25 Pool Houses to Complete Your Dream Backyard Retreat

We are pretty sure some of you out there are already thinking about how a refreshing pool would be a luxury in itself and that a pool house is an even more remote dream. But we are allowed to dream, even more when the design inspiration around us is so amazing and stylish! A fabulous pool house is definitely not a mere excess that just fills space in your backyard and completes the poolscape visually. It can be the one-stop shop for all your outdoor lounging needs and obviously makes hosting a cool fall or fun summer pool party a whole lot easier.

Pool house completes the relaxing setting to absolute perfection [Design: Ike Kligerman Barkley]

Having said that, an exquisite pool house is different for different people, with each of us having different lounging needs. Then there is space and budget to take into account. The collection of 25 dashing pool houses on display today covers a wide range of styles and designs, with each one offering something unique and exceptional. Here you guide into the world of pool houses –

Contemporary Poolside Bliss

A contemporary pool house is much more than just a place to tuck away all your pool gear, bundles of extra towels and other essentials. It is a space where the entire family can rest, rejuvenate and come together, even while enjoying the warmth and sunshine. Comfy outdoor décor, a cool couch, some chairs and a coffee table can create the sitting zone, with an al fresco dining area (or even one indoors) turning the pool house into a secondary living space. Clean lines and smart modern design that complements the main house in its silhouette ensure that the pool house integrates easily with the overall landscape.

Fabulous pool house with al fresco dining and comfy seating for guests [Design: Acorn Garden Houses]

Awesome contemporary pool house that does it all! [Design: CG&S Design-Build]

Contemporary pool house with glass garage door sits tight on the edge of the pool [Design: Randall Mars Architects]

Stunning pool house will wow your guests every single time [Design: Darren James Interiors]

Smart modern pool house in steely gray [Design: KAA Design]

Woodsy, small pool house showcases clean design lines and exquisite style [Design: Bates Masi Architects]

Small and stylish contemporary pool house packs quite a punch! [Design: Maienza – Wilson Architecture + Interiors]

A Timeless Image of Luxury

There is absolutely no doubting the fact that a pool house has always been considered a symbol of luxury and good times. Classic pool houses definitely drive home this idea, not only with their ergonomics, but also thanks to aesthetics that seem to bring alive that picture-perfect ‘holiday postcard’ image. With shingle roofs, elegant design, classic form, and materials such as wood and stone being used elegantly, this pool house paints a picture of tradition and opulence. While these pool houses look great, remember that they might not really pair well with more modern gardens, poolscapes and homes.

Traditional pool house in white with gray shingled roof [Design: Northworks Architects and Planners]

Turn the pool cabana into a smart social zone for friends and family [From: Trueblood Company / Tom Grimes]

Twin pergolas add elegance to the classic pool house [Design: Merrimack Design Architects]

Give the pool house a small kitchen and serving station to turn it into a cool hangout [Design: Matthew Bolt Graphic Design]

Gorgeous pool house also provides sheltered outdoor lounge and additional space [Design: Crisp Architects / Photographer: Rob Karosis]

Style, Space and Décor

Going beyond the aesthetic aspect of it all, we delve into the many ways that you can plan for a pool house. For starters, consider the space available, the size of the pool, the yard, and the main house itself. Your pool house must be in proportion with everything around it and must also utilize the available space to the hilt. In small gardens, a modest pool and a tiny pool house can still make a big impact. You can even convert that neglected garage or shed into a beautiful and useful pool house. Those blessed with more space might want to consider a design that offers an opportunity for both sheltered and open lounging areas.

Style of the pool house perfectly complements that of the landscape around it [Design: SURROUNDS Landscape Architecture + Construction / Photography: Bob Narod]

Turn your pool house into a secondary living zone and guest space [Design: Rick & Cindy Black Architects]

Elements such as an additional guest room, bathrooms, a small kitchen, a barbecue zone and more can be added to the pool house, depending on both the space available and your lifestyle. Finally, make room for plenty of storage and plan for enough private areas so that your guests feel a lot more at home the next time they come to your pool party!

Unassuming pool house is all about enjoying the outdoors [Design: Harry Elson Architect]

Breezy Mediterranean charm infused into the contemporary pool house [From: Garden Of Eva Landscape Design Group / Luke Gibson Photography]

Fireplace and smart seating inside the contemporary pool house [Design: Wagner Hodgson]

Even the smallest gardens can contain a pool and a pool house [Design: Studio Shed]

Inspired by the Sea

Finally we take a look at pool houses that seem the most popular in recent times – those inspired by sun, sand, surf and the deep blue sea. Styles like coastal, beach and nautical are incredibly popular when it comes to breezy pool houses that usher in plenty of fun. The cheerfulness of these spaces coupled with the way in which they remind us of those lazy summer evenings spent on the beach make them a hit among both homeowners and designers. Clad In white and blue, these pool houses draw your attention instantly and also work well along with modern homes and gardens.

Custom contemporary pool house inspired by waves! [Design: Canny Design]

Blue and white give the pool house a distinct nautical appeal [Design: Liberty Hill Construction]

Make sure the style of the pool house matches that of the main residence [From: MHK Architecture & Planning / Giovanni Photography]

Beach style and contemporary charm rolled into one inside the pool house [Design: HP Rovinelli Architects / Photography: Peter Kucinski]

Beach style pool house in white [Design: Barnes Vanze Architects / Photography: Anice Hoachlander from Hoachlander Davis Photography]