Your pool screen enclosure is your best defense against dirt and debris. Storms can come up suddenly here in Florida and getting caught with the pool uncovered can result in a big mess to clean before anyone hits the water again. If your screens aren’t in good shape, they can’t do their job. Screen enclosures can’t provide your family with a bug-free environment once they have rips or holes in them either.
Maintaining the integrity of your screens is the key to having the best outdoor experience whether you’re swimming or just hanging out.
Mesh screens last longer than screens made of Artisan wire. They are manufactured in China using thin wire that is quickly affected by the salt in the air here. Once they begin to corrode and break, they can be dangerous for children and pets, both well-known for “worrying” with a small hole causing it to grow larger… and larger still.
If this is the type of screen you have currently, we suggest switching to mesh screens when you decide it’s time to replace them. They last far longer and better withstand the effects of corrosion.
If the screens start to give way, conditions can deteriorate pretty quickly. This post will list the indicators that it’s time to consider rescreening.
You see rips, tears, or holes
Visible evidence of rips, tears, or holes is the most obvious sign that your pool enclosure needs attention. They’re caused by various scenarios, of course, including storm damage, pets or young children, and plain old wear and tear. Once there’s a small hole, you should repair it quickly to avoid it growing larger over time. Moreover, even the tiniest holes allow bugs and insects to enter the space making it less enjoyable.
If aging is the suspected reason for the breakdown, it may be best to rescreen the entire enclosure rather than patching.
Visibly loose or sagging screens
High winds can cause screens to sag due to stretching. Sagging screens look unsightly and reduce the effectiveness of your pool enclosure too. Once this happens, it’s usually best to plan on replacing them rather than trying to solve the problem by tightening them up again. Odds are the material has weakened due to the stretching and you could wind up with a big headache rather than progress.
Discoloration
We all know that the sun wreaks havoc on some surfaces pretty quickly. Your pool screens might not be effected as quickly, but over time ultraviolet rays can do a number on them. Discoloration can be a sign that the integrity of your screens has been compromised making them brittle. That means they are more likely to rip or tear. If your screens are noticeably discolored or faded, it’s time to consider replacing them.
Pests find their way in
Whether it’s flies, mosquitoes, or something larger, say a snake, for instance, it’s a sure sign that your screen has given way to provide them access. Look for small tears or gaps in the screens that provide an entry point. It could be that a small repair job will solve your problem, but, even so, this is a sign that your screens aren’t as effective as they once were and it may be time for replacement.
Routine maintenance becomes more constant
If you find yourself needing to make small pool screen repairs, like tightening loose panels or patching little holes, on a regular basis, it’s most likely time to rescreen your pool enclosure. Regular maintenance does extend the life of your screens, but there comes a time when their lifespan has reached an end. Rescreening will save you time and money in the long run.
The age of your screens is a factor
Mesh screens typically last up to ten years, depending on the quality of the material and the environmental factors in your area. Regular maintenance does extend the lifespan, but there comes a point when the material is worn out. Rescreening the entire enclosure saves time and money because you won’t need to repair them constantly.
Replacing aging screens improves the appearance of your pool enclosure and restores complete integrity meaning a much longer lifespan.
Rusting, corroded frames
Your pool enclosure frame isn’t made of screen, however, if it’s showing signs of rust and corrosion, it may be a good idea to repair or replace parts that can affect the stability and appearance of the overall structure.
Maintaining integrity
Keeping your pool enclosure in tip-top shape will ensure that your family enjoys all the benefits that it provides.
They are:
- An added level of privacy—The number one reason homeowners decide to enclose the pool.
- Bug-free environment—Even mosquitoes and noseeums aren’t getting through your screen!
- Critter control—Enclosures create a barrier keeping unwanted guests away from the pool.
- A degree of UV protection—The sun’s rays are filtered as they pass through the screens decreasing intensity.
- Free airflow—This perk guards against mold and mildew taking hold which causes health problems when left unattended.
- Safety feature—Enclosures keep kids and pets away from the pool when needed.
Moreover, pool enclosures are hot commodities here in Florida. They increase your property value to a degree. How much depends on deciding factors such as the size of the structure.
Routine inspections ensure that you find any screen issues before they become a larger problem. Small repairs are easy to do yourself and even replacing screens is DIY do-able, but we’d suggest having a helper to make the job less time-consuming.
Should you decide that it’s time to completely replace your pool screen, you should consider customizing them. It completely changes the environment and enhances your sense of well-being which increases your level of satisfaction. Not to mention how easy it is to create a backyard getaway that you and your family may never want to leave!