Cabanas, Pergolas, and Pool Houses: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re entertaining guests, catnapping in the shade, or simply trying to escape the summer heat, no pool area is complete without a covered living space. Cabanas, pergolas, and pool houses are all excellent poolside shade options – but which is right for your backyard? 

To help you decide which covered living space is best for you, we’re exploring what makes each shade option unique and why you might consider it for your pool area. 

Cabanas

Considering its affordability and easy upkeep, the cabana’s popularity comes as no surprise. This fully shaded living space provides all-day shelter from the elements while its open-air design lets you enjoy the breeze on those hot summer days. 

Cabanas are also versatile and customizable. Fill your cabana with outdoor furniture and your preferred lighting option to create a relaxing oasis in your backyard. 

Partial walls or no walls, freestanding or attached to an existing structure – there are lots of ways to create the cabana of your dreams. Our team will work with you to design the ideal cabana for your outdoor space.

Pergolas

Elegant and budget-friendly, pergolas are semi-shaded structures consisting of four columns and a roof made of exposed trusses. 

While pergolas don’t offer total shade on their own, they provide a great foundation for customization, allowing you to tailor the look and feel to your outdoor space. 

Drape a transparent cover over your pergola for subtle shading, or use it to support a vining plant for a natural sun-dappled effect. However you decide to decorate it, a pergola adds a touch of elegance to your pool area without breaking the bank. 

Pool Houses

Do you daydream of entertaining guests or spending time with your family around the pool on a summer evening? If you see lots of barbecues and birthday parties in your future, a pool house might be just what you’re looking for. 

More than a simple shaded area, a pool house is a complete structure featuring modern amenities, often including furniture, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, televisions, and more!

A pool house is also a great option for keeping pool activities confined to the backyard and out of your home. Shower off after a dip in the pool, cook a burger on the grill, or relax in the air conditioning to get a break from the heat. There’s no end to what you can do with this versatile covered living space.

While pool houses are the most expensive option on this list, they are also the most luxurious and customizable. A pool house will also add the most value to your home. 

Morehead Pools Are Here to Help!

Are you looking to complete your pool area with a covered living space? At Morehead Pools, we’re more than pool experts. We pride ourselves on designing outdoor spaces that invite relaxation and fun while complementing your home’s aesthetic. 

From covered living spaces and pools, to plant arrangements and kitchens, our team of luxury pool builders has helped over 3,000 families across Louisiana – including Shreveport and Bossier City – design the backyard of their dreams. 

Call today to make your dream outdoor space a reality.