Pool House Ideas You Didn’t Know You Needed

A swimming pool is an excellent addition to any backyard. Adding a pool house can elevate that experience even more. They come in a variety of sizes and styles. Not only do they provide a place to store pool supplies, but you can also turn them into a fun hangout spot or extra space for your guests.

In this post, we share helpful pool house ideas you can incorporate into your home. Whether you're looking to design a backyard oasis or add a practical addition to your exterior, there is a design that's perfect for you.

Why you should consider a pool house

Pool houses are pretty versatile and can be easily customized to your needs. They can range from simple sheds to tiny homes or extra space for a small guest room with all the amenities of a traditional house. You can keep it small or go all out, depending on your budget, space and needs.

There are, of course, many in-between options that can complement your backyard landscaping, including plenty of outdoor dining and entertainment areas, outdoor kitchens and lounge spaces.

What to consider before building a pool house

Before you take the plunge and build a pool house, consider your budget, check local regulations and make sure you have enough space.

Estimate costs and set a budget

Pool houses can range in cost from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $100,000. With such a wide price range, you should determine how much you're willing to spend before you start shopping around.

Check permit regulations and permits

Next, take your pool house plans and check with your local building department to see if you need any permits or setback requirements. These issues might impact where you can build.

The last thing you want is to start construction only to find out that you're not in compliance with the law. Your municipality might also restrict the size and the type of pool house you can build, especially if you want to run plumbing and electricity.

Measure how much space you need

While exploring different pool house ideas might be fun, you must ensure there is enough room on your property for a swimming pool, a pool house, and any other pool features or furniture you might want to add. You don't want your backyard to feel cramped and overly busy.

Pick a style that complements your home

Once you've taken care of the logistical details, it's time to start thinking about pool house ideas. What style do you want? How big should it be? Will it have an outdoor kitchen or an outdoor shower? Answering these questions will help you narrow your options and make the pool house of your dreams a reality.

Backyard pool house ideas

When planning your dream backyard oasis, consider the size and layout of your pool house and how it ties in with your pool.

How you'll use your pool house is also essential. Will it be a simple changing room or a more spacious retreat complete with a pool house bathroom, a dining table and an entertainment space?

Once you have a general idea of the size and layout, you can start to think about amenities. A pool house with simple storage or changing area requires built-in or freestanding racks for towels, swimwear and other gear. You might also want to include a hamper for bathing suits and towels.

If you're looking for a more luxurious feel, you may want to add features like a hot tub, wet bar, fridge and dishwasher. A TV, comfortable lounge chairs, tables and a fireplace can transform your pool house into a complete entertainment den.

Combine indoor and outdoor spaces

A pool house is a perfect way to extend your living space and create a seamless flow between the inside and outside. It can easily become an extension of your home, making it easy to go between the two.

With a few key features, a pool house can quickly become a second home, complete with all the comforts of indoor living.

You can blur the lines between your indoor and outdoor living space by using large windows, sliding glass doors, or retractable panels.

This will give the pool house a bright and airy feel with an inviting space that encourages people to spend time outside.

Use a covered patio to extend your pool house

Adding a covered patio can extend the usefulness of your pool house so you can enjoy it all year round. A covered patio also offers shelter from the sun and rain, allowing you to sit by your swimming pool even during inclement weather.

In addition, a covered patio can serve as a transition space between the swimming pool and your house, making it more convenient to move between the two areas.

A covered patio is an excellent solution if you're looking to extend the season for your swimming pool or add a more versatile outdoor living space.

Luxury pool house ideas

A pool house is a perfect place to relax and entertain guests in style. If you have the space and the means, don't be afraid to go all out when building your pool house. After all, nothing says luxury like a stunning pool house and a gorgeous swimming pool.

When building a luxurious pool house, details are where it matters. Outdoor kitchens, fire pits or pizza ovens and wet bars are all great entertainment areas. A beautiful pool house should have plenty of outdoor seating and landscaping to complete the look.

Luxurious touches like heated floors, glass doors and custom-built decks will make your pool house feel exceptional. Make sure to include plenty of windows to let in natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding area.

Hotel-inspired pool house ideas

Give your pool house a look inspired by hotels around the world. Opt for a beachy California feel, a Mediterranean villa, a white-washed Greek island retreat or a tropical Bali beach house.

If you're starting from scratch, build a luxurious infinity pool and have the pool house overlooking the water and the views.

Incorporate stone, glass, wood-paneled floors or teak or a straw roof with raffia pendants, candle holders, handmade furniture and art. Sit back and enjoy vacation vibes without leaving your home.

Turn your pool house into a guest house

Turn your pool house into luxury accommodations and a guest room. A one or two-bedroom villa that overlooks the swimming pool with a bathroom, a private terrace, a minibar, a fully-loaded entertainment area and all the amenities your guests might need.

Your villa should be a self-sufficient living space with a full bath, bedroom, small kitchen and living room. Add a fireplace, walk-in wardrobes, a spa bath, or a jacuzzi for extra luxury. You can also turn your pool guest room into a rental for extra income. Consider a Murphy bed if you're short on space.

Modern pool house design

A pool house doesn't need to be full of outdoor furniture and supplies. Consider a modern design for a stylish and functional pool house.

Think straight lines, sharp angles, lots of glass and a minimalistic aesthetic. When it comes to modern pool houses, clean lines are where it's at.

When creating this type of structure, incorporate lots of glass into your design. Use glass walls, doors and windows to let natural light into your space. A neutral color palette is also a must. Stick to a palette of black, white and grey for a chic and sophisticated look.

Rustic pool house

To create a cabin by the lake feel or a tropical ocean villa, decorate your pool house with rustic decor. Wood, stone and plants are all excellent choices for materials and decor.

When it comes to rustic pool house ideas, using natural materials is key. Reclaimed wood paneling, ceilings and floors are a great way to add a rustic touch to your pool house.

Stone is another great way to add a rustic touch and can be incorporated into the inside and outside of the building. Plants and flowers are also great additions to create a cozy and comfortable place to entertain and unwind.

Pool cabana ideas

A pool cabana is a perfect way to enjoy your backyard oasis and a great way to channel your tropical getaway at home. To start, opt for a rectangular structure with a pitched roof. You can also choose a geometric shape or a circular design.

Cabanas usually have floor-to-ceiling curtains or panels on three sides while the front faces the swimming pool. Hanging lanterns and elegant furniture with comfortable pillows and mattresses add a tropical touch to your cabana. Add a bar, sink, outdoor grill and potted plants to recreate that luxurious resort vibe to rest and unwind.

DIY pool house ideas on a budget

Spending time poolside is a fun way to enjoy the hot weather and sunshine. A pool house can make the experience even better, but building one can be costly.

If you're working with a limited budget, there are still plenty of ways to create a stylish and functional pool house.

• Opt for a simple design. A basic shed or cabin-style structure can provide everything you need without breaking the bank. A pool house doesn't need to be overly elaborate to be enjoyable.
• Use recycled materials. If you're handy, you can save money by using recycled materials to build your pool house. Reclaimed wood, for example, can add plenty of character without costing a lot.
• Keep it small. A smaller pool house will be less expensive to build and maintain than a larger one. Not to mention, it will be easier to heat and cool, which can save you money on utility bills.

Garage pool house combo

When you're limited on space or budget, converting your existing areas into a pool house is a great solution. A garage/pool house combo is a great way to maximize your space.

It works even better if your garage is detached from the house. You can use the garage/pool house to store your car and pool equipment, and create a private changing area with an option for an additional pool house bathroom.

Prefab pool house

Prefabricated pool houses are a great option if you want a quicker and more affordable option. Like traditional homes, prefab pool houses are made and assembled off-site and can be customized to any design.

This option is especially significant if you don't want to deal with construction on your property.

Gazebo turned pool house

Another great way to create a pool house on a budget is with a pre-made gazebo. You can turn a standard gazebo into a stylish and functional pool house with some creativity.

Add flowing curtains to your gazebo or run crawling vines along the structure to camouflage the paint and let your gazebo blend in with your garden.

Gazebos are a more affordable alternative that doesn't require as much work as building a new pool house. They are also easier to fit in smaller backyards with little space. You can set up your gazebo as a stylish and comfortable sitting area or a larger entertainment venue with a bbq, bar and sink.

Conclusion

Building a pool house can be a wise investment and can add value to your home. Pool houses can also add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

They can also extend our exterior living space, function as excellent alternatives for storage and a comfortable space for swimmers to change. So, if you've been considering building a pool house, we hope these pool house ideas have helped you decide.

FAQ

What should be included in a pool house?

Your pool house should include storage for pool-related items like extra towels, chairs and umbrellas. It can also be a place to clean and maintain equipment for the pool. You can also use your pool for entertaining by including comfortable lounge chairs, a bar, a bathroom and a small kitchen.

What is a good size for a pool house?

The ideal size for a pool house depends on your property and the pool itself. It should be large enough to store all our pool equipment and accessories and have enough space for you to change into your swimsuit without feeling cramped. A good rule of thumb is to make the pool house at least 10 feet by 10 feet.

Why is it called a pool house?

A pool house is a building attached to or near a swimming pool area. It typically contains changing rooms, showers and storage space for pool toys and equipment. It can also function as an entertainment space.

How much does it cost to build a pool house?

The answer depends on various factors, including the size and style of the pool house, the materials used, and the location. Generally, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000 on a pool house. However, if you want a luxurious pool house with all the bells and whistles, you could spend much more.