What Is a Pool House? The Perfect Addition to Your Backyard Retreat
A pool house is a freestanding structure built near a swimming pool that serves as a changing area, storage space, entertainment hub, or guest accommodation. Adding one to your property boosts functionality, keeps your main home cleaner, and significantly increases your home's value.
A pool house is a separate outdoor structure located adjacent to a pool
Common uses include changing rooms, storage, outdoor kitchens, and guest quarters
Pool houses can be customized to fit nearly any style, size, or budget
They extend the usability of your backyard well beyond swimming season
A well-built pool house can add 5–8% to your home's value
Your backyard pool is already a great feature — but a pool house takes the whole setup to another level. Whether you're looking for a convenient place for guests to change, a space to entertain, or a full outdoor living area, a pool house transforms your yard into something truly special. At Homestead Structures, we build custom pool houses designed to match your lifestyle, your property, and your vision.
What Is a Pool House?
At its core, what is a pool house? It's a freestanding structure built near an outdoor pool, designed to complement and enhance the pool area. Unlike a shed or a garage, a pool house is purpose-built for outdoor living — it's meant to be used, enjoyed, and personalized.
Pool houses first became popular in the 1930s when Hollywood stars began building private pools and wanted a dedicated nearby space to change, entertain, and relax. Today, they've evolved far beyond that original concept. Modern pool houses range from simple changing rooms to fully outfitted outdoor retreats with kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and more.
What Is a Pool House Called?
Depending on the region and the structure's design, what a pool house is called can vary quite a bit. You might hear them referred to as a cabana, casita, pool cottage, guest villa, or even a pool pavilion. The terminology often reflects the structure's size and function. A cabana tends to be more open-air and casual, while a casita or guest cottage typically implies something more enclosed and fully outfitted. Regardless of what you call it; the concept is the same: a dedicated outdoor structure that serves your pool area and enhances your backyard.
What Is a Pool House Used For?
This is where it gets interesting. What is a pool house used for? Surprisingly, it goes well beyond changing into a swimsuit. Modern pool houses are incredibly versatile, and how you use yours is really only limited by your imagination and your budget.
The most common uses include a changing room and shower area, which keeps wet guests out of the main house and your floors dry and clean. Storage is another big one — pool equipment, chemicals, toys, towels, and maintenance gear all have a home that's right where you need it.
Many homeowners take it a step further and build out a full entertainment space inside. Comfortable seating, a mini-fridge, a bar area, a TV — all of it creates a poolside gathering spot that's hard to beat. Add an outdoor kitchen with a grill, countertop, and sink, and suddenly you've got a space where you can cook, eat, and entertain without ever going inside.
For properties with frequent overnight visitors, a pool house with a bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom makes the perfect guest suite. Everyone gets their own space, which tends to make both hosts and guests a lot more comfortable.
Do I Really Need a Pool House?
Beyond the day-to-day uses, what is the purpose of a pool house from a broader perspective? It's about creating a more complete outdoor living experience. A well-designed pool house keeps the rest of your home cleaner and more private, extends the functionality of your backyard, and gives you a dedicated space to enjoy your outdoor space the way you want to.
There's also a strong practical case for it. Adding a pool house can increase your home's value by an estimated 5–8%, making it one of the more worthwhile backyard investments you can make. It also extends the usability of your outdoor space well into the cooler months — add a fireplace or outdoor heaters, and you've got a four-season retreat right in your own backyard.
What Can You Put in a Pool House?
The features inside vary widely depending on the owner's needs, but what is in a pool house typically includes some combination of the following: a changing area with storage, a full or half bathroom with shower, a kitchenette or full outdoor kitchen, seating and lounge space, and utility connections for plumbing and electricity. Higher-end builds might include a wet bar, entertainment system, fireplace, laundry hookups, or even a sleeping area.
The size matters too. Most pool houses fall somewhere between 100 and 500 square feet, though larger properties often support something bigger. The right size really comes down to how you plan to use it and how it fits with the scale of your home and yard.
How a Pool House Improves Your Backyard
A pool house doesn't just add function — it changes the feel of your entire outdoor space. It creates a natural focal point around the pool, makes the area feel more intentional and designed, and gives everyone a reason to spend more time outside. Kids have a place to hang out, guests have a place to freshen up, and you have a place to relax without feeling like you need to go back inside.
Paired with thoughtful landscaping and the right custom-built structure, a pool house can make a modest backyard feel like a private resort.
Conclusion
A pool house is one of the most functional and rewarding additions you can make to your property. Whether you want a simple changing room or a fully loaded outdoor entertaining space, there's a design that fits your needs and your budget. At Homestead Structures, we specialize in building high-quality pool houses crafted to complement your home and stand up to years of use.
