Pool House Plans

When searching for your dream home around a pool, it’s important to consider how the spaces around it function—both for relaxation and practicality. Whether you're adding a standalone pool house or selecting a full house plan with a built-in pool, the goal is to maximize comfort, accessibility, and outdoor living.

What to Include in a Pool House

A pool house serves as a dedicated support structure for your swimming area. It provides a space to change, rinse off, entertain, and store gear—all without trekking through your main home. At The House Plan Company, our pool house plans are thoughtfully designed to deliver functionality and style for a wide range of property types and lot sizes.

Popular features in pool house plans include:

• Changing room or dressing area for privacy and convenience
• Bathroom or outdoor shower to keep wet feet out of the main house
• Outdoor kitchen or grill station for seamless poolside entertaining
• Storage space for pool toys, floats, cleaning equipment, and towels
• Covered patio or pergola with ceiling fans for shade and airflow
• Lounge or sitting area for guests to relax out of the sun
• Guest suite or sleeping loft for overnight visitors or short-term rentals
• Wet bar or beverage center for drinks and snacks on demand
• Modern design elements like expansive glass doors and vaulted ceilings
• Utility-ready layout for easy plumbing, electrical, and HVAC installation

Whether compact or full-featured, a pool house adds long-term value, improves usability of your outdoor space, and elevates your backyard into a true retreat.

What to Include in a House Plan with a Pool

A house plan with a pool integrates water features into the overall architecture of the home. These designs are especially popular in warm climates or with homeowners who prioritize outdoor living. The pool may be located in the backyard, a side courtyard, or even a central atrium visible from key areas of the home.

Key features in house plans with pools often include:

1. Direct access from the living room or primary suite to the pool deck
2. Large sliding or French doors that create an indoor-outdoor flow
3. Wraparound porches, lanais, or covered patios for shaded seating
4. Central courtyard pools for privacy and enhanced aesthetics
5. Outdoor dining or entertaining areas adjacent to the pool
6. Vaulted ceilings and large windows with views of the pool
7. Walkout basements or daylight foundations for backyard pool access
8. Outdoor fireplaces or fire pits to extend usability into the evening
9. Custom landscaping zones to blend the home and pool environment
10. Flexible floor plans that optimize sightlines and maximize backyard space

At The House Plan Company, our house plans with pools are crafted by experienced designers who understand the importance of both function and beauty. Whether you're looking for a modern home with a sleek lap pool or a farmhouse with a rustic outdoor retreat, our collection includes pre-drawn plans tailored for your lifestyle.

The best location for a pool depends on your lot size, home orientation, privacy needs, and how you plan to use the space. Ideally, the pool should be easily accessible from main living areas like the great room, kitchen, or primary suite, and positioned to receive optimal sunlight while offering privacy from neighbors.

When integrating a pool into your house design, consider layouts that create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. At The House Plan Company, many of our home plans with pools feature sliding or French doors that open directly to a patio, lanai, or courtyard, allowing for fluid movement between the house and pool area.

Smart pool placement and design integration tips:

• Position the pool within view of interior living spaces for added safety and visual appeal
• Use a central courtyard layout for a private oasis surrounded by the home
• Incorporate covered patios, outdoor kitchens, or fireplaces to extend living and entertaining space
• Align the pool with sun exposure patterns to keep water warm and inviting
• Use landscaping, fencing, or elevation to enhance privacy and aesthetics

By designing with both form and function in mind, your pool becomes a natural extension of your home. Browse our curated collection of House Plans with Pools to find pre-designed layouts that bring your outdoor vision to life.

A pool house is a separate or attached structure designed to support the use of a swimming pool. It typically includes features like a changing area, bathroom, outdoor shower, storage space, and sometimes a kitchenette or guest suite. Pool houses are ideal for keeping wet traffic out of the main home and providing a comfortable space for poolside entertaining.

In contrast, a house plan with a pool refers to a full residential home design that incorporates a swimming pool into the overall layout. These plans often feature direct access from main living areas to the pool deck, covered patios, courtyards, or indoor-outdoor living spaces where the pool is a central design element.

Key Differences:

• Pool House: A secondary structure designed for changing, storage, and poolside use
• House Plan with Pool: A full home design that integrates a pool into the main layout for lifestyle and aesthetic purposes

At The House Plan Company, we offer both pool house plans and house plans with pools to suit your lot, lifestyle, and outdoor living goals. Whether you're looking for a luxurious guest-ready pool house or a fully integrated pool home design, we have the perfect plan to match.

The total cost to build a house plan with a pool varies based on home size, location, and the type of pool you choose. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 2024 data, the average cost to build a 2,647 sq. ft. home is approximately $428,200, excluding the cost of land.

Adding a swimming pool typically ranges from $35,000 to $120,000, depending on the pool’s size, materials, and custom features. Most homeowners can expect to pay between $50,000 and $100,000 for a quality inground pool.

Key Considerations

• Size & Finishes: Larger homes and high-end materials increase total cost.
• Pool Features: Custom shapes, spas, lighting, and decking add to expenses.
• Site Prep & Permits: Additional costs for excavation, permits, and landscaping typically range from $5,000 to $20,000+.
• Utility Upgrades: Pool equipment, drainage systems, or outdoor kitchens can increase construction complexity and cost.

At The House Plan Company, we offer a wide selection of home designs that integrate outdoor living and pool areas, helping you create the perfect plan to fit your budget and lifestyle.

Source: National Association of Home Builders

The cost to build a pool house varies significantly depending on the size, features, materials, and whether it’s prefabricated or custom-built. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $15,000 and $240,000 for a fully constructed pool house in 2024.

Average Cost Range

• Low-end pool shed (storage-only): $1,000 – $15,000
• Prefab cabana or mid-sized lounge: $7,500 – $45,000
• Custom-built pool house with amenities: $60,000 – $240,000+

Cost Factors

• Bathroom: +$18,000–$47,000
• Outdoor kitchen or wet bar: +$7,000–$30,000
• Outdoor shower: $250–$7,000+
• Utility hookups (plumbing, electrical): Varies by site
• HVAC or heating: Additional cost if included
• Permit & labor fees: Location dependent

Pool House Types

• Shed-style pool house: Great for storage or equipment
• Entertaining lounge: Ideal for seating, changing area, wet bar
• Full guest-ready pool house: Includes bathroom, kitchenette, HVAC

Key Considerations

• Size and usage: Define whether it's for storage, entertaining, or overnight stays
• Location and site prep: Sloped or remote lots may increase costs
• Materials & finishes: Premium materials raise costs but add long-term value

The House Plan Company offers a curated selection of pool house plans, from simple cabanas to luxurious backyard retreats. Whether you want a stylish outdoor lounge or a fully equipped guest suite, our designs help you get the most out of your backyard investment.

In the realm of luxury living, few features epitomize leisure and sophistication quite like the pool house. These structures, often nestled adjacent to a shimmering pool or within a verdant landscape, have long been a symbol of opulence and relaxation. However, as the world of architecture and design continues to evolve, so do the trends and preferences surrounding these enchanting retreats.

Read More

With spring around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider a home or property improvement project. If you are in love with your home but want to get more out of your yard, The House Plan Company has put together a collection of accessory structures that help you make the most of your backyard. From detached work or hobby spaces, to luxury outdoor living, to guest accommodations these plans are sure to have you running to your own backyard.

Read More

With summer in full swing the team at The House Plan Company has put together a collection of plans that would make a fantastic addition to any backyard. Whether you are looking to up your pool side experience with the addition of a cabana or create the ultimate outdoor living room these designs are sure to make a splash!

Read More

Ah, the allure of a sunlit backyard, the gentle sound of water splashing, and the dreamy vision of a perfect poolside paradise. When summer days grow longer and the yearning for a refreshing dip in the pool intensifies, there's a growing trend that many homeowners are diving into – the addition of a sophisticated pool house. This isn't merely an extension of your home; it's an enhancement of your outdoor experience, a separate haven right by the shimmering blue waters of your pool.

Read More

Explore stunning designs to help you envision your perfect backyard retreat. From modern pool cabanas to charming guest-ready spaces, our curated Pinterest board is filled with beautifully designed pool houses that highlight functionality, style, and outdoor living.

Browse our Pool House Inspiration on Pinterest

Dive into inspiration with our curated Pinterest board featuring chic pool homes and stylish house plans with pools designed for modern outdoor living.

From resort-style layouts to family-friendly backyards with built-in relaxation, these visuals highlight:

• Indoor/outdoor living concepts
• Covered patios and outdoor kitchens
• Integrated pool designs in luxury floor plans
• Creative landscaping and backyard layouts

Get inspired and discover what’s possible when great home design meets the perfect poolside escape.Explore Pool Home Ideas on Pinterest »