Selling Your Las Vegas Home with a Swimming Pool

by Ryan Rose

In Las Vegas, a pool is not just a luxury. With summer temperatures exceeding 110 degrees for months, pools are practically a necessity for many families. If you are selling a home with a pool, this feature can be a significant selling point, but it also comes with considerations that affect your sale.

Do Pools Add Value in Las Vegas?

Yes, pools generally add value in the Las Vegas market, more so than in cooler climates. The desert heat makes pools highly desirable, and buyers actively search for pool homes. However, the value added varies:

Pool Condition	Approximate Value Impact
Well-maintained, updated	$20,000-40,000+ added value
Average condition, functional	$15,000-25,000 added value
Dated but operational	$10,000-20,000 added value
Needs significant work	May reduce value due to repair costs

Keep in mind that pools rarely return their full installation cost. A $60,000 pool does not add $60,000 to your home's value. But in Las Vegas, the return is better than in most markets.

Preparing Your Pool for Sale

A well-presented pool attracts buyers. Before listing:

Clean and balance the water. Crystal clear, blue water photographs beautifully and creates the right impression.

Address visible repairs. Cracked tile, stained plaster, or worn coping should be repaired or refinished if budget allows.

Service the equipment. Ensure pumps, filters, heaters, and automation systems work properly.

Update the surrounding area. Pool deck, landscaping, and outdoor furniture affect the overall presentation.

Consider a pool inspection. Getting a pre-listing pool inspection identifies issues before buyers discover them.

Pool Features That Add Value

Certain pool features appeal strongly to Las Vegas buyers:

Heating. Pool heaters extend the swimming season significantly, allowing use from March through November.

Automation. Smart controls for pumps, lighting, and temperature are attractive modern features.

Water features. Waterfalls, spillovers, and fountains add visual appeal.

Covered areas. Shade structures, pergolas, or covered patios near the pool are valuable in the desert sun.

Outdoor kitchen. Complete outdoor living setups command premiums.

Buyer Concerns to Address

Some buyers have pool concerns you can address proactively:

Maintenance costs. Provide information about typical monthly costs (usually $100-200 for professional service).

Safety. If you have installed safety features like fencing, alarms, or covers, highlight them.

Insurance. Pools increase homeowner's insurance slightly. Having this information available helps buyers plan.

Energy costs. Variable speed pumps and efficient equipment reduce operating costs.

Timing Your Sale

Pool homes tend to show better and generate more interest during warmer months. Listing in spring (March-May) allows the pool to be featured prominently when buyers are thinking about summer. That said, Las Vegas pools are usable much of the year, so this is less critical than in seasonal markets.

Photography Matters

Professional photos of your pool are essential. The best pool photos:

Show sparkling water. Clean, clear, inviting blue.

Capture the whole outdoor space. Pool, deck, landscaping, and outdoor living areas together.

Use optimal lighting. Early morning or late afternoon for best results.

Include lifestyle shots. Staged outdoor furniture suggests how buyers will use the space.

Pools and Buyer Pool

Having a pool affects your buyer pool in both directions:

Attracts: Families with children, entertainers, buyers specifically searching for pool homes.

May deter: Elderly buyers concerned about maintenance, families with very young children worried about safety, buyers who simply do not want pool responsibility.

In Las Vegas, the pool-seeking buyer segment is large enough that having a pool is generally an advantage.

Where to Start

If you are selling a Las Vegas home with a pool, proper presentation maximizes this asset's value. I can help you evaluate your pool's contribution to value and market it effectively to pool-seeking buyers.

Ready to discuss your property? Request a free home evaluation here or reach out directly to talk through your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Las Vegas Pool Homes

Q1: Do swimming pools actually increase home value in Las Vegas?

Yes, pools generally add $10,000-$40,000+ to your home's value in Las Vegas, depending on condition. Well-maintained, updated pools add the most value, while pools needing significant repairs may reduce value due to anticipated buyer costs. Pools add more value in Las Vegas than in cooler climates due to the desert heat and extended swimming season.

Q2: What pool repairs should I make before selling my home?

Focus on repairs that affect appearance and functionality: ensure crystal clear water, fix cracked tiles or stained plaster, repair worn coping, and service all equipment (pumps, filters, heaters). Consider a pre-listing pool inspection to identify issues before buyers discover them. These investments typically provide good returns by attracting more buyers and reducing negotiation points.

Q3: What are the typical monthly maintenance costs for a Las Vegas pool?

Professional pool service typically costs $100-$200 per month in Las Vegas. This includes chemical balancing, cleaning, and basic equipment checks. Energy costs for running pumps and heaters vary based on equipment efficiency and usage, but variable speed pumps can significantly reduce operating expenses. Having this information ready helps buyers plan their budget.

Q4: When is the best time to sell a home with a pool in Las Vegas?

Spring (March-May) is ideal for selling pool homes in Las Vegas, as the pool can be prominently featured when buyers are thinking about summer. However, since Las Vegas pools are usable much of the year due to the climate, timing is less critical than in seasonal markets. A sparkling pool can still be an attractive feature even in fall and winter months.

Q5: What pool features do Las Vegas buyers value most?

The most valuable pool features in Las Vegas include: pool heaters (extending the season from March to November), smart automation controls, water features like waterfalls or fountains, covered areas or pergolas for shade, and outdoor kitchens for complete outdoor living. These features appeal strongly to buyers and can justify premium pricing.

Q6: Will having a pool limit my number of potential buyers?

While pools may deter some buyers (elderly buyers concerned about maintenance, families with very young children worried about safety), the pool-seeking buyer segment in Las Vegas is large enough that having a pool is generally an advantage. Pools particularly attract families with children and entertainers. In the Las Vegas market, pools are considered more of an asset than a limitation.

Q7: Should I get a pool inspection before listing my home?

Yes, a pre-listing pool inspection is recommended. It identifies potential issues before buyers discover them, allowing you to address problems proactively or price accordingly. This transparency builds buyer confidence and can prevent deal complications during the buyer's inspection period. It also gives you leverage in negotiations by demonstrating the pool's condition upfront.

Q8: How should I address buyer concerns about pool safety and insurance?

Be proactive by highlighting any safety features you've installed, such as pool fencing, alarms, or safety covers. Provide information about homeowner's insurance impacts (pools cause a slight increase in premiums). Having documentation ready about safety features, equipment warranties, and recent maintenance records helps reassure concerned buyers and demonstrates responsible pool ownership.

Q9: Does a $60,000 pool installation add $60,000 to my home's value?

No, pools rarely return their full installation cost when selling. A $60,000 pool typically adds $20,000-$40,000 in value, depending on condition and features. However, Las Vegas has better pool value returns than most markets due to climate and buyer demand. View pools as lifestyle amenities that enhance marketability and appeal rather than purely financial investments.

Q10: What makes for great pool photography in real estate listings?

Professional pool photos should showcase sparkling, crystal-clear blue water, capture the entire outdoor space (pool, deck, landscaping), use optimal lighting (early morning or late afternoon), and include staged lifestyle shots with outdoor furniture. These photos suggest how buyers will use the space and create an emotional connection. Quality pool photography is essential for attracting pool-seeking buyers online.