Building A Round Pool House: Is It Practical?

Building a pool house can be a huge decision, and there are many factors to consider before taking the plunge. A pool house is a freestanding structure separate from your home, located near your pool, and used for changing, storing pool equipment, and entertaining. It can add value to your home, elevate your outdoor space, and provide a place to relax and entertain. However, it's important to consider the costs, maintenance, safety, and whether it makes sense for your specific needs and budget. The shape of your pool house is also an important consideration, with custom-built and prefab options available to suit different preferences and budgets.

Pros and cons of a pool house

A pool house can be a great addition to your property, but it's important to consider the pros and cons before taking the plunge.

Pros:

• A pool house can provide a convenient place for family and guests to change into their swimwear and store their belongings, reducing foot traffic in and out of the main house.
• It can add value to your home, increasing its appeal and resale value, especially if it has attractive features and is easy to maintain.
• It can serve as a dedicated entertainment space for hosting pool parties and cookouts, allowing you to keep your main house clean.
• It can be designed to include amenities such as a bathroom, outdoor shower, kitchen, or even a guest bedroom, enhancing the functionality and comfort of your pool area.
• A pool house can improve your quality of life by providing a space for relaxation, entertainment, and family bonding.
• It can make your backyard more attractive by acting as a centrepiece for your landscaping design.

Cons:

• Building a pool house can be expensive, with costs varying depending on size, materials, location, and contractor.
• It may increase your property insurance and energy bills.
• A pool house means additional cleaning and maintenance, which can be time-consuming and costly.
• There are safety considerations, especially if you have small children, and you may need to install safety features like fencing and door alarms.
• Depending on your location, you may need to obtain building permits and comply with zoning laws and HOA regulations, which can affect the size and placement of your pool house.
• If you decide to sell your home, potential buyers may be deterred by the work and expense associated with maintaining a pool and its accompanying house.

Overall, while a pool house can provide numerous benefits, it's essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pool house design options

Pool houses can be designed to match your lifestyle and budget. They can be customised to suit your needs, whether that's a hybrid storage and lounge space, a second living room, guest house, rec room, summer kitchen, bar, dining area, yoga room, or even a home office.

• Open or closed space: If you want to use your pool house year-round, you'll need to add heating and cooling, plumbing, a bathroom, electricity, and a connection to the sewer system. If it's only for seasonal use, you may want to consider an open structure with a roof to provide shade and shelter.
• Materials: When selecting materials for your pool house, choose something durable that can withstand the elements. Vinyl is a popular option for siding, ranging from about $1 to $8 per square foot. Other options include wood, stone, or metal.
• Windows and doors: Large windows and French doors can let in natural light and provide views of the pool. Sliding glass doors can cost up to $5,000. Windows typically cost $300 to $700 to install.
• Amenities: Consider what amenities you want in your pool house. A bathroom, shower, kitchenette, or bar area can enhance the functionality of the space. Built-in storage shelves or cabinets can also be useful for storing pool toys and equipment.
• Decor: You can decorate your pool house to mirror the main house, offer a contrasting look, or blend seamlessly into the backyard or natural landscape. Consider using durable materials like porcelain or ceramic tiles, natural stone, or concrete for a rustic feel.
• Lighting and landscaping: Don't forget to light the exterior of your pool house to make it inviting after dark. You can also add landscaping features like a pergola or a fireplace to create a cosy atmosphere.

Pool house cost

Pool houses come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, so the cost to build one can vary significantly. The national average cost for building a pool house is $114,000, but costs can range from $26,630 for basic pool house kits to $180,000 for high-end designs. The cost per square foot for building a detached pool house typically falls between $160 and $600, with an average total cost of $45,000-$180,000 for a 300-square-foot structure.

There are several factors that can affect the cost of building a pool house, including:

• Size: The larger the pool house, the more expensive it will be.
• Features: Adding features such as a bathroom, kitchen, changing room, or bar will increase the cost.
• Materials: The choice of materials for siding, roofing, windows, doors, and interior finishes will impact the overall cost.
• Labour: Hiring professionals to build a customised or prefabricated pool house will add to the cost.
• Utilities: Routing utilities like water and electricity to the pool house will increase construction costs.
• Customisation: Opting for custom designs, furnishings, and add-ons will result in higher costs.

It's important to obtain the necessary permits and comply with zoning laws and ordinances before starting construction. Additionally, consider the intended use of the pool house, whether it will be used for storage, entertainment, or as a guest house, as this will influence the design and budget.

Pool house maintenance

While a pool house can be a great addition to your property, it does require regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips to help you maintain your pool house:

Cleaning and Maintenance

• Establish a regular cleaning schedule for your pool house, including tasks such as sweeping, mopping, and dusting.
• Pay particular attention to areas that are prone to moisture or water exposure, such as the pool house interior and exterior walls, windows, and doors.
• Inspect the roof and gutters of the pool house regularly, and clear any debris or leaves that may have accumulated.
• If your pool house has a bathroom, ensure that it is well-maintained and that all fixtures and plumbing are in good working order.
• For custom-built pool houses, ensure that any utilities, such as water and electricity, are properly maintained and serviced.

Repairs and Upkeep

• Conduct regular inspections of your pool house to identify any necessary repairs, such as fixing leaks, replacing damaged fixtures, or addressing structural issues.
• Keep an eye on the pool house foundation and grading. If you notice any settling or shifting, consult a professional to assess and address the issue.
• Maintain the exterior finish of the pool house by periodically cleaning and resealing it to protect against the elements.
• If your pool house has an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area, ensure that all appliances and fixtures are in good working order and properly maintained.
• For prefab pool houses, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific maintenance and upkeep instructions.

Landscaping and Surroundings

• Maintain the landscaping around your pool house, including any gardens, lawns, or hardscaping.
• Consider adding lighting to enhance the aesthetics and safety of the pool house area.
• If you have a pergola or other structures attached to your pool house, ensure they are also well-maintained and in good condition.
• Keep the area around the pool house clear of debris and clutter to create a safe and enjoyable space.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure that your pool house complies with local building codes and regulations, including zoning laws and ordinances.
• If you have an HOA, stay up to date with any bylines and regulations that may impact your pool house.
• Install safety features such as handrails, non-slip surfaces, and proper signage to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of guests.
• Regularly inspect and maintain any fire features, such as a fireplace or fire pit, to ensure they meet safety standards.

Pool house safety considerations

Safety should be a key consideration when building a pool house. Here are some essential safety measures to keep in mind:

Secure the Pool Area:

Install appropriate barriers around the pool to prevent unauthorised access, especially by young children. This can include a four-sided isolation fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate that is out of a child's reach. The fence should be at least four feet high and built in a way that prevents children from using objects to climb over it.

Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers:

Install anti-entrapment safety drain covers to protect against drain entrapment. Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings to avoid accidents. Inspect your drains and covers regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.

Supervise Children:

Never leave children unattended near the pool, even if they are accomplished swimmers. Stay within arm's reach of young children and non-swimmers. Make sure everyone in your household, including children and adults, knows how to swim and follows basic pool safety rules.

Emergency Preparedness:

Ensure that rescue equipment, such as life rings, floats, or a reaching pole, is easily accessible and well-maintained. Keep a phone by the pool with emergency numbers posted, and make sure that everyone in your household knows basic water safety, first aid, and CPR.

Pool Rules:

Establish and enforce clear pool rules, such as no running near the pool, no diving in the shallow end, and no roughhousing. Ensure that these rules are followed by everyone using the pool, including guests.

Lighting and Electrical Safety:

If your pool house has lighting or electrical appliances, ensure that they are installed safely and comply with local regulations. This may include installing ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electrical shocks.

Chemical Storage:

If you use chemicals to treat the pool water, store them securely and out of the reach of children in a well-ventilated area. Ensure that you follow local regulations for chemical storage and disposal.

Slip Hazards:

Ensure that the area around the pool is non-slip to prevent accidents. This includes using appropriate materials for the pool deck and maintaining good housekeeping to prevent water or debris from creating slippery surfaces.

Maintenance:

Regularly maintain your pool and pool house to ensure that all safety features are functioning properly. This includes checking the pool fence, gates, drains, lighting, and any other equipment or amenities you have installed.

Remember, even with these safety measures in place, constant supervision and adherence to pool rules are crucial to ensuring the safety of everyone using the pool.

Frequently asked questions