When installing a pool or hot tub, many people don’t just think about their own personal enjoyment — they also think about how their investment might increase their home’s resale value.
Here, we’ll talk about the factors that determine whether your pool or hot tub will increase your home’s value, such as:
- Neighborhood
- Climate
- Cost of installation
There are also some additional measures you can take to ensure that your pool or hot tub increases your home’s value as much as possible, such as :
- Creating a lounge area
- Emphasizing privacy
- Improving aesthetics
Let’s take a more detailed look at how a pool or hot tub can add value to your home and what you can do to increase that value.
Can a Pool or Hot Tub Add Value to Your Home?
The short answer to this question is yes: A pool or hot tub can absolutely increase your home’s value.
After all, pools and hot tubs can be attractive amenities to buyers who are looking for a home that they can start enjoying immediately.
However, the amount of value that a pool or hot tub can add to your home depends on a few different factors:
Neighborhood
There are certainly some neighborhoods where pools and hot tubs are valued more than they are in other neighborhoods.
For example, if you live in a neighborhood that’s geared toward families looking to raise children and invest in a long-term residence, a pool or hot tub can add quite a bit of value.
On the other hand, if you live in a neighborhood that’s geared more toward young couples or singles looking for affordable homes, a pool or hot tub might not be as attractive, and could drive your home’s price up too high to appeal to potential buyers.
Climate
One factor that can significantly impact the value your pool or hot tub adds to your home is climate: In some areas, pools and/or hot tubs are more desirable than in others.
If you live in an area with consistently hot weather then a hot tub won’t be as appealing as it would be if you lived in a cooler climate.
For instance, homebuyers in the South likely won’t be willing to pay as much for a home with a hot tub as would homebuyers in the Northeast.
The bottom line is that if you live in a hot climate, a pool will add more value to your home than a hot tub.
Conversely, if you live in a cold climate, a hot tub will add more value to your home than a pool.
Cost of Installation
The more you spend on installing your pool or hot tub, the lower your return on investment will be.
For example, if you spend $35,000 installing a luxurious inground swimming pool but it only adds $20,000 to your home’s value, you’ll end up losing $15,000.
So, when installing your pool or hot tub, it’s important that you consider the cost of installation versus the amount of value you expect it to add to your home.
How to Increase Your Pool or Hot Tub’s Value
Going beyond the installation itself, there are several things you can do to increase the amount of value your pool or hot tub adds to your home.
Create a Lounge Area
Since one of the biggest draws of pools and hot tubs is their ability to create a relaxing at-home experience, creating a lounge area where people can kick back even when they’re not soaking or swimming can make them even more appealing.
For example, you might add a grilling area, a fire pit, a gazebo or a patch of grass that’s big enough to fit at least two lawn chairs.
If you take a DIY approach to these additions, you can add more value to your home without breaking the bank.
Emphasize Privacy
No one wants to be in full view of their neighbors while enjoying a tranquil soak. Luckily, a few simple additions can add a sense of privacy that will appeal to many homebuyers.
For instance, you could install a taller fence around your yard, plant leafy plants and trees around your yard or add a privacy screen around the most exposed sides of your pool or hot tub.
The photo above is a fantastic example of how plants and trees can be combined with a privacy wall to create a secluded oasis.
Improve Aesthetics
If there’s one way to make your pool or hot tub unappealing, it’s failing to update any aspects of it that are shabby or outdated.
For example, any of the following can make your pool or hot tub look less valuable than it is:
- Dead or dying grass.
- A cracked or faded cover.
- Dirty or stained surfaces.
- Debris in the water.
So, before you begin showing your home, be sure to take care of any aesthetic issues that may turn potential buyers away.
Even small touches, such as retaining your deck to make it look luxurious and new can make a big difference.
Likewise, if you’re planning on purchasing a hot tub with the goal of raising your home’s value in mind, you should consider buying a spa with a more high-end look, like a Dr. Wellness Tranquility Series spa or a Catalina Luxury spa .
Also be sure to consider what type of pool or hot tub would look best in your home’s surroundings — for instance, if your backyard has a beautiful panoramic view, you might want to think about installing an infinity pool to enhance it.
In the end, there is no simple answer as to how much a pool or hot tub can increase your home’s value.
If you consider the right factors, add additional features and manage your budget carefully, though, you can hopefully raise your home’s value and get a great return on your investment.
