Ask any Oklahoma homeowner what they dream of adding to their property, and chances are, a backyard pool tops the list. There’s something timeless about a shimmering blue oasis on a warm Tulsa afternoon — kids laughing, steaks sizzling, the hum of summer life happening right in your own backyard.
But beyond the joy it brings, there’s a practical question most families ask before breaking ground: “Will a pool actually add value to my home?”
The short answer? Yes — but the real answer depends on the kind of pool you build, who builds it, and how it fits into your property’s long-term story. In this article, we’ll explore what truly determines a pool’s return on investment in Oklahoma’s market, how to avoid the most common pitfalls, and why choosing the right builder makes all the difference.
The Financial Upside: How Pools Affect Home Value in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, a custom pool is more than a backyard feature — it’s a lifestyle statement. In hot, humid summers where outdoor living is an everyday reality, having a pool isn’t a luxury so much as a natural extension of your home.
According to Realtor.com and HomeLight’s 2024 National Home Value Study, a well-designed pool can increase property value by 7% to 15% depending on location, design quality, and neighborhood trends. In Tulsa and surrounding areas like Bixby, Jenks, and Broken Arrow, that number is climbing as more families view pools as essential lifestyle investments.
But there’s a difference between adding a pool that looks nice and one that genuinely adds value.
Here’s where Villa Del Mar Pools’ approach shines. Every project starts with two guiding questions:
- How can this pool enhance daily life for your family?
- How can it elevate the long-term value of your home?
That mindset ensures every design balances beauty, function, and financial wisdom — the formula for lasting ROI.
Design Matters: Why Customization Is the Key to Real Value
Not all pools are created equal.
Prefab or budget installs may appear to save money upfront, but they rarely blend with your home’s architecture or landscaping. Buyers can sense when a pool feels “added on” versus “built in.” A thoughtfully integrated pool, however, makes a property feel whole — like it was meant to exist exactly as it is.
Customization drives perceived and actual value.
Villa Del Mar’s design team considers everything — the home’s sightlines, the natural slope of the yard, the color of your stonework, and even the way the sunlight moves across your property during the day. Every pool is a work of art built around the way you live.
A few design elements that consistently increase value include:
- Natural Integration: Pools that complement landscaping, patios, and outdoor kitchens.
- Energy Efficiency: High-efficiency pumps, LED lighting, and smart automation systems lower ongoing costs.
- Durable Finishes: PebbleTec or similar finishes offer longevity and timeless beauty.
- Safety and Accessibility: Built-in tanning ledges, slip-resistant decks, and easy access stairs appeal to families with children or older adults.
When you blend smart engineering with artistry, you create a feature that adds not just market value — but emotional value, too.
Understanding ROI: The Numbers Behind the Investment
The financial return of a pool in Oklahoma depends on several factors:
- Neighborhood Standards: If you live in a community where most homes feature pools, adding one helps maintain competitive property value.
- Pool Quality: Higher-end materials, custom shapes, and cohesive landscaping yield better appraisals and resale desirability.
- Usability: Heated pools and covered seating areas increase usable months, which directly impacts value perception.
On average, homes in the Tulsa metro with custom pools sell 10–13% higher than comparable properties without one, based on MLS data reviewed by local agents in 2025. That means a $500,000 home could easily see an added $50,000–$65,000 in resale value when a pool is designed and built correctly.
But the real ROI isn’t just measured in dollars — it’s measured in moments. The time you spend together as a family, the memories created, and the sanctuary you build right outside your door are priceless.
That’s why Villa Del Mar Pools approaches every build as a balance between financial logic and personal joy. They don’t just build pools; they build extensions of your life story.
The Lifestyle Multiplier: Beyond Property Value
If ROI were purely financial, the conversation would end with resale percentages. But anyone who’s owned a custom pool knows the returns go much deeper.
Here’s what you gain that you can’t put a price tag on:
1. Family Connection
A pool draws people together — kids off screens, parents outdoors, and friends gathered for weekends that stretch into evenings. In a time when busyness pulls families apart, a backyard pool becomes a magnet for connection.
2. Health and Wellness
Swimming is one of the most complete forms of exercise. Whether it’s low-impact cardio, water aerobics, or simple relaxation, a pool encourages consistent activity for every age group.
3. Everyday Escape
Travel costs are up, and many families are choosing to invest in their homes instead of vacations. With a beautifully designed pool, every evening can feel like a getaway — without packing a single bag.
4. Pride of Ownership
There’s something powerful about walking into your backyard and thinking, we built this. It’s a sense of accomplishment, legacy, and beauty that enhances your relationship with your home.
Villa Del Mar understands these emotional returns as deeply as the financial ones. Their design consultations don’t start with blueprints — they start with stories. How your family lives, what matters to you, and how you want to feel when you step into your backyard.
That’s what makes their pools feel alive.
Budgeting for a Pool Without Breaking the Bank
Let’s address one of the most common fears: cost.
A high-quality pool is an investment, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is smart planning and partnering with a builder who respects your budget — not one who oversells features you don’t need.
Villa Del Mar Pools helps homeowners identify where to spend and where to save. For example:
- Spend on structure: The shell, plumbing, and electrical foundation determine long-term reliability.
- Save on frills: Features like waterfalls or automation can be added later as your budget allows.
- Plan for efficiency: Modern pool technology dramatically lowers monthly costs — often saving $100–$200 per month in electricity compared to older systems.
The average cost for a custom pool in Oklahoma ranges from $70,000–$120,000 depending on size, materials, and features. While that may sound significant, remember this: it’s both an equity-building and lifestyle-enhancing investment.
And because Villa Del Mar Pools is locally owned and family-operated, they prioritize honesty and transparency. No surprise fees. No rushed timelines. Just expert craftsmanship from people who genuinely care about the families they serve.
The Oklahoma Factor: Why Climate and Culture Matter
Not every region rewards homeowners equally for adding a pool. In states with shorter warm seasons, ROI tends to dip — but in Oklahoma, the story is different.
Here, summers stretch long and hot, with outdoor living often extending from April through October. That means pools get used, not just admired. And that level of usability boosts both real and perceived value.
In addition, Oklahoma homeowners tend to prize outdoor spaces that blend comfort with hospitality. A pool isn’t just a place to swim; it’s a space to gather. BBQs, birthdays, church groups, family reunions — they all happen here.
Villa Del Mar’s designs are built with that culture in mind. Wide tanning ledges for toddlers, deep ends for teens, and built-in seating for adults who just want to relax. Their pools feel made for Oklahoma families because they are.
Resale Reality: What Buyers Are Looking For in 2025
In today’s housing market, buyers are more informed — and more emotional — than ever before. They’re not just buying a property; they’re buying a lifestyle.
Here’s what current data and local realtors are seeing:
- Modern, low-maintenance materials attract higher offers.
- Energy-efficient systems are becoming non-negotiable for many buyers.
- Integrated outdoor living designs (pool + patio + kitchen) can command a 20% higher sale price.
When potential buyers step into a backyard designed by Villa Del Mar, they immediately feel the difference. It’s not just a pool; it’s a finished environment. The lighting, landscaping, decking, and even the sound design come together to create an emotional experience — and emotion sells homes.
The Emotional ROI: What Homeowners Say After Building
Ask past clients what their favorite part of owning a Villa Del Mar pool is, and you’ll hear stories that have nothing to do with appraisals.
Parents talk about teaching their kids to swim where the water feels safe and familiar. Couples share how their pool became the setting for family gatherings that might never have happened otherwise. Grandparents talk about watching generations grow together, one splash at a time.
That’s the deeper value — the kind you can’t measure in spreadsheets.
A custom pool isn’t just something you own; it’s something that changes the rhythm of your home life.
A Word on Choosing the Right Builder
There’s no shortage of pool builders out there, but the right partner is what determines whether your investment becomes an asset or a liability.
When you work with Villa Del Mar Pools, you’re choosing a team that treats every project as if it were their own backyard. From the first design sketch to the final stone placement, every decision is made with precision and empathy.
They handle everything — permits, design, excavation, engineering, and finishing — with a family-centered approach that keeps you informed and supported every step of the way.
That’s the difference between a builder and a partner.
If you’re considering adding a custom pool to your Oklahoma home, don’t just look for a contractor — look for a collaborator who understands your vision, your budget, and your dreams.
Villa Del Mar Pools has earned that reputation one family at a time.
Ready to See What Your Backyard Could Become?
Adding a custom pool isn’t just about increasing your home’s value — it’s about enriching your life. When done right, it creates a legacy of connection, comfort, and beauty that lasts for decades.
Whether you’re dreaming of a resort-style retreat, a sleek modern design, or a family-friendly gathering space, Villa Del Mar Pools of Oklahoma can bring it to life.
They’ll guide you through every step — from initial concept to the first dip in the water — ensuring your investment makes sense for your property, your budget, and your future.
Schedule your consultation today and discover what your home — and your life — could look like with a custom pool built the Villa Del Mar way.