How does California compare with the national average for an in-ground pool / spa?

Homeowners in California typically recoup about 66% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. California is part of the Pacific Census division, which has the highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in California?

Recency and condition. In Roots' model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the Pacific division set the regional baseline.

Where do these numbers come from?

Roots calibrates the national baseline for an in-ground pool / spa against the National Association of Realtors' 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, then applies a Pacific-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model's own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

Is an in-ground pool / spa worth it in California?

Quick answer: It can be. In California, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 66% of its cost at resale, above the ~56% national average. You likely won't recoup the full cost, but California is one of the stronger markets for it.

How California compares

California is part of the Pacific U.S. Census division, which has the highest renovation resale returns of the 9 divisions in Roots' valuation model. In practice that means an in-ground pool / spa that returns ~56% of its cost nationally typically returns ~66% for a California home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (California plus AK, HI, OR, WA). Nationwide, the spread for this project runs from ~46% in the West North Central division to ~66% in the Pacific division. See the national breakdown for every region.

The Pacific market

The Pacific division carries the highest home prices and the strongest renovation returns in the country. When land and permits are scarce, improvements to an existing home capture more value. California's ADU-friendly legislation has also made added units a mainstream investment rather than a niche one.

Mild coastal climates make outdoor space usable nearly year-round, effectively extending the home's living area.

How other projects return in California

Project	Typical return in California
In-ground pool / spa (this page)	~66%
Wood deck addition	~97%
Bathroom remodel	~86%
Basement remodel	~83%
Window replacement	~79%

Return figures are typical resale-return estimates from Roots' home valuation model. Actual results vary by market, home, and workmanship, and shouldn't be relied on for lending, insurance, or tax decisions.

Sources: national baseline for this project calibrated against the National Association of Realtors' 2023 Remodeling Impact Report; regional adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report.

Protect the value you add

Whatever the project returns on paper, condition decides what you actually get: in Roots' model the value of completed work fades as it ages, and a documented maintenance record helps a home sell closer to asking. If you're planning around resale value, start with upkeep. The free maintenance checklist generator builds a seasonal schedule for California homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, California's Pacific region has the highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. An in-ground pool / spa there typically recoups about 66% of its cost, within a nationwide range of ~46% to ~66%.” — Roots home valuation model (regionally adjusted resale-return estimates)

Free tool Keep your home in the condition that holds its value The homes that hold their value are the ones that stay well maintained. Build a free maintenance checklist tuned to your home. It takes about 30 seconds and there is no signup.

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Frequently asked questions

Is an in-ground pool / spa worth it in California?: It can be. In California, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 66% of its cost at resale, above the ~56% national average. You likely won’t recoup the full cost, but California is one of the stronger markets for it.
How does California compare with the national average for an in-ground pool / spa?: Homeowners in California typically recoup about 66% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. California is part of the Pacific Census division, which has the highest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in California?: Recency and condition. In Roots’ model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the Pacific division set the regional baseline.
Where do these numbers come from?: Roots calibrates the national baseline for an in-ground pool / spa against the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Remodeling Impact Report, then applies a Pacific-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model’s own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

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