Coastal Builders

Having It All...Pool Houses
Have you ever taken a refreshing dip in the pool and then all of a sudden gotten an urge for your favorite beverage--only to realize that you would have to drip through the white-carpeted living room to reach the refrigerator? Or have you ever been to a swim party where the pool looked great, but you didn’t come in your bathing suit--and there was no convenient place to change? So you just stayed out of the water. Much consideration goes into selecting and designing a pool; however, equal attention needs to be placed on the other structures built around the pool and to the relationship of the pool facilities to the existing home.

The photo on page one is an example in which the architect matched the style of the main building, a 12,000 sq. ft. Greek Revival house built of stone, in placing and choosing the style of the pool structures. Note the symmetry and classical detailing of both pool and the pool house, which features columns and classical lines. People who use this pool will enjoy the balanced beauty of their surroundings.

Function is an important element of good design. As you plan your pool structures, think about the uses that will be made of the pool environment.

The design for the pool facility pictured on this page took into consideration the owner’s lifestyle and included an exercise area, bathroom with shower, changing room, bar, deck, and even a garage for the owner’s beloved sports car!

You may also want to consider a kitchenette near the pool for entertaining. If the pool is outside, people appreciate shaded areas for relaxing and eating. The pool house could include play space for children away from the poolside, but close enough for supervision.

Throughout the entire area, care needs to be given to selecting building materials. Everything will be exposed to water at some time, so use materials which are water resistant. Floor surfaces, even those away from the pool, need to be carefully considered. Water on a smooth surface can be treacherously slippery, but a rough surface can tear up bare feet. A good compromise is necessary.

Thoughtful planning must go into the building of enclosed swimming pools--or you will be looking at expensive repairs in the near future. Water is the greatest threat to most building materials, and the environment of an indoor pool is naturally humid. The pool above used a forced air heating, cooling, and ventilation system with special mechanical equipment designed to remove the excess humidity. This ensures comfortable indoor conditions and prevents deterioration of the building’s finishes, as well as the Douglas Fir walls and ceiling.

Owning a swimming pool can be enjoyable if careful thought is put into its surroundings and structures. You don’t have to “just make do” with your pool, you can have it all!