Thinking about building a sun room around your pool in Long Island? Great choice. Not only does it elevate the look of your backyard, but it also extends your swim season, adds value to your home, and gives you that resort-like vibe—right at home. But before diving into construction, there are some important things you should consider to make sure your sun room is both beautiful and practical.
Let’s walk through 10 helpful tips that can save you time, money, and stress as you plan your dream poolside sun room.
1. Think About How You’ll Use the Space Year-Round
Before you even sketch out your first idea, think about how you want to use the space. Are you planning to swim all year? Host parties? Create a quiet spot for morning coffee while enjoying the pool view?
If you want year-round use, you’ll want a four-season sun room with proper insulation and heating. If it’s mainly for summer lounging, a three-season sun room may do the trick. Being clear about your goals will shape everything from your layout to the materials you choose.
2. Check Long Island Building Codes and Permits Early
Long Island has some pretty strict zoning and permitting rules, especially when it comes to building near water features like pools. Don’t skip this step—it can cause major delays or fines down the road.
Reach out to your local town or city hall to understand what’s required. Or better yet, hire a licensed Long Island contractor who already knows the process. They’ll help secure permits, ensure everything’s up to code, and save you a whole lot of headaches.
3. Go with a Design That Complements Your Home
Your sun room should feel like a natural extension of your home—not a random add-on. Match the architectural style, color scheme, and roofing of your house to create a seamless look. If your home is modern, go for sleek glass walls and minimalist frames. If it’s more traditional, consider cozy wood tones and arched windows.
A well-matched design will not only look better but also add real value to your home.
4. Choose Moisture-Resistant Materials
This one’s big when you’re building around a pool. Between splashes, humidity, and condensation, your sun room needs to be built with materials that can handle moisture like a champ.
Opt for vinyl or composite materials for windows and trims. Use non-slip, waterproof flooring—think tile, treated concrete, or outdoor-rated luxury vinyl. Even your furniture should be weather-resistant if it’s staying out there full-time.
5. Plan for Ventilation and Airflow
A sun room that traps heat and moisture isn’t going to be much fun—especially in the summer. Make sure your design includes proper ventilation.
Install operable windows, ceiling fans, or even sliding glass doors to let in fresh air. If you’re closing the room in completely, consider a dehumidifier or a small HVAC unit to control temperature and moisture. Trust us—your guests (and your pool liner) will thank you.
6. Lighting Makes a Big Difference
Since the sun room is, well, a room made for enjoying the sun, natural lighting should be a focus. But don’t stop there—think about how the room will feel at night too.
Recessed lighting, pendant fixtures, or dimmable LED strips can create a cozy ambiance after dark. If you love entertaining, you might even want to add outdoor-rated chandeliers or color-changing lights to set the mood.
7. Don’t Forget the Drainage System
Here’s one tip that’s often overlooked—drainage. With all that water splashing around the pool, it’s important to make sure your sun room doesn’t turn into a giant puddle.
Talk to your contractor about sloped flooring, proper gutters, and floor drains. These small details can save you thousands of dollars in water damage repairs later on.
8. Add Eze-Breeze or Retractable Windows for Flexibilit
Want the best of both worlds—open-air vibes when the weather’s great, and full enclosure when it’s not? Look into Eze-Breeze window systems or retractable glass walls.
These let you slide panels open or closed depending on the season, giving you more flexibility throughout the year. Plus, they’re a great way to let in the breeze without letting in the bugs.
9. Make Space for Storage and Seating
Think about how you’re going to live in this space. You’ll probably want a spot to store towels, floaties, sunscreen, and maybe even a mini-fridge for drinks.
Built-in benches with hidden storage are a smart solution. You can also create cozy seating areas with waterproof cushions, loungers, or even a hanging chair. A mix of function and comfort will turn your sun room into your favourite “room” in the house.
10. Hire a Local, Experienced Sunroom Contractor
The best tip we can give you? Work with a professional who’s familiar with the unique climate, codes, and style preferences of Long Island homeowners.
A seasoned sunroom contractor can help you avoid costly mistakes, recommend the right materials, and build something that actually lasts. Look for someone with at least 10–15 years of experience, proper insurance, and a portfolio of past poolside sun rooms they’ve built locally.
Bonus: they’ll often handle permits and inspections for you, which is a huge time-saver.
Bonus Tips: Little Touches That Go a Long Way
Can’t help ourselves—we had to throw in a few extra ideas!
- Add a retractable awning for extra shade when needed.
- Install solar shades to reduce glare and keep it cool.
- Add a ceiling fan with lights for airflow and style.
- Include smart lighting or speakers to make the space tech-friendly.
- Incorporate plants—tropical greenery thrives in sunny spaces and adds that vacation feel.
Why Add a Sun Room Around a Pool in Long Island?
Living in Long Island means you get all four seasons—and some pretty unpredictable weather. A sun room lets you enjoy your pool area earlier in the spring and later into fall. No more rushing to pack up poolside furniture at the first sign of rain. No more mosquitoes ruining a peaceful evening.
It’s not just a beautiful upgrade—it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
Wrap-Up: Plan Now, Enjoy for Years
Building a sun room around your pool is one of the best investments you can make for your Long Island property. Whether you want to relax, entertain, or simply extend your pool time, a well-designed sun room checks all the boxes.
But remember—it’s not just about looks. From permits to drainage to airflow, the details matter. So take your time, work with a trusted contractor, and dream big.
You’re just a few steps away from having a backyard that feels like a vacation—every day of the week.
