Pool House Simulator

[wem]

A few months ago, I started a project to build a pool house in the backyard. As the plans started to materialize, I decided to create a space for a new golf simulator. Currently, I have a Carl's Place diy C-series enclosure in the basement with a BenQ TK710Sti 4k projector, a Bushnell LP launch monitor, and a 4x7 SigPro Softy mat. My ceiling height is marginal at 8ft 8inches.

For the new setup, I have just over 10 ft ceilings and 16 feet of width for a built in golf simulator. The entire structure is 42 ft x 22 ft of which 22 ft x 26 ft is indoor space (golf sim, seating area, full bath, dedicated storage space for network equipment and electronics). The completion date is early September 2025. I have purchased many of the components. The screen will be a Carl's Place built in kit (121 inches x 192 inches - image size 109.4 x 180.8), I was going to order the new gray screen, but I don't want to wait until October. Instead, I decided to purchase a BenQ LK936ST 4k projector to be paired with a Protee VX launch monitor, and a Sig 10 sim floor that will be custom cut to rotate it 90 degrees to swap the depth for the width of the standard Sig 10 sim flooring. I will use 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 inch fabric covered acoustic panels that I ordered from Amazon for padding on the walls and the ceiling. I had a fiber optic line run from the main house to the new buiding and upgraded my ATT fiber service to 2Gbps. I have Cat 6 ethernet in the pool house as well as Unifi 10G switches and access points.

Here are some pics of the project. I will post more as the project progresses.

[wem]

It is about a month later and construction is almost done. Today, I installed the Carl's Place custom built in screen (it arrived sooner than expected). I didn't want the screen to stay folded in the box too long. I'm happy with the result. I'll install the flooring once the construction crew finishes the punch list items.

[wem]

Here are the latest pictures of the simulator build. Last week, I installed the wall and ceiling padding. I used 2 foot x 4 foot fabric covered acoustic panels from Amazon. They were about $75 each. I spent the better part of today installing the custom Sig 10 flooring I purchased from the Indoor Golf Shop. There was a lot of banging with the rubber mallet and pulling the black plastic pieces together with ratchet straps. Thankfully, it was worth the effort. The flooring adds a nice crisp look to the build. Next on the to do list is the installation of the Protee VX and the BenQ LK936ST.

[vadawg]

I love the flooring option that you chose. I had not seen the Sig Pro prior to this post. What a great solution, looks great!

[Lefty71]

Very nice!!!!!!

[wem]

Tonight I installed the Protee VX. Many of the YouTube videos recommended having a second set of hands since people seemed to struggle with the alignment of the mounting bars on the Protee VX with the catch points on the mounting bracket.

I wanted to share an installation tip that made it an easy one person job. I put some tiny pieces of blue painters tape on the ceiling just above the catch point opening locations on the mounting bracket, and on the back of the Protee VX where the mounting bars are located on the Protee VX that need to slot into the mounting bracket (see the red dotted lines on the attached rear view of Protee VX). With the blue tape in place, it become a simple task of lifting up the unit, matching up the two pairs of blue dots, sliding the Protee VX to the left, and then engaging the locking pin. This method avoided fumbling around at the top of the ladder blindly trying to find the catch points on the mounting bracket and the Protee VX.

[wem]

The build is done. Today, I installed the BenQ LK936ST projector and my secondary display (43 inch 4k Hisense TV/monitor that I bought for $197 on Amazon). The zebra blinds were $60 on Amazon (about 50% cheaper than the online blind websites) and help to control the light level during the daytime. I noticed that a number of online sim builds were decorated with a Rolex clock face and signage mounted on a green plaque. I decided to do my own version with a slightly different spin.

My wife was shocked by how well the simulator turned out and that I designed and put everything together by myself. We both liked the clean and uncluttered looks of the finished product. The computer is hidden in the storage room. I have a bluetooth keyboard and mouse that can communicate with the computer through the walls wirelessly. The lines of the built-in impact screen, padding, and flooring are much more impactful than my previous diy enclosure kits. I hope my build gave you some ideas for your build.