Pool House Designs: House Plans with Pool

Pool house plans transform an ordinary swimming area into a complete outdoor retreat.

These versatile structures provide convenience, comfort, and style while complementing your main house architecture.

At Archival Designs, we’ve created pool houses that range from simple changing cabanas to luxurious pool house designs with full living quarters and premium amenities. With many years of experience designing pool house plans, we understand what it takes to deliver quality and reliability. Our collection features a variety of styles to suit different preferences, from classic to modern designs.

Whether you’re on the lookout for practical poolside storage or a sleek, cool entertainment pavilion with a covered porch, our collection offers a wealth of options to enhance your backyard pool experience. A unique design can make your pool house stand out and perfectly complement your property.

Careful planning ensures your pool house includes the right amenities for relaxation, entertaining, or even overnight guests. You can also customize any of our pool house plans to meet your specific needs, whether that means adjusting the size, layout, or features to fit your lifestyle and property— or even exploring transitional house plans for inspiration.

Introduction to Pool Houses

A pool house is more than just a convenient outbuilding—it’s a smart investment that elevates your entire property. Whether you’re looking for a place to store pool equipment and supplies, or dreaming of a stylish retreat for relaxation and entertainment, a pool house offers endless possibilities. With thoughtful planning, you can create a space that serves as a guest suite, a hub for casual gatherings, or even a home office, all while complementing the style of your main house. When designing your pool house, it’s important to consider your intended use, local building codes, and the overall aesthetic of your property. The right amenities—like a changing area, lounge space, or even a small kitchenette—can transform your pool house into a functional and enjoyable extension of your home, adding both value and year-round enjoyment.

Practical Features for Enjoying Your Pool to the Max

An outstandingly well-designed pool house makes owning and maintaining a pool far more practical and fun.

For example, most plans include a changing room where swimmers can change in and out of their swimwear without trekking water through the main home. These changing rooms serve as dedicated spaces for privacy and convenience. Many plans specify the number of baths or bathrooms included, with some offering a full bathroom or half bath to eliminate all of those annoying and potentially cold wet trips indoors, while dedicated storage space keeps pool toys, cleaning supplies, and pool equipment organized. Including a restroom in the pool house plan increases convenience and reduces trips to the main house.

Some designs even feature a handy outdoor shower for rinsing off sand and chlorine, which again prevents people from heading in and out of your main home.

Versatile, Flexible Spaces for Relaxation and Entertainment

Beyond the many practical functions they bring to the table, pool house plans create beautifully inviting spaces to relax and enjoy outdoor living. Including a lounge area in your pool house plan can create a comfortable spot for relaxation and entertainment, making it an ideal retreat for you and your guests.

For example, consider building an exquisite covered patio to shade your poolside zone on very hot days, allowing you to supervise swimmers and soak up the atmosphere in comfort.

Other designs go as far as featuring an outdoor kitchen or kitchenette for those all-important poolside drinks and impromptu entertaining, along with a dining area to match. You can also opt to include a fireplace for a cozy atmosphere during cooler evenings, enhancing the comfort and appeal of your pool house.

From afternoon gatherings on sunny days to evening parties, your pool house will be the perfect backyard party and chill-out zone.

Design Options of pool house plans to Suit Your Needs

Our pool house plans range from simple structures under 200 square feet to elaborate pavilions that function as a true guest house or recreational clubhouse. If you’re interested in exploring other architectural styles, such as Mediterranean house plans, you can find stylish options to complement your property. Choosing a well-constructed pool house is essential to ensure long-term value, durability, and functionality for your property.

Some designs add multi-functional rooms that transition fluidly between a practical changing area and a more social space. Popular additions include built-in seating areas, outdoor kitchens and bars, and front porches that provide the wonderful entry you, your family, and your guests deserve.

Larger designs might include complete living quarters with a full kitchen, sleeping accommodations, and entertainment spaces that make your pool house the envy of the neighborhood.

Make Your Pool House More Functional Throughout the Year

Your pool isn't reserved just for summer! To really get the most out of it, consider adding features that extend usability, like an outdoor kitchen, excellent lighting, and climate control systems, e.g. patio heaters if your area is prone to cooler weather.

With thoughtful design, a well-designed pool house can significantly extend your outdoor enjoyment beyond the summer months. Features like screened areas, heating, and windbreaks can make your pool area comfortable from spring through fall, truly maximizing your investment.

Pool Houses as Guest Houses

Transforming your pool house into a guest house is a fantastic way to provide visitors with a private, comfortable retreat. With a well-thought-out pool house plan, you can include a cozy bedroom, a full bathroom, and a welcoming living area, making it feel like a true home away from home. Depending on your intended use and the number of guests you wish to accommodate, pool houses designed as guest suites typically range from 500 to 1,500 sq ft. To enhance the guest experience, consider adding amenities such as an exercise room, a kitchenette for morning coffee, a bar area for evening relaxation, and plenty of outdoor seating for enjoying the pool and backyard views. A pool house guest house not only adds versatility to your property but also creates a unique, inviting space that guests will love.

Main Residence Integration

A successful pool house design goes beyond standalone functionality—it should seamlessly integrate with your main residence. When planning your pool house, pay close attention to how its style, materials, and architectural elements complement your main house. This creates a unified look that enhances the overall appeal and value of your property. The location of your pool house is also key: it should offer easy access to both the pool area and the main house, while fitting naturally into the surrounding landscape. By matching colors, finishes, and design details, you can create a harmonious transition between the main residence and the pool house, ensuring both spaces work together to maximize enjoyment and create a cohesive backyard oasis.

Permits and Inspections

Before breaking ground on your new pool house, it’s essential to navigate the permitting and inspection process. Local building codes and regulations are in place to ensure your pool house is safe, functional, and compliant with all zoning requirements. This process typically involves submitting detailed plans to your local authorities, paying any necessary fees, and scheduling inspections at key stages of construction. Working with experienced professionals who understand local regulations can help streamline the process and prevent costly mistakes. Skipping permits or inspections can lead to fines, delays, or even the need to remove non-compliant structures, so it’s always best to ensure your pool house is built to code from the start.

Budgeting and Cost Estimation

Careful budgeting and accurate cost estimation are crucial steps in planning your pool house project. The total investment can vary widely based on the size, amenities, materials, and complexity of your chosen pool house plan. For example, a simple structure may start around $20,000, while a larger, amenity-rich pool house can exceed $100,000. To stay on track, establish a clear budget that reflects your intended use and must-have features—whether that’s a bathroom, bar area, or extra storage space. Be sure to account for labor, materials, permits, and any custom modifications. A detailed cost estimate will help you prioritize amenities and ensure your new pool house delivers the functionality and enjoyment you envision, all while staying within your financial goals.

Smart Construction for Lasting Enjoyment

The best pool house plans account for the unique challenges of poolside construction. Water-resistant flooring, specialized ventilation to combat humidity, and durable materials that withstand chlorine exposure ensure your structure lasts for decades. The pool house should be thoughtfully located to maximize both functionality and aesthetic appeal in your backyard, ensuring it complements the surrounding landscape and enhances your outdoor living experience. For those interested in alternative compact home designs, shotgun house plans offer efficient floor plans and functional layouts that optimize space in smaller lots.

Many designs incorporate a crawl space for easy access to plumbing and electrical components, while premium plans feature weatherproof storage for electronics and furnishings. Thoughtful construction details make the difference between a seasonal building and a permanent year-round addition to your backyard.