Do Pools Actually Add Value in Los Angeles?
The short answer: sometimes. The longer answer: it depends on where you are, what kind of pool it is, and who's buying.
Here's what I've seen in the Valley over the last decade.
Where pools add value
South of Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks, particularly in the hillside pockets, pools are expected. Buyers in this price range (usually $1.6M and up) assume there will be a pool. Not having one when comparable homes do can actually hurt your value because you're offering less than the neighborhood standard.
The same is true for hillside Studio City and the premium streets in Encino. These are warm, private outdoor areas where pools make sense and buyers expect them.
In these pockets, a well-maintained pool with proper landscaping and hardscaping can add $50,000 to $100,000 to your sale price, not because the pool itself is worth that much, but because it's what buyers in that market are looking for.
Where pools are neutral or negative
North of Ventura Boulevard, pools are less common and less expected. Buyers here often have young children and see pools as a safety concern, or they're older and don't want the maintenance burden.
A pool in these areas doesn't add significant value and can limit your buyer pool. You're cutting out a segment of buyers immediately, which reduces competition and can lead to a lower sale price even if the pool itself is nice.
I've represented buyers who've specifically ruled out homes with pools because they didn't want the cost and liability. That's a real drag on resale in those markets.
The condition matters more than you think
A sparkling, well-maintained pool with updated finishes, good equipment, and attractive surrounds adds value. A dated pool with old tile, stained plaster, and aging equipment is a liability.
Buyers see a tired pool and immediately start calculating resurfacing costs ($5,000 to $10,000), equipment replacement, and ongoing maintenance. They either walk away or negotiate the price down.
If your pool is more than 15 years old and hasn't been updated, you're better off either resurfacing it before you list or pricing the home to reflect that the pool needs work.
The math of installation vs. resale
If you're thinking about installing a pool to increase your home's value before selling, the math almost never works.
A quality pool installation costs $60,000 to $100,000. You might get $30,000 to $60,000 of that reflected in your sale price if you're in a neighborhood where pools are expected. In neighborhoods where they're optional, you might get $10,000 to $20,000.
The only time it makes sense to install a pool before selling is if the lack of one is genuinely holding your home back in a neighborhood where every comparable property has one. Even then, be realistic about the return.
I've had buyers walk away from homes they otherwise loved because the pool felt like too much responsibility. I've had other buyers stretch on price specifically because the outdoor space with the pool was exactly what they wanted. The difference is usually life stage and lifestyle.
If you have a pool, maintain it properly, make sure it looks good in listing photos, and price your home appropriately for your neighborhood. Don't assume it adds significant value unless you're in a pocket where pools are truly expected.
If you're in Sherman Oaks, Studio City, or the Valley and want to talk through whether a pool helps or hurts in your specific situation, get in touch.
Anj Catalano, The Agency | 310.404.6955 | hello@anjinla.com
