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nstalling a backyard pool can be a savvy financial move, as homes with pools continue to command a significant premium in the housing market. According to Realtor.com data, listings featuring pools are priced 54% higher on average than those without them, reaching $599,000 compared to $389,000 for non-pool homes.

    While the pandemic saw pool premiums peak at 61%, they remain a valuable asset, especially in sun-soaked states like Florida, Arizona, and Texas. Even accounting for larger home sizes, the data shows a clear value bump on a per-square-foot basis: $247 versus $204.

    Florida markets such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Tampa, along with Phoenix and Austin, top the list for the highest share of pool-equipped listings in 2025. Meanwhile, metros like Las Vegas, Houston, and Indianapolis have seen significant increases in pool listings since 2019.

    However, pools come with hefty costs – both upfront and ongoing – including annual maintenance, chemical treatments, and energy bills that can range from $960 to $1,800. Insurance premiums also rise due to safety risks, and some buyers may see a pool as more liability than perk, particularly in colder climates where seasonal use is limited.

    Despite these drawbacks, pool listings reached their highest levels of the year in April, indicating growing demand and supply alongside summer temperatures.