Pool Cabanas & Pool Pavilions Are Ideal Outdoor Living Solutions

Pool cabanas and pool pavilions are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners who are looking for a more completed custom backyard. When considering whether to add one or both on to your swimming pool project, it’s important to ask yourself a few questions first. The answers to those questions will help you determine whether it truly makes sense. This short article by no means will answer all of the questions you may have about pool cabanas and pavilions. It does however, cover a few we here at Pool Magazine wanted to answer for homeowners who may be considering building one.

Questions to ask yourself when deciding whether to build a Pool Cabana or Pool Pavilion

1. Do you need a shaded area for entertaining guests pool side? Perhaps you’re looking for a covered area to barbecue or additional seating area out of the sun. There are many alternatives to constructing a pool pavilion. Building a pavilion adds a more permanent shaded structure. Many home owners opt to add seating, outdoor entertainment systems, sound systems, a wet bar, and even an outdoor kitchen to their pool pavilion. The costs for outfitting one alone can easily equate to what was spent on construction.
2. Do you require a private area for guests to change in and out of their swim suits? Having friends and guests wander soaking wet in and out of your house to use the toilet isn’t always ideal. Many homeowners opt to build a pool cabana and include outdoor plumbing facilities which allow pool guests a comfort area separate from the house. Many homeowners opt to build them in such a fashion so that they can double as a guest house or granny flat when needed.
3. How much does a pool pavilion cost? According to Toronto pool builder, Denis Nadeau, they build approximately 10-20 pavilions each year; starting prices for construction of a pool pavilion can range anywhere from $20,000-$40,000 depending on the size and materials you choose. “Prices for lumber have begun to come back down to normal levels, but are still high in many parts of the U.S. and Canada, expect to pay towards the higher end if you live in one of those depressed markets.” said Nadeau.
4. How much does a pool cabana cost? According to Nadeau, starting prices for a pool cabana can range anywhere from $30,000-$100,000 or more depending on the size, amenities and materials used for construction. The average cabana they build can cost upwards of $40,000 which can cost almost as much as an entry level inground pool in many areas of the country.

Pool Houses Versus Pool Cabanas

A pool house is exactly what it sounds like: a second house on your property with additional rooms for guests who prefer their own spac such as a kitchen, game area, or even a spare bedroom. A pool house can also be smaller and functional as a simple place detached from the home that allows for a comfortable area to change in and out of your bathing suit. In order to create a pool house, you’ll need all the necessary permits and licenses, including a building permit.

Differences Between a Cabana and a Pool House

It’s common to use the term “cabana” to a pool house, but they are not to be used interchangeably. A pool cabana is three-sided roofed building meant to provide shade and seclusion for people relaxing by the swimming pool. While many still require a permit, others are less permanent structures and they do not require a building permit.

Whether you’re building a full-featured pool house or more of an outdoor changing room, remember that it all needs to be part of the entire pool project and landscape. They can be somewhat camouflaged by planting trees and shrubs (if you have the property), but these things are huge so plan on them being a focal point in the backyard.

A Beautiful Pool House Design Should Compliment the Main House

Ideally, if you’re looking to build one of these; you want to design a structure that is both visually beautiful and smoothly blends with the architecture of the home. Your pool house should look like it was part of the house when you gaze out at it from the window of your home. Similarly, the view back to your house should be equally integrated when viewed from the pool house. The overall landscape benefits greatly from creating that strong visual connection between the two structures.

Options to Consider Concerning Pool Cabanas & Pavilions

Ultimately, there are plenty of reasons that homeowners have for choosing whether or not to build a pool cabana or pavilion, but the number one issue for many may have nothing to do with price. The square footage requirements for both of these types of home improvement projects both are ideal for larger sized lots. Squeezing a pavilion into a tiny backyard that is barely big enough for the pool is never ideal. Space saving alternatives to building a pavilion; building a pergola or installing a retractable awning. Both of those solutions are exponentially less expensive than constructing a pavilion and are effective shading solutions. You also don’t need a ton of space to build a beautiful little pool house to use as a changing room for guests.

Alternatives to Building a Pool Cabana

There are many alternatives to building a pool cabana as well, however none are as attractive or offer the same amount of privacy or versatility in terms of multipurpose usage. If you stack up a fully stocked pool cabana with toilet, shower and sink, versus a screen and portable toilet, you will find the latter sorely wanting. Ultimately it comes down to budget, what’s in the budget will often dictate which direction you go.

Why a Pool Cabana Makes Sense

Plenty of people want a pool, and don’t want the hassle of having their guests traipse around their home to use the facilities or grab a snack. If you have the means, and it’s in the budget, a pool cabana makes absolute sense.