If you’ve been following along for a while, I’m sure you’re sick of seeing pool house progress. And guess what, I am too! Luckily, over the weekend, we have officially completed the pool house. Six plus years ago, when we first looked at the house, the room looked like this:
Everyone else that looked at the house saw this big space as a money pit, but we saw the potential in it. That’s not to say the road to completion has been easy, but it is certainly worth the time spent getting it all finished and functional. I know this is what everyone has been waiting for, so now I’ll keep words to a minimum and loads of pictures.
Isn’t it crazy that this is the same space?! New windows, ceiling, walls, floors, paint, kitchen, bath. Top to bottom, the entire nearly 1600 square foot space has been updated. Looking back toward the house, the view is equally different.
We widened the door to the house, as well as the bathroom door, and lowered the kitchen platform.
Speaking of the kitchen area, this is what i t looked like originally:
And the kitchen now:
The bench seats double as storage, handy for tucking away pool floaties and toys.
In the back corner, there was a built-in hot tub:
Now there’s a free-standing, easy to fix or replace tub:
With few accessories for the space, the towels and hooks serve as functional art.
There’s a big tv Ben saved from the neighbor’s trash and repaired for $50. It’ll be great to play water aerobics videos.
Ignore the dangling wires, as those are for the surround sound speakers Ben still has to install. I guess the space isn’t 100% finished. My citrus trees are loving it so far, so I hope I can keep them happy and alive.
Usually, the reel and cover live at the deep end of the pool, and this giant swan just hangs out.
I know this project has taken a long time, but thank you for following along, offering your encouragement, and sticking it out to see the results. We’re already putting it to regular use, which is fun considering it’s quickly growing colder in Montana. Bring on the winter pool parties!
Beautiful!! It has been fun to see the progress. What a labor of love, and what a fantastic space for your family!!
The space looks fantastic! I’ve really enjoyed following along.
So exciting! I’ve been following you for a long time so somehow I feel invested in seeing the pool house completed at well! Yay! In looking at the before pictures I noticed there used to be a ceiling heater in the space. With all the efficiency work you guys did (windows, insulation, etc) do you think the space will stay warm enough in cold winters?
Hi Jen,
We removed the space heater style of furnace, but we installed a furnace in the pump room. If you look at the wall between the hot tub and the long row of towels, you can see two vents for the furnace. It’s pretty efficient, and with the water heated, it helps keep the room warm as well.
Thanks!
Amanda
Such a neat space! I was so hoping you would have it done before winter set in! So glad you do! Gonna be fun for sure!
Wow! This is great! I found the Pool House reno super interesting because most people do not have a “room” like this so you never see this kind of process/reveal. Awesome. Enjoy it!
Holy mama! That is beautiful! Absolutely perfect!! May you and your family enjoy if for years to come!
So exciting! I have loved watching the space transform, and I’m so glad you can put it to use now!
BRAVO! Well done. Not only are you going to love this all the wonderful work you have done is going to pay off big time if you ever decide to move. You’ve taken an ugly duckling and turned it into a beautiful swan.
Amanda, It’s amazing! The before and after photos are stunning. What a transformation.
It looks amazing! Well done!!
Sooo exciting!!
It looks amazing 👍🏼
What about putting up a big mirror in the hot tub corner?
I’m not opposed to it, but I’m waiting to see what comes up.
Looks wonderful! I have enjoyed following the progress and I’m glad to see the finished product!
It looks great! Just a fun thought: back when I was in college they used to play “dive in movies” at the pool, and that could be fun for your TV too. Finding Nemo/Jaws/etc all watched in floats. 🙂
Ooh, that would be really fun! Thanks for the great party idea. 🙂
The difference is amazing. That space looks beautifully bright and inviting compared to the start. Can you tell me about the slate floors? Do you have to seal them? Do you find them slick when wet or is there a finish that makes them better for water? We are looking at pool finishes and I love the look, but we have a little one and I worry about upkeep/ slipping.
Hi April,
We’ve used the same slate in bathrooms, the main entry, our kitchen, fireplace, and now the pool without issues there. This slate is naturally varied and rough in texture, so we haven’t had slipping issues. We haven’t sealed any of the slate, but that’s just personal preference. If you do, I’d test it out on one tile before starting on the entire floor. Some can make it feel more slick. Our rule is no running in the pool area, but that may be tough to enforce at all times.
I hope that answers your question, but I’m happy to explain if you have more questions.
Thanks!!
Amanda
This looks really great! It was fun watching you all complete this reno.
Wow. That looks so a-ma-zing! I think you guys just became the most popular hang out spot in your neighborhood. Ha,ha. Enjoy all of your hard work!!!
Wow – truly amazing. I have really loved watching every step and seeing this final result. It is absolutely beautiful – you two have a such a talent and make a great team! Just curious – why do you need a pool and spa cover given they are both indoors and not exposed to outdoor dirt, tree leaves, debris, etc?
Hi Kelly,
Good question! We have the covers to help keep the heat in, while also minimizing the evaporation and air humidity.
Thanks!
Amanda
It looks amazing!! I’ve been following your blog since you remodeled your last smaller home. I’ve enjoyed all of your projects and your home now is so beautiful…inside & outside!! Enjoy the pool and hope you find time to relax a bit. 🙂
I gotta say this whole concept of a pool inside the house is a bit weird for me, but it looks really awesome. You guys did a great job.