15 Awesome Pool House Ideas on a Budget for the 2024 Summer

If you are looking for some great pool house ideas on a budget, you have landed on the right page. With an Autonomous prefabricated ADU, you can add that final touch to your outdoor décor to compliment your sparkling swimming pool.

Who says you have to break the bank before you can have a great-looking tiny shed in your backyard? Simply read this article and get some ideas on how you can get your dream pool house in 2024.

What Is a Pool House?

A pool house is usually a small structure that is built very close to the swimming pool to serve various purposes, such as being a guest house or a place for swimmers to relax during the day. Depending on the space available and the design you prefer, a pool house can be free-standing or attached to the main building.

There are many different pool shed ideas that can be used when designing and planning the structure, which means there are so many types of pool houses that you can construct. However, some of the more ambitious and extravagant ideas may be out of reach of ordinary homeowners. In such cases, having a good budget, and sticking to it, is essential.

15 Great Pool House Ideas to Fit a Tight Budget

If you are looking for some cheap pool house ideas to get your backyard renovation project started, consider the following:

1. Umbrella and Lounge Chairs - Simple and Neat

An umbrella and lounge chairs side by side have become a universal symbol for relaxing by the beach or pool on a warm afternoon. Although it is not a unique design by any means, you can incorporate this simple idea and create a cute little pool house for your family and guests.

If you want it to look a bit different, you can play around with different colors and textures for your chairs and umbrellas. Just make sure that you choose good quality material that can withstand being left outdoors in any kind of weather.

2. Try a Little Pool House Landscaping

You will be surprised at how great you can make your backyard by implementing some simple and affordable pool house ideas such as doing a little landscaping. There is nothing like some well-designed shrubs, flower beds, and stone structures to bring your pool area to life. With a bit of practice, you may not even need to bring in a professional landscaper.

3. Keep It Tiny

The great thing about a pool house is that you can get away with making it as tiny as possible. No one expects it to be large anyway, so if you are thinking of implementing some small pool house ideas on a budget, go for it. As long as it is enough to meet the most basic requirements in terms of space, a small shed is the way to go.

4. Repurpose a Shipping Container

Repurposing shipping containers is quite popular these days. Many people are using them to make some of the most beautiful custom houses ever designed. Why not take a leaf from that book and get a shipping container to use as a backyard guest house? If it is an old one, you can even use that to your advantage and add a rustic appeal to your home.

5. Go Modern, But with Affordable Materials

The temptation to design and build a modern-looking structure will be strong, but you may find it difficult to do when working on a budget. This is because the cost of materials and labor can be quite high with some of these latest designs.

However, if you take the time to research well and find an affordable place to source your materials, you may be able to pull it off. Modern does not always have to mean expensive.

6. Get a Prefab Shed Kit

The easiest way to set up your pool house is to go for the prefab option. As soon as you settle on the shed pool house ideas on a budget that you want, let someone else worry about the construction and delivery.

At places such as Autonomous, all you will need to do is pick one of your favorite prefab sheds from its awesome catalog and it will be delivered to your doorstep. The process is easy and the pool house will be very affordable.

7. Pool House Barn Doors

One of the most inexpensive pool house ideas you can try is to add some barn doors to the front of the building. This works very well if you already have a farmhouse look that will be complemented by the barn doors.

In summer, they can be opened wide to let in a cool breeze. When it comes to moving furniture and other things in and out of your pool house, your set of barn doors will also make it a lot easier.

8. Install an Elegant Deck

A wooden deck can be expensive at times, which is why you would not normally find it on a list of pool room ideas on a budget. However, the bulk of the cost comes from the purchase of materials and the price of labor.

These are areas you can cut back on if you buy your items from an affordable local supplier and you either find a cheap contractor or construct the deck yourself. In either case, a wooden deck connecting your shed to the swimming pool would look great.

9. Try a Portable Pop-up Gazebo

If you are running out of small pool house ideas on a budget, trying something portable may be a great solution. On properties where space is limited, this can be a temporary structure that you can easily take down when you need to create some extra space.

Just be prepared for a bit of a reduction in terms of quality and design when compared to permanent pool house structures. Installing and taking down the pop-up gazebo can also require a lot of work which is something you have to consider carefully before buying.

10. Combined Patio and Pool House Style

Again, if space is an issue, you need to get creative regarding how you use it. There is often no luxury of building a separate pool house, so you may need to attach it to your main building. This is not always a bad thing, considering how the home is oriented.

If there is a patio overlooking the swimming pool, this may be a great place to start. You can add a bit of outdoor furniture items and you will have the start of a small combined home and pool house structure.

11. Build an Open-air Pergola Pool House

Depending on the weather conditions in your area, an open-air pergola pool house may be the best option for those looking for affordable options. In states such as California where the weather is mostly warm, this could give you a nice shaded area to relax by the pool. If you are worried about the rain, make sure the roof of the pergola is waterproof. Some weatherproof curtains would be great as well.

12. Cottage-style Guest Pool House

Other inexpensive pool house ideas to consider involve building a cottage-style guest house right next to your pool. While the initial cost of constructing a cottage may be a little high, think of the returns you could enjoy I you decide to rent out the guest house.

13. From Storage Shed to Pool Cabana

Do you already have a storage shed on your property? Then perhaps you do not need to build a separate structure for your swimming pool. With a little bit of creativity, shed pool house ideas on a budget can produce amazing results.

All you will need to do is come up with a few ideas regarding how you will convert the existing shed structure into the kind of pool house you have in mind.

14. Add a Dash of Color

Sometimes, cheap pool house ideas do not require you to do anything except add a fresh coat of paint to your shed. When done correctly, the right color choices can completely transform your entire backyard.

If, for example, you have a drab-looking pool house standing in the middle of your backyard, adding a bit of pink and some neutral colors can convert it into an elegant she shed just like that. After some time, you can switch the colors around again to give the pool house a fresh look.

15. Outdoor Entertaining Bar

One of the most exciting pool room ideas on a budget, and one that many guys would love, is creating a prefab pool house with bar facilities. Imagine spending the day swimming and having some cold beers or cocktails with your friends. Creating such a structure is not as difficult as you might think. You can go online and start by looking at some great ideas.

Three Awesome WorkPods from Autonomous in 2024

Are you looking for awesome pool house ideas on a budget? Try these factory-built homes from Autonomous:

WorkPod

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, home office pods have become very popular in the US. One of the top-selling options is the WorkPod from Autonomous. Built with high-quality materials, this versatile ADU is designed to last a lifetime.

Thanks to its lightweight (just 2.9 tons) shipping is available to most US states. Once it is delivered, you simply plug it in and you are ready to go. Inside you will find a wide range of furniture that is ready for use.

WorkPod

Next-level WFH.

97 reviews

Learn more

Specifications

Overall size	8.5’W x 12’L x 11’H
Floorspace	102 square feet
Ceiling height	6.8’ to 9.3’
Weight capacity	2.9 tons
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass)	Main door: 7.5’W x 6.8'H 3 windows: 1.1’W x 7.9’H Window material: Wooden frame, 5/16” tempered glass, composite wood cover Door material: Anodized aluminum frame, 5/16” tempered glass
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material	Siding: Plywood 1/2”, wooden frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8”, bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Roof shingles Floor: Plywood Balcony: Composite wood
Electrical devices	1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 3 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 1 Ceiling light 1 Ventilator switch 1 Ventilator 66ft power cable with 2 connectors
Power input	Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W
Interior furniture	Unfurnished option: 1 Bookshelf, 1 Electrical Cabinet Furnished option: 1 SmartDesk Connect, 1 Autonomous Chair Ultra, 1 Monitor Arm, 1 Cable Tray, 1 Filing Cabinet, 1 Anti-Fatigue Mat, 1 Bookshelf, 1 Electrical Cabinet
Compatible with	Portable air conditioner: A/C units with dimensions smaller than 22” L x 20” W x 88” H and a 5.9” vent hole diameter will fit well. Heater: A small personal heater is more than sufficient.

"The WorkPod has made an incredible difference in my productivity. I now have a dedicated backyard workspace that's both comfortable and efficient." - Tyler M.

"I'm impressed by the WorkPod's design and functionality." - William H.

"The WorkPod's privacy features make it easy to take important calls or have virtual meetings without interruptions."

- Ben D.

The WorkPod stands out from other brands by being optimized to include everything you need for setup, such as a foundation and easy assembly, which takes only 2-3 days. Additionally, the cost of the WorkPod includes essential elements like windows, a door, and lifestyle interior features. The table below provides a detailed cost comparison between the WorkPod and other brands, highlighting the value and convenience of choosing WorkPod.

WorkPod Versatile

If you are looking for something more along the lines of a prefab studio, the WorkPod Versatile might be a better fit. You can build yourself a very cozy man cave shed right next to your pool. It is similar to the WorkPod in many ways but offers a lot more privacy.

Instead of having huge panoramic windows, the Versatile comes with solid walls. You can create your little poolside studio where you can escape and get some work done before going for a quick dip in the pool.

WorkPod Versatile

For live, work and play.

38 reviews

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Specifications

Overall size	8’4”W x 12’6”L x 9’10”H
Floorspace	105 square feet
Ceiling height	7’3”
Weight capacity	2.9 tons
Pedestal	18”W x 43”L x 7”H
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass)	Main door: 39”W x 89”H Large window: 59”W x 81”H Small window: 39”W x 39”H Window & door material: Powder coated aluminum, 5/16” tempered glass
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material	Siding: Plywood 1/2”, steel frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8”, bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Roof shingles Floor: Plywood Pedestal: Steel frame & wood plastic composite
Electrical devices	1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 5 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 4 Ceiling light 1 Ventilator switch 1 Ventilator 2 Ethernet wall port 66ft power cable with 2 connectors
Power input	Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W
Furniture (optional)	Cabinet, Desk, Small & Big Bookshelf, TV Shelf, Foldable Sofa Table & Electrical Cabinet* (*Electrical Cabinet always included)

"The StudioPod has been a remarkable addition to my backyard. Its design and functionality create an inspiring workspace that's truly a game-changer."

- Keith H.

"What I really love about the StudioPod is it's multi-purpose. You can use it for work, it has a good desk, plenty of storage space. You can use it for playing video games, watching games, being noisy without disturbing family life. You can also extend it and use for having people sleeping over!" - Jaime H.

"Excellent customer service for StudioPod. Quick responses."

- Matthew C.

"The StudioPod's ergonomic chair provides excellent support for long hours of work."

- Marcus D.

WorkPod mini

How about building a tiny house in backyard areas? The WorkPod mini is designed to fit even in the smallest of spaces. That means if all you have is a small area between your pool and another structure, you may be able to squeeze this tiny ADU in.

Don't let its small size fool you, though. This is still a very capable tiny house that has enough room inside to accommodate a few bits and pieces of furniture. As such, you can relax or even sleep by the pool.

The major downside is that the WorkPod mini does not come with any furniture included. That means all the furnishing will be up to you. However, you can do that very easily when you shop at Autonomous.

WorkPod mini

For small yards and budgets.

4 reviews

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Specifications

Dimension	Overall size: 8’7"W x 9’L x 9’3"H Floorspace: 80 square feet Ceiling height: 7’3" Weight capacity: 2.3 tons (including Pod body) Pedestal: 24"W x 103"L x 9"H
Door & Window dimensions, material (include glass)	Main door: 37"W x 89"H (open side) & 33"W x 89"H (fixed side) Window: 43"W x 20"H Window & door material: Powder coated aluminum, 5/16" tempered glass
Siding, roof, floor & balcony material	Siding: Plywood 1/2" , steel frame, honeycomb paper, plywood 3/8", bitume, housewrap, vinyl siding Roof: Metal roofing Floor: Plywood Balcony & Pedestal: Steel frame & wood plastic composite
Electrical devices	1 RCB (Residual current breaker) 2 Wall outlet (Universal wall sockets) 1 Ceiling light switch 1 Ceiling light 1 Wall light 1 Ethernet wall port 66ft power cable with 2 connectors
Power input	Maximum voltage: 110V AC (US standard) Maximum current: 25A Maximum power dissipation: 2750W

"Would prefer it. Love the way it fits right into my backyard space. Actually the material & design looks better than my expectation. Would prefer it to my network."

- Alejandro B.

"A perfect fit for our tight backyard space. We love how this allowed us to get extra space without the headache of going through permits or renovation costs. The Pod Lite is small enough to not be considered an ADU that requires permitting and clearance from the city, which is amazing. Such an innovative solution, especially as more people are working from home now. It’s going to be our new office space!" - Katie S.

"Very worth it. The WorkPod Lite surpassed my expectations with its faithful resemblance to the website's depiction. Its design is not only visually consistent but also surprisingly spacious. The material is also very sturdy and weather resistance."

- Hee-Sang L.

"The WorkPod Lite is a fantastic buy! Despite a slightly delayed delivery, it effortlessly nestled into my compact backyard. Quick assembly had it up and running within days. Highly recommended!"

- Meredith H.

Need a Pool House? No Need to Break the Bank

Affordable pool house ideas are the key to having your own backyard shed or tiny ADU without having to pay an astronomical amount of money. You can order your prefab pool house directly from the Autonomous webpage and have it delivered to your home in no time at all.

Rather than spend a lot of time and money trying to find a nice building to be placed next to your swimming pool, simply hand everything over to Autonomous and let the experts take it from there. Your dream pool house is waiting for you just a few clicks away.