Luxury Pool Features with Pay-Off Potential (3/4)

Perhaps you have been dreaming for years about adding a sparkling pool to your backyard, or maybe with warmer weather creeping in you have had visions of spending the summer months poolside. Either way, before you dive headfirst into adding an inground pool to your home, there are some important factors to consider, especially if you want to try and recoup some of your investment when you eventually sell. The good news is, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR),
2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features, inground pools have one of the highest enjoyment scores for outdoor remodeling projects and they deliver a 56% return on investment (ROI).

Like it or not, however, the value of a swimming pool is heavily determined by your local housing market and if potential buyers see it as either an asset or a liability. Not surprisingly, pools are viewed as more of an asset in upscale neighborhoods and hot, humid climates. But what about elsewhere? Fortunately, with the right selection of materials and features, your inground pool project can still add value to your home and your lifestyle. You will just need to be more deliberate in your choices and weigh trade-offs carefully. For example, concrete and fiberglass pools have a higher ROI than vinyl-lined pools, but they require regular maintenance to keep everything up and running. Similarly, choosing a saltwater pool over a traditional chlorine pool will add more value, but saltwater pools come with a larger initial investment and given their complexity, often require experienced technicians – even for minor problems.

In addition to choosing the type of pool you want to install, you also need to consider what features to include. Typically, water features not only increase the pool’s aesthetics but can also help boost your home’s value. With such a broad spectrum of options available, however, it can be hard to know what is right for your project. To help, we have pulled together a list of luxury pool features that can add value to your property and provide long-lasting enjoyment for years to come. 

• Pool Lights – High-quality pool lights offer an added layer of sophistication and dimension to your backyard. As an alternative to older incandescent pool lighting, many people are turning to LED lights because the bulbs are brighter, more efficient and last longer. They also offer more color and installment options. Consider using multi-colored LED lights to transform your pool into a glowing wonderland when the sun goes down. In addition, pool lighting can be used to accentuate pool features, creating dramatic views of your backyard and improving visibility at night so you can get even more enjoyment out of your investment.

• Pool Waterfalls – There is nothing like the sound of flowing water to create a peaceful and relaxing oasis in your backyard. Not only do pool waterfalls provide a soothing backdrop of sound that helps drown out noise caused by nearby traffic, pool pumps and other neighborhood activity, but more often than not, waterfalls serve as an exceptional and luxurious centerpiece that immediately elevates your pool. Imagine soaking up the warm sunshine with transparent sheets of water cascading into the pool beside you and creating the most tranquil ambiance. If you are thinking about including a water feature that adds value to your property, consider installing a pool waterfall.

• Pool Grottos – Another luxury pool feature that will add value to your property is a grotto. Pool grottos are cave-like structures constructed with artificial rock. Previous options often included rock made from a rubber mold, but now there is a new cast rock that adds a realistic texture and look to the component. Often situated beneath a waterfall that you can swim in or sit in, the sole purpose of a pool grotto is to make swimming experiences more fun and to enhance the pool’s aesthetics. If you are thinking about including a grotto, consider adding pool lights and making it a focal point. You can also add an integrated rock slide for even more fun!

• Swim-Up Bars – If you like to entertain, a swim-up bar is a fantastic pool feature that provides the perfect spot inside the pool to sit, relax, eat and sip a cold drink while still immersed in the water. Most swim-up bars contain two to three stools, depending on the size of the pool. They are also often paired with a pool island. The pool island serves as a focal point where swimmers can lounge, dine and entertain completely surrounded by water. Installing both a pool island and a swim-up bar comes with a higher price tag, but these features can significantly raise the value of your property – just be sure they are fully integrated with and match the design of your pool.

• Outdoor Kitchens – There is no doubt about it; outdoor kitchens have been gaining popularity. Once a feature reserved for high-end properties, they are becoming more mainstream as the trend toward creating elaborate outdoor living spaces has exploded. Boasting a 100% ROI according to the NAR Report, if you are investing in a pool, adding an outdoor kitchen is a no-brainer. Not only does this fantastic feature add another level of luxury, but the convenience of preparing a meal poolside makes entertaining a breeze.

• Sheer Descents – In the same realm as pool waterfalls, another luxury pool feature that has become popular is a sheer descent. Not only can it elevate your pool design, but it can also add additional value to your project. This pool feature facilitates the continuous stream of water in transparent curved sheets that flow in a smooth, sleek, glass-like aesthetic into the pool. Often installed on one side of the pool in a raised wall, it can add a lovely focal point and gives your backyard a resort-like feel.

• Tanning Ledges/Baja Shelves – Having a shallow spot in the pool to sit back and catch some rays is not just for resorts anymore. If you plan on spending a lot of time relaxing in the pool, you may want to consider incorporating a tanning ledge/Baja shelf to your pool design. A tanning ledge, also sometimes referred to as a Baja shelf, is a wide, top step or very shallow shelf in your pool. It’s actually kind of like having a pool within the larger pool. Very popular at high-end hotels and spas, a Baja shelf adds luxury as well as functionality. It is especially helpful if you plan to have in-pool furniture or if you will have small children or pets in the water. So if the idea of enjoying the cool water while also working on your tan sounds appealing, a tanning ledge or Baja shelf, complete with comfortable lounge chairs, is something to consider for your pool area.

• Pergolas – While not specifically related to the pool itself, another luxury pool feature that can add value to your property is a pergola. Ideal for providing additional comfort to homeowners who spend extended periods of time outdoors, a pergola provides the perfect spot to dine and relax poolside. They are excellent for providing relief from the harsh, direct rays of the sun while allowing sunlight access to filter through. It is important to remember, however, that the key to getting a decent return on a pergola is to choose attractive, durable materials that complement your pool design and ensure good construction. A poorly designed pergola made of shoddy materials can detract from a home’s value just as quickly as a beautiful pergola can add value.

• Fire Pits – As the sun goes down and the evening air begins to cool, nothing beats roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around a roaring fire. As you are designing the backyard oasis of your dreams, consider adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your project. Not only will it allow you to create delightful memories, but according to the NAR Report, you can expect a 56% ROI. A popular addition to many pool plans, a fire pit creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere in your backyard. The radiant glow of the flames enables you to navigate the pool at night and will keep you warm when sitting poolside under the stars. Not to mention, the aesthetics offered by fire pits are next level and although they can be pricey, fire pits help transform your yard into a luxurious resort-like destination.

• To learn about other outdoor remodeling projects that can add value to your home, check out our blog Outdoor Home Improvement Projects with Strong ROI. 

A Few New Listings this Week