Building a pool in San Diego is one of the most exciting upgrades a homeowner can make. Pools create lifestyle, elevate a backyard, increase a home’s curb appeal, and boost a property’s desirability when it hits the market. But pools are also a major investment, and homeowners naturally want to know whether the cost makes financial sense and how appraisers treat swimming pools during a valuation.

The honest answer, a pool absolutely increases desirability and marketability, but the value it adds is not always equal to the cost of construction. Understanding the breakdown helps homeowners make informed decisions before they commit to the project.

What Pools Actually Cost in San Diego

Pool construction costs vary depending on size, design, materials, slope of the yard, access for machinery and additional features. In 2025, these are the ranges you can expect in San Diego:

Standard In Ground Pool

Typical range 80,000 to 150,000
This includes excavation, rebar, plumbing, equipment, plaster or pebble finish and basic decking.

Mid Range Pool With Upgrades

Typical range 150,000 to 225,000
Adds features like baja shelves, LED lighting, upgraded tile, premium coping, refined plaster, waterfalls or spillover spas.

High End or Custom Pools

Typical range 225,000 to 450,000
These are architectural pools, infinity edges, heated oversized spas, multi level decking, high end tile, glass tile finishes, automation and landscaping integration.

Factors That Increase Cost

• Steep or sloped yards

• Limited access for construction equipment

• Large retaining walls

• Expansive hardscape or pavers

• Solar heating systems

• Oversized spas

• Complex plumbing or automation

Ongoing Costs Homeowners Should Expect

• Monthly service 100 to 200

• Utilities 50 to 150 depending on heater use

• Annual maintenance 500 to 1,500

• Repairs or equipment replacement every 5 to 10 years

Pools are an investment, both upfront and ongoing, so it is important to understand how they impact property value and buyer demand.

Do Pools Add Value in San Diego

The short answer is yes, but not in the way most homeowners expect. A pool almost always increases the desirability of a home, which can lead to faster sales and stronger offers. This is especially true in San Diego, where outdoor living is part of the lifestyle.

Where Pools Add the Most Value

• Clairemont

• North Park

• University City

• Point Loma

• La Jolla

• Scripps Ranch

• Poway

• East County communities with larger lots

Homes in these neighborhoods often have bigger yards that comfortably fit a pool without sacrificing all usable space. Buyers in these markets also tend to prioritize lifestyle amenities.

Buyer Demand Has Shifted

After the pandemic, pools became far more desirable. Buyers prioritize stay at home living, backyard entertaining and functional outdoor spaces. As a result, homes with pools tend to attract more clicks online, more showings and more competitive offers.

How Much Value Does a Pool Add in an Appraisal

This is where expectations and reality need to meet. Appraisers do not value pools based on cost. Instead, they analyze comparable home sales in the immediate area and calculate contributory value.

As of 2025, most appraisers in San Diego give pools between:

25,000 and 65,000 in contributory value
or up to 10 percent of the home’s lot adjusted value in some markets.

A high end pool may add a little more if the comparable neighborhood supports it, especially in La Jolla, Del Mar or Rancho Bernardo. But even an expensive 250,000 pool will not appraise dollar for dollar.

Why Appraised Value Is Lower Than Construction Cost

• Pools are considered personal lifestyle upgrades.

• Value depends on what buyers in that area have historically paid for homes with pools.

• Appraisers cannot guess what a future buyer might value, they can only adjust based on past sales.

• Neighborhood comps limit the amount of value they can apply.

Think of it this way. If every home with a pool in the neighborhood sold for 40,000 more than homes without, that is the number an appraiser will use even if the pool cost 200,000.

How Appraisers Evaluate a Pool

Appraisers look at several factors beyond simply whether the property has a pool.

1. Pool Condition

A brand new plaster, well maintained equipment and clean coping often adds more value than a worn, older pool.

2. Pool Type

Pebble finish, baja shelves, attached spas, heating systems and modern equipment all increase desirability.

3. Lot Size and Layout

A pool that fits well on the lot without removing all usable yard space typically appraises higher.

4. Neighborhood Trends

If most homes in the area have pools, the adjustment may be lower because it is considered standard. If few homes have pools, the adjustment may be higher because it differentiates the home.

5. Safety and Permits

Permitted pools with proper fencing and safety features are prioritized. Unpermitted pools can create appraisal issues.

Does a Pool Make a Home Easier To Sell

In San Diego, absolutely.
A well designed pool:

• Attracts more online attention

• Creates emotional appeal

• Modernizes a home instantly

• Makes outdoor photos pop

• Positions the home as “lifestyle ready”

• Increases buyer urgency

Homes with pools often sell faster and at higher prices simply because they stand out. Buyers see the home as a complete package instead of a project.

So, Is Building a Pool Worth It

If you want the truth:
A pool is rarely a perfect financial return based on construction cost alone.
But it is almost always a lifestyle return that increases your enjoyment, improves your home’s marketability and enhances visual appeal.

In San Diego, the real value is in desirability.
Buyers are willing to pay more for turnkey outdoor living than for homes where they must build the pool themselves.

If you plan to stay in the home for several years and enjoy the lifestyle, building a pool is absolutely worth considering.