How Much Does Building a Pool House Cost in 2025?
On average, a pool house costs between $15,000 and $120,000, with most homeowners spending $72,000. Size, materials, and amenities will play a large role in the final cost.
Building a pool shed is the most affordable option (about $4,000) compared to building a luxury pool house (up to $150,000).
If you’re building a pool house with several amenities, you’ll need multiple contractors, including an architect, electrician, and general contractor.
You can save money by choosing a prefab pool shed, which starts around $5,000.
Building a pool house has a modest ROI of 5% to 10% unless you build an ADU, which can be up to 55%.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Building a pool house is an exciting project to make your backyard space even more usable. A typical pool house costs anywhere from $15,000 to $120,000, with most homeowners spending an average of $72,000. That works out to $150 to $600 per square foot. Key factors like size and location play a significant role in the overall budget. Proper planning and professional help ensure a smooth experience and maximize your return on investment.
Cost by Type
The biggest cost of building a pool house is largely determined by the type. A pool shed is the most budget-friendly option, with a cabana being slightly more expensive. In the mid-range are pool houses equipped with seating areas, changing rooms, and bathrooms. The most significant investment is a pool house that includes a kitchenette and a bathroom, as these can also serve as an ADU or in-law suite.
| Type of Pool House | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Pool shed | $4,000 |
| Cabana | $15,000 |
| Standard pool house | $72,000 |
| Luxury pool house | $150,000 |
Cost by Size
The size of your pool house is another primary factor in the final cost, as more square footage increases the cost of every other part of the project. Here are the cost ranges for the most common pool house sizes.
| Size (square feet) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 50 | $7,500–$30,000 |
| 100 | $15,000–$60,000 |
| 200 | $30,000–$120,000 |
| 300 | $45,000–$180,000 |
| 400 | $60,000–$240,000 |
Labor Costs for Building a Pool House
Materials are only half the story—labor can be a sizable chunk of your budget. Smaller sheds may not require every specialist below, but bigger projects need a local custom homebuilder.
Architect
If you’re building a custom pool house, you’ll need the services of a local architect. They’ll take your vision and draft blueprints that your construction team will use to create the final product. Hiring an architect to draw plans for your pool house costs between $45 and $250 per hour or $2 to $15 per square foot.
Electrician
Electrical work is always best left to the professionals. Since you’ll likely need power running to the pool house, you’ll hire an electrician to wire the structure and possibly supply power from elsewhere on your property. Electricians charge between $50 and $100 per hour.
General Contractor
For the building of the house itself, you may want to hire a general contractor. Prices vary by location, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per hour for their services.
Cost by Location
Pool house construction costs are influenced by the local cost of living. Expect higher prices in major metropolitan areas with above-average living expenses. Conversely, rural areas in more affordable states will likely see below-average costs.
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $104,200 |
| Florida | $73,700 |
| Georgia | $65,900 |
| Illinois | $68,800 |
| Michigan | $66,500 |
| New York | $88,900 |
| North Carolina | $70,300 |
| Ohio | $68,400 |
| Pennsylvannia | $68,400 |
| Texas | $66,700 |
Pool House Additional Cost Factors
A pool house is a major investment that can boost property value and everyday enjoyment. Below are the other factors that determine your total cost.
Custom-Built
Custom-built pool houses cost an average of $72,000, with total costs ranging from $15,000 to $240,000, and prices ranging from $150 to $600 per square foot.
Prefab
Prefab pool houses have an average cost of $20,000, though they start at $5,000 to $6,000 and can climb to $25,000 or more for larger models. They’re cheaper and faster to install than custom builds, but the trade-off is durability—you may face repairs or replacement sooner.
Site Prep and Project Planning
Before you break ground, there is a lot of planning and preparation to do. Pool house blueprint costs range from $800 to $2,700, depending on build complexity. You’ll also have to make sure you have the necessary permits to start building, and building permits cost between $400 and $2,000. The price depends on your location and the nature of your project.
Exterior Construction
Installing siding adds $2 to $28 per square foot. You’ll also need to install windows, which cost between $300 and $2,500 each. Of course, you’ll need a roof too, which costs $4 to $30 per square foot to install. Lastly, your new pool house requires gutters, which cost between $4 and $30 per linear foot (including downspouts).
Finishing
Once the shell is up, you’ll still need to finish the interior. Keep these common finishing costs in mind:
Plumbing: $2–$8 per linear foot
Electrical work: $2–$4 per square foot
Floors: $2–$22 per square foot
Drywall: $1.50–$3.00 per square foot
Cooling system: $5,000–$12,500
Heating system: $2,000–$10,000
Common Pool House Add-ons
You can tailor a pool house to your lifestyle. Some homeowners opt for basic storage, while others add a bar, kitchenette, or bath so that nobody has to trek through the main house with wet feet.
Bathroom
Installing a bathroom in a pool house costs between $1,500 and $15,000, depending on required plumbing, electrical work, and fixtures like a toilet, sink, and shower. Adding a walk-in shower costs $750 to $7,000.
Bar
Installing a bar in a pool house costs between $800 and $22,500. Components break down to a sink installation at $220 to $600, a fridge at $190 to $3,250, and plumbing for a wet bar starting at $1,500.
Other Add-Ons
Additional upgrades can significantly enhance the pool house, making it more enjoyable and increasing your property value. Consider:
Pergola: $100 to $9,000
Storage: $150 for a basic solution; custom options range from $5,000 to $10,000
Landscaping: $200 to $3,000, depending on scope
Does a Pool House Increase Home Value?
Expect a modest return of 5% to 10%. A pool house offers a dedicated space for showers, changing, and relaxation, making it an attractive feature for homeowners and future buyers. But if you’re looking for a better ROI—and you have the budget—you could build a guest house, which has a 55% return. This additional structure improves outdoor living and increases property marketability.
Budgeting for Building a Pool House
Pool houses can be an expensive addition to your home, but they can pay for themselves by significantly adding to your property value. Plus, they’re a luxurious place to relax, host guests, and enjoy your pool. Here are a few ways to make building a pool house more budget-friendly:
Consider prefab: Choosing a prefabricated kit over a custom build trims costs—you can skip the architect and cut labor hours.
Look at existing structures: If you already have a shed or other structure near the pool, consider converting it instead of building a new one.
Be realistic about needs: A full guest house with beds, a kitchen, and a bar may not be necessary. A simpler space for a bathroom, shower, and storage can reduce costs.
Limit scale: Size is one of the biggest cost drivers. Reduce your pool house footprint to what’s necessary to lower expenses at every step.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most municipalities require a building permit before you put up a pool house. Rules and fees vary widely depending on where you live and local regulations. Check with your local building department or general contractor early in your project so permit costs and timelines don’t catch you off guard.
If you’re building a custom pool house, the entire process will take two to three months from design to the end of construction, or as much as a year for very large or complex projects. Installing a prefabricated kit or shed is much faster, averaging one to three days.
A pool house is generally between 100 and 800 square feet, which reflects its intended functionality. A compact 100 to 150-square-foot space serves as storage or utility, while 300 square feet or more offers room for changing, relaxation, and socializing. Choose a size that meets your lifestyle needs.
The common types of pool houses include guesthouses, standard pool houses, and sheds. A guesthouse is a small lodge adjacent to the primary home with overnight accommodations and amenities. A standard pool house offers storage, changing facilities, and a relaxation zone. A shed is a simple structure for storing pool equipment and garden tools. Each serves a distinct purpose and enhances your outdoor living experience.
By incorporating essential living features, a pool house can be designed to serve as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). When built with a dedicated kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, a pool house transitions into a fully functional ADU suitable for guests or tenants. This design expands living space and enhances property value by offering additional, independent accommodation that meets modern housing demands.
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