The pool house is the ultimate complement to your backyard pool. Whether you use it for storage, relaxation, or as an outdoor kitchen, it transforms your home into a truly welcoming and functional living space. Choosing the right pool house can feel overwhelming — there are many styles and materials to consider. And it plays a major role in landscaping around your pool.
Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
What Is a Pool House?
Located next to and open to the pool, a pool house is a structure designed primarily for relaxation. Unlike an above-ground pool shelter, it can also house the pool's technical room, garden furniture, and maintenance equipment. It's sometimes called a pool shelter or garden shed.
A well-designed pool house typically features two or three distinct areas. It's often an open-air structure resembling an open terrace, sometimes with glazed panels, a pergola, or a dedicated wood deck.
A closed section of around 100 sq ft or less works well for housing the technical room and storage. An intermediate space with large sliding glass doors can accommodate sun loungers or a spa. And a fully open section can flow seamlessly toward the pool deck and backyard.
Why Build a Pool House?
Not everyone sees the point right away — but the benefits are real:
- It provides seasonal storage for all pool accessories and keeps your backyard neat and organized.
- It creates an extra living space for entertaining guests or unwinding in comfort.
- It enhances your overall swimming and outdoor experience.
- It's a smart investment that adds real value to your property.
- It gives you a comfortable, shaded space to relax close to the pool on the hottest days.
Pool House Materials — Which One Is Right for You?
The material you choose depends on your personal taste, budget, maintenance preferences, and the decorating style you want around your pool.
Wood — Natural and Budget-Friendly
The most popular choice, wood is a warm, natural material with excellent value for money. Often available as a DIY kit, it's easy to install and works with virtually any style — from sleek flat-roof contemporary to classic double-pitch chalet. It pairs beautifully with a wooden semi-inground pool.
The downside: wood requires regular maintenance against moisture, UV, and insects — sanding, varnishing, and repainting over time. Prices generally range from $300–$1,100 per sq ft depending on wood type and finish.
Composite — Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting
A blend of wood and resin, composite planks look like wood without the upkeep headaches. UV-resistant and virtually maintenance-free — just a regular rinse with the hose. Available in classic wood tones or modern grey and anthracite finishes for a contemporary look.
PVC — Colorful and Easy Care
PVC pool houses come in a wide range of colors — white, red, blue, and more. Like composite, it holds its appearance for years with minimal maintenance. Typically features a classic double-pitch roof style.
Steel or Aluminum — Sleek and Modern
Factory-built and delivered ready to place on the slab, metal pool houses feature clean geometric lines and large glass panels that maximize natural light. A highly contemporary look with real visual impact. Extremely durable and weather-resistant with no special maintenance required.
Stone — Mediterranean Charm
Nothing beats the timeless charm of a stone pool house — but it comes at a price. Expect significant investment for a fully equipped stone structure. A more affordable option: use natural stone only on the exterior walls for a distinguished, high-end look at a lower cost. Stone does need waterproofing in wet areas.
Masonry — Solid and Built to Last
Built on concrete foundations with brick or cinder block, masonry pool houses are extremely solid and durable. Can be attached to the house or built as a freestanding structure in the yard. Highly resistant to sun and weather — but the significant construction work involved makes it one of the more expensive options.
Precast Concrete — Fast and Versatile
Quick to build, solid, and virtually maintenance-free, precast concrete pool houses are available in a wide range of finishes and colors to suit any style.
Pool House Regulations — What You Need to Know
Before building or ordering a pool house, always check with your local planning or zoning authority to understand what's required in your area. Rules vary by location and may cover construction style, roof type, and more.
As a general guide: smaller structures may require no permits at all, while larger builds typically require a prior declaration or a full building permit. Always verify the specific requirements in your municipality before getting started.
A pool house is a genuinely practical and stylish addition to any pool area — and with the right material and design, it can be both durable and beautiful. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect fit!
Want to add a fun, exotic touch to your pool area? Check out our original inflatable pool loungers:
FAQ: Pool House: Complete Guide
What is a pool house?
A pool house is a structure adjacent to the pool that provides an outdoor living space. It typically includes: a changing room and shower, an outdoor bar/kitchen, a covered social area, and sometimes a technical room for pool equipment (pump, filter, chemicals). It is an investment that adds value to the property and improves pool comfort.
Do I need planning permission for a pool house?
Yes, if the floor area exceeds 20 m², a prior work declaration is required. Above 40 m² in an urban zone, a building permit is needed. Structures under 5 m² generally require no formalities. Check your local planning rules (PLU): some councils impose restrictions on rear garden buildings.
What budget should I plan for a pool house?
Pool house costs vary by size and spec: prefabricated wooden pool house (10–15 m²): €3,000–10,000. Custom-built masonry pool house (15–25 m²): €20,000–50,000. These amounts cover the main structure but not necessarily equipment (kitchen, shower, electrics). Self-build with a timber frame significantly reduces the cost.
What materials are used to build a pool house?
The most common materials for a pool house are: timber frame (affordable, flexible, good thermal performance), traditional masonry (maximum durability, quality finish, higher cost), steel and glass (contemporary design), and reinforced concrete (longevity, minimal maintenance). The choice depends on your budget, your home's style and local planning rules.
How do I connect the utilities in a pool house?
A pool house needs water connections (drinking water supply and wastewater drainage to the mains), electricity (dedicated sub-board with 30 mA differential protection, appropriate circuit breakers), and possibly gas (for an outdoor kitchen). These works must be carried out by qualified professionals (plumber, electrician) to comply with current regulations.
