Written by: TFVstaff • June 10, 2025• Home

Thinking About Building a Pool House? Read This First

For many with a backyard pool, or those planning on building one, the idea of a dedicated pool house can be incredibly appealing. A separate structure can elevate your outdoor living experience, providing convenience and valuable extra space. However, before you commit to this major project, it’s essential to pause and consider whether this dream truly aligns with your practical needs, budget, and property.

Define Its Purpose

First, ask yourself what you intend to use the pool house for. These structures aren’t one-size-fits-all, and your design and cost will hinge entirely on how you envision using it. Some of the most popular uses for a pool house are:

Practicality and Convenience: A practical space, offering a quick-change area, a dedicated bathroom, and a shower for swimmers, keeping wet feet and chlorine smells out of your main home.

Entertainment Area: An outdoor living room or a lively entertainment center. It can include a kitchenette for snacks and drinks, a bar area, or a comfortable lounge space for guests to relax in the shade.

Utility and Storage: A secure place to store pool equipment, chemicals, floats, and towels, keeping your pool deck clear and organized.

Guest House: A private, self-contained guesthouse for frequent hosts, offering visitors their own comfortable amenities and improving their stay.

A clear vision will determine all subsequent decisions, so be honest about your lifestyle and how the pool house will integrate into your routines to avoid overbuilding or underutilizing the space.

Assess Your Budget

The cost of building a pool house varies from a simple structure under $10,000 to an elaborate guesthouse reaching the six figures. It’s crucial to look beyond just the initial construction estimate. Factor in elements like electrical work, plumbing, necessary permits, and ongoing maintenance. While a thoughtfully designed and well-built pool house can increase your property’s resale value, its ability to do so is reliant on quality execution and thoughtful integration with your home.

Integrate Design and Aesthetics

The pool house’s design and aesthetic integration are key. Consider how the pool house will look from every vantage point. It should enhance your outdoor space without competing with or obstructing the view of existing features. Collaborating with a skilled designer or architect can guarantee the result appears intentional and harmonious.

Also decide on the permanence and construction method. While a custom-built structure offers bespoke style, modular or prefabricated units can significantly shorten timelines and often come with lower upfront costs. These flexible options allow for quicker enjoyment and potential future adaptability.

Understand Regulations and Space Constraints

Check with your local municipality or HOA. Zoning laws, property lines, and building codes can all impact what kind of pool house you can build and where. You’ll also need to think about how much of your yard you’re willing to give up and if a pool house would make the space feel cramped or homier.

Consider the Construction Process

If you do decide to build, be prepared for some disruption. Like any home project, there will be debris—old patio slabs, packaging, construction materials, and more. Renting a dumpster can be an efficient way to manage waste during the build. This keeps your yard clean while helping contractors stay focused on the job instead of making trips to the dump.

Conclusion

A pool house can be a fantastic upgrade that enhances your outdoor living experience. These projects require thoughtful planning, so consider your lifestyle, budget, and available space before making the leap. If it checks the right boxes, it might just become the highlight of your summer.

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