Barndominiums have taken the world of custom home building by storm, offering a unique blend of rustic charm, modern luxury, and incredible versatility. One of the most exciting additions to a barndominium property is a pool house — whether indoor or outdoor. Not only does a pool house elevate the overall aesthetic and function of your space, but it also adds long-term value to your property and enhances your lifestyle. In this post, we’re diving deep into indoor and outdoor barndominium pool house designs, layout ideas, amenities, and inspiration to help you create your dream oasis.
Why a Pool House Makes Sense for a Barndominium
Barndominiums — or “barndos” — are inherently flexible structures. Originally inspired by barns converted into living spaces, modern barndominiums often incorporate steel framing, open-concept living, and large covered porches. These features make them ideal candidates for combining residential comfort with resort-style amenities like a pool and a well-designed pool house.
Here’s why integrating a pool house into your barndominium makes perfect sense:
- Weather Protection: Indoor pool houses offer year-round use, shielding you from the elements.
- Lifestyle Enhancement: They provide a designated space for relaxation, entertaining guests, or post-swim showers.
- Increased Property Value: A stylish and functional pool house can significantly boost your home’s resale value.
- Design Cohesion: You can match the pool house design to your barndo, maintaining a cohesive architectural look.
Now, let’s explore both indoor and outdoor design inspirations that blend beautifully with barndominium aesthetics.
Indoor Pool Houses: Rustic Retreat Meets Year-Round Luxury
Indoor pools in barndominiums combine rustic-industrial vibes with spa-level comfort. With their expansive open spans and tall ceilings, barndos are perfect for enclosing a pool without compromising space or light.
- Classic Timber and Steel Combo
Barndos are known for mixing materials. One popular indoor pool house design features exposed timber beams paired with corrugated metal or shiplap walls. Combine this with a polished concrete floor and oversized windows, and you’ll create a warm, airy environment that still feels rooted in nature.
- Vaulted Ceilings and Skylights
Adding skylights and clerestory windows to your indoor pool area floods the space with natural light. The vaulted ceilings common in barndominiums help prevent the space from feeling humid or cramped, and they allow for better air circulation — a must for indoor pools.
- Integrated Lounge and Spa Area
Why stop at a pool? Many indoor pool house designs include lounge zones, saunas, or hot tubs. Consider installing a glass partition that separates the pool from a dry sitting area with fireplace seating, perfect for relaxing after a swim or entertaining guests.
- Climate Control and Ventilation
Barndos can span large interior spaces, which is great for indoor pools but requires attention to HVAC systems. Humidity control is crucial to prevent mold and ensure comfort. Invest in a high-efficiency dehumidifier and proper ventilation to keep your pool house feeling fresh.
Outdoor Pool Houses: Rustic Elegance Under the Open Sky
Outdoor barndominium pool houses are all about blending the rugged beauty of the outdoors with clean, modern comforts. Whether it’s a simple covered patio or a full-blown entertainment pavilion, an outdoor pool house offers endless possibilities.
- Covered Outdoor Kitchens
One of the most popular features in outdoor pool houses is an open-air kitchen and dining space. Equip it with a built-in grill, pizza oven, sink, fridge, and bar seating — all under a rustic tin roof with exposed trusses. Add Edison string lights or iron lanterns for the ultimate barndo ambiance.
- Guest Suite or Changing Room
A small detached structure adjacent to the pool can serve as a cozy guest suite, complete with a bathroom and mini-kitchen. Or keep it simple with a changing room and outdoor shower, clad in weathered wood or reclaimed barn siding.
- Wraparound Porches and Breezeways
Use covered walkways or breezeways to connect your main barndominium to the pool house. Not only does this add architectural interest, but it also provides shade and protection from rain, making the space more functional.
- Fire Features and Outdoor Lounges
A stone or metal fire pit near the pool encourages year-round use. Surround it with Adirondack chairs or an outdoor sectional made of weather-resistant materials like powder-coated steel and teak. The mix of materials enhances the industrial-rustic feel that defines barndo style.
Design Ideas & Aesthetic Inspiration
- Modern Farmhouse Meets Industrial
Combine white board-and-batten siding, black-framed windows, and sliding barn doors with industrial elements like matte black hardware, steel posts, and concrete countertops. This blend works perfectly in both indoor and outdoor pool house designs.
- Southwestern-Inspired Barndo Pool House
Embrace stucco textures, desert landscaping, and earth-toned tiles for a pool house that reflects the warmth and tones of the American Southwest. Terracotta planters and wrought iron accents bring the look together.
- Scandinavian Minimalist
Prefer a cleaner, sleeker aesthetic? Think blonde woods, white walls, and minimalist furnishings. Pair with a rectangular lap pool and floor-to-ceiling windows for a serene, spa-like escape.
- Rustic Cabin Style
If your barndominium is nestled in the woods or mountains, a log-style pool house can match your surroundings. Use hand-hewn beams, stacked stone, and vintage lanterns to create a cozy, lodge-like atmosphere.
Pool House Features Worth Considering
Here are some of the most functional and luxurious features to include in your barndominium pool house design:
- Full bathroom with shower and changing area
- Heated floors for winter use
- Smart lighting and sound system
- Storage for pool equipment and towels
- Retractable glass walls for indoor/outdoor flexibility
- Bar or beverage station
- Sauna or steam room
- Built-in seating or loungers
Tips for Building Your Barndominium Pool House
- Start with a Cohesive Plan
Make sure your pool house design complements the rest of your barndominium in both style and function. Work with a designer familiar with barndos to ensure seamless integration.
- Check Local Codes
Some areas have specific regulations regarding pools, setbacks, or accessory structures. Check with your local building department before breaking ground.
- Think about Privacy
Consider fencing, landscaping, or orientation of your pool house to maintain privacy from neighbors or nearby roads.
- Choose Durable Materials
Both indoor and outdoor pool houses are exposed to moisture and fluctuating temperatures. Opt for materials like composite decking, powder-coated steel, and moisture-resistant drywall or tile.
Final Thoughts
A pool house is more than just a place to towel off — it’s a lifestyle upgrade that turns your barndominium into a private resort. Whether you opt for an indoor retreat or an open-air pavilion, the design possibilities are nearly endless. By blending rustic charm with modern convenience, your barndominium pool house can become your family and guests’ ultimate relaxation and entertainment hub.
Ready to build your own? Start gathering ideas, sketch some layouts, and envision how your dream pool house will fit into your barndominium lifestyle. With the right plan and a bit of inspiration, your backyard can become a personal paradise.