Since my back yard is 90% pool, the equipment pad had to be built right next to the patio dining area. Finally (after 4 years) I've had a shed built over it all. Not that the equipment is ugly or anything, but now I don't have to look at it, it's much more quiet with the pump inside the shed and the equipment is now protected from rain/snow/wind etc.
Before:
After:
Before:

After:
