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

Homeowners in New York typically recoup about 53% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. New York is part of the Middle Atlantic Census division, which has the 3rd-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in New York?

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 Middle Atlantic 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 Middle Atlantic-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 New York?

Quick answer: Only partly, in dollar terms. In New York, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 53% 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 New York compares

New York is part of the Middle Atlantic U.S. Census division, which has the 3rd-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 ~53% for a New York home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (New York plus NJ, PA). 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 Middle Atlantic market

The Middle Atlantic mixes dense, expensive metro markets around New York and Philadelphia with more affordable upstate and rural areas, and older row houses and colonials dominate much of the housing stock. In the pricier metros, renovated space commands strong premiums simply because buyers have limited move-in-ready inventory to choose from.

Usable private outdoor space is at a premium in the dense metros, though the shorter season tempers what buyers will pay for it.

How other projects return in New York

Project	Typical return in New York
In-ground pool / spa (this page)	~53%
Wood deck addition	~78%
Bathroom remodel	~69%
Basement remodel	~67%
Window replacement	~63%

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 New York homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, New York's Middle Atlantic region has the 3rd-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. An in-ground pool / spa there typically recoups about 53% 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 New York?: Only partly, in dollar terms. In New York, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 53% 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 New York compare with the national average for an in-ground pool / spa?: Homeowners in New York typically recoup about 53% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. New York is part of the Middle Atlantic Census division, which has the 3rd-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in New York?: 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 Middle Atlantic 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 Middle Atlantic-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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