In February of 2010, we decided that we needed a pool house attached to our outdoor pool. Of course, Ron rolled his eyes and said "Not again!". Well, I have to keep him busy since he is retired. While we were at it, it seemed only right that we should install solar panels on the roof to help heat the pool in the cooler months. After many nights browsing the internet, we determined the square footage needed to heat the pool at least 10 degrees above whatever temperature nature gave us using solar power and came up with about 500 square feet - the size of a small house! Adhearing to lot-line setbacks and allowing for the already complicated maze of underground pipes and wires, we came up with the pool house dimensions. The roof also covers the pool equipment so that was a plus. We designed the area to have an screened 12'x 14'cabana with a half bath and sauna. We even gave Scott some room to store his pool chemicals and equipment.

I figured a couple of thousand would do the trick. Well, we have already spent over $7,000 dollars just on materials and don't have the solar panels yet, haven't paid Scott, we don't have anything to heat the sauna with (we are getting estimates that range around $5,000 for a carbon infrared heating system), the insulation, the paint, the bathroom stuff, the screening or any furniture. I just always underestimate what everything is going to cost these days. Luckily I have some very cheap help and Scott, my son, gives us a little break on his wages.

So, please enjoy these pics. I will keep you updated as we make progress.

Our Crew. Oh dear!

They begin. Seems like I worried about nothing. They are doing a swell job.

Installing the floor.

Nice start.

Do you know what you're doing?

Bet your bippie!

See, I told you so.

While you'rs at it, why not install the Dolphin light?

Looking good.

Would you believe he is 65 years old? I'm impressed.

Finally, after about three months of waiting, we received our DEP permit and Gulf County permit to compelte the poolhouse, bathroom and sauna. Of course, they forgot to take pics for me....but, I finally got them to take a break. Here's the result.

The siding is up.

Scott decided that a triangle of matching pool tile would look good. It is up and ready for stucco.

He was right! Classy. The stucco matches the pool surround and the triangle tile matches the pool. I do believe he is very proud of his work.

Stucco is also being put on the inside lanai wall. This area will be screened with ceiling fans, tables and chairs for breezy relaxing and watching swimmers. The sauna entrance is on the left. The bathroom entrance is on the right. Doors not hung yet. The picture doesn't do the room justice. I think it is 12' x 14'.

Sneak peak at the bathroom ceiling fan. Cute with a little whimsy.

Outside painted. Scott felt that it was just too white. So, we will be repainting with the stucco color which is a cool off-white. Trim will be white. Nice idea, Scott.

That's all for now. The cedar for the sauna will be delivered next week. The bathroom and sauna floor will be tiled with a cool light gray tile. The lanai railing and screens will be installed. I can't wait to see the results. Last to be installed is the solar panels that will heat the pool this winter and the automated valve controls so that each renter can turn the Jacuzzi on when needed.

To see how it all turned out, click here See how it all turned out. Click here