If I was building a new house with a pool, the lanai and pool would face South. Off subject but I would also build a large 3 car garage. Good luck finding a reasonable cost lot.

The vents cut into the bottom of the garage door is the key. So cheap to have done compared to the other options.

I have a north-eastern exposure on my lanai. I get a sliver of sun in the morning and absolutely no direct sunlight in the hot afternoons. There is enough indirect sunlight for my plants to flourish. My neighbors across the street complain that they cannot sit on their lanai in the afternoon because it’s too hot.

New house just went on the market today. In Pine hills with a pool. It’s beautiful inside and out. 572 k. Look on villages website.

I always preferred North facing lanais for maximum shade. Our current house has pool and faces NW. We have solar panels on the SW side of roof, which heat the pool and extends pool season. We have both a huge awning and motorized screens to help with any afternoon sun coming into the lanai. Most lanais have ceiling fans. Front and SW side of house get very hot. We keep plantation shutters closed all day to keep out sun. A/C works hard and difference of 8-10 degrees between room in south corner of house and room in North corner. I find that mornings are even more humid and sultry than evenings most of the year. Hope that helps!

east

My lanai faces northeast and it's about as cool as can be and mostly shady.
If you want more sun, aim south or west.

I agree that a SOUTH facing lanai is best when a pool is attached. In the spring/summer/fall months, the sun is high & shines on pool/birdcage and the lanai is shaded by ceiling and darker privacy screen on sides & back of birdcage. Our 2 ceiling fans keep lanai cool & breezy. We hung outdoor curtains on the west side of lanai & only use them in winter when the sun is setting and is lower in the sky (if we need to). Also, we rarely get rain in our lanai, but if it happens to rain in from the West, only the first 6 inches of lanai floor gets wet (unless there are hurricane gusts, then everyone’s lanai gets wet) Front of house faces North and the sun doesn’t bake the front door or garage.

[QUOTE=rccooper22;1768278]We are looking to buy/build a home with a pool and trying to consider all the options. What is considered a preferred lani facing home with pool? What is the least preferred

Facing NORTH. always shade on lanai and sun in pool