Pools are a functional oasis in the privacy of your backyard. They require an upfront investment, but the enjoyment is worth the expense for many families. However, a pool installation can do more than provide a beautiful place for relaxation and exercise in your backyard. Installing an in-ground pool has been correlated with an increase in home value in Maryland—but the total potential increase depends on multiple factors.
For those who are considering pool installation in Maryland, it is smart to evaluate how much of a return on investment the pool could provide when the home goes up on the market. When it comes to owning a pool, some factors that boost a Maryland home’s value are within the control of the owners, and others are not.
Here is an overview of the factors to pay attention to and how to influence them in your favor when possible.
Climate and Utility
Having a pool is not a guaranteed way to increase a home’s value, but it is likely that homeowners in Maryland can leverage what they have to boost the utility of their pool. Homes in areas where the pool can be used for more months of the year will see a more impactful boost in their home value as a result of installing an in-ground pool.
In Maryland, the winter months can dip into the 20s—not the ideal time for splashing around. However, homes that choose to enclose their pools, such as in a sunroom or sheltered patio, will see significantly increased interest and a higher sale price to match. Similarly, access to a hot tub attached to the pool to combat the cold can boost value. Other homeowners elect to use heaters for their pools to extend the use period.
Frequency and Availability
Is a pool a common feature in your neighborhood, or is there a nearby public pool that is well-kept and popular? If residents have access to an off-site pool that is easy to use, they are less likely to pay more for a property that comes with a pool.
Alternatively, if pools are rare in the area, having one in your backyard can make your house the hottest property on the market. As a homeowner, you do not have control of what other people in the neighborhood do, but you can still predict the ROI of a pool based on some of their choices.
Landscaping and Space
One of the factors that is within the control of the homeowner is how they set up and plan for the pool they want to install. Pools that take up all of the space in a backyard are less ideal than those incorporated seamlessly into the landscape as part of a comprehensive backyard paradise.
Fully eliminating a backyard in order to install a pool will not increase a home’s value because it removes other backyard options that homeowners may be interested in. To get the highest ROI on your pool installation, choose a size and location that integrates the pool into the scope of the total area.
Care and Upkeep
The biggest factor within the control of a homeowner is how well a pool is cared for. Fewer people will be interested in buying a home that contains a pool with cracks or worn-out vinyl lining, and this can even lower the sale price as potential buyers factor in repairs.
Keep your pool in good condition by regularly cleaning it, repairing small issues as they arise, and calling on professionals when necessary to ensure that your pool boosts your Maryland home’s value when it is time to sell.
Targeted Demographics and Real Estate
Certain homes and neighborhoods are more favorable for pool ownership than others, which will impact the value when a sale occurs. Starter homes aim to be affordable and help families as they establish themselves before moving onto their long-term residence.
Installing a pool in the backyard of a starter home can see less of a ROI boost, because these families are typically not equipped to pay for luxuries such as a pool just yet. Alternatively, a pool can offer significant value increases in more affluent neighborhoods or those focused on long-term residences, where people are likely bringing the profit of a previous home sale or high income to the table.
Of course, any price point may see potential homebuyers who value the ability to entertain groups of family and friends in a well planned and beautifully designed in-ground pool.
Get Your Maryland Pool Installed the Right Way the First Time
Installing a pool is a personal choice, but it can also be leveraged to increase home values in Maryland when it comes time to sell. To make the most of this investment and see the greatest return, it is important to be strategic about the installation and upkeep of the pool.
The experts at Masten Pools have been installing in-ground pools for decades and can help you to determine the ideal location and size for your new pool. They will install it professionally so that it lasts for as long as possible in good condition. Contact Masten Pools to discuss your vision for pool installation in your Maryland home.