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The Pros and Cons of Different Pool House Materials



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#1 Introduction

Any backyard would benefit from having a pool house since it offers a convenient area for entertaining, resting, and getting ready. The durability, appeal, and functionality of your pool house, however, depend on the materials you choose.


In order for you to make a well-informed decision while planning your pool house project, we will examine the benefits and drawbacks of various pool house materials in this blog article.


This article will assist you in making the best material selections to build your ideal pool home, regardless of whether you value cost, toughness, or design more.


Table: Various Exterior Material List & Pros + Cons

Materials

Pros

Cons

Wood

Natural appearance

Prone to water damage

Durability with maintenance

Regular maintenance required

Customizable design

Higher cost than some materials

Vinyl

Affordability

Fading due to UV exposure

Low maintenance

Cracking in cold temperatures

Versatility in design

Environmental impact (non-renewable)

Metal

Strength

Potential for rusting overtime

Durability with minimal care

Heat absorption in summer

Resistance to weather and pests

Design options

Brick/Stone

Durability

High cost

Natural look

Professional installation required

Insulation

​​Heavyweight

Low maintenance

Limited design options


Due to its natural appearance and durability, wood is a preferred material for pool house construction. However, there are both benefits and drawbacks to choosing wood for your pool house:

A photo of a pool house constructed with wood, featuring a rustic design and harmonizing with the surrounding environment.
A beautiful pool house can be made from wood, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings.

Pros:

Natural appearance:

Many homeowners like the timeless style of wood. It may offer a pool home a cozy, rustic feel that blends well with the surroundings.


Durability:

When properly maintained and handled, wood may be incredibly strong and durable. It is an excellent option for outside constructions like pool houses since it can survive extensive use and adverse weather.


Wood is simple to work with and can be tailored to fit a number of design preferences and trends. It can be stained or painted to complement the environment or the surrounding architecture.


Cons:

Water damage:

Wood is prone to water damage, which over time can cause it to decay or distort. This is particularly problematic in a pool house because the air there is probably quite humid.


Regular care is necessary to protect the wood from water damage and preserve its aesthetic quality. In addition to correcting any damage or wear and tear that happens, this entails sealing, staining, or painting the wood every few years.


Cost:

The price of a wooden pool house may be more than that of other materials depending on the quality of the wood used.


In conclusion, wood may be a lovely and long-lasting material for a pool house, but it needs regular maintenance and might be resistant to water damage. Before picking wood for their pool house material, homeowners should carefully examine the cost and maintenance needs.


Table: Various Exterior Material List and Requirements for Painting, Sealing, Cleaning & Other Maintenance

Material

Painting

Sealing

Cleaning

Other Maintenance

Wood

Periodic

Yes

Regular

​Avoid water damage

Vinyl

N/A

N/A

Regular

N/A

Metal

N/A

N/A

Occasional

Apply anti-rust treatment as needed

Brick/Stone

N/A

N/A

Occasional

N/A


#3 Vinyl

Pros:

Affordability:

Vinyl is typically less expensive than other materials for pool houses, such as wood or stone, making it a desirable choice for individuals on a tight budget.


Low maintenance:

Because vinyl is resistant to decay, mold, and insects, it needs relatively little care. It doesn't require painting, staining, or sealing like other materials, which can reduce maintenance costs and save time.


Versatility in design:

Vinyl is a versatile material for pool house design since it can be shaped into a wide range of forms and sizes. Additionally, a variety of colors and textures are offered, allowing for customization and creativity.


Cons:

Fading:

Vinyl is subject to fading as a result of UV sun exposure, especially in lighter colors. The pool house may appear old or damaged as a result, which can have an impact on how it looks.


Cracking:

Although vinyl is resistant to a variety of environmental variables, it can brittle with time and fracture, especially in extremely cold temperatures. This might risk the pool house's structural stability and require expensive repairs.


Environmental impact:

Vinyl is produced using non-renewable petroleum. Vinyl manufacture and disposal both have the potential to pollute and harm the environment.


Overall, vinyl is a common and cost-effective material for pool houses, although it does have certain disadvantages. It's important to determine the advantages and disadvantages of vinyl as a pool house material and take into account aspects like climate, aesthetic preferences, and long-term maintenance expenses.


#4 Metal

Pros

Strength:

As we all know metal is a strong material that can survive any weather condition.


Durability:

Metal is a resilient material that can survive for decades with minimal care. It avoids being harmed by rot, decomposition, and insects.


Resistance to weather and pests:

Metal has a built-in resistance to water, mold, mildew, and pests like termites and rats.


Metal siding is available in a range of colors and shapes, making it simple to match the exterior of your property and your own taste.


Cons

Potential for rusting:

Metal has a risk to rust over time, especially if it is exposed to harsh chemicals or seawater. Rust cannot develop and spread unless routine maintenance is performed.


Heat absorption:

Metal may absorb and hold onto heat, making the pool house uncomfortable to be in during the sweltering summer months. To control the temperature and make the environment more comfortable for people, proper insulation is required.


While metal has advantages and disadvantages, it might be a great material for a pool house if you want a strong, long-lasting building that needs very little maintenance. Make careful you select a high-quality metal material and add insulation where necessary to avoid rust and control temperature.


The two most popular building materials for pool houses are brick and stone, both of which have a variety of advantages as well as some possible disadvantages. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages:


Pros:

Durability:

Stone and brick are both extremely durable building materials that can survive the weather and last for many years.


Natural look:

Brick and stone have a timeless, natural appearance that may go with many different backyard landscaping and design ideas.


Insulation:

Natural insulation is provided by brick and stone, which may help keep the pool house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.


Low maintenance:

Once brick and stone are built, they require very little upkeep and are simple to clean with a power washer or light detergent.


Cons:

High cost:

Brick and stone are among the priciest building materials for a pool house, making them prohibitively expensive for some homeowners.


Professional installation:

Professional installation is usually required since brick and stone need specialized knowledge and equipment, which can raise the final cost.


Heavyweight:

Brick and stone are heavy materials, making them harder to carry and install than other types of materials.


Limited design options:

Brick and stone have fewer design possibilities than materials like vinyl or wood, and some pool house layouts may not be compatible with these materials.


Overall, brick or stone may be a suitable option for your pool house if you have the money and are seeking a long-lasting, natural-appearing material that offers decent insulation and requires minimal upkeep.


However, you might want to consider other materials as well if cost or design flexibility issues.


#6 Conclusion For Pool House

In conclusion, each pool house material has a unique mix of advantages and disadvantages. Although it requires routine upkeep, wood has a natural and robust appearance.


Vinyl is inexpensive and low-maintenance, but with time it can fade and split. Metal is robust and immune to the elements and vermin, but it can also rust and absorb heat. Brick or stone can be expensive and require professional installation, but they are durable, have a natural appearance, and are good insulators.


Table: Different Materials List with Cost Per Sq. Ft.

Different Materials

Cost Per Sq. Ft.

​Stucco

$6.50 to $12.50 per sq. ft. installed

Brick

$14.65 to $30 per sq. ft. installed

Brick Veneer

$4 to $10 per sq. ft.

Stone

$35 to $50 per sq. ft.

Stone Veneer

$8 to $12.50 per sq. ft.

Vinyl

$4.50 to $10 per sq. ft. installed

Metal

Low end costs per sq. ft range from $5.50 to $11 installed

Source: Texture Plus


#7 FAQs

What kind of material is best for a pool house?

A pool house made of metal is thought to be one of the toughest building materials. It is tough, weather-resistant, and resistant to decay, decomposition, and pests.

Which building material for a pool house needs the least maintenance?

Vinyl is renowned for requiring less upkeep. Since it is resistant to rot, mold, and insects, regular painting, staining, or sealing is not necessary.

Despite being vulnerable to water damage, might wood be a good option for a pool house?

If kept properly, wood can still be a good option for a pool house. Regular maintenance can keep its toughness and aesthetic appeal, including sealing, staining, and taking care of water damage.

Are there more expensive options for a pool house than brick and stone?

In general, brick and stone are more expensive than other building materials for a pool house. Their increased price is a result of their resilience, and natural beauty.

A vinyl pool house's color may deteriorate with time.

Yes, vinyl is prone to fading, especially in lighter colors and when exposed to UV rays from the sun. The pool house may need upkeep or repairs as a result, which could detract from its aesthetic appeal.



*Please note that the information shared in our blog is for educational purposes only, and we do not assume any liability for the actions or decisions made based on this information.


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