Does Building A Pool Increase My Southern California Home’s Value?
For many homeowners in Southern California, the idea of building a pool starts with one part excitement and one part hesitation. It’s a big investment, and it’s natural to wonder whether that investment will actually pay off.
The question usually comes up early in the process: Will adding a pool increase the value of my home?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. In a warm-weather market like Southern California, a pool can absolutely increase both resale value and buyer appeal. But the value it adds depends on how it’s designed, how it’s built, and how well it fits the property.
Done right, a pool doesn’t just give your backyard a better look; it becomes a long-term asset.
Done poorly, it can become a maintenance headache or even hurt resale in some cases.
Yes, Pools Can Add Value In the Right Conditions
In Southern California, a well-designed in-ground pool has the potential to increase a home’s resale value, especially in warm-weather markets where outdoor living is a heavy part of the lifestyle.
According to PoolBroker USA, homes with pools in Los Angeles and other major California cities can sell for up to 5-8% more than comparable homes without them.
In Riverside County, data shows pools can add approximately $45,000 to a home’s value. In San Diego County, the bump is around $20,000. These figures reflect real buyer preference in warm‑weather areas where outdoor living plays a big role. - Berkshire Hathaway
For homeowners in Riverside County, pools are often seen as a value-add, especially in newer neighborhoods where buyers are looking for turnkey outdoor spaces.
In San Diego County, particularly in inland areas like Poway and Escondido, pools are not only desirable, they’re often expected in an area that can reach triple-digit temperatures.
When built well and integrated into the overall design of the backyard, a pool can make a property stand out in the real estate market. But the keyword here is “built well.” Not all pools are created equal, and not all of them increase property value. The same goes for the space around your pool. Is it designed well? Is the overall space functional?
Quick note: This does not apply to above-ground pools. While they may offer a short-term way to cool off, they’re usually considered temporary structures and sometimes even liabilities.
Most real estate agents and appraisers won’t count them as value-adding features, and they’re not part of what Element Pools offers.
What Affects Whether a Pool Adds Value?
Not every pool adds value just because it exists. In fact, a poorly designed or outdated pool can negatively impact a home’s real estate value. Here’s what actually makes a difference when it comes to long-term resale and everyday usability.
Design Quality and Aesthetic
A pool that looks good on paper won’t matter much if it doesn’t flow well with the space. Buyers tend to notice layout first: how the pool flows with the yard, whether it takes up too much space, or if it looks like it was added without a plan.
At Element Pools, the design process goes well beyond picking a shape and tile color. Homeowners work with our design team that maps out the entire yard, not just the pool, with 3D modeling so you can see how the layout functions before anything is built.
Pools are positioned for both sun and shade, walking paths are factored in, and everything from water features to hardscaping is coordinated as one cohesive space. That kind of design tends to hold up better over time and adds more value if you ever decide to sell.
Material and Build Quality
Value isn’t just visual. It’s structural. A pool that looks great now but requires constant maintenance or early resurfacing doesn’t hold value for long.
Upgrades like pebble or quartz plaster, premium waterline tile, and energy-efficient equipment are all part of long-term value.
Not only do these materials last longer, but they also help reduce ongoing maintenance costs, which buyers will notice during walkthroughs.
Function and Features
Built-in spas, sun shelves, automation systems, and lighting can signal a higher-end build since these are premium features. In Southern California, where pool season stretches for much of the year, usability is a real selling point.
If the pool can be used during cooler months, with minimal upkeep and smart temperature control, that adds more than just convenience. It adds perceived value.
What Can Hurt Resale Value?
A pool isn’t automatically a selling point. If it’s poorly executed or hard to maintain, it can have the opposite effect. These are the most common issues that turn a high-cost upgrade into a resale liability.
Outdated or Overbuilt Design
A pool that dominates the entire backyard without leaving space for seating, landscaping, or usable hardscape can make it feel cramped. Likewise, designs that looked trendy ten years ago might now feel dated, especially if the materials or layout haven’t aged well.
A pool should feel like an extension of the home, not a feature that limits how the rest of the yard can function.
Poor Maintenance History
Buyers can spot neglect. Cracked plaster, worn-out tile, outdated equipment, and signs of deferred maintenance all raise red flags.
Even if the structure itself is solid, visible wear-and-tear can lead to price negotiations or drive interest down altogether.
Remodeling an older pool before putting a home on the market can often help reclaim lost value.
Lack of Efficiency or Modern Features
Pools that lack basic automation, energy-efficient pumps, or variable-speed equipment can feel like they’ll be expensive to run, especially when energy bills in Southern California are higher than the US average, according to SolarReviews.
And while not every buyer expects a fully smart-connected pool, most now look for features that make day-to-day use easier.
Simple upgrades like LED lighting or automated cleaning systems can go a long way in avoiding this issue.
The Lifestyle Factor: It’s Not Just About ROI
There’s value in a pool that has nothing to do with resale.
In Southern California, a well-built pool expands your living space. It gives you a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors nearly year-round. For many homeowners, that alone justifies the investment even if they’re not planning to sell anytime soon.
Unlike interior remodels that are used intermittently, a pool often becomes part of the daily routine. Morning swims, weekend gatherings, quiet evenings by the water. It’s a lifestyle upgrade that doesn’t always show up on a property listing, but still matters.
For families, it becomes a built-in activity zone. For homeowners who love to host, it’s a centerpiece. For anyone who works from home or just wants more time outside, it’s a natural extension of the living space. These benefits don’t always translate into exact dollars, but they do factor into how people feel about the home and whether they want to buy it.
That’s part of why pools in Southern California are seen as assets. They’re not just additions. They’re amenities that people use and value regularly.
Does a Pool Add Value in Temecula and the Inland Empire?
In areas like Temecula, Murrieta, and other parts of Riverside County, pools often play a bigger role in resale than homeowners expect. The combination of warm climate, new construction neighborhoods, and an outdoor lifestyle means buyers are actively looking for well-designed outdoor spaces, and a pool is often at the top of that list.
In newer communities, it’s common for homes to either include a pool or have space planned for one. Homes that already have a finished backyard with a well-built pool are seen as move-in ready, which makes them more competitive when listed.
San Diego County sees a similar trend, especially in inland neighborhoods where properties have more usable outdoor space. A home with a thoughtful pool and patio design can stand out against listings that still have unfinished yards or minimal landscaping.
The key in both regions is build quality. Pools that are custom-built, efficiently designed, and integrated into the full landscape tend to hold their value better and add more to a sale price than those that were added as standalone features or have dated materials.
Conclusion
Building a pool in Southern California can absolutely increase your home’s value when it’s designed with the property, the market, and long-term function in mind.
In places like Riverside and San Diego Counties, outdoor living is part of the lifestyle. A well-executed pool often makes a home more desirable, more usable, and more competitive when it’s time to sell.
But not every pool adds value automatically. Poor layouts, outdated finishes, and neglected maintenance can have the opposite effect. The difference comes down to how it’s planned and built.
At Element Pools & Spas, design and quality are the foundation of everything we do. Our team doesn’t just build pools; we plan complete outdoor environments that align with your space, your needs, and your long-term goals.
Whether you’re looking to create a resort-style experience or a family-friendly backyard, we help ensure every decision adds both enjoyment now and value later.
Thinking about building a pool that makes sense for your home and your future? Let’s talk.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes. In‑ground pools are considered permanent features and mesh better with home design and neighborhood expectations. Above‑ground pools are typically seen as temporary structures and rarely add real resale value.
Element Pools & Spas does not build or install above-ground pools.
-
In warmer climates like Southern California, pools generally offer a 5-8% increase in resale value when built thoughtfully with solid materials.
-
Absolutely. Overbuilt or poorly maintained pools, especially those that dominate the yard or look dated, can deter potential buyers. Function and upkeep matter most.
-
Design elements that enhance use and reduce upkeep, like built-in spas, tanning ledges, LED lighting, and smart features, tend to hold their value. Durable, low-maintenance materials also make a strong impression on buyers.
-
Yes. In‑ground pool construction requires a permit. With Element Pools & Spas, you don’t have to juggle the paperwork. We handle the process for you so you can focus on planning your backyard, not chasing paperwork.