Lots of Floridians decide that enclosing their swimming pool will allow them to enjoy it to the fullest—and they’re right! A pool screen enclosure will provide your family with an added sense of privacy and a degree of UV protection. Moreover, skimming the pool will become a once-in-a-while event rather than an “every time you turn around” affair.
Homeowners are choosing a mesh pool screen enclosure over glass for several reasons.
They include the following:
• Glass enclosures are more expensive.
• A mesh screen enclosure allows air to circulate freely which helps alleviate the stuffy, closed-in feeling that many people experience inside a glass enclosure.
• Glass pool enclosures are, also, prone to mold and mildew problems because air doesn’t circulate as well. Once moisture builds up, one or the other will eventually take hold. If mold goes unnoticed, the problem grows—literally—and can wind up adversely affecting your family’s health.
Before your enclosure goes up, though, there are several steps to consider to ensure the installation goes smoothly.
Zoning, permits, and the homeowner’s association
Before you begin any building project, you need to find out what—if anything—could hinder your progress. You need to check with the city to discover if there are any zoning requirements or building codes that must be followed regarding your new structure. For instance, there are often limits to how close a structure can be to the property lines. There could also be height restrictions and, of course, here in Florida, you must build your pool screen enclosure to meet hurricane safety requirements.
You’ll most likely need to acquire a building permit as well. That’s often left in the hands of your contractor and if he doesn’t mention that aspect—it should raise a red flag. Failing to follow city requirements is a huge sign that you aren’t dealing with a reputable company.
Are you subject to the rules of a homeowner’s association (HOA)? If so, you’re aware of how particular they are about what’s allowed and not allowed. Find out where they stand regarding a swimming pool enclosure. They might require you to submit a detailed plan for your project before you can begin.
Are there rules about styles, height, colors, or materials? It wouldn’t be surprising if the answer to that question is affirmative. HOAs can be very precise about the particulars. You might also discover they have noise regulations and rules governing the use of any necessary construction equipment. Some HOAs even dictate where your contractor and crew are to park while completing the project at your home.
Your budget
Determine the maximum amount that you can afford to spend on your pool screen enclosure. The major things that affect the cost of your project are size, design, and the materials used.
Are you just putting up the enclosure? How big will it be? Do you just use your pool to swim laps or is it the focal point for summer gatherings of family and friends?
How about the area around the pool? Should you consider including the expense of sprucing up or replacing your pool deck too? It would certainly be better to have it taken care of sooner rather than later. Incurring the expense now will probably save you money in the long run because there won’t be a permanent structure in place to work around.
Speaking of the structure, the type of screen that you use will affect the total cost too. You want to make sure that the screen blocks insects—even the “no-see-ums.” And, ask about extra UV protection because it increases the overall life of the screen.
A reputable contractor can guide you in making the right decisions when coming out to give you an estimate. By the way, it’s a good idea to get a couple of estimates, at least, for comparison. Your contractor should not cut costs using the cheapest or shoddy building materials. It will shorten the life of your enclosure.
We’ll point out here that a pool screen enclosure is considered a major home improvement and can increase your property value to some degree.
Choosing your contractor
Deciding which contractor to hire is a process in and of itself.
You want to make sure that you get someone who is experienced and has a good reputation. Do you have friends or family that can make suggestions? It’s a great way to choose a contractor with confidence—in fact, many contractors believe that word of mouth is the best source of advertising!
If you aren’t going with a reliable source, it’s wise to get several estimates for comparison. You want to make sure that your contractor is insured and bonded. It’s important because, say, the contractor isn’t correctly insured and one of his crew is injured on the job, you could wind up being held liable.
When you’ve decided who to hire, your contractor should provide you with a written contract that includes:
- A detailed description of all work to be completed—price included
- The payment schedule
- An estimated start and completion date
- If they provide a guarantee it needs to be included within the contract
- Signatures of both parties
Set your sites on summer fun
Once your project is completed, you are going to love the new addition to your home! Enclosing your pool is going to create a private and enjoyable space. A place to make happy memories for many years to come.
Waging war against invading insects becomes a thing of the past. Moreover, your pool stays cleaner and your filtration system works more efficiently.
Overall, there aren’t any cons to enclosing your outdoor living space of which we’re aware. Just make sure you meet any city or home advisory requirements. The best way to do that is to find out what they are before the work begins.