Maximising Your Home Value Through Strategic Pool Financing

Congratulations on making one of the smartest financial moves of your life!

What if we told you there was a way to add $50,000 to $150,000 to your property value… while creating the family lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of?

You’re hosting Sunday afternoon barbecues that naturally turn into pool parties. The kids are splashing around in crystal-clear water instead of begging to go to the beach or the public pool. And every time you check your property’s market value, you smile a little wider.

Because you didn’t just buy a pool.

You made one of the smartest financial moves of your life.

While your family is creating those priceless memories, your property is quietly becoming one of the most desirable addresses in your suburb. Pool properties consistently sell faster, attract higher offers, and give families exactly what they’re searching for in today’s competitive market.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand exactly how to maximise both your family’s enjoyment and your property’s market position through smart pool planning decisions.

Meet the experts behind your loan choices

Fido Finance are Australia’s trusted pool financing partners.

We work with over 30 trusted lenders to structure solutions that make sense for your budget and your property’s growth potential.

Ready to explore how a pool loan can work for your situation? Call our friendly team on 13 FIDO (13 34 36) for a no-obligation chat about turning your equity into your family’s favorite investment.

Understanding your pool investment returns

Let’s talk numbers.

Because when you’re making a significant investment in your property, you want to know exactly how the maths works in your favour.

The return on investment data is consistently strong across Australian markets. And when you factor in the lifestyle benefits your family enjoys for years before selling, the value proposition becomes even more compelling.

Market analysis

This case study from Teneriffe in Brisbane shows two similar homes on the same street that sold within months of each other. The one with a small plunge pool fetched $1.4 million, while the property without a pool sold for just over $1 million.

Your local market research strategy

Instead of relying on information that might not reflect your specific area, smart property investors do their homework using real local data.

Step 1: gather your comparable properties

Start by identifying 8-10 properties in your area that sold within the last 6-12 months. Look for homes similar to yours in:

Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Land size (within 100-200sqm of your block)
General condition and age
Neighbourhood positioning

Step 2: split your research

Divide your comparable properties into two groups:

Properties WITH pools that sold in your timeframe
Properties WITHOUT pools that match your criteria

Step 3: calculate the difference

Compare the average sold prices between the two groups. This gives you real, local market data about pool value in your specific area.

For example, if similar homes with pools averaged $580,000 while comparable homes without pools averaged $520,000, you’re looking at a potential $60,000 value difference in your market.

Why this method works

Local market research gives you insights that generic statistics simply can’t match.

Your suburb might have different buyer priorities than the national average. Coastal areas often show higher pool premiums than inland regions. Family-focused neighbourhoods typically value pools more than young professional areas.

Design elements that maximise property value

Not all pools are created equal when it comes to return on investment.

The families who see the strongest value gains understand which design elements buyers actively seek and which ones might actually hurt resale appeal.

Size and proportion: getting it just right

The sweet spot for most Australian properties? A pool that’s substantial enough to be impressive but proportionate to your block size.

Optimal sizing guidelines

For blocks under 600sqm: 6m x 3m to 8m x 4m pools work well without overwhelming the space

For blocks 600-800sqm: 8m x 4m to 10m x 5m gives you that resort feel while maintaining garden areas

For larger blocks (800sqm+): You have flexibility for 10m x 5m+ pools with integrated entertaining areas

The key insight? Buyers want pools that enhance the property without dominating it. Leave room for gardens, entertaining areas, and that essential Australian backyard space.

Shape and style considerations

Classic rectangular designs: Always in demand. Timeless appeal that works with any architectural style and maximises swimming space.

Curved or kidney shapes: Perfect for creating that resort aesthetic, especially when integrated with landscaping. Particularly valuable in established neighbourhoods.

Geometric modern designs: Increasingly popular in contemporary homes, but ensure the style complements your home’s architecture.

Creative or unique shapes: Perfect for expressing your personal style and creating a truly unique backyard oasis. Consider how the design flows with your home, lifestyle needs and what future owners might want.

Depth strategy for broad appeal

The most valuable pools cater to diverse family needs:

Shallow entry areas (1.2m depth): Perfect for young children and relaxation

Swimming zones (1.5-1.8m depth): Ideal for lap swimming and general recreation

Deep end considerations (2m+ depth): Great for diving and serious swimmers, but not essential for maximum value

Many families find that pools with varying depths from 1.2m to 2m offer the perfect balance of safety, functionality, and buyer appeal.

Integration with existing architecture

Your pool should feel like a natural extension of your home, not an afterthought.

Consider sightlines from indoor living areas: Position your pool where it creates beautiful views from kitchen and living spaces

Complement your home’s style: A sleek modern pool might look odd beside a traditional Queenslander, while a classic design works with almost any architecture

Factor in entertaining flow: The best pools create seamless indoor-outdoor living that buyers can immediately envision using

Access and safety compliance: Ensure pool placement allows for attractive fencing solutions that don’t obstruct views or access

Smart feature investments that maximise returns

Here’s where you need to be strategic about your choices.

Not every pool feature delivers the same return on investment when it comes time to sell. Some upgrades will genuinely help your property stand out to buyers, while others might be more about your family’s enjoyment than boosting resale value.

The key is understanding which features potential buyers actually value – and which ones might not move the needle much on your sale price.

High-impact features buyers actually want

Pool heating systems: your year-round investment

This is honestly one of the best decisions you can make for both enjoyment and resale value.

Gas heating systems: $4,000 – $7,000
Quick to heat, perfect for spontaneous swim sessions, and buyers love the instant gratification
Heat pump systems: $5,000 – $8,000
Energy-efficient, consistent temperatures, and environmentally conscious buyers are willing to pay extra for this
Solar heating: $3,000 – $6,000
Practically free ongoing costs, fantastic for environmentally minded families, and a huge selling point in today’s market

The great thing about heating? You extend your swimming season from 3-4 months to potentially 8-10 months. That’s value buyers can immediately understand and appreciate.

Automated pool systems: the ultimate convenience factor

Robotic pool cleaners: $1,200 – $3,500
Automatic pool covers: $8,000 – $15,000
Smart pool controls: $1,500 – $4,000

These features speak directly to busy families who want pool enjoyment without pool maintenance headaches. When potential buyers see automated systems, they’re seeing more weekend time for family fun instead of pool cleaning.

Safety and compliance features done right

Frameless glass pool fencing: $200 – $350 per linear metre
Self-closing, self-latching gates: $800 – $1,500
Pool alarms and safety covers: $500 – $2,000

Safety features aren’t just compliance boxes to tick. When done stylishly, they enhance your pool’s aesthetic appeal while giving families complete peace of mind.

Features to think carefully about

Water features and decorative elements

Waterfalls and fountains: $3,000 – $12,000: Make sure they complement rather than dominate your pool design
Elaborate rock work: $5,000 – $20,000: Stunning when done right, but ensure the style will appeal to future buyers in your area

Spa and hot tub integration

Attached spas: $8,000 – $18,000
Separate hot tubs: $5,000 – $15,000

These add real value, but also increase ongoing maintenance costs. Most families find integrated spas offer the best balance of luxury and practicality.

Long-term value protection strategies

Your pool investment should keep delivering returns for decades. That means making smart choices now about materials, placement, and future-proofing.

Strategic placement for maximum appeal

Sun exposure and energy efficiency

North-facing orientation: Maximises natural heating and reduces energy costs
Protected from strong winds: Reduces evaporation and keeps your pool area comfortable
Privacy from neighbours: Creates that exclusive resort feeling buyers love

Future landscaping considerations

Plan for tree growth: That cute sapling might block precious sun in 10 years.
Consider leaf drop and debris: Position your pool to minimise constant cleaning from overhanging branches and seasonal leaf fall.
Maintain sight lines: Buyers want to see the pool from main living areas

Material choices that last

Pool surface options for best returns

Aggregate finishes: $8,000 – $15,000
Durable, slip-resistant, and timeless appeal that ages well
Tile finishes: $12,000 – $25,000
Premium look, easy maintenance, and buyers immediately recognise quality
Glass bead finishes: $10,000 – $18,000
Modern aesthetic, energy-efficient, and increasingly popular with style-conscious buyers

Decking and surrounding materials

Natural stone: Premium appeal, excellent durability, always in style
Quality pavers: Great value, multiple design options, easy to maintain
Stamped concrete: Budget-friendly, customisable, and surprisingly sophisticated when done well

Equipment that keeps delivering value

Variable speed pumps: Energy efficient and increasingly expected by buyers
Salt water chlorination systems: Lower maintenance, gentler on skin, modern appeal
Quality filtration systems: Fewer problems, lower ongoing costs, happier future owners

Energy efficiency

Energy-efficient features deliver lower ongoing costs for your family, plus higher appeal when it’s time to sell.

Solar integration opportunities

Solar pool heating: Virtually free heating once installed
Solar pool covers: Reduce evaporation by up to 70%
LED pool lighting: Dramatic ambiance with minimal energy costs

Maintenance impact on resale value

The way you maintain your pool over the years directly impacts its resale value. A well-maintained 10-year-old pool can look better and be worth more than a neglected 3-year-old pool.

Simple habits that protect your investment

Weekly chemical balancing: Prevents expensive damage to surfaces and equipment
Regular professional servicing: Catches small issues before they become major problems
Seasonal maintenance routines: Keeps everything functioning optimally year-round

Documentation that adds value

Keep records of all maintenance and upgrades
Photograph your pool installation process
Maintain warranty information for all equipment

Future buyers love seeing proof that the pool has been properly cared for.

Ready to make your smartest property investment?

By now, you can see exactly why savvy homeowners view pool installation as one of their best financial decisions.

You’re not just buying a pool. You’re investing in:

Immediate lifestyle transformation for your family
Significant property value increase
Faster sale potential when you’re ready to move
Premium market positioning in your neighbourhood

The families who get the strongest returns are the ones who plan strategically, choose quality features, and work with financing specialists expert in tailoring optimal loan structures.

Ready to explore how pool financing can work for your property investment strategy?

At Fido Finance, we help homeowners structure pool financing so that it makes sense for both your current budget and your property’s growth potential. Call us on 13 FIDO (that’s 13 34 36), or fill out our online form to find your personalised pool loan solution.

Your dream pool isn’t just about creating amazing family memories (though those are absolutely priceless).

It’s about making a strategic property investment that delivers returns both today and when you’re ready to sell.