Dreaming of a sleek, modern pool that turns your backyard into a personal oasis, but the price tag feels overwhelming? You are not alone. The average pool remodel in the U.S. today runs between $25,000 and $75,000, and luxury projects frequently top $100,000. For most households, that is not money sitting idly in a savings account.
This is exactly why swimming pool remodel financing has become one of the most popular ways families transform outdated pools without draining their savings all at once. The real question is whether borrowing to renovate a swimming pool makes financial sense or if you are simply throwing money into an expensive backyard feature. Let’s look at the facts and run the numbers together.
Current Cost of a Pool Remodel (2025 Averages)
| Project Type | Average Cost | Typical Range |
| Resurfacing (new plaster or pebble) | $6,000 to $12,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| New tile and coping | $8,000 to $20,000 | $6,000 – $25,000 |
| Equipment upgrade (pump, filter, heater) | $4,000 to $10,000 | $3,500 – $14,000 |
| LED lighting and automation | $3,000 to $8,000 | $2,500 – $12,000 |
| Adding a spa or water feature | $15,000 to $40,000 | $12,000 – $55,000 |
| Complete modern remodel | $45,000 to $120,000+ | $40,000 – $150,000+ |
Costs have risen 20-30% since 2021 due to material prices and labor shortages.
Why So Many Homeowners Choose Financing
- Enjoy it now, pay later
A remodeled pool is one of the few upgrades you use every single day during swim season. Recent surveys show 71% of owners with updated pools use them significantly more often. - Home-value increase (in the right markets)
In warm-weather states such as Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California, a well-executed pool remodel typically recovers 50-60% of its cost at resale. In cooler climates, the return often drops to 20-40%. - Surprisingly affordable rates right now
Current 2025 options include:- Unsecured pool loans: 6.99% to 12.99% APR over 10-15 years
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOC): 7.5% to 9.5% (often tax-deductible)
- Contractor promotional financing: 0% to 5.99% for 18-36 months
- These rates beat credit cards (20%+) by a wide margin.
Real-World Example: Does Math Work?
$55,000 remodel financed over 12 years at 7.99%
- Monthly payment: approximately $632
- Total interest paid: approximately $21,000
- Total repaid: $76,000
Ask yourself three honest questions:
- Will we live here another 7-10 years or longer?
If yes, you capture most of the remodel’s useful life. - Will this pool become our family’s favorite staycation spot?
Many families find that skipping one or two big vacations each year more than offsets the payment. - Can we comfortably add $600-$700 per month to the budget?
Lenders may approve you, but only you know if the household cash flow can handle it alongside rising utility costs and occasional repairs.
When Financing Is Probably a Bad Idea
- Planning to move within 5 years (unless you are in a pool-loving market)
- The existing pool has major structural problems (fix the foundation first)
- You are already stretched thin on other debt
- The offered interest rate is 14% or higher with no low-rate promotional period
Best Financing Options in 2025
| Option | Best For | Typical 2025 Rate | Key Advantages | Main Drawbacks |
| HELOC / Home Equity Loan | Owners with 15-20%+ equity | 7.5%-9.5% | Low rate, interest often tax-deductible | House is collateral |
| Unsecured Pool Loan | No home equity required | 6.99%-14.99% | Fast approval, no lien on house | Higher rate, stricter credit |
| Contractor 0% Financing | Want zero down and simple process | 0% promo then 12-20% | No upfront cash needed | Deferred-interest trap if not paid off in promo period |
| Credit Union Personal Loan | Credit score 740+ | 6.5%-10% | Very competitive rates | May require membership |
| Cash-out Refinance | When mortgage rates are favorable | Tied to mortgage | Single payment, possibly lower rate | Closing costs and longer term |
Always compare at least three lenders. Many contractors quietly mark up the rate and pocket the difference, sometimes 2-4 full percentage points.
Benefits Most People Overlook
- Energy savings: Modern variable-speed pumps and LED lighting can slash electric bills 50-70%. Your $650 payment might feel more like $450-$500 after lower utilities.
- Possible insurance discounts for new safety features and equipment.
- Faster resale and higher offers: Fresh, contemporary pools photograph beautifully and appeal to today’s buyers.
In sun-drenched areas like St. George, Utah, where outdoor living is practically year-round, a thoughtfully designed pool remodel in St. George, Utah can dramatically boost both enjoyment and property value.
The Final Verdict
Pool remodel financing is worth it when:
- You plan to stay in the home long-term
- Your family will actually use and love the pool
- You secure a reasonable rate and the payment fits comfortably
- You live where pools add clear resale value
It is usually not worth it if you are stretching the budget, moving soon, or live in a cooler climate where pools are less desirable.
Ultimately, a beautiful remodeled pool is more than a line on a spreadsheet. It is weekend barbecues, kids’ birthday parties, evening swims after work, and memories that last a lifetime. If you are ready to create that backyard in Southern Utah, partnering with an experienced St. George custom pool builder ensures the design and construction meet the highest standards while maximizing every dollar you invest.
Ready to turn your backyard into the one you have always wanted? Get quotes from three trusted pool builders and pre-qualify with at least two lenders. The numbers will quickly show whether it is time to take the plunge.