Jane,
I hate to pile on, but the overwhelming response to a pool from Buyers in this area has been "No". As mentioned by others, too much maintenance and liability to worry about. It is a niche market at best in our part of the country.

I would actually question adding a pool to a property unless the owner(s) will personally enjoy the investment for some time. In my opinion, a pool adds more value than an unlandscaped back yard, but only by a little more.

-Dan

Truly? Are there any agents/appraisers/lenders out there who think that a pool is a value added feature?
Thank you for the responses so far. To have significant credibility with the analysis more opinions would be appreciated.

I couldn't agree with these agents more. In my experience, a pool is a detriment as opposed to an asset. Very few buyers in MN want a pool of any kind when they buy a house.

All the answers so far have been absolutely correct. In MN most of the time it will hurt the resale value and could limit buyers. I would install a pool ONLY if that is what you want, if you do it as an investment expect to receive a negative return.

I agree. Unless the home needs a pool (i.e., 1M+ having the grounds for a pool with acreage to spare), a pool adds nothing and in many cases is a liability that actually reduces the value/marketability of a home.
- less than half year to use and enjoy in MN
- maintenance costs and time
- higher insurance
- ...
Steve, Edina Realty

Nothing! I did sell a home with a pool to a family of champion swimmers and actually I found them by using some carefully planned niche marketing. Just as many families wouldn't look at the property with the pool considering a liability. Landscaping, condition, etc affect this. It's relative. Liz, Associates Realty, 612-986-4105