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

Homeowners in Wisconsin typically recoup about 51% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. Wisconsin is part of the East North Central Census division, which has the 2nd-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in Wisconsin?

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 East North Central 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 East North Central-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 Wisconsin?

Quick answer: Only partly, in dollar terms. In Wisconsin, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 51% 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 Wisconsin compares

Wisconsin is part of the East North Central U.S. Census division, which has the 2nd-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 ~51% for a Wisconsin home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (Wisconsin plus IL, IN, MI, OH). 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 East North Central market

The Great Lakes states offer some of the most affordable metro housing in the country, with a large share of homes built in the postwar decades. Price appreciation is steadier than on the coasts, which means big-ticket renovations recover less of their cost, so practical, condition-focused improvements tend to hold up better here.

Outdoor projects get a real but seasonal payoff here: buyers enjoy them, but the winter months cap what they'll pay.

How other projects return in Wisconsin

Project	Typical return in Wisconsin
In-ground pool / spa (this page)	~51%
Wood deck addition	~75%
Bathroom remodel	~67%
Basement remodel	~65%
Window replacement	~61%

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 Wisconsin homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, Wisconsin's East North Central region has the 2nd-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. An in-ground pool / spa there typically recoups about 51% 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 Wisconsin?: Only partly, in dollar terms. In Wisconsin, an in-ground pool / spa typically returns about 51% 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 Wisconsin compare with the national average for an in-ground pool / spa?: Homeowners in Wisconsin typically recoup about 51% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~56% nationally. Wisconsin is part of the East North Central Census division, which has the 2nd-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in Wisconsin?: 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 East North Central 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 East North Central-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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