What a pool house can include
| Type | Typical features | How Scottsdale treats it |
|---|---|---|
| Cabana or ramada | Shade, seating, ceiling fan | Ramadas and patio covers go through plan review |
| Storage cabana | Pool toys, chemicals, equipment | Detached, non-habitable structures under 200 sq ft with no utilities get a courtesy review with a site plan |
| Pool house | Bathroom, outdoor shower, changing room, bar | Accessory building with plumbing and electrical: permit with plans |
| Pool casita | Bedroom, bath, kitchenette | A guest house or ADU, with those rules |
Source: the city’s home improvement permit list.
Pool rules that affect a pool house
- Barriers: doors and gates that open into the pool area are part of the pool barrier. Scottsdale requires barriers for pools built after July 20, 1995. See the pool page.
- Easements: the city says the pool, deck and equipment cannot disturb an easement. The same care applies to a pool house.
- Drainage: roofs and decks should shed water away from the pool and the house.
Design tips
- Face the open side away from afternoon sun.
- Use slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch flooring.
- Vent the bathroom and changing room well.
- Store pool chemicals in a separate, ventilated space.
- Plan gas and electric for grills, heaters and fans in one trench.
Pair it with a pool remodel or a new pool deck so the whole backyard is finished at once.
