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Backyard swimming pools provide endless hours of relaxation and entertainment. They have the power to transform a yard into a private oasis. The debate over how much a pool adds to property value subsequently continues, as they can attract home buyers or deter them depending on certain factors. Learn about these factors if selling your house is in the works.

Does a Swimming Pool Increase Property Value?

Installation & Maintenance Costs

Installing a concrete, 600 square-foot pool costs about $30,000 to start; that number increases up to if you want features such as a slide, diving board, waterfall, lighting, and landscaping. Fencing is also necessary to keep your pool up to code. Maintenance costs such as filtration and heating must also be considered as you calculate the return on investment. The pool type also plays a role, as fiberglass pools with vinyl liners are cheaper than concrete; however, vinyl liners require replacing about every 10 years. 

When a Pool Doesn’t Add Value

selling your houseOlder pools, such as above-ground ones that have not been well-maintained, do not increase property value; however, they are relatively easy to remove. Both inground and above-ground pools with safety issues such as crumbling steps or years of slime and sludge on the walls also do nothing for property value. Such pools are eyesores to home buyers and can put them off because they require so much work.

When a Pool Does Add Value

A pool adds value when you are selling your house if it is clearly well-maintained and you live in a hotter area of the country. Pools are common in Florida, Arizona, and other states where it is warm year-round, and are often welcomed by home buyers. Pools in cooler states such as Wisconsin, Vermont, and Minnesota typically do not provide as much property value.

Other factors that increase pool value include their prevalence throughout your neighborhood and whether the feature takes up your entire backyard. If there is still ample room for swing sets, garden beds, and other landscaping and hardscaping features, a well-maintained pool will increase the value of your home.

 

Discuss your current pool with the real estate agents at Lawrence Realty to determine what’s best for selling your house. The third-generation agency has served Red Wing, MN, and the surrounding areas since 1948, with each of the 12 agents specializing in a specific area of real estate. Call (651) 388-4745 today to talk about selling your house or visit the local realtors online to compare listings in your area. Like the Facebook page for the latest open house and community news.

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