05/05/2026
Generally, an outdoor kitchen tends to be the safer resale-value play, while a pool can be the bigger “wow” factor, but also more polarizing.
👨🍳 Outdoor kitchen = Better ROI
Pool = Higher emotional value, but more risk
Outdoor kitchens can often recover 55-100% of their cost, and in some warm-climate luxury markets even more. Why? Almost everyone likes outdoor entertaining, lower maintenance than a pool, and it appeals to a broader group of buyers.
💧 Pools typically add around 5-8% to home value on average, but often only recoup about 50-60% of installation cost, depending on market and climate. The mixed results are because buyers are split between a pool being a must have and absolutely not dealing with maintenance, safety, insurance, and usable yard space.
My simple rule:
- Building for resale? —> Outdoor kitchen
- Building for lifestyle and fun? —> Pool
- Building your dream backyard? —> Probably both!