Want a new way to enjoy your backyard swimming pool? How about if you could turn your pool into a outdoor theater? An outdoor theater can be a fun place to entertain friends and family members, and it can give you a new reason to spend time in your swimming pool. The guide below will explain some different options you can explore to convert your pool into an outdoor theater.
What You Need
• Movie Projector (or a projector compatible with a laptop that plays DVDs)
• Backdrop (the side of a building may work)
• Pool Seating (optional)
Figure Out Where You Want the Movie to Go
Assess your backyard to determine the best location for the movie screen and the projector. This will vary from one yard to the next. For example, if you have a canopy over a portion of your pool, that may be the perfect place to mount your projector from the ceiling. If you are going to have to put the projector on a table, you may choose a place far away from the water’s reach.
You will also need to determine where the backdrop should go. Should it be freestanding, or can it go on the side of your house, garage, or shed? Do you need a backdrop at all, or is the side of the building flat enough to view a movie on? These are questions you will have to ask yourself as you prepare to set up your outdoor theater.
Set up the Movie Projector and Backdrop
Once you know where you want your movie equipment to go, you can set it up according to the instructions. If this is not something you feel comfortable doing, you may contact an installation company to do it for you. If your pool is not fully constructed yet, you may consult with the pool designers in advance so you can be prepared for the swim cinema before you put it up. This will make setup as easy as possible.
Add Seating to Your Pool
With your movie ready to go, you need some place for your guests to sit in your pool. You could opt for built-in pool seating, or you could use inflatable seating as a more temporary option. It would be wise to have some seating around your pool deck as well where guests can go when they no longer want to be in the water.
Enjoy the Show!
The last step in your journey is to turn on the movie and enjoy the show. You may need to wait until after the sun has set because the sun rays could make the movie difficult to see. Keep this in mind for the lighting around your pool as well. If possible, dim it or turn it off entirely and let the lights under the water illuminate the pool instead. With the right setting and the right people there to watch a movie with, you’re sure to have a great time in your swim cinema.
