"Our DIY Pool Pavilion That Brought Family and Friends Together
We set out to build more than just a patio, we envisioned a poolside pavilion that extended the experience of the pool and created a stylish, functional, and inviting space for entertaining. After exploring a few contractor options (with quotes north of $40,000 for the structure), we made a bold decision: build it ourselves.
We purchased an 8x4m freestanding insulated patio from Smartkits Australia, which came with everything we needed from delivery, LED lights, fan brackets, and even full engineering documents for council submission. The support from Smartkits was exceptional. Gabby from Design and Sales was incredibly responsive, helping us customise a structure that worked around the pool’s layout. Mick from Building Operations was equally helpful, providing clarity on the more technical aspects of the build. From step-by-step guides to online support, we always had help when we needed it.
Our structure features insulated roof and wall panels, which create clean lines and a modern finish. These wall panels also serve a dual purpose, forming part of the pool boundary fence which meets pool regulations. This not only saved space but integrated the pavilion more seamlessly with our pool area. The LED lights and angled fan extensions in the gables elevate the design and functionality, day or night, it’s a great space to relax or entertain.
Everything except for the cement and electrical work was accomplished by me, a mechanic by trade, with a huge assistance from friends and family. I handled the tiling, wall installation, drainage, and structural assembly myself. Those 4m insulated panels required a few helping hands from our family, friends and neighbours. Now those same friends return to enjoy beers under the pavilion and cool off in the pool.
How far we have come is amazing. We started with nothing but a patch of green lawn and a mountain of hurdles to come. Rain was constant, and a 10 tonne truck got bogged while digging the pool, leaving behind an extremely large pile of dirt we couldn’t move for weeks, however the pool build had to continue. At one point, there were four very tall patio poles cemented in with a huge pile of dirt sitting in the middle of them all. It’s incredible to look back at how far we’ve come.
Now, what once was mud and mess is a sleek, functional outdoor living space we built with our own hands. The pavilion stands not just as a shelter, but as a symbol of perseverance, creativity, and community.
From structure to style and technical detail to community effort, this project was the perfect DIY success story. The team at Smartkits Australia made the process seamless, and the finished product exceeded our expectations in both aesthetics and functionality.
This isn’t just a patio, it’s the heart of our backyard, and a testament to what you can accomplish with the right support, some determination, and a few helping hands." - Matt
