Home / Is a Pool Worth It? A 10-Year Cost Check
Is a Pool Worth It? A 10-Year Cost Check
A pool is mostly a lifestyle purchase. Here is how to put a 10-year price on it so the decision is honest.
10-year cost by type (12x24 ft, before energy and extras)
| Type | Build (This Old House) | 10 yr upkeep + reserve | 10 yr total |
|---|---|---|---|
| vinyl | $38,000 to $70,000 | $14,000 to $24,500 | $52,000 to $94,500 |
| fiberglass | $50,000 to $95,000 | $5,000 to $15,000 | $55,000 to $110,000 |
| concrete | $58,000 to $100,000 | $33,400 to $48,000 | $91,400 to $148,000 |
Upkeep from Angi 2026; reserves from HomeGuide liner and resurfacing figures. Estimates, not quotes.
Now add energy (often several hundred dollars a year or more; check our energy calculator), any loan interest, and the higher end of extras like decking and fencing. Divide the total by how many weeks a year you would really swim. That cost per swim week is the honest number.
Questions to ask yourself
- How many months a year is it warm enough where you live?
- Will you stay in the home at least 7 to 10 years?
- Do you have young kids and the budget for proper barriers and covers?
- Would a community pool or an above ground pool give you most of the benefit?
Resale value
We have not found solid public data showing a pool reliably pays for itself at resale, and it can narrow your buyer pool in some markets. Plan as if you will not get the money back, and treat any resale boost as a bonus.
Common questions
Does a pool add value to a home?
It depends heavily on the local market and climate. Do not count on recovering the cost.