Backyard Pools Can Boost Home Value by 54% — But Is It Actually Worth It in Miami?

June 9, 2025

Listen… we love a backyard pool moment. The floaties, the tanning, the TikToks with your dog swimming laps. But here’s the tea: owning one in Miami? It might not be all glam and cannonballs.

According to new data from Realtor.com, homes with pools are priced 54% higher on average than those without — and in sun-drenched cities like Miami, that number’s making serious waves.

💦 Here’s what the data says:

As of April 2025:

🏠 Pool homes: $599,000 avg. price
🏠 Non-pool homes: $389,000
📏 Value per sq. ft.: $247 (with pool) vs. $204 (without)

Miami-Fort Lauderdale was literally one of the top markets in the U.S. for pool listings — because duh, it’s basically 90º all year and you’re 4 mins from melting on a sidewalk.

But here’s where it gets tricky…

🧼 The “hidden” cost of pool ownership:

So you dropped nearly $600K on a house with a pool. Now what?

💸 Maintenance: $960–$1,800 a year
🧪 Chemicals: Constant science experiment vibes
⚡️ Energy bills: A pool pump that never sleeps
🛟 Insurance/Safety: Especially if you’ve got kids or nosy neighbors

Suddenly your chill backyard paradise is giving full-time job.

🏡 Is it still worth it in the 305?

Honestly… it depends.
If you’re living that luxury villa influencer fantasy, the markup might be worth it — especially if you’re in areas like Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, or literally anywhere a flamingo-shaped floatie is socially acceptable.

But if you’re just tryna buy your first place in Miami, a pool could be the ✨unexpected drama✨ in your budget spreadsheet. And don’t forget: public pools and beaches exist — and they don’t come with chlorine bills.

TL;DR:

Yes, a pool can boost your home’s value (and your IG aesthetic), especially in Miami. But don’t get soaked by the costs. It’s giving:
✅ Status symbol
✅ Vibes
❌ Surprise money pit

Thinking of diving in? Just make sure your wallet can swim. 🏊‍♀️💸

Written by: Eleni