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A well-designed pool can be a standout feature of your home, adding beauty, functionality, and
value. But, as with any home improvement, it’s essential to make smart design decisions that
enhance both the enjoyment of the space and its long-term return on investment (ROI). Whether
you’re building a new pool or renovating an existing one, the choices you make can significantly
impact your pool's value—both in terms of aesthetics and in how appealing it is to potential
buyers down the line.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best features that increase your pool's ROI, how to integrate your
pool into your home's overall design, common pitfalls to avoid, and how thoughtful pool design
can influence your home’s market value.

1. The Best Features to Increase Your Pool’s ROI

When planning your pool’s design, focusing on features that provide both luxury and efficiency
is key to increasing its value. There are several pool upgrades that not only enhance your
swimming experience but also boost the long-term appeal and cost-effectiveness of your
investment.

Energy-Efficient Systems:

● Saltwater Pools: A saltwater pool is becoming increasingly popular due to its low
maintenance and eco-friendly benefits. Unlike traditional chlorine pools, saltwater
systems use a salt-chlorine generator to create chlorine naturally. These systems
require fewer chemicals, reduce irritation to the skin and eyes, and lower the overall
maintenance cost over time.
● Energy-Efficient Pumps: Installing a variable-speed pump is one of the best ways to
reduce the ongoing operating costs of your pool. Unlike traditional single-speed pumps,
variable-speed pumps can adjust their speed based on the needs of the pool, reducing
energy consumption significantly. This energy-efficient choice not only lowers utility bills
but is also a feature that future buyers will appreciate.

Smart Technology:

● Automation Systems: Automated pool systems allow you to control your pool’s lights,
water features, heating, and even the cleaning cycle remotely, often via a smartphone
app. This convenience adds a modern, luxurious touch and can help you save on energy
costs by running systems only when necessary.
These modern, energy-efficient features make your pool more sustainable, easier to maintain,
and more attractive to future buyers, all while increasing your ROI.

2. How to Integrate the Pool Seamlessly with the Home’s Overall Design

A pool should be more than just a standalone feature; it should enhance and complement the
overall aesthetic of your home. When designing your pool, aim to create a cohesive look that
ties your outdoor space to the interior of your house. This not only increases the appeal of the
space but also helps to elevate the value of your home as a whole. Our Design Team at Oak
Wells Aquatics in Jacksonville will help provide a details rendering so you can visualize your
pool coming to life.

Matching Materials:

● Consistent Flooring and Materials: Choose materials for the pool deck and surrounding
landscape that align with your home’s exterior design. For instance, if you have a
modern home with clean lines, a sleek concrete or natural stone deck with minimalist
landscaping will create a seamless transition. For more traditional homes, consider using
flagstone or wood accents to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
● Cohesive Color Schemes: The color of your pool tiles, decking, and water features
should complement the tones of your home’s exterior. Light blues and whites work well
with coastal or Mediterranean-style homes, while darker tones like slate or charcoal can
add drama to a more contemporary setting.

Design Flow:

● Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces: Pools that are integrated into the flow of indoor and
outdoor living spaces are increasingly popular. Consider adding sliding or folding glass
doors that open up directly to the pool area, creating a natural extension of your living
room or kitchen. This allows for easy entertaining and makes the pool area feel like a
part of the home rather than a separate feature.
● Seamless Landscaping: Integrating the pool into the surrounding landscape is crucial.
Choose low-maintenance plants and trees that won’t drop excessive leaves into the
pool, and consider adding greenery or hedges for privacy. Landscaping can soften the
pool’s edges, making the entire space feel more harmonious and inviting.
By making the pool a natural extension of your home’s design, you create a space that feels
cohesive and thoughtfully planned, which can add significant value to your property.

3. Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Pool Design

While it’s easy to get caught up in adding as many luxurious features as possible, it’s important
to remember that not all pool features are worth the investment. Overly complex designs or
excessive features can detract from the overall appeal of the pool and reduce its potential ROI.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

● Over-the-Top Water Features: While waterfalls and fountains can be beautiful, excessive
or complicated water features may be impractical, especially if they require a lot of
maintenance. Opt for simpler, elegant designs that won’t overwhelm the space or cause
unnecessary maintenance headaches.

● Overly Large Pools: Bigger isn’t always better. A pool that is too large for the available
space can dominate your backyard, making it less functional for everyday use and
potentially decreasing the value of your home. Consider the size and shape of the pool
carefully to ensure it complements the size of your yard. Think in terms of scale. Again,
the experienced team at Oak Wells Aquatics will help design the right pool for your
space.
● Focusing Too Much on Personal Preferences: While it’s important to build a pool that
reflects your style, keep in mind that prospective buyers may have different tastes. Avoid
features that are too niche or highly personalized (like an extravagant pool slide or bold,
unusual tile choices) as they may not appeal to a broader audience. Aim for timeless
design choices that will appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Keeping the Design Simple and Elegant: Striking the right balance between luxury and
practicality will result in a pool that enhances your home’s value and appeals to more potential
buyers.

4. How Pool Design Can Influence Home Sale Prices and Buyer Appeal

A thoughtfully designed pool can significantly influence the sale price of your home. In markets
where pools are highly desirable, a well-maintained and beautifully designed pool can be a key
selling point. It can help your property stand out in a competitive market, making it more likely to
sell quickly and at a premium price.

Pool Appeal for Buyers:

● Aesthetic Appeal: A well-designed pool that complements the overall look of the property
makes the entire outdoor area feel like a luxurious retreat. Buyers will be more likely to
envision themselves enjoying the space, which increases the emotional value of the
home.
● Functionality: Buyers are looking for a pool that not only looks good but is also easy to
maintain. Features like energy-efficient systems, saltwater options, and automatic
cleaning systems will appeal to buyers who want a beautiful pool without the headache
of constant upkeep.
● Safety Features: For families, pools with added safety features, such as pool covers,
gates, and non-slip surfaces, are particularly appealing. These features demonstrate that
the pool is safe for children and pets, which can be a strong selling point for parents.

A pool that is well-integrated into your property, features energy-efficient systems, and boasts a
sleek, timeless design will appeal to a broad range of buyers, making your home more valuable
and easier to sell.

Conclusion

Maximizing your pool’s value with smart design decisions is all about creating a functional,
beautiful space that enhances both the aesthetics of your home and its long-term appeal. By focusing on energy-efficient features, integrating the pool into the overall design of your home,
avoiding unnecessary complexities, and keeping future buyers in mind, you can build a pool that
not only adds value to your property but also enhances your enjoyment for years to come.

Whether you’re looking to increase your ROI, prepare your home for sale, or simply enjoy a
better pool experience, these smart design decisions can help you make the most of your
investment.