A pool house should offer more than just changing facilities. It should be an extension of living space — a comfortable area to relax and entertain outdoors. Of course, there is much to consider when designing a pool house for a luxurious backyard oasis. These tips are essential to building the perfect structure.

Things to Consider When Designing a Pool House

Designing a pool house is an excellent way to make any backyard space more elegant. However, there are a few things to consider beforehand:

• Purpose and functionality: Decide on its intended purpose and use — for instance, entertaining guests or having a convenient place to shower and use the facilities.

• Style: Will it match the home's exterior or look entirely different?

• Budget: Decide how much money to spend on building it, whether renovating an existing pool house or starting from scratch.

• Size: How big is the property, and how much space is available to build a pool house? They are typically 100-500 square feet, but the size varies.

• Location: How close will the structure be to the pool? Is there easy access to it from the primary house?

Homeowners should also check with their municipality to determine what permits and regulations they need to start construction.

6 Tips for a Luxe Pool House

Pool houses are versatile structures ideal for extra storage, entertaining or hosting guests. It doesn't have to be an enclosed structure, either — adding a pergola with climbing plants could infuse luxury poolside relaxation. Here are six tips for designing a pool house to enhance outdoor recreation and enjoyment.

1. Embrace the Outdoors

Many homeowners have embraced indoor-outdoor living, searching for ways to integrate the spaces seamlessly. A pool house makes it easy to connect with the natural world using floor-to-ceiling windows, natural elements and lush landscaping. As temperatures rise by 1-7 degrees Fahrenheit in urban areas, dense trees provide the perfect shading in the heat.

Laying turf is another way to create a greener backyard. Turf looks and feels like grass but doesn't create a muddy mess when wet. This allows people to walk barefoot outside without dragging dirt in the water, pool house or primary home.

2. Add a Comfortable Seating Area

High-quality furniture can enhance the pool house's coziness. For instance, a plush sofa with accent chairs provides ample seating in an enclosed structure, while weather-resistant outdoor furnishings are ideal for open areas.

A combination of upright and lounge chairs is also a good idea. Small accent tables will provide a place to rest summer cocktails and personal effects.

3. Think Multiseasonal Use

Homeowners should consider multiseasonal use when designing a pool house — somewhere they can escape to whether the sun is shining or there's snow on the ground. This means the pool house will require proper electrical and plumbing.

Some people turn their pool houses into guest houses. Regardless, using it year-round requires an approach similar to building a traditional home. For example, routing your gutters away from the structure and clearing natural debris buildup ensure a stronger foundation and less to filter out of the pool.

4. Ensure Functionality

Before breaking ground, it is crucial to decide on a pool house's functionality. Is it to boost outdoor fun, store pool accessories or offer a private place to change clothes? Others might add gym equipment and make a fitness studio.

A wise investment would be a half bath — about 16-20 square feet is enough room for a toilet and sink. A larger bathroom with a shower is also convenient. Having a place to clean up and change out of your swimwear eliminates walking through the house soaking wet to use the facilities or dry off.

5. Lean Into Aesthetics

Pool houses may complement a home's architecture and color or provide a fresh start for trying a different style. For instance, some homeowners may want to turn their pool house into a tropical cabana or adopt a Mediterranean aesthetic.

Materials could include brick or stone accents, cedar shingles, clean lines or stucco siding. Patterned ceramic tiles may add color, while woven elements can influence a luxury island getaway.

6. Include Entertainment Features

There are numerous reasons to design a pool house with entertainment features. According to Fixr.com's Outdoor Living Trends 2024 study, 48% of people agree it should be multifunctional for different types of gatherings and activities during the year.

Transforming the pool house into a luxury entertainment hub requires creativity. Some ideas could include:

• Small bar area to mix drinks and keep refreshments cool

• Built-in barbecue or pizza oven with counter space for preparing outdoor meals

• Speaker system for playing music

• Large television for watching sporting events and movies

There are many ways to balance relaxation with socialization for backyard fun. For example, enclosed luxury pool houses may also include a fireplace or games, such as a pool table and table tennis.

Luxury Outdoor Living at Its Finest

Designing a pool house is ultimately about capturing a particular style and elevating outdoor living. Prioritizing function and incorporating thoughtful elements will make the area a personal paradise.

Author: Emily Newton

Cover image by Frames For Your Heart on Unsplash