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Pool Cabana Ideas: Recipe for Fun in the Sun

Pool Cabana Ideas: Recipe for Fun in the Sun
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As lavish and exclusive as it may sound, a pool cabana is not something that only belongs to celebrity mansions and private resorts. If you have a pool in your backyard, you can level it up by building a cabana on the side. A well-designed pool cabana not only enhances the aesthetics of your backyard pool but also serves various practical purposes.

Depending on how much money and effort goes into your pool cabana, you can build yourself a simple changing shed, or you can put together a luxurious mini-house with a range of features. So, are you ready to enjoy the summer vacations in your backyard? Grab some snacks and a drink, and get ready to learn how you can add a cabana to your pool.

5 Top Pool Cabana Ideas

Here are some of the best pool cabana ideas to create the perfect backyard oasis: 

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Cool Spot 11x11 Pop-Up Instant Gazebo Tent with Mosquito Netting Outdoor Canopy Shelter with 121 Square Feet of Shade by COOS BAY...
AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy- World's Only All Day/All Way Inflatable Pool Shade Float Cabana for Pools, Beaches, Lakes and...
SwimWays Spring Float Canopy Recliner Chair for Swimming Pool, Inflatable Pool Floats Adult with Adjustable Canopy, Fast Inflation...
KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox, Kids Backyard Furniture with Three Storage Bins, Beige & White Stripes, Gift...
KingCamp Shower Tent Oversize Outdoor Shower Tents for Camping Dressing Room Portable Shelter Changing Room Shower Privacy Shelter...
7,985 Reviews
79 Reviews
2,322 Reviews
765 Reviews
125 Reviews
Cool Spot 11x11 Pop-Up Instant Gazebo Tent with Mosquito Netting Outdoor Canopy Shelter with 121 Square Feet of Shade by COOS BAY...
AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy- World's Only All Day/All Way Inflatable Pool Shade Float Cabana for Pools, Beaches, Lakes and...
SwimWays Spring Float Canopy Recliner Chair for Swimming Pool, Inflatable Pool Floats Adult with Adjustable Canopy, Fast Inflation...
KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox, Kids Backyard Furniture with Three Storage Bins, Beige & White Stripes, Gift...
KingCamp Shower Tent Oversize Outdoor Shower Tents for Camping Dressing Room Portable Shelter Changing Room Shower Privacy Shelter...
$189.99
$209.92
$34.99
$221.99
Price not available
Amazon Prime
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Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
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1
Cool Spot 11x11 Pop-Up Instant Gazebo Tent with Mosquito Netting Outdoor Canopy Shelter with 121 Square Feet of Shade by COOS BAY...
7,985 Reviews
Cool Spot 11x11 Pop-Up Instant Gazebo Tent with Mosquito Netting Outdoor Canopy Shelter with 121 Square Feet of Shade by COOS BAY...
$189.99
Amazon Prime
2
AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy- World's Only All Day/All Way Inflatable Pool Shade Float Cabana for Pools, Beaches, Lakes and...
79 Reviews
AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy- World's Only All Day/All Way Inflatable Pool Shade Float Cabana for Pools, Beaches, Lakes and...
$209.92
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3
SwimWays Spring Float Canopy Recliner Chair for Swimming Pool, Inflatable Pool Floats Adult with Adjustable Canopy, Fast Inflation...
2,322 Reviews
SwimWays Spring Float Canopy Recliner Chair for Swimming Pool, Inflatable Pool Floats Adult with Adjustable Canopy, Fast Inflation...
$34.99
Amazon Prime
4
KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox, Kids Backyard Furniture with Three Storage Bins, Beige & White Stripes, Gift...
765 Reviews
KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox, Kids Backyard Furniture with Three Storage Bins, Beige & White Stripes, Gift...
$221.99
Amazon Prime
5
KingCamp Shower Tent Oversize Outdoor Shower Tents for Camping Dressing Room Portable Shelter Changing Room Shower Privacy Shelter...
125 Reviews
KingCamp Shower Tent Oversize Outdoor Shower Tents for Camping Dressing Room Portable Shelter Changing Room Shower Privacy Shelter...
Price not available
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1. Cool Spot 11’x11′ Pop-up Cabana

Sale
Cool Spot 11x11 Instant Cabana with Netting
7,985 Reviews
Cool Spot 11x11 Instant Cabana with Netting
  • EASY SETUP & PORTABLE: Setup is efficient and hassle-free with COOL Spot Pop-up Gazebo. Reference Technical Specification for Instruction Manual. This spacious COOL Spot Gazebo is lightweight and comes...
  • VENTED TOP & EXTRA SHADE AREA: Stay cool with our new COOL Spot Vent, designed to provide excellent airflow while you work or relax. This gazebo features straight steel legs and an extended Cornice...

Are you looking for a one-time upgrade to your backyard pool? Look no further because a modern cabana is what you need. Prepare yourself for the perfect outdoor time at your own poolside. The cool spot cabana comes measuring 11′ x 11′ Like any other project that requires assembling different parts, a pool cabana can also be put together on your own using a DIY kit or with a professional’s assistance.

2. AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy

AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy
79 Reviews
AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy
Lightweight and portable! Enjoy ultraviolet protection, waterproof material. Easy to pack up and take with you to the beach, or enjoy by the pool!

The AquaCabana Pool Float with Canopy – a game-changing and versatile inflatable pool shade float cabana designed to elevate your aquatic experiences. Whether you’re at the pool, beach, lake, or river, this innovative canopy pool float in a striking blue color offers unbeatable shade, comfort, and durability. Get ready to enjoy all-day relaxation with the AquaCabana.

3. Inflatable Pool Cabana

SwimWays Spring Float Recliner with Canopy
2,322 Reviews
SwimWays Spring Float Recliner with Canopy
  • SPRING FLOAT RECLINER POOL LOUNGER: Features a soft cooling mesh that keeps your body just below the water's surface to keep you comfortably cool for hours of relaxation and fun on hot summer days, and the...
  • RETRACTABLE CANOPY: Adjustable sun canopy protects you from the elements and can be lowered when you want to catch some rays, while the inflatable backrest keeps you upright while the cares of everyday...
  • PATENTED INNER SPRING DESIGN: Inner spring sewn around the outside edge of the float offers greater comfort and stability in the water
  • INCLUDES REUSABLE CARRYING BAG: Measures 55 in x 40 in x 34.5 in and folds flat into 3 compact circles to fit in the included carrying bag, and it supports most adults up to 250 lbs.

Love the idea of lying down in the middle of the pool and not getting roasted by the sun? Well, that’s what the SwimWays Spring Float Recliner brings to the table. It’s just like a personal holiday retreat in the middle of the ocean with a canopy on top. 

Easy to inflate and deflate, this type of pool cabana features a cooling mesh seat and is the perfect setting to enjoy a romantic summer day with your significant other or to relax on your own. What’s great about an inflated cabana is that it not only provides protection from the sun but also allows a cool breeze to flow through its perforated canopy. As a result, this is an ideal product for a warm day. 

4. Pool Cabana for Kids

KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox
765 Reviews
KidKraft Wooden and Canvas Outdoor Cabana Sandbox
  • Roll-up mesh cover with windows
  • Three convenient storage bins
  • Mesh cover included

Most kids love spending time at the pool, generally because it’s a good refresher for them. A KidKraft’s Cabana Sandbox can be a great addition to your backyard pool. Like the inflatable pool cabana, this type of cabana is more compact and portable.

It comes with a mesh cover, three storage bins, and a plastic liner to keep bugs and moisture at bay. The weatherproof outdoor wood is designed to keep children engaged while protecting them from the sun, wind, and other harsh weather elements. 

5. Pop Up Pool Cabana

KingCamp Pop Up Dressing Changing Tent
125 Reviews
KingCamp Pop Up Dressing Changing Tent
100% Polyester, 47x47x75 inches in size. Comes with a carrying case and 4 stakes to secure the cabana to the ground.

Out of all the different pool cabana ideas, the pop-up cabana, such as the KingCamp Portable Pop Up Camping Shower Dressing Tent, is probably the cheapest and the most practical poolside shed. Made of 100% durable polyester, it includes a mesh storage pocket, side mesh window, and weight pocket to enhance its stability on the beach. Providing instant privacy, it has various utilities.

So whether you carry it to the beach, go camping, or use it as a backyard pool cabana, the pop-up tent is among the most versatile cabana ideas that serve various purposes such as a showering tent, portable toilet, changing room, or sun cabana for pools, camping or beaches. Simply put, a pop-up cabana ensures that you enjoy a comfortable outing outdoors.

What Is a Pool Cabana and What Are They Used For?

If you’re still wondering what a pool cabana exactly is, this section will help clear up any confusion. Have you ever heard of a gazebo? A pool cabana is essentially a gazebo, with three walls and an open side facing the water. The dimensions of both these structures are usually similar, with the cabana having more features and details than a traditional gazebo. If you’ve ever been to a high-end hotel, you must’ve seen a poolside cabana.

The primary purpose is to act as a sunshade while also providing a degree of privacy to the people inside. Therefore, folks prefer to use the cabana to change into their swimsuits before a swim and avoid the hassle of changing in crowded locker rooms. Since modern and contemporary cabanas are so versatile, it’s a good idea to build one in your backyard with easy access to your pool.

As intimidating as it may sound, building a pool cabana doesn’t require a whole lot of capital and manual labor. So what are you waiting for? Build a pool cabana in your backyard to get away from the sun while enjoying the beautiful outdoors with your family. 

How Big Should a Pool Cabana Be?

Although there is no specific size for a pool cabana, the average dimensions for most are between 8′ x 12′ and 10′ x 14′ (or the 10′ or 11′ five-sided design). What’s most important is that the space is large enough to fulfill all your requirements while also blending in nicely with the aesthetic of your house. 

Pool Cabana

What Is NOT a Pool Cabana?

Earlier in this article, we touched on gazebos and how they’re similar to poolside cabanas. However, despite these similarities, we must understand that these two structures serve different purposes. A gazebo is a sunshade with open sides, while a cabana is more like a mini-room. Other structures like solariums and pergolas are also often confused with poolside cabanas, yet they are markedly distinct in function.

What Is the Difference Between a Pool House and a Cabana?

A pool house is a permanent, all-purpose living space that can include a bathroom, kitchen, and other amenities, while a cabana is a simple roofed structure with three sides designed beside a swimming pool to help you relax and get away from the sun. 

Read our related article on pool umbrellas!

Pool Cabana Types

Prefab Pool Cabana

A prefabricated pool cabana consists of factory-made cabana components assembled on-site using a DIY kit. A prefab cabana’s benefit is that it is cost-effective, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing. So whether you want a pool cabana with bathroom option or a built-in bar, you can take inspiration from the various modern pool cabana ideas and transform your backyard into a relaxing getaway!

Pool Cabana Daybed

A daybed is probably one of the more luxurious small cabana plans in the market. It consists of a bed-like structure with a canopy to keep the sunlight at bay. Doesn’t it sound like the perfect way to relax and enjoy the warm weather? 

Mini Pool Cabana

Suppose you don’t have ample space for a pool cabana, no need to worry because a mini pool cabana has got you covered. This small cabana will look just as aesthetic and admirable as a large pool cabana. There are various ways to build your perfect mini pool cabana. A mini pool cabana can have a straw roof, a comfortable sofa, or a bed to relax. You can also add an aesthetic touch by having white curtains. These small pool cabana ideas can help you level up your summer holidays.

DIY Pool Cabana

Are you the kind of person who loves to make everything from scratch? Then, a DIY pool cabana is what you need to be building this summer. You can make your pool cabana by using wood, bamboo sticks, curtains, cushions, or anything that suits your style. But, of course, summer drinks in a pool cabana that you have built will hit differently.

Pool Cabana Kits

Don’t have time to make a DIY pool cabana? No worries! Get a pool cabana kit, and you will be all sorted to enjoy summers. There is a wide range of pool cabana kits available, and you can conveniently find one that you like, and all you have to do is sit back till it arrives at your door. These backyard cabana kits are easy to assemble and don’t require days to be built.

Inflatable Pool Cabana

Amongst the most pocket-friendly pool cabanas for sale is the inflatable cabana. A floating cabana is the most convenient and cost-effective pool cabana to own. Fill it with air, and you will be able to use the cabana and enjoy the breeze and spend time with your loved ones.

Sale
Index Inflatable Cabana
4,035 Reviews
Index Inflatable Cabana
  • COMFORTABLE LOUNGE SURFACE – Whether socializing with friends or laying out at the pool, the INTEX Canopy Island is perfect for relaxing in luxury while enjoying the water
  • DETACHABLE FABRIC SUN SHADE – The Canopy Island has a detachable fabric sun shade that provides just the right amount of shade from the heat on hot summer days allowing you to unwind in comfort

Considerations When Shopping for a Pool Cabana

Style

Pool cabanas are available in various styles. You can have an inflatable pool cabana, DIY pool cabana, prefab pool cabana, pool cabana day bed, and many more different kinds of pool cabanas. If you choose to go for a DIY cabana for your pool area, be sure to check out the several different outdoor pool cabana designs and make your backyard stand out with a unique structure. You can choose a specific style depending on your budget, the amount of space you have, and the climate of the place where you live.

Price

The price depends on the cabana idea you opt for. Temporary pool cabanas can cost you around $150, and permanent ones can cost you up to $150,000 or more. So the price comes down to the kind of luxuries you want by your pool. You can even get pool cabanas for rent. A cabana rental is a viable choice as it is pocket-friendly and a great way to enjoy the experience of a cabana without going through the hassle of buying or building one.

Size

While finding the perfect pool cabana for your poolside, one aspect to keep in mind is the desired size depending upon the space you have; and what you want inside the cabana. That will ultimately determine the cabana structure or type you choose for yourself. If you don’t have enough space, you can always get an inflatable pool cabana or a mini pool cabana which will take minimum space.

Features

A pool cabana can have a wide range of features. Still, the basic ones include a shade, a sitting or relaxing area, and a covered-up space to provide some privacy. Other than these primary features, you can also have a TV,  a place for towels, a kitchen for preparing and enjoying some food, a bar, a dining area, a ceiling fan, and much more to make your elegant spa-like space perfect for entertaining.

Durability

Cabanas made of wood or sturdy steel will be way more durable than pop-up cabanas or inflatable pool cabanas. But, of course, durability depends on the material used to build the cabana.

Reviews/Rating

Customer reviews play a significant role while purchasing a pool cabana. They are a great way to know the pros and cons of the cabana you want to get your hands on and choose the perfect one for your needs.

The Bottom Line

What is holding you back? Put your pool cabana plans to work and get the most suitable cabana for your place. Whether you, your family, and guests enjoy a cabana with a flat roof or tilted roof, a cabana on the patio, or a pool deck, the options are endless! So enjoy your summers with the pool cabana that you’ve always desired and make it the perfect place to enjoy your vacations and occasional lazy Sunday. 

Pricing on this page was last updated on 2024-03-18