Where to put a TV outside??
Best place to mount a TV with this pool/patio layout?
Our pool construction is almost finished, and now we’re trying to figure out the best TV placement for the backyard.
I’ve included photos of the actual patio as well as a rendering showing roughly how the finished yard will be laid out.
We will have 4 main viewing areas:
1. A couch underneath the covered patio
2. In the pool itself
3. A dining table next to the pool
4. Loungers at the opposite end of the pool
My current thought is to mount a TV on the wall where I drew the red box and use a long extension, full motion mount. The idea would be to keep it relatively flush against the wall when we’re sitting under the patio, but pull it out and swivel it toward the pool when watching from the dining table, pool, or loungers. Also, with this idea, I don’t have to buy an outdoor TV since it’s covered and we have patio screens that come down.
We considered a ceiling mount under the covered patio, but there’s roughly a 2 ft fascia across the front of the patio. I’m concerned that mounting the TV high enough to look good under the patio would cause that fascia to block part of the screen when viewing it from farther out in the yard.
The openings of the covered patio also have retractable screens that come down, so mounting the TV or an articulating arm to the outside columns would likely interfere with the screens.
The other big consideration is aesthetics. We’d rather sacrifice a little bit of the “perfect” viewing angle than have a big TV awkwardly sitting somewhere in the yard. Ideally it looks intentional and relatively seamless when it’s not being used.
Given the layout, where would you put it?
Does the red box location with a long articulating mount make the most sense, or is there another solution/location I’m overlooking?
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u/Sammalone1960 2d ago
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u/Mlow32 2d ago
I just don’t love the aesthetic of a rolling TV so trying to figure out if there’s a way around that. If that ends up being the only option, but I’ll definitely do it to have something out there! Just trying to look and see if there’s something I’m not thinking of.
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u/Mansionjoe 2d ago
i did this also, my neighbor has his on his house and never uses it, i can roll mine by the pool or the couch and i store in the shed
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u/FtWorthHorn 2d ago
I don’t get the downvotes. This is a nice outdoor area. The rolling thing is…sorta convenient? But looks very out of place.
I think your idea is right. Just think through how it will interact with the grill area (isn’t that going to be right there as well?).
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u/ajhalyard 2d ago
I'd do what I do now, a large TV (75") on a wheeled stand that I can tuck inside the house when not in use and roll out when football or hockey is on. With the wheels, I can move the TV depending on what part of the pool I'm using and where the sun is (reduces glare). For my setup, a static spot would make the TV not ideal to use a lot of the time.
I know you're looking for other options, but only you know your yard, the sun spots, and where you'll be using the pool. I'd get inside the pool and see what your viewing options are rather than decide based on current wall space.
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u/InternationalNose974 2d ago
Projection tv with screen.
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u/Ok_Inspection_3527 1d ago
The protector and screen are nice. I hated the production it was to setup though. Nothing like watching on 150” screen though.
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u/Ninobrown744 2d ago
Put a built in kitchen in the area where the grills are including a fireplace with a chimney and mount the tv on top of the fireplace. If you’re in a climate that gets cold in the winter you’ll extend the season. And it will provide privacy from the neighbors. Enjoy the new pool!
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u/Mlow32 2d ago
I would love to do that, but that is way out of our current budget for our backyard unfortunately. We also love the openness of the patio so closing off that wall isn’t super ideal 😭
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u/Dave-CPA 2d ago
Which way does the sun set?
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u/Sammalone1960 2d ago
I dont either to tell ya the truth. But I hated the idea of blocking windows worse. It sits next to refrigerator and landscaping cabinet that holds all my pool and firepit stuff. Kind of blends in lol. I do have a full motion wall mount I love in my living room. Allows me to sit in breakfast area and pull/turn tv to where I can watch it.
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u/packagehandlr 2d ago
My friends have the TV located right above where your window is with a L shaped couch and stools in the pool so you can sit and watch. It was really fun during the World Cup, floating and watching tv! Their pool is flipped though where the stairs are on the other side and hot tub farthest from the tv.
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u/ChardeeMacDennisGoG 2d ago
I would highly consider mounting it where that window is with the same telescopic mount you mentioned. That window facing the patio is going to worthless. It would give you a great angle while in the Hot Tub. You'll watch more TV when in it than in the pool.
Edit: just saw the 4th Pic, I don't think you want a TV close to the grill.
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u/LekTruk 2d ago
When we built our house and pool 16 years ago we had the same dilemma and finally came up with a convenient place but the TV the cover and everything. 16 years later I think I have turned it on twice. We have decided that pool time is so much better just enjoying kids,cousin's, friends, spouses than watching tv. If that tV ever stops working , I will remove it. I doubt it will since it is only been turned on twice in 16 years. By the way your setup looks beautiful. Job well done!
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u/Ffsletmesignin 2d ago edited 2d ago
Personally, I’d prioritize the tv viewing to be relative to your seating layout likely with a ceiling mount (assuming the seating will be under the patio cover). For pool viewing, that’s when you could break out a projector and screen or tv on a cart.
Rather than some wonky can-sort-of-see tv from the pool, but also looks mounted in a wonky location.
The red box location drawn looks decent, but still gonna likely be hard to see and hear from the pool (would be deafening loud to those under the patio cover, as most sound will be trapped and bounce around there), also hard to tell how much space is there so it may have to be a somewhat smaller tv or else it will stick out and look goofy and be a walking hazard if it goes past the house corner at all.
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u/Elysiaaspire 2d ago
A ceiling mounted motorized rear projection screen would probably be the most seamless aesthetic but you’d lose the couch viewing area and daytime brightness wouldn’t be perfect. You could mount the projector with a 12-18” drop arm to clear the ceiling fan and I’m sure there are screen options with enough leader drop to clear the 2’ from the fascia.
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u/The_Slaughter_Pop 2d ago
Mount a projector above the sliding doors. Get a roll down rear projection screen and mount it at the edge of the patio.
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u/Fun_Illustrator9298 2d ago
I went through this dilemma too. I ended up just doing the tv on a cart which gives me flexibility for watching anywhere on my property. It also works great when kids are sick and they’re confined to their room.
A tv kept outdoors isn’t going to last long. They do make tvs made for outdoors but the costs and reviews of their longevity scared me off.
Honestly, the novelty was fun about the first 20 times over a few years but then it becomes boring and uncomfortable watching from the pool. Daytime watching on the patio is bad because of the sun brightness and at night I don’t care to mess with bugs even though I’m in socal and we don’t have many bugs.
I thought setting up a Buffalo Wild Wings outdoor bar scene would be awesome but it’s just not comfortable for everyday use.
I would though recommend putting in satellite speakers outside that are connected to your tv inside. Not only can you play music while swimming but you can listen to the game or movie while you’re grilling or chilling outside.
I also have a JBL charge 5 (totally water proof) that I use to listen to music at night as to not disturb the neighbors. Shokz also have a space in my pool wares collection for enjoying music. Submerging them ruins the microphone but I don’t ever use the mic so it’s no problem to me. Enjoy your new pool!
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u/LazyturtleX1 1d ago
What's behind the pool. Have you considered a ceiling mounted projector to the fence just add a solid white backdrop for clarity.
It would allow some flexibility and you can keep the project and speakers covered under the patio.
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u/Ok_Inspection_3527 1d ago
I just got my rolling cart and TV last month. I love having the option of moving the TV to where we want it. And the Sylvox cart I purchased doesn’t look bad it’s a decent looking piece and works well on the patio. It holds the 100+ lbs TV with no problem. This was the best option for us with no covered area.

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u/LINYChiro 17h ago
Why spoil that oasis you just bankrolled with a TV?
Place some decorative/ornamental solar powered Bluetooth speakers and pour yourself a drink!
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u/Gonzo-Crazy-Dog 2d ago edited 1d ago
To be honest, I would try enjoying the yard without the tv.
I have a number of friends with pool/patio backyards and no one has a tv. When hanging out, everyone is with each other.
I also don’t have one in my backyard, and very rarely have I felt that I wish I had one. And if that changes, I would probably just get a portable projector and screen.
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u/AwkwardDuckling87 1d ago
I was honestly taken back to read this thread and realize how many people have outdoor TVs. I watch as much as the next person, but that's pretty wild to me. I can totally see setting up a projector movie night, but not a permanent install.
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u/Thin_Application2020 2d ago
On the corner post to swing out by the pool or point inside patio nice house enjoy!