Amazing Pool House Ideas For Your Home (2024)

A pool is an excellent addition to any backyard. Adding a pool house can elevate that experience even more. Pool houses 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.

Pool houses are pretty versatile and can be easily customized to your needs. They can range from simple storage sheds to small guest homes 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. Whether you're looking to create a backyard oasis or add a practical addition to your outdoor space, there is a pool house design that's perfect for you.

What to consider before building a pool house

Before you take the plunge and build a pool house, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider your 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.

Next, check with your local building department to see if you need any permits or setback requirements that 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.

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

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 a kitchen or bathroom? 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 bathroom, a kitchenette 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 storage 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 pool house, you may want to add features like a wet bar, fridge and dishwasher. A TV, lounge chairs, tables and a fireplace can transform your pool house into a complete entertainment den.

Create a seamless flow between indoor and outside

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 indoor and outdoor living by using large windows, sliding glass doors, or retractable panels. This will give the pool house a bright and airy feel and help create 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 use your pool house even during inclement weather.

In addition, a covered patio can serve as a transition space between the 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 pool house or create a more versatile outdoor living space.

Luxury pool house ideas

A pool house is a perfect place to relax and entertain guests. 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 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 additions to create welcoming 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. A fireplace is also a must-have for cozy winter evenings.

Hotel-inspired pool houses

Give your pool house a look inspired by luxury 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 guest suites. Create one or two-bedroom villas that overlook the pool and add a private terrace, a minibar, a fully-loaded entertainment area and all the amenities your guests might need.

Your pool house villa should be a self-sufficient living space with a full bath, bedroom, 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 house into a rental property and rent it out for extra income.

Modern pool house design

A pool house doesn't need to be full of furniture and supplies. Consider a modern design to create 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 in natural light and create a bright and airy 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 stricture 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 pool. Hanging lanterns and elegant furniture with comfortable pillows and mattresses add a tropical touch to your cabana. Add a bar, outdoor grill and potted plants to recreate that luxurious resort vibe.

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 a pool house 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. Here are a few cheap pool house ideas to get you started:

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

Sometimes when you're limited on space or budget, converting your existing areas into a pool house is a great solution. For example, a garage/pool house combo is a great way to make the most of your outdoor 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 bathroom. If you entertain often, this can also be a great place to host parties. You can set up a bar and serving area in the garage while offering your guests a dressing room and a place to relax.

Prefab pool house

Prefabricated pool houses are a great option if you're looking for 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 storage.

FAQ

What should be included in a pool house?

Your pool house should include storage for pool-related items like extra towels, lounge chairs and umbrellas. It can also be a place for cleaning and maintaining equipment for the pool. You can also use your pool for entertaining by including lounge chairs, a bar, a shower and a 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. 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.

Is it worth building a pool house?

Building a pool house can be a wise investment. It's an excellent alternative for storage and a comfortable space for swimmers to change. It can also be a great place to entertain guests, with plenty of room for outdoor furniture and a grill. Pool houses can also add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.