pennsylvania?

If your goal is resale value, invest in an inground pool.

In the mid-2020s, inground swimming pools added roughly 5%–8% of a home’s total value upon resale.

This means a $350,000 home would see an increase in property value of $24,500 after installing an inground swimming pool (so long as it is well-maintained—more below). However, the same home with an above-ground pool would have no measurable increase in property value.

The takeaway: go inground for a boost in resale.

What Regional Factors Increase the Expected ROI of an Inground Pool?

In terms of ROI, all pools are not created equal—especially when you consider regional factors outside your control.

• National Region: While PA homeowners can’t compete in resale value with areas like Fort Myers, FL, areas outside major urban centers have higher resale values associated with custom fiberglass swimming pools than more rural areas. (Ex: Pittsburgh suburbs saw a value increase of 11.5% vs state average of 5%–8%.)
• Neighborhood: Pools add the most value in high-end or luxury neighborhoods—notably those in suburban Philadelphia, the Mainline, and the greater Pittsburgh area, as buyers in these areas can afford additional maintenance costs and prize secluded, resort-style backyards.

If financial ROI is an important consideration to you, make sure you’re in the right neighborhood.

How Can I Increase My Pool's Expected ROI?

While the above regional factors are generally out of your control, there are ways you can maximize your potential ROI no matter where you live.

Here are seven tips for boosting your resale value while enjoying your personal at-home oasis:

• Choose Inground: Inground pools—especially easy-to-install, lower-maintenance options like fiberglass—consistently boost resale in PA—whereas above-ground pools provide no measurable increase in home equity.
• Keep it Immaculate: While pools can boost property value, a neglected pool has the opposite effect—turning buyers away and lowering resale. For a maximum ROI, keep your water crystal clear, service equipment promptly, and maintain a regular cleaning schedule.
• Upgrade Hardscaping: Thoughtful backyard deck and patio design surrounding a custom inground pool consistently boosts resale performance in southeastern and central PA. (Here’s a recent project of ours showcasing the difference a hardscape patio surrounding the pool makes.)
• Prioritize Safety Features: Families with pets and young children are often wary of pools. Swimming pool construction design that puts safety features first (sturdy & attractive fencing, a child-proof safety cover, etc.) alleviates safety concerns and broadens your buyer pool.
• Consider Modern Conveniences: Installing smart controls (for heating and cleaning via your smartphone), energy-efficient variable-speed pumps, and LED mood lighting helps attract modern, tech-savvy buyers who value high-end appeal.
• Invest in Fiberglass: Custom fiberglass swimming pools are by far the lowest-maintenance option—a plus for prospective buyers and the easiest way to keep your pool surface sheen and attractive without more regular (and costly) refinishing.
• Landscape Your Retreat: Lush, tropical, or minimalist landscaping around your pool makes the space feel like a private resort. Looking for suggestions? Hardy banana, canna lilies, and elephant ears are tropical plants that do well in our fickle PA climate.

Can A Custom Swimming Pool Hurt My Resale Value?

As mentioned, installing an above-ground swimming pool will have no material effect on your home’s resale value—and may even hurt it. And while inground pools tend to produce a consistently positive ROI, there are still a few things to be aware of before installing.

• Pools are highly sought after by families with children, but may deter buyers uninterested in the added maintenance, liability, or loss of yard space.
• Installing a pool will likely increase your property taxes and homeowners' insurance premiums.

It’s for these two reasons that inground pools produce the highest ROIs in affluent suburban areas with larger lots, higher home prices, and owners who don’t mind the additional upkeep expenses.

How Do I Know if a New Pool is Right for Me?

As you’ve learned, while a new inground swimming pool can boost your home’s resale value, you’re unlikely to recoup the full cost of installation. However, for the right owner, the lifestyle improvements alone make a luxury pool more than worth it.

If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of a custom swimming pool for your home—and have the kids over splashing and playing all summer long—reach out for your free onsite consultation and quote with Luxscapes Unlimited today. 

Our expert swimming pool installation contractors are ready to meet you at your home, talk over your options, and provide a free quote—absolutely free and with zero obligation. If after thinking it over you like the concept and numbers, we’ll then get to work transforming your backyard into the oasis you’re dreaming of.

And trust us… 

Your loved ones will be glad you did.

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Luxscapes Unlimited is a premium backyard designer specializing in custom fiberglass inground pool installation and hardscaping projects in South-Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. Our team is equipped to walk you all the way from initial design to living it up in your backyard oasis—with your entire project backed by a 5-Year Installation Warranty.  Don’t wait on the backyard of your dreams. Reach out for your free quote and initial consultation today!

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