With spring around the corner, I’ve been getting more questions about pools lately, specifically whether adding one is a good investment before listing a home. So let’s talk about it, because the answer is a little more nuanced than you might think.

First, the data: pool construction permits across the country hit their lowest point in December 2025 since before the pandemic, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Permits were down more than 34% compared to January 2020. The pool boom that happened during quarantine in 2021? It’s officially cooled off.

In Pennsylvania specifically, our share of nationwide pool permits is quite low, less than 10%. The bulk of pool construction is happening in warmer states (Florida alone accounted for nearly a third of all pool permits nationwide). That tells us something important about the regional market here.

Now here’s the part that surprises most people: from a purely financial standpoint, a pool typically only recovers about 56% of its cost at resale. So if you’re adding a pool hoping to get that money back when you sell, it’s not quite a dollar-for-dollar return.

BUT.. and this is a big but, the joy factor is real. Research from the National Association of Realtors found that homeowners who added an in-ground pool gave it a perfect Joy Score of 10 out of 10. Nearly 9 in 10 said they had a greater desire to be home after adding it, and 90% reported an increased sense of enjoyment. So if you’re adding a pool for YOU and your family to enjoy for years, that’s absolutely worth considering.

My honest advice? If you’re adding a pool to increase your sale price, think carefully, especially here in Pennsylvania. But if you’re planning to stay a while and want to love where you live even more, go for it!

Questions about what home improvements make the most sense before selling? That’s exactly what I’m here for.