Building a poolside accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is an exciting way to enhance your property, whether you’re looking for extra living space or a source of rental income. In this blog, we’ll explore the key considerations for building a poolside ADU, including design, construction requirements, and site preparation. We’ll also cover the option of filling in an existing pool to create a buildable pad for your ADU. Whether you’re starting from scratch or converting your pool into a more functional space, we’ve got you covered.
Read on to learn about the pros and cons of a pool house vs. an ADU, how to design a poolside ADU, and what’s involved in filling in a pool to create room for your new structure.
What is the difference between a pool house vs ADU?
When choosing between an ADU and a pool house, there are a few key differences to consider. An ADU offers complete independent living facilities. It includes a full kitchen with a sink, fridge, and cooking appliances. ADUs also have a bathroom. In contrast, a pool house is a non-habitable structure for accessory use. This makes the term “pool house” somewhat misleading. It’s better suited for pool toys, towels, and summertime snacks. Other uses for such structures include art or music studios, recreation rooms, and workshops.
Is it better to build a pool house or an ADU?
Your decision will depend on your goals. Building a full ADU with a kitchen and bath significantly increases your home’s resale value. An ADU offers flexible living arrangements and the potential for rental income. In contrast, a pool house is often cheaper to build since it requires less finished space. Pool houses also face different setback and building requirements compared to ADUs.
Can you build an ADU near a pool? What are the construction requirements?
As you begin your ADU build, keep a distance of at least five feet between the pool house and the pool. Both the pool and the structure exert significant force on the surrounding area, so consider how they interact. For example, a pool house foundation applies pressure to the soil beneath it. If the pool is too close, its walls may unexpectedly support the foundation which are not what they were designed to do.
Water damage is the top maintenance issue for any structure, especially near a pool. First, ensure water does not penetrate the building envelope. Second, direct water away from the structure. For a poolside ADU, manage any water from pool activity. You might need to slope the concrete slab away from the unit toward a drain to prevent pooling and foundation erosion. Discuss the layout with your contractor for effective design advice.
In Southern California, building is generally straightforward, with few weather concerns. However, water remains a significant challenge. Avoid flooding footings before pouring the foundation to keep the unit “dried in.” After the foundation, framing and other trades can get wet without issue. Your ADU will also need extra reinforcements if it’s built near a pool, depending on how close it is, which can be assessed during the feasibility phase of your project.
What is a good design for an ADU near a pool?
When considering the best floor plan to build, think of how the space will be used. Is there a path of travel to consider? For example, you may want to place a bathroom where it can be accessed from the outside. Or perhaps you might place the kitchen in an area easily accessible from the exterior for entertaining. The last thing you want is to have people – who are soaking wet from the pool – walking through a living area to access more highly trafficked areas like kitchens and baths. On that note, also consider adding a second entrance to one bath from the outside of the structure for easier access.
What is the ideal lot for a pool house ADU?
When looking to build an ADU alongside your pool or vice versa, a relatively flat lot is best. Ample space is the first priority which will directly impact pool design and can be a deal breaker. Topography, while not necessarily a deal breaker, will still dictate how the pool design and cost. The greater the slope of the lot, the more costly the build will become. You will have to account for additional grading work and possibly additional construction to retain soil.
This additional site work will increase the price of your ADU pool house build as a whole, and may even extend the timeline of your project. Most cities have very similar constraints for pool requirements and are generally “created alike”. Most cities within the San Diego area will allow an ADU to be built next to a pool, so long as the local regulations are followed.
Can a pool house have a bathroom or a kitchen?
The short answer is yes, with several conditions. A municipality will look closely at building plans to determine if they are indeed designed for a non-habitable space. You can check the full list of thresholds for determining when non-habitable space qualifies as habitable space from San Diego County. However, here is a quick list of what could trigger review as an ADU:
- A closet and/or wet bar. A wet bar may be allowed as long as the structure is not designed so that it could easily result in an unpermitted ADU. For example, it can be on outside wall of pool house under a terrace.
- Floor plan indicates internal access to a storage room as the only access to the storage room
- Floor plan indicates more than one room. This excludes half baths, saunas, and a small changing/dressing rooms
So, if you are looking to add a full bath to your new pool house, for example, it is most advisable to build that bathroom with exterior access only. This provides a clear distinction between a habitable and non-habitable space.
What are other requirements when building an ADU near a pool?
In order to get a building permit for an ADU when there is a pool on the premises, the homeowner must prove that the swimming pool barrier safety requirements are met. The County of San Diego includes a list of acceptable pool safety features. This includes items like enclosures, electrically operated pool covers, and swimming pool alarms.
Filling in a Pool to Build an ADU
If you’re thinking about filling in your existing pool to make space for an ADU, there are several important factors to consider. Pool conversions offer a great way to reclaim valuable backyard space, especially if your pool is no longer in use or has become expensive to maintain. By replacing your pool with an ADU, you can reduce upkeep costs, eliminate safety concerns, and create a new income-generating unit or additional living space.
Cost of Filling in a Pool
Filling in a pool requires proper planning and professional contractors to ensure the space is stable enough to support a new structure like an ADU. Pool removal typically involves draining, demolition and removal of the pool shell, and filling the area with imported soil to create a stable base. You’ll also need compaction testing and over-excavation to meet construction standards.
The ballpark cost for pool fill-in, including site preparation & soils testing, can range from $25,000 to $35,000 depending on the size and complexity of the project. SnapADU can take on this site prep as part of our full project scope.
Permitting Requirements
As with any construction project, obtaining the necessary permits is crucial. Local jurisdictions may have specific regulations regarding pool removal and ADU construction, and it’s essential to ensure compliance. A feasibility study will help identify any zoning or permitting challenges, making the process smoother.
Site Preparation
After the pool is filled in, the area must be properly graded and compacted to create a stable foundation for your ADU. Site preparation includes ensuring proper drainage, which is especially important when converting a pool area. Our team handles this process as part of our site preparation services. We ensure your ADU is built on a solid, well-prepared foundation.
Ready to talk about your ADU? Request a free consult with our team.
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