A Poolside Pavilion Built for Grandkids and Long Summers
For the Knept family, the idea of a poolside pavilion had been floating around for a while.
“We were talking about putting an outside building around the pool for some time,” John said. “And we just finally decided to pull the trigger on it.”
What they knew for certain was this: their backyard was already the center of family life. With eight grandkids, their pool is a central gathering place for family fun.
Planning the Pavilion
“We didn’t know exactly what we wanted or even who would build it,” John said. “But I actually saw a billboard and called, which led me to Levi.”
Before committing, the Knepts explored other builders, ultimately deciding upon the quality and craftsmanship of Honey Creek. “We went to another builder’s show but the product just felt…rushed,” John explained.
“We wanted more than just your typical roof over a picnic table,” John said. Levi led them to other Honey Creek builds, allowing the couple to compare features and finalize their own plan.
The final product includes stamped concrete to match the existing pool area, and two steps create a seamless transition from pool deck to pavilion. The result is a clean, finished look with hidden electrical work and intentional details throughout.
Customizing their Creation
The Knepts’ pool area called for something specific. Instead of building deeper into the yard, they wanted their poolside pavilion to run longer alongside the pool.
“Our slab is 20 by 16, and Levi does a 16 by 20,” John said. “So he adjusted to how we wanted it to look.” Rather than forcing a standard layout, Honey Creek flipped the dimensions to better complement the space.
“He was great to work with, it was done quickly, and the price was fair – but don’t tell him i said that,” John joked at the end.
A Happy Hotspot
The Knept family has already enjoyed one summer season under the pavilion.
“It’s definitely a hotspot,” John said. “We live outside come spring, summer and fall.” A pavilion project enabled the family to lean into that lifestyle even more.
What’s next in their backyard haven? John says they’ve tossed around the idea of a fireplace, or outdoor kitchen, but for now, the pavilion is more than enough.
The Many Purposes of Poolside Pavilions
The Knepts’ story highlights something many homeowners discover. A pool is fun, but a poolside pavilion makes it livable. A well-planned pool pavilion can anchor the backyard, proving to be much more than an attractive accessory.
A well-designed poolside pavilion:
- Creates shade and relief from the sun
- Defines a gathering zone separate from the water
- Adds visual structure and architectural interest
- Increases usable outdoor time from spring through fall
- Offers flexibility for future upgrades like fireplaces or outdoor kitchens
For the Knepts, it’s the backdrop for summers with eight grandkids, late evenings outdoors and the kind of memories that make staying home better than going out, every time.
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