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Highlights
- It will typically cost between $26,630 and $180,000 to build a pool house, with a national average cost of $114,000.
- There are several factors that can affect pool house cost, including the building’s size and features, siding and roof material, windows and doors, interior finishes, and labor.
- A pool house comes with numerous benefits, including additional privacy, reduced traffic in the main house, extra entertainment space, and increased home value.
- A handy homeowner may have the skills to assemble a basic prefabricated pool house as a DIY project, but it’s advisable to hire a professional to build a larger prefabricated or customized structure.
Having a pool in the yard is a great way to enjoy the summer sun. Homeowners and their guests can lie back with a drink in their hand, swim laps for exercise, or splash about with their kids. However, when they need to change, go to the bathroom, or even grab a refill on their drink, they will have to walk back into the house, doing their best to prevent leaving a trail of water behind them.
If the backyard size allows it, building a small pool house or a pool house shed can be a good way for the homeowner to give guests a quick place to change or store their belongings while they swim. A pool house with bathroom facilities will cost more but offers better functionality than a standalone backyard pool house without plumbing. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the average cost for building a pool house is about $114,000, but costs can range from $26,630 for basic pool house kits to $180,000 for high-end designs, like a prefab pool house with bathroom and kitchen facilities. Homeowners can find out more about the factors that can affect the pool house cost with this detailed guide.
Key Cost Factors
Before homeowners hire contractors to install a pool house, they’ll want to learn the factors involved in calculating pool house costs. Without this information, it can be difficult for a homeowner to put together a working budget for the project. Some factors to consider include the pool house size, features, construction materials, and labor costs.
Pool House Size
As the desired size of the pool house increases, the cost of the materials and the labor involved also increases, so having an idea of these factors will help homeowners budget for their project. Homeowners will also want to note that the size of the pool house can be affected by the features and additions they want. Large, complex pool houses may even have a higher price than typical built-in pool costs.
For instance, a bathroom, kitchen, changing room, or a bar will require additional space, increasing the size of the pool house. Typically, homeowners can expect to pay about $160 to $600 per square foot to build a pool house.
| Size | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| 150 square feet | $24,000 to $90,000 |
| 300 square feet | $48,000 to $180,000 |
| 500 square feet | $80,000 to $300,000 |
| 750 square feet | $120,000 to $450,000 |
| 1,000 square feet | $160,000 to $600,000 |
Pool House Features
The cost of the pool house installation project can range significantly depending on the pool house features. Common additions include a bathroom, bar, kitchen, or outdoor shower.
- Bathroom installations typically include a new toilet, sink, walk-in shower, plumbing infrastructure, electrical infrastructure, and light fixtures. All in all, adding a bathroom to a pool house project will cost about $15,000 to $35,000.
- Bars are a great option for entertaining guests. They can be installed outside or inside for about $2,000 to $4,000 on average. This includes the cost of a new sink, a refrigerator, and the materials and labor to build the bar.
- Kitchens are more costly to install, ranging from $5,000 to over $125,000, depending on the size, materials, and appliances. However, if the pool house will double as a guest house, then a full kitchen is a great investment.
- Outdoor showers aren’t as expensive as full bathrooms, but they still provide a place to wash off after swimming laps in the pool. Homeowners can plan to spend about $1,000 to $8,000 for the installation of an outdoor shower.
Siding and Roofing
Another consideration for homeowners to keep in mind while planning this construction project is the cost of the materials. Tony Caciolo is the president of Monogram Custom Homes and Pools in Central Valley, Pennsylvania. He states, “Exteriors are usually designed to complement the main house…There is nothing special needed because it is a pool house [and] all exteriors are designed for the elements. It really comes down to matching the house.”
Vinyl siding is the most common option for a pool house installation, ranging in cost from about$1 to $8 per square foot. Depending on the material, roofing costs range from $4.35 to $11 per square foot. However, there are a variety of alternative materials to consider for this project, including the following:
- Aluminum roofing
- Glass roofing
- Wood
- Fiber cement
- Stucco siding
- Engineered wood
- Brick
- Synthetic stone
Windows and Doors
The homeowner’s budget will also reflect the material and labor costs to install windows and doors in the pool house. Typically, windows will cost about $200 to $800 to install, though their size, shape, and style can impact the cost of the project. To keep costs low, homeowners can invest in basic windows with simple designs.
“Homeowners generally don’t like going in [through] a small door to enter what could end up as a glorified shed,” says Caciolo. “It is important to install large glass doors to make the inside feel like the outside. Large accordion-style glass walls are popular since they can completely open the room to the outside.” A standard sliding glass is a great option for a pool house, ranging in cost from $1,100 to $4,000. Factors that can impact the cost of the door include the size, type of glass, door frame material, and number of panes.
Interior Finishes
When the pool house structure is complete and any plumbing or electrical lines have been run, the next phase of the project is to install the interior finishes, including the drywall, ceiling, insulation, flooring, and paint. When it comes to flooring, “Tile is the best choice since it is not impacted by water and easily cleaned,” says Caciolo. Homeowners will want to plan enough room in their budget to purchase the necessary materials and to pay the labor costs for the contractor to complete the interior finishes.
Avid DIYers may choose to complete the interior finishes without the help of a contractor. This can be a good way to reduce the labor costs for the project, though it may take longer to finish the pool house construction.
| Interior Finish | Average Cost per Square Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Drywall | $1.50 to $3 |
| Flooring | $2 to $22 |
| Insulation | $0.30 to $6.75 |
| Paint | $2.75 to $4.70 |
Labor
Labor rates can vary depending on the location, with cities typically having higher rates than rural towns due to differences in demand. On average, the labor costs for building a pool house range from about $34,200 to $68,400. It’s recommended that homeowners research and get estimates from at least three companies or contractors to ensure that they get a fair price for this project. Homeowners can check with the best pool installation companies or best pool cleaning services in their area to see if they also build pool houses or have a recommended contractor for the project. If homeowners haven’t yet built their pool, it may be possible to save on the cost of building a pool and pool house by scheduling these projects together.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Building a pool house can be as simple as putting together a prefab pool house kit or building a small shed where people can change before jumping into the pool. However, additions like plumbing, electrical systems, custom designs, furnishings, and other add-ons, will add significantly to the final pool house cost.
Planning and Site Preparation
When homeowners are building a custom structure, it’s often a good idea to hire an architect to draw up plans and make sure everything is up to code. This is especially important if the pool house will have rooms such as bathrooms or kitchens that require utility hookups. Architects typically charge between $100 and $250 per hour.
Whether a homeowner chooses a prefab or custom pool house, some site preparation will be necessary before the pool house can be built. This usually includes leveling the ground, which costs anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the size of the lot.
Permits
Homeowners who have already gone through the process of building a pool know that most construction projects require a permit. It’s a good idea to coordinate with the contractor overseeing the project to find out who is responsible for pulling permits. In most cases, permits cost between $500 and $2,000.
Utilities
Depending on the design of the pool house, there may be plumbing and electrical costs for the homeowner to consider while drawing up the budget for the project. If they plan to put in a bathroom, kitchen, bar, or any type of shower facilities, then the contractor will need to run water and sewer lines to the pool house. This can cost about $1,500 to complete, though any additional fixtures, like a toilet or sink, will increase the cost of the plumbing work.
Similarly, if the pool house will have a functional stove, refrigerator, washer, dryer, or lighting, then the contractor will have to run electrical wires to the pool house and may even need to install a junction box to accommodate the electrical infrastructure. Homeowners can plan to spend at least $1,410 for electrical wiring costs.
Customizations and Add-ons
A simple structure built by converting an old shed is one of the most affordable ways to install a pool house for the home, but this basic design doesn’t include an easily accessible bathroom, shower, or any other features. To improve the functionality of the pool house, there is a wide range of customizations and add-ons to consider for a modern pool house, including sinks, refrigerators, toilets, mini-fridges, ovens, walk-in showers, outdoor showers, and bars. “In terms of amenities, kitchens, beverage coolers, and a sitting bar are three critical items no pool house should be without,” says Caciolo.
Homeowners will want to keep in mind that adding features to the pool house can increase the size of the structure, driving up the cost for material and labor. If there is room in the budget, they’ll want to speak to the contractor to determine if any of these customizations would be a good idea for the pool house.
| Add-on | Average Cost |
| Bar | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| Mini-fridge | $190 to $470 |
| Outdoor shower | $1,000 to $8,000 |
| Oven/stove | $510 to $8,000 |
| Refrigerator | $600 to $3,250 |
| Sink | $100 |
| Toilet | $373 |
| Walk-in shower | $750 to $6,850 |
Furnishings
When the entire pool house is built, the plumbing and electrical systems are in place, and the finishing touches have been added to complete the project, the homeowner will need to purchase furnishings, like shelves for storage, couch and chairs to lounge on, bar stools, or patio furniture. The number and type of furnishings required for the pool house largely depend on the size of the pool house and the features included in the design.
For instance, a homeowner may need only a couple of chairs to furnish a small shed-style pool house, while a luxury pool house that doubles as a guest house will require a substantial investment to decorate and furnish it properly.
Types of Pool Houses
The cost of the project can vary depending on the type of pool house, so it’s a good idea for homeowners to learn more about the various types in order to select the right design for their home. Narrowing down the pool house type will also help them put together an accurate budget for the project. There are three common pool house types, including prefabricated, custom-built, and pool house sheds.
| Pool House Type | Average Cost |
| Custom-built | $24,000 to $180,000 |
| Prefabricated | $5,000 to $44,000 |
| Shed | $1,500 |
Custom-Built
The most expensive type of swimming pool house is a custom-built structure, which can range in cost from $24,00 to $180,000. The broad range is due to the wide variety of customization options, including the size of the structure, pool house features, windows and doors, siding and roofing, flooring, drywall and paint, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, and more.
Depending on the design, a custom-built pool house may include a bathroom, full kitchen, shower facilities, storage space, bar, and dining area. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that the more features the pool house has, the larger the size of the structure, and the higher the cost of completing the project. In some cases, the cost to build a custom pool house can come close to the cost to build a house.
Prefabricated
Prefabricated pool houses or modular pool houses come prebuilt. “They also don’t typically need a full foundation like custom pool houses do,” Caciolo says. “Also, there aren’t as many inspections since it is a prefabricated unit, so there is a cost, time, and hassle savings with that.” Homeowners will want to speak to their contractor to plan the delivery of the prefabricated structure. After the prefabricated pool house is in place, the contractor or DIYer will also need to complete interior finishes, like the drywall, ceilings, windows, and doors.
Prefab pool houses are typically less expensive to purchase and install than custom-built pool houses. Prefab structures cost about $26,630 on average, but they can range from $5,000 to $44,000. However, they are not as durable or long lasting as custom-built pool house structures.
Shed
Converting an existing shed into a pool house or building a small shed-style pool house can be a good way to increase storage space for pool toys, towels, cleaning solutions, maintenance tools, pool accessories, and other equipment. Depending on the size, the shed can also be used as a private place to change before swimmers get in the pool and after they get out.
Shed-style backyard pool houses are relatively small, with most measuring just 100 square feet, and they don’t generally have any special features, like bathroom facilities or showers. This small size and basic design make it possible to convert an old shed or build a new shed-style pool house for just $1,500.
Benefits of Building a Pool House
There are a variety of benefits to building a pool house, including added privacy, reduced traffic through the main house, outdoor entertainment, and a slight increase to the value of the home. So, regardless of whether a homeowner is hiring contractors to install a modular pool house for an inground pool or they are looking up pool house ideas on a budget for a DIY project, a pool house is a great addition.
Privacy
If the cost of an indoor pool is out of reach, an outdoor pool house is the next best thing. Installing a basic pool house is a good way to provide a simple changing space for residents and guests. Before heading to the pool, swimmers can change out of their regular clothes and put on clean bathing suits without having to run inside to a bathroom or bedroom.
The real benefit, however, comes after swimmers get out of the pool. Instead of shivering with a towel in the breeze while waiting for their turn to go inside the home to change, they can gradually exit the pool, taking turns changing in the pool house. Depending on the size of the pool house, the structure can also double as a guest house, giving the homeowner’s in-laws, friends, and other guests a private place to change, bathe, and relax.
Reduced Traffic in Main House
A common problem that many people encounter when they invest in a pool is that swimmers frequently go inside to grab a drink or use the bathroom, trailing water behind them as they walk through the house. A pool house can help reduce traffic and keep the main house clean by ensuring guests remain outdoors while enjoying the pool.
Swimmers can head into the outdoor pool house to use the bathroom, shower, or grab a drink from the refrigerator. Then, when everyone is done in the pool, the homeowner can set up the grill and gather around the pool house bar for food and drinks.
Entertainment
Adding a pool house to the yard immediately improves a homeowner’s ability to entertain their guests. Even a basic shed-style structure provides guests with a private, functional location to change, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone. However, larger, high-end pool house designs can also incorporate a full kitchen, bar, outdoor shower, seating space, and even an entertainment system.
Homeowners can serve drinks to guests poolside, put on their favorite playlist, prepare tasty meals, and enjoy the summer sun without needing to go to the main house. When the weather takes a turn, they can duck into the pool house to enjoy a cup of coffee and conversation, to play some board games, or to watch the storm pass by outside before they head back to the pool when the sun returns.
Increased Home Value
When it comes time to sell the home, renovation projects can increase the value of the home, allowing the homeowner to get back the money that they invested in the upgrades. Building a pool house can increase the home value, making the property more appealing to potential buyers. The return on investment (ROI) for this project is only about 5 percent to 8 percent. This means that if a homeowner spent $100,000 to build a pool house, then the value of the home would increase by about $5,000 to $8,000. While a homeowner may not invest in a pool house specifically to increase the home value, it can be worth it if they enjoy entertaining company, need a place to store pool toys and accessories, and want additional privacy for changing; the increase in home value is just an extra benefit.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Putting in a pool house can be a costly project, with an average cost ranging from $26,630 to $180,000. With the potential to spend $34,200 to $68,400 in labor costs, homeowners can be tempted to tackle this job as a DIY project, so that they only need to worry about the cost of materials. Shed-style pool houses can be a good DIY project that is relatively easy to complete without the need to hire professional contractors.
However, if the plan is to put in a large prefabricated structure or build a custom pool house from the ground up, homeowners are advised to hire a contractor. Professional contractors have more knowledge and experience, allowing them to quickly assess the job, come up with a plan, and execute it to near perfection. According to Caciolo, “A professional will ensure that the building is built correctly to code and manage all aspects of the project. Plus the builder will purchase materials at a better price, so some of the savings [are] diminished since the homeowners typically won’t get contractor pricing.” Some local guidelines and permit restrictions may even require that the pool house installation be completed by a licensed contractor.
Financing Options and Money-Saving Tips
After homeowners make the decision to install a pool house, the next step is to come up with a budget for the project. Building a pool house can cost between $26,630 and $180,000, so it’s important to figure out how to keep costs low without sacrificing quality. Consider the following suggestions to help save money on the pool house cost.
- Get multiple estimates. It’s a good idea to look into at least three different companies or contractors before deciding on the right professional to complete the job. This will help ensure that you get a fair price for the project.
- DIY as much as possible. Installing a full pool house with a functional bathroom, kitchen, and changing area isn’t a DIY job, but there are parts of the project you may be able to do to keep labor costs down, like framing the walls, putting in drywall, or completing the interior finishes.
- Reuse an old shed or garage. Turning an old shed or garage into a functional pool house is a great way to reduce the cost for this project, because the main structure is already built. Looking up pool shed ideas online can be a great source of inspiration.
- Opt for a prefabricated pool house. Instead of investing in a custom-built pool house, you can save by going with a prefabricated design. These modular pool house structures require minimal work to complete the installation, allowing you to cut down on labor costs.
- Use affordable materials for construction. Save money on the DIY pool house installation by investing in affordable construction materials, or speak to the contractor about using less expensive materials to complete the project.
- Install the pool house at the same time as the pool. If you’re already budgeting for inground pool cost, it may be cheaper to ask the contractor to include a pool house in the quote.
When it comes to financing a pool house, homeowners typically have several options:
- Home equity loan. If you have enough equity in your home, you can tap into it to help finance a large home improvement project, such as building a pool house. The best home equity loan lenders (such as U.S. Bank or Flagstar Bank) can help homeowners access the money they have invested in their home.
- Personal loan. Homeowners who don’t want to use their home’s equity (or who don’t have enough equity in their home for a loan) may want to consider taking out one of the best personal loans to help them pay for their pool house installation.
- Credit card. Using a credit card for a large home project is another option. Homeowners with good credit may qualify for a card with a zero-percent introductory interest rate, which can help them keep the cost of borrowing down.
- Contractor financing. Homeowners may want to see if their pool house contractor offers project financing.
- Savings. Those with a robust savings account can consider using cash to pay for some or all of the pool house construction project.
Questions to Ask a Pro
Professional pool house contractors know the ins and outs of the job, so it’s natural for a homeowner to let them take the lead. However, building a pool house is a big financial investment, so it’s worth asking a few key questions before hiring a contractor to ensure the pool house installation will be completed on time, on budget, and with proper safety precautions.
- What is your work schedule?
- What is the timeline for completion?
- Do you have a contractor’s license?
- How long have you been in this business?
- May I see your certificate of insurance?
- Can you provide a list of past client referrals?
- Will you obtain the permits for the job?
- Will you be using subcontractors on this project?
- What is the payment schedule?
- How do I get in contact with you during the project?
- What type of pool house do you recommend?
- How far away should the pool house be from the pool?
- Is any extra HVAC or electrical work required?
- How will you clean up at the end of the day?
- Where will tools and materials be stored during the project?
- What steps will you take to protect my property?
- How will additional charges be handled?
- When can you start?
FAQs
Projects with high price tags, like the cost to build a pool or a pool house, should have a strict budget in place before construction starts. To ensure their budget is as accurate as possible, it’s important for homeowners to have a firm understanding of the building process and pool house cost factors. While figuring out how to finance a pool or pool house construction project, homeowners can consider these answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
The size of the pool house depends on the available space in the yard, the desired features, and personal preferences. On average, a pool house will measure about 9 feet by 13 feet, or 117 square feet, in size.
There are no strict guidelines surrounding the placement of the pool house or the distance of the pool house from the pool. However, some homeowners associations (HOAs) or local municipalities may have regulations that dictate the minimum distance the pool house must be positioned from the pool. Before planning the pool house installation, homeowners will want to check their local regulations to ensure the structure placement meets local guidelines.
Generally, pool house construction is a messy project that can tear up the yard, cause a lot of noise, and kick dust and debris up into the air. Even putting in a prefabricated pool house will still require digging up the yard to install a foundation.
Swimming pool houses don’t have to have bathrooms, but one can be installed for about $15,000 to $35,000 on average. This cost is due to the extra work required to run plumbing and electrical and to install fixtures.
Building a pool house can be a good idea to improve the functionality of the home and the enjoyment of the pool, but this project doesn’t have a high ROI (return on investment). The ROI for a pool house installation is just 5 percent to 8 percent (which is similar to the ROI for the cost for pool installation). So, while this project will increase the value of the home, it’s not an investment that will pay off significantly in the future. That’s why homeowners will want to consider the pros and cons of installing a pool or a pool house before moving forward with the project.
Whether a pool house is worth it or not depends on the purpose of the project. If the goal is to increase the home value, then a pool house installation may not be the best money-making renovation, with a low ROI of just 5 percent to 8 percent. However, if the pool house is for personal enjoyment, then it can be a worthwhile investment that can help residents and guests take advantage of the pool environment for years.
Sources: Angi (1, 2, and 3), HomeAdvisor, Homes & Gardens, River Pools