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

Homeowners in Colorado typically recoup about 54% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. Colorado is part of the Mountain Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in Colorado?

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 Mountain 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 Mountain-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 Colorado?

Quick answer: Only partly, in dollar terms. In Colorado, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 54% of its cost at resale, below the ~56% national average. It adds real value, but treat it as an improvement you'll enjoy rather than an investment that pays for itself.

How Colorado compares

Colorado is part of the Mountain U.S. Census division, which has the 4th-lowest 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 ~54% for a Colorado home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (Colorado plus AZ, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY). 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 Mountain market

The Mountain West has drawn steady in-migration for years, and its housing stock skews newer than the national average. The dry, high-sun climate is gentler on some parts of a home and harder on others: sun exposure ages roofs and finishes, while low humidity spares basements and framing.

Outdoor living is a way of life in this region, though in the desert metros buyers weigh water use and upkeep alongside the appeal.

How other projects return in Colorado

Project	Typical return in Colorado
In-ground pool / spa (this page)	~54%
Wood deck addition	~80%
Bathroom remodel	~71%
Basement remodel	~68%
Window replacement	~64%

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 Colorado homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, Colorado's Mountain region has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. An in-ground pool / spa there typically recoups about 54% of its cost, within a nationwide range of ~46% to ~66%.” — Roots home valuation model (regionally adjusted resale-return estimates)

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Frequently asked questions

Is an in-ground pool / spa worth it in Colorado?: Only partly, in dollar terms. In Colorado, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 54% of its cost at resale, below the ~56% national average. It adds real value, but treat it as an improvement you’ll enjoy rather than an investment that pays for itself.
How does Colorado compare with the national average for an in-ground pool / spa?: Homeowners in Colorado typically recoup about 54% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. Colorado is part of the Mountain Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in Colorado?: 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 Mountain 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 Mountain-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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