Considerations when designing a pool house

Considerations when designing a pool house

If you’re thinking of designing a pool house for your backyard, there are a few key considerations you need to address that will affect its functionality and aesthetics. Whether you’re thinking of building a simple shelter for your outdoor lounges or a fully-equipped room with all the mod-cons, here are a few key factors you should consider.

Check the building codes

Just like building a main house, you’ll need to conform to the guidelines of your city’s building codes before designing a pool house. These codes will typically dictate where you can locate your pool house and how close it can be to the pool itself. You’ll also need to ensure the structure complies with the swimming pool fence regulations.

Consider the position

Deciding where to put the building is a key step in designing a pool house. The location will be largely governed by the position of your main home, access to services, the site’s topography and zoning guidelines. If you’re building a structure with an existing pool, where the pool sits will also dictate the position.

Beyond these restrictions, you’ll want to consider how the position suits the way you want to use the space. Think about the orientation and the exposure to the sun. Ask yourself, do you want to have the sun flood the space? Do you need to use the pool house for shade? Is there a particular view you want to frame? Do you want to locate the pool house away from the main home to create a destination? Will it better suit your lifestyle to have the structure close to your interior kitchen or even connected to your home?

Think about the design

Consider the design of your structure carefully and its architectural relationship with the main house. While it doesn’t need to be a mini replica of your home, it should complement and relate. This can be achieved through the proportions, lines, materials or the colour palette you choose to use. By following cues from your home’s architecture, you’ll create a much stronger visual cohesion.

You’ll also want to consider how the structure connects to your landscape and the pool itself. This could be simply by the orientation of your pool house, the continuation of flooring materials or extending the structure out over the pool.

Plan for enclosed and open shelter

To maximise the usage of your pool house, plan for both an enclosed and open shelter. Designing a structure with an overhang will provide you with shade while also enjoy the fresh airflow. Adding the addition of an enclosed space will also give you an option to retreat indoors should it rain.

Looking to build a pergola near your pool? Read our article to help you decide which pergola is best for your outdoor space. 

Maximise storage

You can never have enough storage in a pool house especially if you are sharing the space with young children. Pool gear including floats, sports equipment and safety products tend to be cumbersome and typically unattractive to have to lie around. Incorporating shelving, built-in joinery and storage benches will keep your pool house uncluttered and easy to maintain.

Think about your materials

One of the challenges to overcome with pool houses is humidity. Taking the time to consider the materials and finishes you use within the shelter is important as you want them to be able to withstand temperature variations.

From flooring and walling to joinery and furniture, ascertain how they hold up against humid environments and mildew before you commit. When choosing flooring materials, ensure you opt for a non-slip finish and one that won’t react to exposure to the chemicals of your pool water.

Make space to entertain

One of the benefits of owning a pool house is that you have the desired space to entertain outdoors. While your pool house needs to be functional at housing things like your pool gear or a change room, remember to fit it out with items to help you entertain in style.

Think comfortable seating in waterproof fabrics, a barbecue if you like to cook or a bar for a bit of extra fun. Whatever you choose to fit out in the space, remember to consider how often will you use it. You don’t want to install an expensive outdoor kitchen fully equipped with all the mod cons only for it to be used at Christmas. Sometimes, a simple fit-out is all you need.