Does adding a pool to a SFH in NoVA increase the house value? (for sale, neighborhoods)

[kutra11]

I'm thinking of adding an in-ground heated swimming pool and wanted to know if it adds value to the house or will it bring down the value? I do know that with a pool, I will be scaring away a set of buyers who don't want the maintenance-hassle or are afraid that their kids will drown, but I'm okay with that. I plan to stay here for the next 10-15 years so I want to build the pool for myself and my family; I am asking this question purely from the resale value... ...out of curiosity.

Responses from actual NoVA realtors will be appreciated. BTW, even after adding the pool, I will still have over 12,000 sq. ft of back yard.

Thanks,
K

[ChristineVA]

I have heard that it does not increase the value of a home. I do not know if that is a fact.

[CAVA1990]

I think it would detract. Most adults in these parts aren't very aquatically oriented.

[anovaer]

I don't think it will add and, as you said, will probably detract - but if you're going to be there for that long and want it for you and your family I'd say to definately do it! Enjoy your house while you live in it

[CAVA1990]

It would add value to me but I'm a pool person. As the previous poster said, go ahead if you're going to be there awhile and your family will enjoy it. Pools are a great social magnet.

[boyd888]

For pure resale it will add little value compared to other projects like redoing kitchens/bathrooms/finishing your basement. Many neighborhoods in NOVA already have community pools and this isn't Florida where you could use it essentially year round. The exception is if it is a very expensive home (like 1+ mil) where upkeep costs are a non issue and many homes in that price range come with pools.

It will add value to someone who wants a pool, but won't add anything to someone who could care less about a pool. Ie someone who wants the pool may make a higher offer and be more willing to outbid others vs someone who doesn't care. You don't know which type of person is going to make an offer on your house until you list it for sale. In addition you will lose potential buyers that have a pool on their "no" list.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by boyd888

Many neighborhoods in NOVA already have community pools and this isn't Florida where you could use it essentially year round.

You can use a heated pool year round.

[allen25ham]

As one user said above, it's going to be YOUR home for the next 15 years or so..hence if you like it...keep a pool. Life is very short...enjoy it!

[deuxcents]

I can tell you that when I listed a previous home I was told that the pool could be a major issue - especially for people with kids and those who don't want to deal with the maintenance. The agent suggested that we offer in the listing to get rid of the pool. It eventually sold with the pool intact.

Having said that, if you plan on staying in your home for a long time, go ahead and get the pool for your own enjoyment. You can offer to get rid of it when you go to sell.

[Carlingtonian]

I love to swim, but I would not want to own a pool. Mostly because of the cost of maintenance. And in this area of the country, it doesn't get that hot. This is gonna sound really '70s, but I'd be way more interested in a hot tub.