Does a Pool Add Value to a Property?

Introduction

If you’re considering adding a pool to your property, chances are you’ve asked yourself the big question: Does a pool actually increase the value of my home? Or is it just an expensive luxury that only pays off in cannonballs and poolside naps?

The truth is, the answer depends on a handful of key factors — your location, the type of pool you install, the condition of your property, and the kind of buyer you’re hoping to attract when the time comes to sell. Done right, a pool can absolutely boost your home’s value and help it stand out in a crowded market. But there are also situations where it could hold you back.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from what realtors are seeing in today’s market to the emotional and lifestyle benefits that don’t always show up on paper. Let’s dive in.

The Real Estate Perspective

What Realtors Say About Pools and Home Value

Talk to a few realtors and you’ll get a wide range of opinions — but one thing is clear: pools can absolutely add value to a property when certain conditions are met. In warmer climates, where outdoor living is part of the lifestyle, a pool is often considered a must-have. But even here in Canada, especially in places like southern Ontario and parts of B.C., backyard pools are seeing a resurgence in popularity — particularly post-2020, when staying home became the new normal.

Buyers are increasingly looking for turnkey backyards that offer a lifestyle upgrade, not just square footage. If your home checks the right boxes — good location, strong curb appeal, and a well-maintained in-ground pool — it can command a higher asking price and sell faster.

That said, it’s not universal. In colder provinces or in neighborhoods where pools aren’t the norm, some buyers might see it as a liability due to perceived upkeep costs or limited seasonal use. The key is understanding your local market and where your property fits within it.

Stats on Home Value Increases

The numbers vary, but industry data suggests that a professionally built, well-maintained in-ground pool can increase a home’s resale value by 5% to 8% — sometimes more in higher-end markets where pools are common and expected.

A few things to note:

• Above-ground pools rarely add value — and may even be seen as temporary or unattractive features
• The condition and style of your pool matters: modern materials like stainless steel or high-end finishes create a premium impression
• In real estate listings, homes with attractive outdoor living areas — including pools, landscaping, and patios — tend to generate more interest and viewings

Appraisers won’t always assign a dollar value to your pool directly, but they will factor in comparables — so if other homes in your area have pools and yours doesn’t, you may be at a disadvantage.

Factors That Influence Pool-Related Property Value

If you’re wondering whether a pool will actually boost your home’s value, the answer depends on a handful of critical factors. It’s not just about having a pool — it’s about the right pool in the right setting.

Geographic Location

Location plays a major role in how much value a pool adds — and here in the Greater Toronto Area, that value is only going up.

In the GTA, summers are hot, short, and precious. Families are looking for ways to make the most of their outdoor time without having to drive north or fight for beach space. That’s why backyard pools have become one of the most sought-after upgrades in the region.

Over the last few years — especially post-pandemic — we’ve seen a shift in how homebuyers view their outdoor space. A well-built in-ground pool is no longer seen as a luxury reserved for estate homes — it’s a smart, lifestyle-driven investment that transforms a backyard into a private retreat. Whether you’re in Vaughan, Mississauga, Oakville, or right in the heart of Toronto, homes with pools are commanding more attention, more showings, and stronger offers.

And in competitive suburban neighborhoods, a home with a turnkey backyard oasis often sells faster and at a premium compared to similar listings without one.

Pools as a Lifestyle Upgrade (GTA Edition)

Emotional Value for GTA Buyers

Here in the GTA, a backyard pool isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a way to reclaim time, space, and quality of life.

For many homeowners, installing a pool is about creating a sanctuary. Imagine skipping the drive to cottage country and instead unwinding in your own crystal-clear water at the end of a long workday. Hosting summer barbecues, celebrating birthdays poolside, or simply giving your kids a place to play outside — these aren’t just conveniences. They’re quality-of-life upgrades that buyers in the GTA are willing to pay for.

With busy urban schedules and limited access to nearby waterfronts, the pool has become a symbol of balance — a space for fun, connection, and mental reset right outside your door.

Prestige and Curb Appeal in the GTA

Let’s face it — a beautiful in-ground pool elevates a property instantly.

In many parts of the GTA, homes with thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces — pools, patios, cabanas, and tasteful landscaping — stand out in a big way. Whether it’s a vinyl pool with clean lines or a stainless steel stunner with LED lighting and water features, the visual impact adds both perceived luxury and emotional value.

And with more buyers shopping online first, a well-photographed backyard pool can make your listing pop on MLS or Realtor.ca before a buyer even steps foot on your property.

Hidden Costs and Buyer Hesitations

Now, as much as I love building and talking about pools, it’s only fair to cover what gives some buyers pause. While a well-built pool adds serious appeal, there are a few concerns that can affect how potential buyers perceive value — especially if the pool hasn’t been properly maintained or integrated into the property.

What Might Scare Buyers Off

In some cases, buyers might worry about:

• Maintenance: Pools need upkeep — cleaning, water balancing, and winterizing in the off-season. If a buyer sees cracked tiles or cloudy water, it can suggest future expenses.
• Safety: Families with young children may be cautious around pools without fencing, covers, or alarms in place.
• Insurance or operating costs: Heating, water, and liability coverage can be points of hesitation for cost-conscious buyers.

But here’s the key: these concerns are easy to overcome with the right preparation and messaging.

How to Overcome These Objections

If you’re a homeowner thinking ahead to resale, here’s how to turn your pool into a strong selling point:

• Automate maintenance with systems like robotic cleaners, saltwater chlorinators, and variable-speed pumps
• Keep a detailed maintenance record — proof of regular care builds buyer confidence
• Winterize properly and invest in a professional pool opening in spring to ensure it looks its best during showing season
• Include safety features like childproof gates, auto covers, or alarms to reassure families

Here in the GTA, where homes often sell fast and for top dollar, these small touches can position your pool as an asset, not a liability.

When a Pool Is a Smart Investment

The short answer to “does a pool add value to a property” is yes — especially when it’s built in the right setting and with long-term value in mind.

Ideal Scenarios in the GTA

A pool is an especially smart investment if:

• You live in a mid- to high-end neighborhood where outdoor living is a key feature of the lifestyle
• You have a backyard large enough to accommodate both the pool and a usable entertaining area
• Your pool is integrated into the landscape — think patios, lighting, gardens, or even a hot tub nearby
• You’re planning to live in the home for at least a few years and want to enjoy the lifestyle while gaining resale value down the line

Over the past few years, we’ve seen multiple clients in the GTA increase their home’s market value with well-planned pool builds. Whether it’s a family in Oakville who turned their backyard into a staycation zone or a couple in Markham who added a sleek stainless steel pool to their custom build — these aren’t just aesthetic upgrades, they’re value-driving investments.

A well-designed pool isn’t just a place to swim. It’s a lifestyle statement. And in today’s market, that lifestyle is more desirable than ever.

Wrapping It Up: Is a Pool Worth the Investment?

At the end of the day, the question “does a pool add value to a property?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer — but in the Greater Toronto Area, the odds are definitely in your favor.

A professionally built, well-maintained in-ground pool can increase your home’s value, boost its curb appeal, and give it a competitive edge in the market. More importantly, it adds something that can’t always be measured in dollars: a better lifestyle.

From relaxing evenings at home to lively summer gatherings, a backyard pool delivers experiences that make a property feel less like real estate and more like a place to live, connect, and enjoy.

For homeowners thinking long-term, a pool is more than just an upgrade — it’s a feature that sells the lifestyle buyers want. And when that’s done right, value always follows.

Thinking about taking the plunge? Pool Brokers Canada is here to help you make the most of your space — and your investment.

— Twain

Pool Brokers Canada