When we first started talking about upgrading our backyard, we knew we wanted something special. It’s crazy to think that we started digging this pool 4 years ago, October 2021 to be exact. Feels like yesterday, yet it’s been here all along. But we started dreaming and scheming about this entire project the second we bought the home. We knew it would be a process, and this is a reminder that all good things take time. Because we’re still not done yet, we got an outdoor kitchen to complete next.
Once the pool went in, we knew we also knew we wanted something by the patio area, under the deck. Something that blended design, durability, and all-season usability. After seeing Innov8 Outdoors install Azenco Outdoor systems around the region, the decision became obvious. We chose a black Azenco R-BLADE™ motorized louvered pergola by the pool, and I honestly can’t stop thinking about it. Here’s what we love.
Before of Pergola Install
What Is Azenco + Innov8 Outdoors (And Why That Matters)
Azenco Outdoor is a leader in luxury outdoor living structures: pergolas, cabanas, insulated patio covers, awnings, and premium carports. According to their site, they offer collections like R-BLADE™ motorized louvered pergolas, K-BANA™ manual louvered cabanas, R-SHADE™ insulated patio covers, and more.
They’re known for quality: premium aluminum structures, powder-coated finishes, motorization, and smart engineering. They’re built not just for show, but for performance and durability.
Innov8 Outdoors is the local installer we chose. They design and build “innovative outdoor spaces,” including for residential homes, restaurants, apartment complexes, etc. They are certified installers of Azenco products. They served our area, they had strong references, and their work with Azenco showed their ability to bring these high-end systems to life.
So when we combined the strength of Azenco product + Innov8’s installation, the result is something that feels premium, built to last, and also just incredibly beautiful and functional.
About Innov8 Outdoors
One of the reasons we chose Innov8 Outdoors for our pergola project is because of the people behind the name. They’re not just installers – they’re dreamers and doers who care deeply about creating spaces that actually get used and loved. From the first phone call to the last finishing touch, their team made us feel like this wasn’t just another project on their calendar, it was our backyard vision coming to life.
Innov8 Outdoors started in South Dakota and has since grown to serve families and businesses across Minnesota, Iowa, and Florida. What we love is how personal they keep things even as they expand. Their crew is approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited about transforming underused corners into places where life happens – whether that’s a poolside hangout for family, an outdoor lounge for a restaurant, or a gathering spot for an apartment complex.
When they say “We design and build innovative outdoor spaces”, they mean it. Their installs are low-maintenance, long-lasting, and always tailored to the client. And because they’re certified installers of Azenco Outdoor products, you know you’re getting craftsmanship backed by one of the best names in outdoor living.
For us, Innov8 Outdoors didn’t just build a pergola, they created the space where our family now gathers, relaxes, and entertains, rain or shine. And that’s the kind of team you want on your side.
Why the Black Pergola by the Pool
We went with a black frame, powder-coated aluminum, which grounds the entire patio visually. Given our pool has blue tones, lighter stone colours, and some greenery, the black is a striking contrast. It makes the structure pop but also feel modern and clean.
The location by the pool is no accident. Ps. if you want more info on our pool, costs, and more – we have a full blog post here.
We wanted shade, but also the ability to open up to let sun in. We wanted light control, breeze, real protection, and a place to hang and entertain. With the motorized louvered roof, we can tilt the louvers to just the right angle, or close them completely if rain is coming.
Features We Use (All the Time)
Since installing it, there are several features we’ve come to love (and use regularly), things we didn’t fully realize how much we’d lean on until they were part of our everyday.
- Motorized adjustable louvers. These give us flexibility. Want full sun in the morning, shade in the afternoon, or completely shut during a storm? Easy.
- Integrated drainage & sealing. Especially near the pool, rain runs fast; we appreciate that the roof seals well and water is managed without leaks or messy dripping.
- Retractable screens (when needed). On windier days or when bugs are bad, it’s nice to have that ability to partially close off sides.
- Lighting & ambiance. We added LED lighting bars (dimmable) so evenings by the pool are gorgeous. Soft lighting under the black frame, reflecting off the water it feels like a resort.
- Low maintenance. Aluminum doesn’t warp or rot like wood; powder coating holds up. Rust isn’t an issue. Cleaning off dirt/splash is easy.
- How Its Functionality Matches Our Climate & Lifestyle
Living in Minnsota means we get snow, freezing temps, rain, and very strong sun. So outdoor upgrades have to perform under all weather extremes.
The Azenco systems are designed for just that. The R-BLADE™ pergola has louvers that seal out rain and snow and can withstand wind. The structure is engineered to local codes (Innov8 works with licensed engineers). We feel confident that even when it gets brutal, this pergola will hold up.
Also, being by the pool, we wanted something which won’t degrade from chlorine splash, humidity, sun exposure — which is one reason we picked a powder-coated aluminum finish and closed roof/seal options.
How the Project Went: From Idea to Reality
Here’s a behind-the-scenes on how the whole thing came together, and what surprised us along the way.
-
Design phase
Innov8 Outdoors came over, took measurements, talked me through layouts. We discussed roof pitch (well, louver angle options), color combinations, lighting, screen options, and how the structure would tie into the pool deck, surrounding shed, and landscaping. We decided on a black frame with dark louvers to contrast lighter stone, and made sure everything felt integrated visually. -
Choosing the right product
We picked the R-BLADE™ model. The motorized louvers, sealed roof option (when closed), and compatibility with retractable screens were non-negotiables. Also, knowing Innov8 is an Azenco certified installer made a big difference in trust. -
Engineering & permitting
Since every pergola must meet local code, Innov8 brought in licensed engineers to approve the structure (wind load, snow load, anchoring, etc.). This took a bit of time but was worth it to ensure safety and build quality. -
Fabrication & build
The parts came from Azenco; frame, louvers, motors, screens, hardware. Innov8 handled the installation: foundation or anchoring, frame assembly, roof installation, screens, lights. In our case, installation took two days once everything was delivered. -
Fine-tuning & adjustment
Post install, we made adjustments: fine tuned louver motor calibration, aligned screens, tested drainage, set up lighting schedule. Innov8 Outdoors was responsive in tweaking.
What Surprised Us (The Unexpected Wins)
Every project has some surprises. Here are a few that went way better than expected:
- The sound dampening effect when it rains and the roof is closed — it’s almost peaceful.
- The way the black metal frame stays cool(er) than expected in full sun, thanks to powder coating that resists heat absorption.
- Bugs are much less of a problem with screens + sealed roof. Even evenings by the pool used to be a bug battle; now it’s just relaxing.
- Guests always comment, especially in the evening, and it’s become the new “favorite spot” for family and friends.
Things to consider and remember when Designing your Space:
- Double check site drainage nearby. Make sure the ground slope or pool overflow doesn’t channel water toward the structure.
- Consider shade in the morning vs afternoon when orienting the pergola (sun angle matters more than you think).
Style + Aesthetic Notes: Why Our Black Pergola Feels Just Right
- The contrast: Black frame juxtaposed with the water, tile, and our lighter hardscape makes everything feel crisp.
- The clean lines: Azenco products have minimal visible hardware, sleek joints, modern louvers. It aligns with modern architectural design.
- The way light plays through louvers: in morning/afternoon, the shadows shift and you get beautiful light-and-shade patterns on the patio.
Maintenance + What You Should Expect Going Forward
- Clean aluminum frame occasionally (power wash or mild soap/water) to prevent buildup.
- Lubricate moving parts (motors/hinges/louvers) per manufacturer’s guidance.
- Check seal integrity of roof louvers periodically, especially after heavy weather.
- In winter, remove any snow loads or at least ensure the louvers are in a position that sheds snow.
What Potential Buyers Should Know
- Product options: If you want full flexibility, motorized adjustable louvers are the way. If you want more permanence, fixed roofs or insulated panels are solid.
- Color + finish: Powder-coating is essential. Some Azenco color options are more fade-resistant. Dark colors like black look great, but can show dust/water spots more.
- Accessories: Screens, lighting, privacy walls. These add to cost but add huge value in comfort.
- Warranty & installation: Know who is installing (certified dealer), what warranty Azenco offers, and how local codes and engineering are handled.
Why We’re Absolutely Obsessed
In short: because it’s given us an outdoor space that works. Rain or shine, heat or breeze, the structure is there. Because it looks amazing. Because it feels like a resort. Because we use it. We entertain more, relax more, spend more time outside. And seeing how our neighbors and friends react everytime, which is always “wow, what is this?!” never gets old.
If you want a space like this by your pool or patio, you don’t just gain shade, you gain a lifestyle upgrade.
Putting in an Azenco pergola through Innov8 Outdoors is one of the best decisions we’ve made for our home. The combination of engineering, design, flexibility, and beauty makes it more than just an outdoor add-on. it’s an essential, year-round extension of our indoor living.
If you’re considering something similar, here’s my takeaway:
- Invest in quality (materials, motorization, certified installer).
- Prioritize function and how you want to use it through seasons, weather, bugs, sun angles.
- Think through lighting and accents early.
- Choose colors in harmony with existing surfaces.
And above all, pick something that you’ll love to be in. Because this pergola is something that I not only admire. I live in it every chance I get.
