Pool Sheds: Worth It? Or Skip?

A pool shed is a small storage structure that serves your pool. It’s usually worth it for most pool owners, but you’ll need to think about whether it’s the right choice for you depending on your specific needs. In this guide, we look at some of the pros and cons of owning a pool shed and some of the reasons why you might want to skip it. 

The pros of owning a pool shed

There are multiple reasons why you might want to own a pool shed. The most obvious one is that it makes pool maintenance so much easier. You have somewhere to keep all of your supplies. For example, pool sheds are a great option for storing things like:

• pumps
• filters
• heaters
• chlorination materials
• toys and so on

The shed protects them from wind, UV, rain, snow, and other extreme weather. 

Sheds are also useful if you want to reduce the noise that your pump and filter make. If you house these pieces of equipment inside a shed and put them on a stable base, then you can reduce vibrations and sound emitted into your garden. 

Pool sheds are also useful if you just want your pool area to look better. They can organize clutter and keep the pool looking clean and inviting while also functional. Most pool sheds cost between $500 and $3,000. You can get custom wood versions between $5,000 and $10,000, but those are only necessary if you have a very large pool. Custom sheds potentially boost your home’s value, although the ROI will be less than 100%. 

Reasons to skip a pool shed

The biggest reason to skip a pool shed is the upfront cost. If you already have a shed on your property, you probably don’t need an extra one for a pool, especially if expenses are tight after a new pool installation.

There’s also the fact that pool sheds need maintenance. Engineers need to build in ventilation to avoid heat build up, because pumps can get hot, and you need good drainage and flooring for continuously wet floors, which are likely if you’re using equipment in your pool and storing it in your shed. Unfortunately, poorly designed sheds don’t last very long and often succumb to rot. They trap humidity, leading to condensation and mould build-up. 

There’s also the fact that, unlike a full pool house, pool sheds have limited additional uses. For example, you can’t really use them as a changing area or a bathroom. They’re also unsuitable for kitchenettes and lounges. Basically, pool sheds are for storage. If you want something more than that, then you’ll need to invest considerably more.

At the same time, alternatives to pool sheds often suffice. If you have garage space or a basement, or you already keep things indoors, then you probably don’t need one. 

You also need to think about backyard space. Full sheds, while small, still take up a lot of room. Do you have space for one on your lot?