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Best Pool House Designs

Just about every homeowner with a pool would benefit from building a pool house. This article is all about of best pool house designs, ideas, pictures, and an FAQ.

Summer’s finally here and it’s time to open up that pool and start entertaining. There’s nothing quite like having a backyard pool and a pool house stocked with everything you need. It truly is the closest  you can get to a summer vacation at home. Although a pool house might seem like an extravagant thing to build, the best pool house designs make pool parties and outdoor living so much easier. Because there’s nothing like having all the comforts of your own home in the backyard.

The primary purpose of all great pool house designs are providing a private space right near the pool where you can change, go to the bathroom, shower, take a nap, enjoy a drink, cook out and entertain friends and family.

And pool houses can do a lot more than just provide a great entertaining space. Great pool house designs become an outdoor entertainment hub. Add an outdoor kitchen or lounge surrounding a fireplace to make the pool house a desirable night time destination or just build something simple. It’s entirely up to you.

Let’s discuss some of the biggest benefits of the best pool house designs.

beautiful pool house ideas modern design white and black with brick in ground pool blue stone patio

Spectacular Modern Pool House Design. White siding with black framed windows and doors. Brick chimney. Shake shingles with metal accent roofing. Outdoor fireplace. Blue stone pool patio. 2nd Floor apartment with full amenities. White patio furniture and planters.

Added Convenience

If you own a pool, chances are you’ll be entertaining guests at some point.

What’s great about a pool house is that it let’s you to keep the party outside, in your backyard, rather than inside your home.

Great pool house designs keep everything you need poolside.

  • Guests won’t have to go inside your home to use the bathroom or get changed.
  • You can do all the cooking outdoors and that includes more than just grilling.
  • All your drinks can be stored in a refrigerator or behind a bar.
  • They provide storage for all your pool house equipment and toys.

Never worry again about guests running in and out of the house, leaving a trail of wet footprints behind as they move inside your home. In fact, if you choose to invest in a pool house with a bathroom and kitchen area, there’s really no need for anyone to enter your home at all. Entertaining guests outside is the primary reason clients say they love having a pool house. They give you the freedom to throw great summer parties without the drawback of having lots of wet people inside your house.

A pool house makes summers more enjoyable by having everything you need just a few short steps from the pool. This can range from a well appointed shed to a sizable guest house complete with bathroom and kitchen facilities, a sitting area, bar, and even bedrooms. Many pool houses feature a covered patio area with TV’s and outdoor furniture to relax and get some shade.

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Lots Of Storage

Top pool house designs should include enough space for storing pool supplies and all your toys. They’re also great for hiding all those big pool pumps and filters around back or inside a mechanical room if the pool house is big enough. Include enough storage for other common things like:

  • A bathroom with enough room for changing in and out of swimsuits and a linen closet for towels.
  • If you have an outdoor kitchen or grill area  then include a pantry or refrigerator stocked with food and drinks.
  • Don’t forget the suntan lotion and any other personal items you’d like to have in and around the pool.
  • If you have a poolside bar then include a lockable wine fridge so you can secure your liquor when the parties over.

You probably use chemicals to clean the pool and balance the water composition. These chemicals can potentially be dangerous and should be locked away in a pool house where they can’t be accidentally ingested or improperly used.

This is a huge benefit for families with small children or pets who can rummage through cabinets getting themselves into trouble.

Increased Resale Value

Whenever you do any type of home improvement, like building a pool house, thinking about resale value is a good idea. While in ground pools are hit or miss in terms of adding resale value, a pool house is a sure thing. We’ve got some general rules you should follow when building one.

  • On the low to mid end of real estate prices, a pool can sometimes be a bad thing for a variety of reasons. Many home buyers don’t want to pay a premium for homes with a pool. The added liability, insurance, and maintenance costs just aren’t worth it. If your considering putting is a pool or buying a home with one then do your homework first. You may be throwing some of your well earned money away. Before deciding on whether or not a pool house is a good investment find out first about the pool.
  • On the high end of the real estate market, a pool is pretty much universally considered a must have option. “A pool is expected,” says Mary Ellens, top real estate agent at the Jersey Shore. “One of the first things we’re asked when selling at the Beach is does it have a pool. You’ve got to have one if you expect to get top dollar.”

If the pool is adding value to your home then a pool house will increase that value. However, if you live in a home where people don’t really want or can’t afford a pool, then what use is building a pool house.

cute pool house design cedar shake siding azek trim white columns in ground pool with jacuzzi pavers

Cute pool house design. Cedar shake siding with Timberline shingles. White Azek trim with custom columns. Vaulted ceilings. In ground concrete pool with hot tub. Paver patio. Beautiful landscaping.

Pool Houses Add Home Value

All this changes if the pool house has living space included. If the pool house is less like a shed and more like a small home then it’ll get priced per square foot like living space. Some pool houses have a living room, full kitchen, bathroom and dining room.

Home buyers love having the extra space and additional storage. And almost no home buyer dislikes an outdoor shower, extra bathroom, patio area, bar, outdoor kitchen, etc.

Pool houses also amplify the value of a pool. Many homeowners completely change their view of a pool if you add in a pool house. “Pools are way more popular if they have a pool house.” says top NJ realtor Bob Mcnarry. “They fix a lot of the complaints people have with pools. Like wet people coming in and out of the house or where to store all the pool stuff and chemicals.”

With additional living space you’ll have some additional options.

  • Rent it out as an apartment.
  • Let guests sleep over is a small home all their own.
  • A great space for a home office or gym.
  • perfect living space for parents or grown up kids.

Summary: There’s no one size fits all answer in terms of pool houses and home value. If the pool makes sense then a pool house will amplify the pools value. And if the pool house has living space then factor that additional space value in the same way you would the home’s.

Do I Need A Permit For A Pool House?

Here is NJ the answer is yes. However that may not be universal so check with your local building department.

Depending on what design and style pool house you build, the permits can be extensive.

  • You’ll need a building permit for the structure itself which included zoning approval.
  • Electrical permits if you plan on having electricity. This is something we highly recommend even if you want a simple shed style pool house. Include an inside storage and exterior light with some switches and outlets. Extra outlets by the pool come in handy for all sorts of pool equipment even if it’s something as simple as a pump to blow up the toys.
  • Plumbing permits are required if you want a sink, bathroom or kitchen.
  • A gas pipe permit will be needed for HVAC and a stove. You can lump this into the plumbing permit but you’ll need a separate diagram.
  • HVAC permits if your installing a central air system or mini split.
  • A fire permit will be needed if you have a bedroom.

There could even be additional permits required depending on where you live. Building a pool house can be just like building a house. If you include all the amenities then you’ll need the same permits and inspections.

Pro Tip: Hire a good architect and builder to help you with the process. Building a pool house other than a simple shed is definitely not a DIY project. especially as you add features and utilities to the design.

brick pool house with a matching red brick patio, arbor and lots of living space.

brick pool house with a matching red brick patio, arbor and lots of living space.

What’s The Average Size Of A Pool House?

There’s really no average size for all pool houses since they vary in style and design so much. However we can break it down for you based on the 3 most popular pool house designs.

Pool House Shed: If all you want is a simple pool house shed then 75 – 200 sq. ft. is the average. The most common size shed we install is 10×12 or 120 sq. ft. That’s enough to fit all your pool supplies, toys and equipment. It’s also big enough to hide most pool pumps and filters and they give you a private space to change. However a pool shed is no different than any other shed, they’re just 4 walls, a roof and a door where you can store stuff.

Medium Sized Pool House: A pool house this size averages between 250 – 400 sq. ft. or about the size of a single car garage. They include some utilities like electric, plumbing, gas and possibly HVAC. Generally at this size you’d have a bathroom and some sort of outdoor kitchen or grill area as well as a small living space. They also frequently include a covered outdoor seating area with some sort of patio leading to the pool.

Large Size Pool House: Large pool houses are over 400 sq. ft. and average 500 sq. ft. and above. They’re at least the size of a two car garage and are generally 2 stories with a bedroom. They’ve got all the amenities including a bathroom or two, living room, full kitchen, storage, bedroom and sometime a laundry room.

Of course these sizes and list of common amenities is just a guide. The great thing about building a custom pool house is that you can make it any size you want.

Top Pool House Designs & Ideas

best pool house designs beautiful stone fireplace , arches and columns

Stunning Pool House Designs

A custom built pool house is much more than just a place to tuck away all your pool gear, bundles of extra towels and other essentials. It is a space where friends and family can rest, rejuvenate and come together, day or night and in any weather. Comfy outdoor décor, a cool couch, some chairs, TV, outdoor fireplace and a coffee table can create the perfect spot to get out of the house and just relax. Clean lines and smart layout that complements the main house ensure that the pool house integrates easily with the properties overall design.

Even though pool houses tend to be modest structures, this doesn’t have to be the case with your pool house. Be sure to take the design of your home into consideration but design your pool house to stand out and be it’s own thing. The architectural relationship between the pool house and main home is extremely important but they don’t have to match exactly. Be creative and style your pool house to be something beautiful, regardless of what the home looks like.

Pool houses are becoming more and more popular among homeowners around the country, as it adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any size home.

Red brick pool house design with an open concept living room area and full outdoor kitchen with flat screen TV

Open Pool House

Not all pool houses are full enclosed. many of the best designs feature an open design which makes it a great place for entertaining. This red brick pool house is one large open room with a seating area, full bar with grill, refrigerator, stainless steel cabinets and a flat screen TV. It’s a great place to hang out by the pool. All the furniture is outdoor quality so it can get wet and the floors are stone and easy to keep clean.

Just outside the pool house is a blue stone patio with outdoor wicker furniture and a gas fire pit. One of the benefits of a pool house that has full utilities like electric and natural gas it that you can have features like a dedicated fire pit.

Around back where you can’t see is a mechanical room for pool supplies and equipment and a full bathroom.

classic Hamptons style pool house design with cream siding, white trim and blue shutters

Classic Pool House Design

This classic Hamptons style pool house design features cream colored vertical siding, white trim and columns with blue shutters and a dark shingled roof. The design is stately and fits the Hamptons style rectangular pool beautifully. If your looking for a tried and true pool house design that’s not going out of style any time soon then give this one a try.

The pool house is large enough to include lots of living space. The french glass doors open up to an indoor outdoor living room, a full kitchen and full bath. The back of the pool house has lot of room for mechanical pool equipment and a closet for storing supplies.

Just outside the pool house is a blue stone patio with enough space for lounge chairs and even a small table if the need for one arises.

pool house design idea grey siding white trim cottage look cute design

Cute Pool House Design

I love this super cute pool house idea. It includes a full bathroom, indoor cooking and seating areas and some storage for pool stuff. The light gray siding and white trim with large double columns and custom trim work give this pool house such a cute cottage feel.

The pergola offers enough coverage to allow for a large 12 person table with additional lounge seating surrounding the blue stone patio and beautiful in ground pool with spa.

beautiful red brick pool house design with flat roof

Greek Inspired Pool House

This Greek inspired pool house design with a mix of stone and red brick is a real home run for me. I just love everything about it including how the theme is carried throughout the pool design and additional seating areas. The choice of landscaping is perfect as green looks great along side red brick.

Inside this fabulous pool house is a seating area, full bathroom and kitchen. It’s not huge but provides more than enough space for a pool house.

This is the perfect example of size not being the most important thing to consider. Homeowners have become obsessed lately with making everything as big as possible when it’s the design that really matters.

rustic pool house style cedar shake siding black trim red brick chimney

Rustic Pool House Ideas

Black trim with weathered cedar shake shingles. Dark wood trim. Real stone patio with stone hardscaping and retaining walls. In ground tiled concrete pool. Covered seating area. Beautiful landscaping. Red brick chimney.

There’s an assumption that dark colors are gloomy and depressing. Some people even say that dark homes feel small and claustrophobic. But nothing could be further from the truth. When dark color schemes are executed properly they can be dramatic and full of life.

Despite what many people believe, dark colors are not a bad idea for a pool house. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Dark colors can be dramatic, thus giving a spool house design a much bigger presence than it might otherwise have.

It’s important to create contrast as well as a sense of balance. A mix of materials is essential – use different textures in your siding, roofing and accent pieces. Some items should pop against a dark background, so use some light and/or bold colors on occasion and make use of interesting shapes as well. Use plants and other landscaping to add tasteful splashes of color.

It’s always great to add some accessories to every pool house, but with a dark color scheme, keep it simple. Dark homes are inherently dramatic so you don’t want to overdo it. Focus on adding simple elements to draw the eye rather than lots of items that can distract. Keep the design clean and crisp. Trust your eye and your instincts.

ny pool house design modern contemporary

Modern Pool House Designs

Modern pool house design. Square with a flat roof and custom built black metal pergola. Open design featuring a grill with side burners, refrigerator, oven, sink and wine chiller. Stainless steel cabinets and countertop. An industrial kitchen design showcasing gray and black metals against an ipe wall board finish. Ipe siding. Concrete floors. Black metal posts.

This design is beautiful if your going for an industrial, modern look. It’s an ultra contemporary design which doesn’t have a thing you’d find in a standard, traditionally built home. Every surface is either metal, stone, concrete or wood. You won’t find any sheetrock, trim or paint here. Every material used showcases it’s true, natural finish which even includes a wood ceiling.

It’s expensive to build this way but if you do you can potentially achieve some spectacular results.

small NY pool house design cedar shingles white trim pergola

Small Pool House Design

If you’d like to create the ultimate holiday feel while at home, a pool house can make any warm day feel like a summer vacation. Whether you just want to lounge poolside and read a book, do some grilling, go for a swim or throw a full fledged pool party, having a pool house is a big plus.

Shingle Style House Design

This spectacular shingle style NY pool house features glass doors that open up to a completely finished living space including a full kitchen, bath and living room. Beautiful shingle style exterior with real cedar siding and white trim. A great use of landscaping which carries over the custom built wood pergola. A great use of indoor plants matches the greenery outside. Outdoor wicker furniture lets you lounge poolside in the shade beneath the green canopy above.

The real stone patio extends from the pool house to around the pool and into the main home. Lots of lounge chairs with bright yellow umbrella surround the pool adding to an overall vibrant, happy atmosphere.

Tiny pool house design with shed doors white siding and metal roof

Tiny Pool House Design

For many would be chefs, the best pool houses feature small backyard kitchens equipped with everything you need to serve up meals and drinks poolside. This cute example features a full range of stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, and a charcoal gray granite countertop. A simple barn style shed door opens to create an indoor outdoor space.

This very simple, tiny pool house design is easy and cheap to built yet provides everything you really need including a half bath and some living space to lounge in.

Hamptons style pool house design

Hamtons Pool House Design

This welcoming pool house opens up to an outdoor stone patio leading to the main home and seating areas around the pool. The neutral colored furniture, including the matching rattan pod chairs and a sofa all featuring white cushions. Beautiful landscaping surrounds the pool including a hedge row and lots of colors from the surrounding trees and flowers.

country cottage pool house design

Country Cottage Pool House Style

Here is a beautifully appointed pool house with a country cottage feel. Tan stucco with white trim and a custom built pergola featuring a green canopy and white columns. The pool house’s pass through design add to an overall indoor / outdoor feel. On one side of the space is a full kitchen which includes stainless steel appliances. The other side features a full bath and living space with room in the center for a full size dining table.

The real stone patio extends around the pool and into the main home including lots of spaces for lounging. Impeccable landscaping surrounds the pool and grounds.

small pool house designs on a budget

Small Pool House Designs On A Budget With A Bathroom

You can design and build a small pool house on a budget for under 15 grand, they even sell prefab kits which are basically upgraded sheds with a finished interior. But what about if you want to include a bathroom. Can that be done on a budget? Well, certainly not as cheap as without the bath but you can definitely design a small pool house on a budget and include a bathroom. The big issue is the location.

Location is super important with a pool house bathroom because you’ll have to run water lines and a drain for the toilet and sink. Depending on where the pool house sits on the property and how far the lines need to be run and from where can be a big expense. Not to mention the excavation that will have to be done to get the lines from the house into your pool house. The actual bathroom itself can easily be done on a budget. All you really need are a toilet and cheap vanity sink.

You can pick them both up at Home Depot for around $500 bucks total. Throw in a tile floor, maybe an exhaust fan and you’ve got a simple bathroom. We’d recommend a shower to rinse off in and even that can be done on a tight budget if you buy a prefab shower unit.

But some locations can’t be done cheaply. So keep this in mind when you figure out where you’ll position the pool house. The closer you are to the home and main sewer / water lines, the cheaper it’ll be to run the plumbing and electric.

modern pool house design flat roof with red brick walls lots of glass tiled pool

Contemporary Pool House Design

For many people, having a pool in the backyard comes with a sense of accomplishment. It’s a dream come true for some. During the hot summer months, there’s nothing better than relaxing in your own backyard and enjoying a nice swim. However, while having a pool is definitely a privilege that not everyone can afford, there’s nothing that screams, ‘I’ve made it!’ like having a pool house. These spaces, often just feet from the pool, can have a number of uses. Essentially, a pool house is used as an area for people to change into their swim suits and to store pool stuff, but they can be so much more.

Take this modern pool house design shown above. It’s as beautifully designed and styled as some custom luxury homes. Red brick walls with a flat roof and tons of glass. Interior finishes of wood, and real stone. Glass railings with an outdoor kitchen, lounge area and spectacular in ground tiled negative edge pool.

view of an inground pool from the pool house 1

Mediterranean Pool House Design

Check out this incredible view of the inground infinity edge pool, stone patio and masonry walls from inside this magnificent Mediterranean style pool house. Real stone wall construction with stone floors and rustic ceiling with exposed beams. The design perfectly compliments the Mediterranean style home and landscaping.

The grounds feature a terraced slope with stone retaining walls, walkways and stairs.

The pool house includes simple yet comfortable outside patio furniture which is perfect for it’s open design. Something you should definitely consider even if your pool house in enclosed since they’re safe to use when wet. This pool house design also includes a full bath and wet bar with gas grill, refrigerator and dish washer.

Plenty of patio chairs with umbrellas are perfect for lounging on a hot summer day around the pool.

small pool house design interior view

Funky Bohemian Pool House Design

A great pool house design can make your home feel more like a resort than a part of your own backyard. And they can be  a lot more than just a place to change. A pool house can be a mini home of sorts with a myriad of amenities like a full bathroom, living space and even a kitchen.

The pool house design should complement and relate to the main house. It doesn’t have to be an exact duplicate since it’s a structure all it’s own, but there should be some common elements.

At the very minimum you should include a changing area with a bathroom but other popular amenities include a lounging area, kitchenette, dining area, and a living area. Some clients even include a bedroom so guests can have their own little house or make the living room into a sort of studio apartment. And, above all else, your pool house design should be waterproof. All surfaces, hard and soft, should be able to withstand wet feet and dripping bathing suits.

In terms of flooring, I love tile, real stone or a concrete slab like the floor shown above. Choose a floor that’s tough and super durable that can withstand wet traffic and is easy to clean. Also, make sure the flooring provides enough traction to prevent slipping.

A wood burning or gas stove is a great addition. I like to swim in the winter because the pools heated but getting out is a pain but it’s not so bad if you’ve got a pool house with fire burning to cozy up to and dry off. Try it out some time, I think you’ll like it.

pool house with open design and full kitchen

Open Pool House Design With Full Kitchen

A pool house doesn’t necessarily have to be closed. Open air designs like the one shown above can have everything you need including a full kitchen with stove, dishwasher and refrigerator. This Mediterranean style pool house is a beautiful example of an open air design. It offers more than enough space for a dining room table and patio furniture. All with great views of the pool and landscaping.

Included in this design is a full bath with shower and storage area for pool equipment and all the toys.

Great stone floors extend from the pool house to around the pool and grounds. Lots of lounge chairs around the pool with umbrella are a must.

The exposed real wood timber frame gives this pool house design a classic, rustic look with the feel of a luxurious french villa. And as with any great pool house design, everything you see here is safe to get wet and easy to clean.

cool pool house design modern flat roof with stone and stucco in ground blue pool

Modern Pool House Design

Fact: Having a pool house will make your life feel like one big vacation. Okay, well maybe we can’t make that promise…but we can confidently say that a well-designed pool house will make summer entertaining and year-round hosting a lot more fun. There’s just something about the added privacy, additional utility, and convenience of a pool house. When your lounging at the pool you don’t want to worry about wet feet and people running in and out of the house all day. You just want to relax.

The perfectly designed pool house makes summer pool parties care free by providing everything you need in one place, out doors.

Another thing you should bear in mind is the orientation of your luxurious pool house, which is, truth be told, one of the most important considerations. Function should always be considered along with form. This is why you should plan everything out in advance taking sun direction in mind. Build your pool, the pool, patio and pool house wherever you’ll be able to enjoy them all to the max.

best pool house design ideas forever pool closeup pic of spillover

Pool House Design With An Infinity Edge Swimming Pool

Aside from being a nice to place to hang out, your pool house should also provide storage for all those pool toys. A pool house is the perfect place to experiment with an indoor/outdoor concept. Opt for a retractable door or floor to ceiling glass doors that allow you to let the breeze inside. With a pool house you won’t have the same concerns keeping the doors and windows open like you will in the main home.

To make the entire pool area feels like one cohesive zone, find a way to tie the pool house and patio furniture together. Coordinate your pool house decor with what’s on your patio, deck or poolside.

best poolhouse designs luxury indoor European Mediterranean pool house design - Gambrick

Mediterranean Style Pool House Ideas

Some of you may already be thinking that a refreshing pool would be a luxury in itself. A pool house is an even more remote dream considering how expensive a pool can be. But we’re allowed to dream aren’t we. A fabulous Mediterranean inspired pool house like the one shown above is definitely not just a simple home addition that just fills space in your backyard. The best pool house designs perfectly compliment the look of the main home while providing both form and function. A one stop shop for all your outdoor lounging needs and obviously makes hosting a cool pool party a whole lot easier.

A pool house design open to the elements is great if you’re focused on having more entertaining space. Keeping the sides open allows you a constant view of the pool and an indoor outdoor feel.

This design is perfect if you’re on a budget since open areas are cheaper to build than enclosed ones.

best pool house designs country pool house style - Gambrick

Classic Pool House Designs

There’s no doubting the fact that a pool house has always been considered a symbol of luxury. A classic pool house design perfectly highlights this idea, elegantly bringing to life that picture perfect holiday postcard image. With classic lines and materials such as wood and stone being beautifully put together, this pool house paints a picture of tradition and opulence. While these pool houses look fantastic, remember that they should be paired with a matching style home.

If your pool house plans are small, don’t worry. There are tons you can do with a small amount of space, while still ending up with a great, functional pool house. Though somewhat limited to what you can do by such a small area to work with, you can still squeeze in everything you need.

Glass doors will also open up a small space, as will cleverly thought out furnishings. Consider adding a covered patio since these are cheaper to build than fully enclosed spaces.

best pool house designs luxury pool house - Gambrick

Pool House Designs: Size

Going beyond the simple aesthetics, let’s look at the practical aspects of top pool house designs. For starters, consider the available space, the size of the pool, the yard, and the main house. Your pool house should be in proportion with everything around it. It’s probably not a good idea to build a 2000 sq. ft. pool house if your home is 2000 sq. ft., but if your home is 20,000 then a large pool house may be the appropriate size. If you’ve got the space consider a design that offers both enclosed and open lounging areas.

When it comes to the best modern pool house plans. The best are always the ones that have the most flushed out designs which can benefit daily life.

Here, you have ample areas designated for cooking, eating, lounging, and just hanging out. And with an open floor plan, everything flows together beautifully. When it comes to your own creative pool house ideas, make sure to create areas dedicated to whatever activities you like to do outdoors.

cool pool house design of a simple white and stone by a rectangle in ground pool

White Vinyl Siding And Stone Country Pool House Design

We’re pretty sure some of you are already thinking about how a refreshing pool with fantastic pool house would be a dream come true. Especially since as I write this we’re experiencing one of the hottest summers in NJ history. But a fabulous pool house is definitely not a mere excess that just fills space in your backyard. It can be the one stop shop for all your outdoor needs and obviously makes hosting a summer pool party a whole lot easier.

Your pool house amenities aren’t much different from the what you need in your main house. First of all, if your including a kitchen then a fully equipped kitchen is an absolute must. Make sure to get a stylish fridge and fill it up with fresh fruits and veggies, bottled water, and plenty of snacks. Porcelain dinnerware is an essential part of any luxurious kitchen, but may be a bit much for a pool house, unless your planning to host something formal.

Needless to say, drinking wine from plastic glasses is simply unacceptable, so get a set of fancy crystal glasses and surprise your guests with this extra pop of luxury when they least expect it.

Of course, you should also provide enough soft towels for everyone in your pool house, and these should be differently sized so that your guests can pick whichever size they prefer. Toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrushes, fizzy bath bombs, shampoo, conditioner, and bubble bath should be provided by the host, too, so don’t forget to get all of these before your guests arrive. This is a fantastic token of appreciation they certainly won’t forget.

modern pool house designs best luxury pool house designs - Gambrick

Contemporary Pool House Design

A contemporary pool house can be more than just a place to stash all your pool gear, extra towels and outdoor stuff. It’s a space where the entire family can rest and rejuvenate while enjoying the pool and sunshine. Comfy outdoor décor, a cool couch, some chairs and a coffee table can create the perfect sitting area, with an additional dining area turning the pool house into a secondary living space. Clean lines and smart modern design that complements the main house in its contemporary style ensure that the pool house integrates easily with the overall landscape.

Once summer has arrived full force in New Jersey, we don’t have much of a choice but to spend the majority of our time outside swimming. Be it at a river, ocean or private pool, water and a grill are vital parts of any summer at the Jersey Shore. That said, when I think of the ultimate in poolside lounging, nothing quite tops the luxury of a lavish pool house.

This modern dreamy bungalow make it possible to host a pool party without ever having to set a wet foot in the house. All while providing a cool space for friends and family to beat the heat.

simple pool house designs top basic pool house designs - Gambrick

Small Pool House Designs

Elements such as a guest room, bathroom, showers, kitchen, grilling station or sitting areas are all features found in top pool house designs. Make sure to include lots of room for storage and plan for private areas where guests can lounge and feel at home.

Remember that a pool house should complement, not compete, with the main residence. Notice the small pool house shown above. It’s design compliments the style of the main home and the size is kept in perfect proportion. You don’t want the pool house to over power your home, yard, patio, deck, pool, etc. Everything must work together as one cohesive unit.

Your pool and spa house can provide an area to store your pool equipment, a convenient place to entertain, and a way to bring the amenities of your home outside.

best modern pool house designs beautiful pool houses - Gambrick

Plenty of Seating

Parties are half the fun of having a pool house. Make sure to add lots of comfortable seating, cocktail or coffee tables and, if you like, an outdoor kitchen area. Choose stylish outdoor fabrics and other waterproof surfaces. Make sure whatever you choose it’s comfortable when wet.

Recessed wall and floor lighting create the perfect atmosphere for entertaining at night.

Thanks to moveable furnishings and a Murphy bed that opens from the wall, the roughly 500 sq. ft. pool house can go from pool party to guesthouse to secluded getaway for the homeowners. The pool house is meant to be a retreat for everyone so it’s best if designed to be multi purpose. 
Almost every visitor seeing the pool house for the first time says the same thing: “I want to live here.”

best small pool house designs - Gambrick

Freshly Stocked Pool House Design

If you have to walk back and forth from your home to fetch cold drinks and fresh towels, that defeats the point of all great pool house designs. Stock yours with a mini fridge, snacks, dishware, extra towels and other necessities. Add a small bathroom area with a toilet, sink and shower so that guests can rinse off as soon as they get out of the water.

A quaint little country cottage at the end your garden next to the pool is one of the coziest pool house ideas we can think of. This is a great design if you’re thinking of pool house plans with living quarters for guests to stay in. Make it feel like a home away from home for guests by introducing warm, comforting color schemes into your pool house plans.

And just think about how colorful flower beds surrounding your pool and pool house will look for a stunning country cottage feel. Include a sofa bed so you can double your pool house as a guest house if you ever need the extra space.

Pool House Designs On A Budget

You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great pool house design. Owning and maintaining a home with a pool is expensive enough without throwing in an expensive pool house. Just a basic structure that houses all your pool’s mechanical systems and a place to stash the pool stuff while providing a place to change is more than enough. Exterior styling can be kept to a minimum as long as it matches somewhat with the rest of the home.

You can build a small one on a slab like this for around 15 – 20 grand if you don’t include amenities like plumbing, electrical or HVAC. Pool house designs like these are basically upgraded sheds with a finished interior but for some that’s more than enough.

Finish the pool house with stucco and some cultured stone veneer, white trim and columns with a shingled roof and a small dormer to let in natural light.

For something in this price range you can get away with cheaper vinyl windows and doors that aren’t hurricane rated since it’s not an insulated living space.

Pro Tip: Insulate the ceilings and walls even though it’s not heated. Insulation helps regulate the inside temperature in the summer so the inside won’t be as hot as it would be if you didn’t insulate. And insulation for a small space is cheap. Who knows, one day you may want to heat and cool the pool house with a mini split and you’ll be glad you insulated when you had the chance.

top modern pool house designs beautiful pool houses - Gambrick

Mediterranean Pool House Design

Take your pool to the Mediterranean with stucco, terracotta tiles and lots of plants. A Mediterranean pool house design with a modern twist is a great look for a top pool house design. Having a pool house connected to the main house is also a great feature. You can open it all up when it’s just you and the family at home or close the pool house off when you want to keep the party outside.

To design your dream pool house, you need to know what style you want your pool house design to be. First, we suggest you make a list of exactly what you’re going to be using it for. Do you need a changing area? Maybe an extra guest bedroom away from the main home? A bathroom? An entertaining area? Maybe even a bar? Pool houses are often used as guest houses too, so thoughtfully chosen and placed furnishings are vital to creating a comfortable living space.

Remember top pool house designs are all about function, so start designing there first.

small pool house designs beautiful small pool houses - Gambrick

Secluded Pool House Design: Consider Privacy

Guests changing into their swimsuits will want some privacy. If you don’t want them changing into and out of their wet swimsuits add a changing area. If you’ve got a small pool house design keep it simple. Just a room to change in will generally be enough. Add a bathroom with shower if you’ve got the space and budget but the bare essentials are all you really need.

Unlike your main home, a pool house can be as large or small as you’d like. This freedom can lead to many newly inspired design decisions. You can use your pool house designs to create a new style from the main home while ensuring that it brilliantly compliments your pool. And if you’re lucky enough to have ample space, you may be able to include elements you’d normally have to go into the main house to use, like bathrooms, showers, a kitchen or dining areas.

Note how the pool house featured above is just the right size for the scale of the pool it edges while boasting enough space to work as a covered sitting area and guest suite.

We also suggest you take note of how the exterior of the pool house compliments the materials used in the walkway and retaining wall. The use of stone, metals and square columns is a beautifully sophisticated look.

Mediterranean pool house designs stunning stucco pool house - Gambrick

Pool House Ideas: Coordinate Styles

Following your home’s architecture is a good rule of thumb. Your pool house doesn’t have to match your home exactly, but it shouldn’t feel mismatched. Be sure its style, lines and proportions complement those of the main house. As you can see above the main house is stone while the pool house is stucco, the roofing shingles are different and so is the roof line. But the colors flow together perfectly along with the colors of the patio and retaining walls. If your looking for good pool house ideas try to reference the style and color palette of the home it accompanies.

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool and space for a pool house, you’re already envied the world over. So why not go for the gold and build a stunning pool house like the one shown above? An absolutely stunning pool house design that’s both an elegant yet functional addition to the main home. Which is also an architectural masterpiece.

Take note of how the styles and materials used all flow together perfectly while not being exactly the same, which is a great thing. Take the opportunity when designing a pool house to add some extra oomph to your backyard by being creative.

beautiful pool house ideas white siding french doors green curtains pass through design cedar shake shingles

Natural Color Pool House Ideas

When it comes to natural siding colors, the options are seemingly endless. The muted colors go far beyond using pearl and beige, with plenty of ways to stand out while blending in. Plus, neutral colors are timeless and work on virtually any design pool house and safely go with almost any style home. The key is to add a variety of textures, colors and materials that all work together to create one flawless design.

Here we see white shake siding paired with matching white trim and modern black framed windows. Brown cedar shingle roofing. The stone patio works perfectly with the color tones in the pool house. This is an absolutely beautiful pool house made even better by the open, pass through design.

There’s just something about a muted paint color palette that adds such sophisticated beauty to a home. Whether you love clean, bright whites or deep, dark grays, a natural pool house siding color works with just about any color home and provides the perfect backdrop for creative accents and architectural features.

Beautiful Pool House Design Gallery

Summary: Is A Pool House Worth it?

Just about every homeowner with a pool would benefit from building a pool house, but are they worth it. It’s a hard question to answer because of how varied pool house designs, styles, sizes and costs can be. A pool house should be designed and built to fit the needs, and budget, of the homeowner. Because of how versatile and flexible the designs can be, in our opinion, they’re worth it. Provided you have the space for one, the budget to build it, and a pool. You’ll love how easy it is to entertain around the pool when your using a new pool house.

I hope a few of the beautiful pool house pictures shown above and information discussed will help you build your dream pool house.

If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time.

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