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Is it time to resurface your pool or do a full remodel. Today, a pool remodel costs anywhere from $25,000 to $75,000. The rise 20%-30% rise in total costs since 2021 has many homeowners struggling with the best payment option.
Does taking on monthly payments make financial sense?
This article walks through current financing options. Find current information on unsecured pool loans with rates between 6.99% and 12.99% APR. Also, home equity alternatives that may fit your budget and goals. You'll learn when financing makes the best option and when it's not the correct option.
The goal isn't to convince you to finance or pay cash. It's to give you the clarity to make the right choice for your family's financial future.
Table of Contents
What Financing Actually Costs
In 2026, pool remodel financing offers multiple options. Furthermore, many lenders offer longer repayment terms. New terms up to 30 years can significantly reduce monthly payments.
Pool financing options in 2026 look like this:
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Unsecured pool loans: 6.99% to 12.99% APR with 10-15 year terms
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Home equity lines of credit (HELOC): 7.5% to 9.5% (often tax-deductible)
- Credit Cards: average 10% to 20%+ APR
Example Financing Monthly Payments:
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$50,000 loan at 7.49% interest over 15 years costs about $463 per month.
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$100,000 financed at 8.49% over 30 years costs $768 monthly.
The question isn't whether you can get financing. It's whether those monthly payments make sense for your situation.
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See What Pool Material Replacements Actually Costs |
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When Pool Remodel Financing Makes Sense
Pool remodel financing can be a smart financial tool rather than a risky one. Based on decades of remodel experience at Shasta, Herschel Holder sees financing work best in four clear scenarios.
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You Plan to Stay in Your Home Long-Term
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The Monthly Payment Fits Budget
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You Live in a Market Where Pools Add Value
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You Want to Preserve Cash and Financial Flexibility
Financing works when it aligns with your financial priorities. It can turn a major remodel into a manageable and well-planned investment.
Spreading the Cost
“Financing makes sense when homeowners are thinking long-term. If you’re planning to stay in your home and actually use the pool for years, spreading that cost out can be very reasonable. Where people get into trouble is when the payment stretches their budget too thin or they’re planning to move soon. A remodel should improve your lifestyle—not create financial stress.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling
You're Planning to Stay Put for Years
Financing a pool renovation pays off when you'll be in your home long enough to actually enjoy it. If you're thinking about the next decade or two, financing can turn a major expense into a manageable monthly payment. A renovated pool becomes an asset your family uses for years, making those monthly payments feel worthwhile.
The Monthly Payment Fits Your Budget Comfortably
Pool financing typically adds $600-$700 per month to your household expenses. Before you sign anything, make sure you can handle that payment. Don't forget about inevitable repair costs that come with homeownership.
Your Market Actually Values Pools
A pool renovation can deliver dramatically different returns depending on where you live. Arizona, Nevada, and Southern California homeowners typically see 50-60% cost recovery. However, cooler climates find more a 20-40% recovery.
You Want to Preserve Your Cash Reserves
Sometimes financing makes sense even when you could pay cash. Keeping your savings intact for emergencies or other investments can be smarter. Home equity loans and HELOCs often offer rates 2-4 percentage points below personal loans.
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Lower the Cost Before You Finance |
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When Financing Might Not Be Worth It
When Pool Remodel Financing Might Not Be Worth It
There are situations were taking on debt for a pool remodel creates more risk than reward. Financing $40,000 at 8% over 15 years adds roughly $382 per month. Over five years, that’s nearly $23,000 paid. Yet you may only recover $20,000–$24,000 in added home value at resale.
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You’re Planning to Move in the Near Future
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You’re Already Carrying High-Interest Debt
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The Interest Rate Is Simply Too High
- Your Pool Has Major Structural Problems
High-rate financing almost never makes a great option. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is financing cosmetic upgrades before addressing structural issues. As Herschel often cautions, a beautiful new interior finish won’t fix leaks, failing plumbing, or structural cracks.
Payment Keeps You Up at Night
“The biggest thing I tell homeowners is to be honest with themselves about the monthly payment. If you’re comfortable, still have savings, and plan to enjoy the pool for the long haul, financing can work well. But if that payment keeps you up at night, it’s not worth it—no matter how nice the pool looks.” — Herschel Holder
You're planning to move soon
Moving within the next five years makes pool financing a risky proposition. Unless you live in a market where pools significantly boost property values. Remember that pools rarely provide dollar-for-dollar returns in home valuations.
You're already carrying high-interest debt
Your financial health should come first. Adding more monthly obligations when you're already stretched thin on other debts creates unnecessary strain. Most lenders limit combined mortgage and equity debt to 80-85% of property value.
The interest rate is too high
Interest rates above 14% with no promotional low-rate period should be an immediate red flag. Credit card financing is particularly problematic, with rates typically ranging between 18-25% APR. High-rate financing turns your dream pool into a financial nightmare that costs far more than the renovation itself.
The pool has major structural issues
Never finance cosmetic updates when your pool has fundamental structural problems. Fix the foundation issues first. Then consider financing the aesthetic improvements.
How to Decide If Pool Remodel Financing Is Right for You
Pool remodel financing can be worth it when it aligns with your financial reality and long-term housing plans. Financing works when you can comfortably handle the monthly payments and plan to stay in your home for at least 10 years. It doesn't work when you're already stretched financially and planning to move soon.
If financing enables you to build that space without emptying your savings account, and the monthly payments fit your budget without stress, the lifestyle benefits often justify the additional interest costs.
Next, run the numbers on your specific situation. Calculate monthly payments based on realistic project costs. Factor in your plans for the home, your current debt load, and your emergency savings. If the payments work, financing can turn your pool dreams into reality while keeping your cash available.
The best pool renovation is one that fits your budget, timeline, and family's needs.
Key Takeaways
Pool remodel financing can be a smart investment when approached strategically, but it's not right for every homeowner's situation.
- Pool remodels cost $25,000-$75,000 on average, with financing rates ranging from 6.99%-12.99% APR, making monthly payments more manageable than depleting savings.
- Financing makes sense if you're staying long-term (10+ years) and live in warm-weather states where pools recover 50-60% of costs at resale.
- Avoid financing if you're moving soon or already carry high-interest debt, as pools rarely provide dollar-for-dollar returns in home valuations.
- Choose quality contractors and materials first - financing a poorly executed renovation creates costly problems that undermine both enjoyment and investment value.
The key is balancing immediate lifestyle benefits against your financial comfort level. A well-financed pool renovation can create lasting family memories and increase property value, but only when the monthly payments fit comfortably within your budget and long-term housing plans.
FAQs
Q1. How much does a typical pool remodel cost in 2025? The average cost for a pool remodel in 2025 ranges from $25,000 to $75,000, with luxury projects often exceeding $100,000. Costs have increased 20-30% since 2021 due to rising material prices and labor shortages.
Q2. Is financing a pool remodel a good idea? Financing can be a good option if you plan to stay in your home long-term, can comfortably afford the monthly payments, and live in a pool-friendly real estate market. However, it's important to consider the interest rates and your overall financial situation before deciding.
Q3. How does a pool remodel affect home value? In warm-weather states, a well-executed pool renovation typically recovers 50-60% of its cost at resale. However, in cooler climates, the return on investment may be lower, around 20-40%. Overall, a renovated pool can increase property value by approximately 8%.
Q4. What are the current financing options for pool remodels? Current financing options include unsecured pool loans with rates between 6.99% and 12.99% APR, home equity lines of credit (HELOC) with rates from 7.5% to 9.5%.
Q5. When should I avoid financing a pool remodel? You should avoid financing a pool remodel if you're planning to move soon, already carrying high-interest debt, facing unreasonably high interest rates, or if your pool has major structural issues that need to be addressed first. In these cases, the financial risks may outweigh the benefits.
References
Lathampool.com How to Finance a Pool
Nerdwallet.com Best Pool Financing Options in 2026
