Does a Swimming Pool Add Value to Your Home in Riverside, CA?

Yes, a swimming pool can add value to your home in Riverside, CA, especially when it's well maintained and appeals to buyers in your neighborhood. However, the amount of value it adds depends on the local market, the condition of the pool, and what buyers are willing to pay for it.

With our warm Riverside summers, it's easy to understand why so many homeowners love having a pool. There's something wonderful about being able to step outside, cool off, entertain friends, or spend time with family without leaving home.

But when it's time to sell, an important question comes up: Will buyers actually pay more for your home because it has a pool?

Let's take a closer look.

What to Know: How Much Value Does a Pool Add in Riverside, CA?

There's no set dollar amount or percentage that applies to every home.

A beautifully maintained pool might be a major selling point in one Riverside neighborhood, while buyers in another area may be more concerned about the maintenance and expense.

Several factors affect how much value a swimming pool adds:

• Neighborhood expectations: If pools are common and desirable among comparable homes, having one may help your property compete.
• Pool condition: Updated equipment, clean finishes, and a well-maintained deck can make a big difference.
• Backyard functionality: Buyers appreciate a pool that still leaves room for outdoor dining, relaxing, or other activities.
• Buyer preferences: Some buyers specifically search for pool homes, while others prefer a backyard without one.

The best way to determine the value of your pool is to compare recent sales of similar homes, both with and without pools.

If you're curious about your property's overall value, my guide on what your Riverside home is worth before selling explains how local sales help establish realistic pricing.

Why It Matters: A Pool Doesn't Always Return What You Spend

Here's something that surprises many homeowners.

According to the National Association of Realtors' 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, an in-ground swimming pool addition had an estimated cost recovery of 56%.

The report used a national estimated installation cost of $90,000 and an estimated resale value contribution of $50,000.

That's an important distinction. These are national survey estimates, not a guaranteed return or a specific Riverside County valuation.

In fact, Fannie Mae's appraisal guidance emphasizes using local market evidence rather than applying an arbitrary adjustment to a home feature.

My advice? If you're considering installing a pool solely to increase your home's resale value, do your homework first.

On the other hand, if you're planning to stay in your home for years and know your family will enjoy the pool, the lifestyle benefits may make the investment worthwhile.

Not every home improvement needs to pay for itself at resale to be a good decision.

Examples: How Pools Can Affect Riverside County Home Sales

Let's say two similar homes in the same Riverside neighborhood recently sold.

One has an attractive, well-maintained swimming pool. The other has a landscaped backyard without a pool.

If the pool home sold for more, we would examine whether that difference was really attributable to the pool or to other factors such as interior upgrades, lot size, location, and overall condition.

For example, imagine that comparable sales and appropriate adjustments support a $30,000 value difference attributable to the pool. That would be a useful starting point for pricing, but it wouldn't mean every pool in Riverside adds $30,000.

Neighborhoods such as Orangecrest, Canyon Crest, and Woodcrest can offer different lot sizes, housing styles, and buyer expectations. Even homes within the same neighborhood may have very different backyard layouts.

For buyers considering this feature, I've also written about what buyers should know when shopping for pool homes in Riverside.

And for sellers, understanding how to price your home correctly in Riverside County is especially important when your property has features that aren't easy to compare.

What to Keep in Mind Before Selling a Home With a Pool

If your home already has a swimming pool, you probably don't need to make major upgrades to impress buyers.

However, a little preparation can go a long way.

1. Make sure the pool looks inviting

Clear water, clean tile, tidy landscaping, and comfortable outdoor seating help buyers picture themselves enjoying the space.

If the surrounding area needs attention, focus on simple improvements that enhance the backyard's overall appearance.

You can find more ideas in my article about preparing your Riverside home for sale without spending a fortune.

2. Know the condition of your pool equipment

Buyers may be concerned about the expense of replacing pumps, heaters, filters, or aging pool surfaces.

Having maintenance records and information about recent repairs available can help answer their questions.

An evaluation by a qualified pool professional may also help identify issues worth addressing before the home goes on the market.

3. Consider the ongoing ownership costs

A pool comes with expenses beyond the initial installation.

Water, electricity, chemicals, routine cleaning, repairs, and potential insurance considerations all affect the cost of ownership.

Energy-efficient equipment may help reduce some expenses. For example, ENERGY STAR explains how variable-speed pool pumps can lower energy consumption.

Buyers appreciate having a realistic understanding of what maintaining the pool will involve.

4. Don't overlook pool safety

California's Swimming Pool Safety Act requires at least two qualifying drowning-prevention safety features for certain new pool construction and permitted remodeling.

During a home sale, applicable inspection requirements also call for identifying which safety features are present.

Older pools are not automatically required to be retrofitted simply because a home is being sold, but sellers should verify applicable requirements and address known safety concerns.

You can review the California Swimming Pool Safety Act for more information.

It's also helpful to gather permits, repair records, and other relevant documentation. My guide to documents needed when selling a Riverside County home explains what to have ready.

Should You Remove an Older Pool Before Selling?

This is another question homeowners sometimes ask, especially when a pool has reached the point where major repairs are needed.

Removing a pool can be expensive, and the work may require permits, proper demolition, and inspections.

Before making that decision, I recommend comparing the costs of repairing, resurfacing, or removing the pool with the potential effect on your home's resale value.

Sometimes keeping and repairing the pool makes the most sense. Other times, buyers may value a usable backyard more than an aging pool that needs significant work.

The important thing is to evaluate your options before spending money unnecessarily.

If you're planning a move, my step-by-step guide to selling a home in Riverside can help you understand the process.

One Simple Next Step: Find Out What Your Pool Is Worth

A swimming pool can absolutely be a desirable feature in Riverside County, but its value is determined by the buyers and comparable sales in your specific market.

If you're considering selling, start with a personalized review of your home and recent neighborhood sales.

If you're searching for the Best Realtor in Riverside, CA, look for someone who understands local pricing, knows how to evaluate unique property features, and can help you make informed decisions before listing.

I'm Marni Jimenez, a Riverside Realtor, and I've been helping Riverside County homeowners buy and sell real estate since 1990. Through Grove Realty, my boutique real estate brokerage, I offer personalized guidance to help homeowners prepare, price, and market their homes with confidence.

If you've been wondering how much your home with a pool might be worth, I'd love to help you find out.

Connect with me at Grove Realty for a personalized look at your home's value and the current Riverside real estate market.