Pergolas and pavillions with new pool build - Tampa recommendations wanted

May 25, 2013
104
Tampa, FL
Pool Size
11000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
We recently signed a contract to build a new pool, but just started thinking about building a detached pergola or pavillion. I texted our PB and he said they could do a 10x10 pergola for 11k.

For those that have had these structures built, did you use your PB or contract it out to a company that specializes in these builds?

It would be convenient to have it designed and included in the pool build, but I feel like I could get a bigger bang for the buck hiring a separate builder. I have a couple companies lined up to come give me quotes and design ideas.
 
I used our PB. For my build (link in signature), it required setting the posts and running the electrical wiring and conduit to the pavilion before gunite. Make sure you plan for electric, gas, conduit, lighting, etc..
 
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I used a separate contractor for my pavilion. My pool builder doesn't actually have a crew of workers, they subcontract everything out. So I figured I would cut on the middle man and and his additional markup on the price of the pavilion. Similar to how people go the owner build route on pools and save a significant amount of money. Both my contractor and the pool builder had to work together on electrical and decking, but everyone got along and did what needed to be done.
 
We had our pool builder pour the foundation at the same time he did the pool decking, but we used a separate contractor to build the cabana structure. We had water, sewer, gas and electricity roughed in before he poured the foundation of course, but did the cabana right after the pool was completed. We love it and it really adds to the overall backyard. The bathroom was a last minute addition, but turned out to be a great investment. Here are some photos.
 

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Wow that is absolutely amazing! Just curious...did you have a design in mind or did the contractor propose it? I'm in florida and having trouble deciding on a roof structure...hip or gable style in metal metal, shingles, pergola with a overlayment and even thinking about a thatch tiki style.
 
Wow that is absolutely amazing! Just curious...did you have a design in mind or did the contractor propose it? I'm in florida and having trouble deciding on a roof structure...hip or gable style in metal metal, shingles, pergola with a overlayment and even thinking about a thatch tiki style.
We pretty much designed it all to fit the space we had. We knew we wanted western red cedar materials, and a high pitch open gable roof for aesthetics. We just used shingles to match the house. We wanted some kind of shade structure on the west side of our yard. Originally looked at doing a 10x10 pergola, but decided we wanted a full covered roof, not slats. Then I thought it would be nice to build a kitchen with natural gas grill, sink, fridge, etc. Wife wanted the bathroom and since the water was there, added an outdoor shower.
 
I took an entirely different tack. 10 x 10 for 11K sounds like a lot of money to me. I got a very nice 12 x 12 cedar gazebo at Costco for $1299 on sale with free delivery. I then hired a local company called the Assembly Doctor who specializes in putting kits like this together. They charged me $500. Two guys put it together in about six hours, and I think it looks great. Total cost installed $1800 plus sales tax on the kit.

I basically just wanted a shade structure. Ran an extension cord from a nearby outlook for lights, computer etc. No water or anything. Have an outdoor fireplace and patio on the side of the pool, planning an outdoor kitchen there this spring, pool house at the other end of pool eventually......

IMG_0242 Gazebo.jpg
 
I took an entirely different tack. 10 x 10 for 11K sounds like a lot of money to me. I got a very nice 12 x 12 cedar gazebo at Costco for $1299 on sale with free delivery. I then hired a local company called the Assembly Doctor who specializes in putting kits like this together. They charged me $500. Two guys put it together in about six hours, and I think it looks great. Total cost installed $1800 plus sales tax on the kit.

I basically just wanted a shade structure. Ran an extension cord from a nearby outlook for lights, computer etc. No water or anything. Have an outdoor fireplace and patio on the side of the pool, planning an outdoor kitchen there this spring, pool house at the other end of pool eventually......

View attachment 175582
Looks great? How is it mounted to the ground? I am thinking of doing something similar but not sure how to secure over pavers.
 
Thanls everyone for your suggestions.. nothing is off the table yet..

Has anyone built a gazebo like this in the tampa bay area(without the kitchen and fireplace)? If so can you recommend a builder? I'm having a hard time finding someone.

My main objectives are to have a big structure with a solid rear wall to give privacy to my pool and first and foremost block some of the noise from my neighbors A/C unit.
Screenshot_20210303-070043_Chrome.jpg
 
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Looks great? How is it mounted to the ground? I am thinking of doing something similar but not sure how to secure over pavers.
I'm glad you asked! I devoted a lot of thought as to how to do that. I did not want to dig up my relatively new travertine pavers to pour concrete footings. So I cut four 1.5" holes in the pavers, one for each post, with a diamond hole saw and drove in these 24" stakes with a big helical thread from Australia. I got them on Amazon, but they are currently showing as unavailable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NPBQXPM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I then used the stakes to through bolt four blocks of 6x6, slipped the Gazebo posts over (Yardistry Gazebo has hollow box posts), and screwed the posts into the blocks with some big wood screws. Is it as good as concrete footings? No. But I think it is good enough. The ground under the pavers was super compacted. I had to drill pilot holes with a rotary hammer, then turned the stakes with a box wrench and a long piece of pipe for leverage - drill was under torqued for driving them in. Its been up two years through some pretty big storms with no issues. And it looks good because no hardware showing.
 

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Our pavilion was attached by drilling out and epoxying bolts into the deck. The thing I love about the one above is the bar area that you sit behind and face the pool. That whole design looks to work very well. Ours is roughly 10 x 20 with some shades that I roll down when needed. I didn’t want to block our views but appreciate that back or side walls can be great for privacy when needed.

This white stuff will look familiar for more of you than normal this year. Sorry for the flashback, but I couldn’t get to others at the moment.
 

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OP, if you are having trouble finding a builder you should really look into the kits from Costco. At least where I live, finding someone to assemble the kit is a lot easier and cheaper than finding a contractor with availability before, say 2032. I have also found it is easier to find the subcontractors than the general. For what you want, you can hire one guy to pour you a concrete slab, someone else to assemble a kit. On the side you need privacy and noise blocking, you find another guy to build you a concrete block wall and cover it in stone veneer. That will come in a lot less than 11K for a 10x10.

Costco has larger kits than mine available, up to 12x16, and the supplier, Yardistry, has up to 12 x 20: 12 x 20 Wood Gazebo With Aluminum Roof - Yardistry Structures - Gazebos, Pavilions and Pergolas
 
I'm glad you asked! I devoted a lot of thought as to how to do that. I did not want to dig up my relatively new travertine pavers to pour concrete footings. So I cut four 1.5" holes in the pavers, one for each post, with a diamond hole saw and drove in these 24" stakes with a big helical thread from Australia. I got them on Amazon, but they are currently showing as unavailable: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NPBQXPM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I then used the stakes to through bolt four blocks of 6x6, slipped the Gazebo posts over (Yardistry Gazebo has hollow box posts), and screwed the posts into the blocks with some big wood screws. Is it as good as concrete footings? No. But I think it is good enough. The ground under the pavers was super compacted. I had to drill pilot holes with a rotary hammer, then turned the stakes with a box wrench and a long piece of pipe for leverage - drill was under torqued for driving them in. Its been up two years through some pretty big storms with no issues. And it looks good because no hardware showing.
Wow! Thanks for the tips
 
Don’t forget if your from Florida you will need something stronger to secure a pavilion from hurricanes. Check on city guidelines, cause we have had neighbor’s sited for not having the right permits for putting together an outside structure.
 
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Any updates? We're still a ways out from our pool build starting but I'm trying to plan and get quotes for an attached pergola. Looking to span the space between our summer kitchen and sun shelf like the attached picture. Would end up being 10 x 20.

Have you priced aluminum compared to wood?
 

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We recently signed a contract to build a new pool, but just started thinking about building a detached pergola or pavillion. I texted our PB and he said they could do a 10x10 pergola for 11k.

For those that have had these structures built, did you use your PB or contract it out to a company that specializes in these builds?

It would be convenient to have it designed and included in the pool build, but I feel like I could get a bigger bang for the buck hiring a separate builder. I have a couple companies lined up to come give me quotes and design ideas.
Oops didn't realize this was an older thread. We are doing a 18 x 12 pavilion (vinyl) for $18k. Includes electric outlet and reinforced header so we only need 4 posts vs some that are 3 across for that width (not your issue). We have the PB doing it all. We did sanity check with local dealers and the cost is right in line. Our PB is doing the permits, footers, and the build. Remember to ensure everything is included if you go separate, so if you want electric there is that included, are the footings and permits included, etc.
 
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