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Case Study: Pool House Entertainment
How Creative Problem-Solving and Designer Collaboration Transform a Pool House
When our Chicago-area clients first reached out, they had a clear vision: a large screen where they could watch TV from their pool and built-in jacuzzi. The space was large and perfect for relaxation and entertaining. Initially, the thought was that a projector and a large screen would fit the bill, but as we dug deeper into the project details, we discovered that that setup would face some challenges in this humid, chlorine-rich environment. Sometimes, the best solutions come from stepping back and completely rethinking the approach.
The Pool House Dilemma
The request seemed straightforward enough—install a projector and screen so the family could enjoy movies and sports while soaking in their jacuzzi or lounging in the pool. But pool houses present unique challenges that most entertainment spaces don't face.
Humidity and chlorine are projector killers. The constant moisture in the air can damage sensitive electronics, while chlorine exposure accelerates corrosion of metal components. Even with protective enclosures, maintenance becomes a constant concern, and image quality suffers in the ambient light that naturally fills these open, airy spaces.
The clients were in the middle of a complete remodel of their pool house—a beautiful space connected to their main home through sliding doors. This timing actually opened up possibilities we might not have had in a finished room.
Collaborating on a Solution
Working alongside interior designer Megan Winters , we developed a creative approach that solved multiple problems at once. The space featured two structural pillars with open area between them—perfect for creating a dedicated wall that could house a large display while separating the viewing area from the rest of the pool house.
Instead of fighting the environment with a projector, we suggested building a wall between those pillars and mounting a 100-inch Sony TV. This solution offered several immediate advantages: the display would be brighter and more vibrant than any projector, installation and maintenance would be far simpler, and the TV would be naturally protected from the harsh pool environment.
The collaboration with Megan's team went smoothly. Her attention to detail and communication throughout the remodel made it possible to integrate our low-voltage wiring and mounting systems without disrupting the unique woodwork and stone finishes. We were able to coordinate our installation with their updates to the dated poolhouse, and the finished wall looks like it was always meant to be there, matching the surrounding stonework.
Multiple Games, One Screen
The 100-inch display connects to the family's existing Savant automation system, which unlocks one of our favorite features for sports enthusiasts: video tiling. This technology allows multiple video sources to appear simultaneously on the same screen—perfect for families who want to watch several games at once or keep an eye on the news while a show plays.
The interface is intuitive. Want to watch three football games and check the weather? Simple drag-and-drop gestures let you arrange content however you like, and you can choose which audio source to hear. The system saves favorite layouts as presets, so "Sunday Football Setup" or "Family Movie Night" configurations are ready with a single tap. This flexibility makes the entertainment system feel natural rather than restrictive in a pool house environment where people are moving around, socializing, and enjoying multiple activities.
A Successful Project
Installing technology in an active remodel comes with its own challenges, especially when working around extensive woodwork and stone finishes. Our team carefully routed low-voltage cabling and positioned the articulating mount to allow flexible viewing angles throughout the space—whether guests are in the pool, relaxing in the jacuzzi, or gathered on the nearby seating areas.
The designer deserves full credit for this project's success. Megan Winters and her team created a space where technology integrates into the architecture. The 100-inch display feels like a natural part of the room rather than an afterthought, and the built wall integrates so perfectly with the existing stonework that visitors assume it was always there.
What started as a projector project became something much better: a year-round entertainment solution that works as beautifully for intimate family evenings as it does for hosting friends during the big game.
Interested in exploring how creative collaboration can solve your unique entertainment challenges? Contact Avidia here or click the chatbox below to discuss your project.