What Features Add The Most Value To Your Pool And Home?

September 18, 2025

Are you planning a pool—or upgrading one—in Port Macquarie? Beyond the swim sessions, your pool can be a significant asset for lifestyle and resale. Choosing the right features can boost appeal, reduce costs, and even help your home stand out. Below are some of the top pool features that add value, especially when done well with pool design in Port Macquarie.

Table of Contents

Smart Pool Systems: Modern Convenience That Buyers Notice

Smart pool systems bring automation and control, which many modern home buyers expect.

  • When you install automation that lets you start pumps, lights, heating, or cleaning with a mobile app or a voice command, it appeals to homeowners who want low-maintenance.
  • If your pool can monitor water chemistry and adjust dosing automatically, that reduces manual work and improves water clarity and safety.
  • When timers or sensors regulate filtration or lighting, energy usage drops, and operational costs become more predictable.

Energy‑Efficient Pumps & Heating: Cutting Costs While Boosting Value

Running a pool can be expensive if the pump or heater is oversized, inefficient or constantly running at high settings.



  • Since introducing stricter energy labelling laws in Australia, choosing a 5‑star or higher energy‑rated pump can significantly reduce your power bills.
  • When you use variable‑speed pumps instead of single‑speed ones, the pump can run at lower power for filtration and ramp up only when needed, leading to substantial savings over time.
  • If you add energy‑efficient heating, especially inverter heat pumps, the cost of extending your swimming season becomes more affordable and cleaner.

Integrated Spas & Hot Tubs: Luxury Features That Impress

An integrated spa or hot tub setup within or adjacent to your pool elevates luxury and usability.



  • Designing a spa that flows into your pool or shares the same structure feels cohesive and looks premium.
  • If the spa has heating and jet systems, it adds therapeutic benefits, which many buyers value for relaxation and wellness.
  • The feature feels more versatile when its placement allows for both sun and shelter, so you can use the spa in cooler months or evenings.

Waterfalls, Jets & Bubblers: Creating Visual Impact & Atmosphere

Water features aren’t just decorative—they can transform the feel of a pool and backyard space.


  • If you include a waterfall or spillover, flowing water adds ambience and helps drown out outside noise, making the pool area feel like a retreat.
  • Adding jets or bubblers that double as massage or play areas makes the pool experience more fun, relaxing, and varied.
  • If the water feature is well‑integrated into landscape design (rocks, lighting, planters), it becomes a focal point that elevates curb appeal.



Feature‑rich pools often photograph better and make listings more attractive, which can translate into a higher perceived value.

Quality Pool Lighting: Beauty, Safety & After‑Dark Appeal

Good lighting extends swimming hours and improves both safety and aesthetics.


  • When you install LED underwater lights, you gain colour options, better energy performance and longer lifespan compared to older halogen fixtures.
  • Adding perimeter, step or landscape lights makes the surroundings safer at night and more visually cohesive.
  • When lighting is programmable—colour changes, timing, automated dimming—you can set the mood and reduce unnecessary electricity use.



Potential buyers will likely value a pool space that can be used safely after dark and looks inviting, not just utilitarian.

Pool Shape & Placement: The Foundation of Functional Design

Even the best features won’t help if the pool doesn’t fit the site well.


  • When a pool is properly oriented to catch sun, shade, and views, it improves usability, heating requirements, and visual appeal.
  • If the shape complements the yard and nearby architecture—whether freeform, geometric, or lap pool—it contributes to harmony in outdoor design.
  • When placement allows for room around the pool for furniture, gardens, or entertaining, it creates functional outdoor living, rather than a backyard cramped by pool infrastructure.



A well‑designed pool that feels like part of the home, not just an add‑on, has a much better resale value.

Surrounding Landscaping & Decking: Completing the Visual Story

The pool is only one part of the outdoor space—the surroundings make a big difference.


  • Decks with quality materials (timber, stone, composite) frame the pool beautifully and endure harsh weather.
  • If landscaping is done to blend pool edges into garden features, plantings, shade structures and seating, the backyard feels like a retreat.
  • When elements like shade covers, pergolas or outdoor kitchens are included nearby, the area becomes more usable for entertaining and relaxing.



Buyers often remember outdoor “vibes” more than the pool—beautiful surroundings can justify a premium.

Safety Features & Compliance: Making Your Pool Market‑Ready

Safety isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential—and legally required. Features that ensure safe access and compliance protect value.


  • When you install compliant fencing, self‑locking gates, and latches, you meet regulations and provide buyers and insurers with peace of mind.
  • Including non‑slip decking surfaces, properly lit steps, and safe entry/exit points reduces risk and increases usability.
  • When safety features (covers, alarms, pool depth markings) are incorporated without compromising aesthetics, they offer security without feeling like afterthoughts.



A compliant, safe, and well-maintained pool is much more attractive to potential owners who don’t want legal or maintenance headaches.

Why These Features Matter for Resale in Port Macquarie

Choosing good features is more than personal enjoyment—it signals quality and care to prospective buyers.


  • Buyers see ongoing savings if energy bills are lower because of efficient pumps/heating.
  • When maintenance is easier (smart systems, good lighting, proper landscaping), the pool is viewed as less work.
  • If safety and compliance are in place, there are fewer liabilities and unexpected costs.
  • When your pool integrates well with the home and garden, it helps the overall outdoor living area, which is often what sells a house in Port Macquarie.


All these elements can help your property stand out in listings and show inspections.

Begin Your Pool Project with Expert Pool Builders in Port Macquarie

If you’re ready to build a pool that adds real value, style, safety, efficiency, and resale appeal, partner with the professionals at Gibson Family Pools, who provide pool installation in Port Macquarie. Our team designs pools with smart systems, energy‑efficient equipment, water features, lighting, and safe design, aligned with modern landscaping and outdoor living expectations.


Visit our pool designs page to explore styles that match your vision, then contact us to schedule a consultation. Let’s design a pool that enhances your lifestyle today and adds long‑term value to your home.

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