Selling a House With a Pool?

Having a pool can be a major selling point for your home, especially in Texas, where the hot climate makes outdoor living spaces extremely appealing. However, simply having a pool doesn’t guarantee a fast or profitable sale. To attract the right buyers and get the best price for your home, it’s essential to stage the pool area effectively, highlighting it as a luxurious and functional part of the property. The right staging can enhance the appeal of your pool and create a lifestyle buyers will want to invest in.

In this blog, we’ll share five practical staging tips that can help you sell your home with a pool faster and potentially for more money. Whether your home is in Dallas, Houston, or Austin, these tips will give your property the edge it needs to stand out in the competitive Texas real estate market.

1. Ensure the Pool and Surrounding Area Are Spotless

The first and most important step in staging your pool is to make sure it is in pristine condition. A well-maintained, sparkling pool can be a showstopper, but if the water looks cloudy, the tiles are dirty, or the pool deck is worn out, it can have the opposite effect.

Tips for Cleaning and Repairing:

• Water clarity: Make sure the pool water is crystal clear. Clean the pool thoroughly, and balance the chemicals so it looks inviting. A pool that looks murky or unclean is a major turnoff.
• Tile and liner cleaning: Clean any visible tiles around the edge of the pool, removing dirt, calcium buildup, or algae. If your pool has a vinyl liner, make sure it’s free of tears or discoloration.
• Pool deck care: Power wash the surrounding pool deck to remove grime, stains, and any slippery algae or mildew. Repair cracks, chips, or loose stones that could be safety hazards.
• Check pool equipment: Ensure that all pool equipment—like the filter and pump—are in good working order, and store any visible equipment neatly to avoid clutter.

A spotless pool area gives the impression that the home has been well cared for, making potential buyers more confident in their purchase decision.

2. Stage the Pool Area as an Outdoor Living Space

In Texas, outdoor living spaces are highly desirable, and a pool can be a key component of this. When staging your home, think beyond the water—consider how the entire pool area can be used as an extension of the home’s living space.

Ideas for Creating an Outdoor Oasis:

• Poolside seating: Set up comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture around the pool to give potential buyers a sense of how they can relax and entertain there. Consider cushioned loungers, a patio table with an umbrella, or even a small dining set.
• Outdoor rugs and pillows: Add outdoor rugs and weather-resistant pillows to the seating area to make it feel like an extension of the indoor living space. Choose neutral, soothing colors that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
• Lighting: Showcase how the pool can be used in the evening by adding outdoor lighting. String lights, lanterns, or solar-powered path lights can create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Highlight any built-in pool lighting as well.
• Greenery and planters: Incorporate potted plants, succulents, or small trees around the pool area to soften the space and add a touch of natural beauty. Just be sure that the plants you choose are low-maintenance and suitable for the Texas climate.

By staging the pool area as an inviting outdoor living space, you’ll help buyers imagine themselves lounging by the pool, entertaining guests, and making the most of the Texas heat in style.

3. Highlight Safety Features

For many buyers—especially those with young children—safety is a top priority when considering a home with a pool. If your pool has safety features, make sure to showcase them in your staging and marketing efforts.

Showcasing Pool Safety:

• Fencing: If your pool has a safety fence or gate, make sure it’s in good condition and meets local regulations. Highlight the fence as a key safety feature, especially for families.
• Pool cover: If you have a safety cover for the pool, leave it out for display, so buyers can see that it’s available. Point out its benefits for keeping the pool secure and clean during the off-season.
• Alarms and sensors: If you have pool alarms or water sensors, mention them during open houses or in your property listing to reassure buyers that the home is equipped with safety measures.
• Non-slip surfaces: Ensure that the pool deck and surrounding surfaces are slip-resistant, and consider adding outdoor mats in high-traffic areas for extra safety.

Focusing on safety not only appeals to families but can also give all buyers peace of mind that they’re making a responsible investment.

4. Create a Resort-Like Ambiance

When selling a home with a pool, you want to evoke a feeling of luxury and relaxation—like stepping into a private resort. With the right touches, you can make the pool area feel like a high-end retreat, encouraging buyers to imagine themselves vacationing in their own backyard.

Steps to Create a Resort Vibe:

• Add resort-style accessories: Incorporate accessories like fluffy towels, poolside umbrellas, and stylish drink trays. These small details add an air of luxury and comfort.
• Include water features: If your pool has any special features like waterfalls, fountains, or built-in spa jets, be sure to highlight them. Consider turning them on during showings to create a more dynamic and luxurious atmosphere.
• Relaxation zones: If space allows, set up a hammock, daybed, or cabana area to suggest that the pool is not just for swimming but also for relaxation and unwinding.
• Background music: Consider playing soft, calming music during open houses or virtual tours. It’s a subtle way to enhance the mood and help buyers connect emotionally with the space.

A resort-like ambiance can elevate the perceived value of the home, making it more desirable and justifying a higher asking price.

5. Showcase Poolside Entertainment Options

For many homebuyers in Texas, having a pool isn’t just about swimming—it’s about entertaining. Show buyers how the pool area can be the ultimate entertainment hub for parties, family gatherings, or summer cookouts.

Ways to Highlight Entertainment Potential:

• Outdoor kitchen or BBQ setup: If your home has an outdoor kitchen or BBQ grill near the pool, make sure it’s clean and functional. Set up the space as if you’re about to host a poolside cookout, with a dining table and festive dishware.
• Pool toys and floats: Display a few tasteful pool floats, toys, or games, like volleyball nets or pool basketball hoops, to suggest how fun the space can be for kids and adults alike.
• Firepit or heater: If your home has a firepit, patio heater, or even an outdoor fireplace near the pool, highlight how the pool area can be enjoyed year-round. Set the scene with cozy seating and blankets for cooler evenings.
• Towel station or bar cart: Set up a towel station near the pool, complete with rolled towels and a stylish bar cart stocked with beverages. This small touch can make the space feel even more functional and luxurious.

Buyers will be more likely to see the value in your home if they can envision using the pool for memorable social events and family fun.

Conclusion

Selling a home with a pool in Texas can be a huge advantage—if you stage it right. A well-maintained and beautifully staged pool area can significantly enhance your home’s appeal, helping you sell faster and potentially for more money. By cleaning and repairing the pool, creating an inviting outdoor living space, showcasing safety features, evoking a resort-like ambiance, and highlighting entertainment possibilities, you can attract a wide range of buyers and make the most of your home’s pool.

At VIP Realty Texas, we understand the unique selling points of homes with pools, and we’re here to help you get the most value for your property. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with expert staging advice and professional real estate services tailored to your needs!