In-Ground Pools in Minnesota: What Actually Adds Value

When Minnesota homeowners get an in-ground pool, it’s often to cool down and enjoy our warm summer days, but it’s also to add resale value later on. If your goal is to enjoy your pool while you have it and turn it into an investment later on, integrating value into your design and build is essential.

With years of experience building and designing in-ground swimming pools that hold up to Minnesota’s harsh winters, we’re here to tell you what actually adds value to your home — and what doesn’t. Keep reading to learn which pool features hold the highest value in the Midwest and which upgrades are mostly for personal preference.

What “Value” Actually Means for a Pool

What value actually means for a pool can differ depending on who you ask. While some think the highest value equates to the highest selling point later on or a clean dollar-to-dollar return, there’s a lot more that goes into it.

These are some of the main factors that are used to determine the value of your in-ground swimming pool in Minnesota:

• Strong buyer appeal for the right audience
• Lower long-term maintenance and repair costs
• A multi-purpose yard that continues to function year-round
• The emotional value and meaning for your family

Value isn’t about how much money you put into your pool or how much you get back, but rather the quality that goes into your build and what it means to you. The true value is in how much your family (and future homeowners) get out of the in-ground swimming pool and how well it holds up.

What Adds Value to Your In-Ground Pool

1. The Right Pool Placement and Yard Integration

The right pool placement and how it’s integrated into your backyard are among the biggest determinants of value. Placing your pool in the wrong area or opting for a pool size that doesn’t fit your space is a quick way to bring down the value of your home and backyard.

A pool that’s too large results in a yard overtaken by the pool, leaving limited space for outdoor seating, lounges, and other outdoor living spaces. A pool that’s too small limits the use of your pool, and can create an odd balance.

Striking the perfect balance of pool size and yard space can immediately draw the eye, balance your yard, and ensure your home ages better and sells better.

For smaller backyards, striking this balance is even more challenging. It becomes even more important to work with an experienced in-ground pool designer who can determine the right balance for your backyard.

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2. Materials That Hold Up to Minnesota Weather

One of the most important factors in the value of your home, backyard, and in-ground pool is how well materials hold up in Minnesota weather. Anyone who lives here knows how unpredictable the winters can be, so it’s important to always be prepared to choose durable materials rather than the cheapest option.

If materials are failing mere months or years after a build, that’s a huge hit to the value of your space – not to mention an extra cost to replace them frequently. To increase the value of your home, it’s important to choose finishes that look just as great five years later as they do in the first year.

The materials you choose for your in-ground pool itself and the construction quality of your build play into the value of your home. When planning your pool construction, you want to find a contractor who weighs the immediate cost against the long-term cost of maintenance.

3. Standard Pool Shapes vs. Custom Designs

While custom in-ground swimming pool designs are beautiful and unique, they don’t add much resale value later on. What actually adds value is simplicity that applies to a wider range of homeowners. Standard pool shapes like rectangles, squares, and ovals are going to be more widely appreciated than an eccentric or fun pool shape. Classic shapes and colors are more appealing to future buyers and also ensure that cleaning and maintenance are easier. The ability to have an automatic cover with a rectangular pool is a major deciding factor.

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4. Surrounding Features and Outdoor Living Spaces

To substantially increase the value of your home, adding surrounding features and outdoor living spaces surrounding your in-ground swimming pool is one of the best investments. A pool on its own can feel empty and a little too simple, while a pool with surrounding features can immediately feel more exciting and luxurious.

Some of the best outdoor living spaces and features paired with pools include:

• Pool houses and decks
• Outdoor living rooms and gathering areas
• Outdoor kitchens and bars
• Outdoor structures like pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions
• Cozy fireplaces, fire pits, and fire bowls
• Artificial turf play areas

Surrounding your pool with unique features and outdoor living spaces is the perfect way to pull everything together for a beautiful finished look. If you want your backyard to blend full functionality with a luxurious, high-value appearance, the extra additions go the extra mile.

What Choices DON’T Add Value?

Ultimately, the choices that your family makes that are unique to your specific use are going to be more of a splurge than value-linked. If you’re adding design features that have an emotional value for you, then it might be worth it.

That said, some features that might be meaningful to you but don’t necessarily have inherent value for the next buyer include:

• Themed backyards
• Diving pools
• High-maintenance materials
• Integrated tech that isn’t easy to upgrade

While each of these can be fun and unique for your family, the most value comes from versatility and a classic appearance that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Adding Value in the Short-Term and Long-Term

Simply owning a pool doesn’t inherently mean that it adds value to your space. If it doesn’t bring you and your family joy, doesn’t retain quality, or doesn’t hold up to Minnesota winters, you might want to reconsider your pool planning strategy.

Here at Outdoor Innovations Landscaping, our team offers professional expertise in building an in-ground pool perfectly designed for your unique property, with the climate and harsh Midwest winters in mind. We don’t just build a generic pool. We plan every detail for quality, lasting materials, and a build that you can enjoy for years to come.

Ready to see how we can help you design a dream pool that brings immediate and long-term value?

Outdoor Innovations Landscaping creates elevated backyards for homeowners in Minnesota. From in-ground pools to luxurious grilling stations to outdoor living rooms, we do it all. Explore our past projects and get a quote online to make your dream backyard a reality.