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Tips to Get the Best Pool Enclosure

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The crew broke ground on the pool today. Are they just installing the pool and deck or are they handling the landscaping and walkways as well? Lots of homeowners decide to take care of landscaping themselves. There are lots of attractive options that don’t require a lot of experience. However, they do require some hard work. What about a pool enclosure? Have you considered installing one? If not, we’ll take a minute to share that a mesh screen enclosure enhances your pool experience in a number of ways.

They are:

  • Bugs are blocked—The mesh screen is woven tightly enough to block all manner of bugs, mosquitoes, and even the noseeums aren’t getting through!
  • Provides UV protection—Not a lot because screens allow the sunlight to get through. Still, any UV protection is worthy of mentioning living in the sunshine state. You won’t have to apply sunscreen as often either. The kids are going to love to hear that!
  • An element of privacy—Added privacy is actually the number one reason homeowners give for installing an enclosure. And, those who didn’t are quick to tell you the difference it makes is pretty unbelievable!
  • Safety—If you need to keep kids and pets away from the pool area, lock the door and it’s done.
  • Your pool stays cleaner.

If you hadn’t already decided to enclose the space, but are ready to consider it now, we’ve got some tips to ensure it’s built to last for years to come.

A strong frame

It’s technically possible to build a frame for screens out of any material. The screen won’t way much of anything after all. And the money you could save might tempt you to consider using the cheapest option available.

We would suggest you not give in to the temptation.

Some materials just aren’t fit for the long term. For example, wood frames are going to rot over time. Moreover, if you don’t maintain them to guard against salt corrosion, that’s going to happen sooner than later. Metals fall prey to the salt in our air as well and once metal begins to rust, it can be hard to stay ahead of protecting it.

Aluminum or durable plastic piping are the best options. No matter what you go with, Florida building codes require it to be capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds.

Screens of high quality

You should avoid purchasing wire screens. They’re susceptible to salt corrosion, moreover, the wire is very thin and it doesn’t take much force to break through it. Once that happens, the wires can puncture a child or pet who decides to investigate the broken screen. Mesh screens are the far better choice.

In fact, many enclosure companies only work with Phifer screen products. They last a good ten years or more and with a lifespan like that, it’s no wonder Phifer has earned the number one slot in the industry—worldwide. Finely woven mesh blocks all manner of insects and they’re treated with added ultraviolet (UV) protection. Phifer screens are mildew resistant. They don’t fade or tear easily either.

Ask your contractor if they use Phifer and if not, ask for it!

Architectural decisions

Screen enclosures can be free-standing structures or built by attaching them directly to your home. Again, ask your contractor some questions. They can help you decide which works best for you. Being three-sided, an attached enclosure could be the least expensive option. However, you may decide that a free-standing design would be more attractive and, therefore, worth any added expense.

Should you decide to go with the attached pool enclosure, make sure that your contractor has experience. Connecting the two roofs can be tricky. You don’t want to risk a leak getting started. Wood rot and mold are likely to be the result if it does. Both spread and if left undetected for a lengthy period of time, can cause an astronomical amount of damage!

Roofing ideas

Your roof choice can add to the aesthetics of the exterior of your home. Overall, though, your roof choice impacts the structural integrity of your enclosure. It, of course, affects the final cost of your project as well.

Are you looking for a tall open design to give your enclosure a spacious feel? Perhaps your thinking of a design that best withstands high winds—we’re known to have those come up from time to time. A dome roof can be more difficult to construct, therefore, being more expensive, but they incorporate both height and wind-resistant benefits.

Lots of homes in Florida are built with gable roofs. You can carry on the theme and have a gable roof installed over the pool area as well.

Looking forward

Your mesh screen pool enclosure is going to last for years. Your family will enjoy protection from the sun and rain—unless the wind is whipping, but odds are lightning would have you heading indoors if that’s the case. Swatting at bugs and mosquitoes will become a distant memory too!

It looks like the construction crew is making pretty good progress on the hole.

The kids will be home soon. You sort of wish you had caved to their request to let them stay home from school so they could witness this landmark event. It wouldn’t have looked quite so silly if the whole family, unable to contain their excitement, started jumping up and down shouting with glee. The guys laughingly assured you it was a pretty common occurrence, but still—

Ah, well, what’s done is done. And, anyway, you can’t wait to see what they’ll do after the kids grab the pom poms and whistles off the table as they rush through the house when they get off the bus.

Costs to Consider When Installing an In-Ground Pool

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Your kids take a vote on whether or not you should install an in-ground pool every year—and truth be told, they are kind of outgrowing that little pink blow-up number. It’s going to be awesome to cast your “yes” vote right along with them this year!

They’re going to flip out, aren’t they?

We’re excited for you and your family! A swimming pool is a coveted home upgrade here in Florida. It’s going to increase the value of your home. Moreover, having the ability to walk out your back door and jump into the cool, soothing water is an experience you will never grow tired of. Have you already got your dimensions in mind? What about the shape? Are you going with the traditional rectangular shape? These two decisions certainly affect the overall cost of installing your new swimming pool.

Who will build it?

If you haven’t gotten around to hiring your contractor yet, it’s a good idea to shop around. You can check out local online review boards or ask family and friends if they have the name of a company they trust. Once you have some names in mind, it’s a good idea to contact at least three of them and have them come out to give you an estimate on the job.

Your first cost to consider is which company to use. You might be surprised at this thought, but we suggest throwing out the lowest estimate right away. That’s because the lowest bid is the most likely to be the company that cuts costs so they’ll still earn a decent profit. You don’t want them to use shoddy materials or skip steps that will wind up costing you a fortune to repair down the road.

What about landscaping?

Lots of pool contractors handle the entire project creating your design, installing the pool, and, even adding the surrounding landscaping. However, if you’ve got a good eye and some experience with landscaping, you can save a lot of money by doing the job yourself.

Of course, you should consider the amount of time it’s going to take you to complete the job. When you add that into the equation, you may decide to let someone else handle the landscaping—whether that is your original contractor or someone else.

Where else can you save money?

According to Home Guide, it costs anywhere between $50 to $125 per square foot to install an in-ground swimming pool. That’s a pretty broad range. The difference in cost depends on factors including, but not limited to:

  • Pool material
  • Shape
  • Size
  • Customization features
    • Landscaping
    • Lighting
    • Decking and walkways
    • Water features

Material and size

The material that you choose affects the cost of your swimming pool installation. We tend to think of concrete where in-ground pools are concerned. However, an in-ground pool can be made of fiberglass or vinyl as well. A vinyl pool liner is the cheapest option, however, it will need to be replaced about every 10 years or so. The other two materials are comparable in price, but concrete pools last about twenty-five years longer than fiberglass.

The difference in cost, regarding the type of material used, grows more widespread as the size of the pool increases. For example, a 10′ x 20′ pool ranges from approximately $18,000 for a vinyl liner up to $26,000 for a concrete pool. If you are installing a 25′ x 45′ in-ground pool, a vinyl liner is going to cost about $100,000 but installing a concrete swimming pool of that size will be closer to $146,000—give or take.

The shape

The most popular in-ground swimming pool shapes are:

  • Rectangular
  • Radius, also known as a free-form shape
  • Classic design, as in Roman or Greek
  • Kidney
  • Geometric shapes, such as circles, hearts, or ovals
  • L-shaped

The shape of your pool makes a difference in the cost as well. Rectangular and L-shaped pools are easier to lay out, for instance, than rounded edges or geometric designs.

Customization features

Additional features, including landscaping, lighting, decking, walkways, and water features add aesthetic value to your pool design. The ambiance you create makes a difference in how your guests react to the space—and, of course, your goal is to make them wish they never had to leave! Not to glorify yourself, but, instead, to ensure that your guests are having a wonderful time.  Some estimate that any customization that you do to enhance your pool area ranges in cost from $2,000 to $10,000.

LED lighting makes it possible to have an array of colors flood your pool with light. It’s fairly inexpensive to install, but the dramatic effect that you can create is pretty spectacular! A few well-placed flood lights can suffice, as well, though. Tiki torches surrounding the water light up the night with a soft glow and deter bugs and mosquitoes from inviting themselves to the party

We touched on landscaping already, however, we didn’t mention that rocks are an awesome landscaping tool. And, when compared with the cost of plants, shrubs, and the like, it’s a very economical choice. River rock can be purchased in an array of colors that will work with any color scheme.

Pool decking and walkways vary in expense depending on the material used as well. Concrete can be stained and designed in a number of beautiful ways. It can be hard to detect it’s concrete at all by the time all is said and done. It’s an inexpensive project and, as we said, the end results are beautiful. It’s worth your time to investigate using concrete for flooring and walkways.

Water features are extremely popular and vary greatly in cost. A cascading waterfall or a huge water slide is, naturally, going to be more expensive than a single water wall for instance. Small water features are very affordable these days. They create a sense of tranquility conducive to relaxation too. There’s just something about the sound of running water that has an “ahh” effect on most people.

Breaking the good news

Your family is going to be thrilled with the news that you’re getting an in-ground pool. Summer just got a lot more exciting! And, it will be just as exciting every year from now on! Swimming pools create the perfect spot for families to gather during the extended swimming season.

Your friends are going to love your new addition as well! They may elect you as the official “party thrower”—you should accept that distinct honor, by the way. After all, you are going to have a pretty amazing spot for throwing parties and having get-togethers. Enjoy every single one of them to the utmost because that’s how great memories are made.

Replace Your Screens Now Spend Summer Bug Free

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Spending time outdoors is so much more enjoyable without bugs and mosquitoes showing up en masse. Spring is right around the corner now though. That means the insect invasion isn’t far behind. How are your screens looking? If there are some that need replacing, it would be a good idea to get on that job now. Bugs will only become more of a nuisance the warmer the weather gets. If you put it off, odds are you’ll turn around and summer will be in full swing!

That’s totally understandable because life stays busy—especially if you have kids in sports or other extracurricular activities. If you choose to hire someone to handle the job, take some time to compare online reviews or ask friends and relatives if they can refer a company they’ve used in the past. A good rule of thumb is to have at least three companies come out to give you a job estimate. That way you can compare costs for materials and labor. We recommend throwing out the lowest right off the bat because they are the most likely to cut corners. Then, decide which contractor you’ll hire between the other two bids.

DIY screen replacement

If you are someone who likes to tackle minor jobs on your own, screen replacement isn’t a difficult task. It can get frustrating at times if you’re completing the job by yourself though. Especially if you’re replacing the screens on your pool or lanai enclosure—the new screen needs to be stretched tautly across its frame as it’s replaced. Replacing large screens with only two hands on the job can get tricky. It’s best to have a helper if at all possible.

Vinyl screen isn’t difficult to replace overall though. The screen is pushed into a small channel built into the aluminum or vinyl frame. It’s held in place with a thin tubular-shaped gasket called a spline. Replacing the screens requires a special tool called a spline tool. It’s a simple tool with a wood or plastic handle and has two small wheels on each end. One wheel has a convex edge and is used to work the screen into the channel. The other wheel has a concaved edge and it used to work the spline into the groove holding the screen in place.

To replace your screens, you will need:

  • Replacement screen
  • Replacement spline
  • A small-headed tool, such as a thin flathead screwdriver or an awl
  • Scissors
  • Utility knife
  • Spline tool

If you haven’t replaced screens before, it’s unlikely that you’ll have a spline tool on hand. They’re inexpensive though and make replacing the spline much easier. If you’re not sure what size spline you need to use, cut off a small section of the old spline and take it with you to the store.

How to replace your screens

Once you’ve gathered everything you need, the first thing to do is to remove the old spline and screen. Weather causes the spline to rot over time so you may need to use your screwdriver or awl to help you dig the old sections out of the groove. Hopefully, though, if you gently pull the end, it will continue to pull right out in one piece releasing the screen as you go.

Make sure the groove around the edge of the screen frame is clean of debris. Then, roll out the replacement screen over the top of the frame and cut it using the scissors. Cut the screen leaving one inch of excess on all sides. The next step is to begin working the screen into the channel one side at a time using the convex edge of the spline tool. We suggest beginning on one of the long sides of the screen. Use your small-headed tool to push an inch or so of the spline into the channel. Once you’ve gotten the spline started, use the concaved edge of the tool to work the spline into the channel.

Take your time so you can make sure you keep the screen as straight as possible while you work. This might be a good time to have that extra set of hands, by the way. Make sure not to pull the spline as you work it into the groove. It may be hard to refrain because it makes it easier to insert the spline into the groove of the channel. However, it will retract later and leave a gap in the channel and the screen can work its way out. When you reach the corner of the frame, use the convex edge of the spline tool to work the screen into the next side.

Continue your way around the frame until you come back to your starting point. Use your utility knife to cut off the excess spline. Trim any remaining excess screen along the outer edge of the screen channel.

That’s one down! Repeat the process if you have other screens to replace. The job takes some patience but isn’t labor intensive.

Other ideas to keep bugs at bay

Crickets and grasshoppers can actually eat their way through your screens. Grasshoppers are the biggest culprits and do their worst damage in late summer and during the fall when they start moving closer to homes to stay warm overnight. Wasps have been known to make their way through screens as well.

It’s best to deter them before they become a problem because if they make their way through, other pests are sure to follow. Keeping them away can be as easy as periodically spraying your screens with insect repellant! The smell won’t linger long—and spraying it on your screens is far better than coating every exposed inch of skin with the stuff.

You’ll find that having your lawn serviced regularly by a pest control company is going to eliminate the threat of crickets and grasshoppers. Keeping them out of your yard to begin with means that they won’t make it onto your screens at all. In the long run, paying a monthly fee for professional pest control is cheaper than replacing your enclosure and window screens.

Summer’s coming! Get your screens in shape now so you and your family can enjoy the sunshine and fresh air to the utmost—bug-free.

Make Use of Your Lanai Year Round

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Your lanai is most likely one of your family’s favorite gathering spots in your entire home—especially if it’s enclosed. Are we right? It may be a bit chilly during the overnight hours to let the kids sleep outdoors now that winter is in full swing. Other than that, though, there’s no reason you shouldn’t take advantage of the space in other ways.

It benefits your health too

We get a lot of sunshine here in Florida, but the days are shorter in the winter. Being outdoors allows your body to naturally produce vitamin D from sunlight. Vitamin D has many health benefits that include the following:

  • Promotes growth and development of bones and teeth
  • Strengthens immunity to fight certain diseases
    • May reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS)
    • Decreases risk of heart disease
    • May decrease the severity of COVID-19 and flu
    • Lowers risk of infections and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease
  • Some studies are showing it may actually prevent cancer
  • Regulates mood and reduces depression
  • Possibly supports weight loss

While your body is busy getting healthier, you can spend your time in a variety of ways.

Passing the time until spring arrives

Winter temperatures don’t pack the same punch in Florida as it does over most of the nation. Still, we’re not apt to be jumping the pool or snorkeling at the beach during the next few months, are we? Instead, you can bide your time hanging out on the lanai until the temperature rises.

Reading and relaxing

If you enjoy reading, it doesn’t matter what’s going on with the weather. If you have time to dive into a good book, settling in your favorite spot out on the lanai is the perfect place to do it. Sipping coffee and daydreaming about the future is another relaxing way many people choose to spend their downtime. Perhaps, you enjoy scrolling through social media or blogging.

Whatever you enjoy doing to relax, the lanai is the place to do it! Put on your favorite music, snuggle into your seat, and—ahhhhh.

Work from home

It’s a growing trend across the country. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to work from home, using the lanai as your home office is a fantastic idea. Fresh air is stimulating. Your production levels are likely to increase.

Even if you pack everything back indoors at the end of the day, you are sure to repeat the process.

Grow a garden

Even though the days are shorter, we still get plenty of sunshine. Take advantage of it and get some indoor gardening pots. You can grow flowers, herbs, or… considering the rising cost of groceries… vegetables might be the way to go.

You may decide to go all out and set up an indoor gardening system. Most plants can thrive year-round outdoors in our climate. Maybe you’ll transplant in the spring, or choose to use a tower-type system that will enhance your privacy even more.

Let your muse move

If you dabble in the arts, lanais are a great place to write, paint, or even sculpt! It’s much easier to hose down the lanai than to clean up an indoor workspace after your masterpiece is complete. Natural light is hard to beat and your lanai provides plenty of it!

Make a stitch in time

Sewing, crocheting, or knitting are enjoyable pastimes. If you think so too, you may want to work on your latest project out on the lanai. It won’t take much to set up a portable workstation so you’ll have everything you need within arm’s reach.

Much like an outdoor office, you’re likely to decide before much time passes that making a habit of sewing or mending articles of clothing amidst the fresh air with the sound of the birds singing, or neighborhood children playing nearby is very enjoyable indeed.

Working out

Is fitness your passion?

Some people choose to turn their enclosed lanai into their personal gym. Gym equipment is protected from the elements, with the exception of rains accompanied by strong winds blowing in a specific direction. That won’t be a problem though if you have water-resistant covers for your stuff.

Maybe throwing a mat on the floor, popping in the earbuds, and rocking through your workout is more your style. You should go for it! You may find the slightly cooler temps so invigorating that you increase the length of your workouts.

Game nights

It’s not written in stone that games can only be played at night, but the phrase is one everyone equates with having a good time. Playing games and interacting with each other in “real-time” is far better for us than passing hours of time with everyone staring at their screen of choice.

Playing board games together keeps you connected. It strengthens your bond with family and friends.

Winter, spring, summer, and fall

While it may not get here fast enough for all of us, spring is on the way. As the seasons’ transition, there’s no reason to change the way you enjoy spending time out on the lanai.

Whether you’re relaxing, working, or taking a nap, make sure downtime is in your schedule. It’s just as important to your body as vitamin D. Maybe, more important because stress, left unchecked, can and will affect your health eventually. You don’t need to deal with that!

Instead, pull your family together as often as possible. Before you know it, the kids will be grown and gone. The memories you make now will be cherished in the future. Of course, the memories you’ll make years down the road are going to be special too. You might catch yourself dreaming of the day you’ll be hanging out on the lanai with your grandchildren… while you’re outdoors relaxing, sitting in your favorite spot, sipping on a cup of coffee.

Weather Matters: Glass or Mesh Screen Enclosure

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She wanted a pool party so badly. You could see the hope on her little face when you took the shot for the birthday invitation last year.  There is always a big “if the weather holds out” attached when your birthday falls right in the midst of the rainy season though. A good time was had by all in the end, but the rain settling in the day before caused you to pull out the “just in case” party games you had planned. She’s already imagining this year’s extravaganza because you’re redesigning your outdoor space. That includes closing it in, but will you go with a glass or mesh screen enclosure?

Some people tend to think that a glass enclosure is the best way to go when looking to shield yourself from the elements. That’s not necessarily true though. Would you like to know why?

Read on.

Ventilation is important

When people decide to install a glass pool enclosure, they often do so without providing any additional ventilation. The main reason, of course, is the cost. However, not adding a ventilation system means that there is no air flowing throughout the structure. Sure, fans move the air around that is trapped inside, but in the end, that doesn’t make much of a difference. People often report beginning to feel “trapped” or, in other words, claustrophobic after a period of time—which varies from person to person—when inside these types of structures.

There’s another serious issue attached to glass pool enclosures that can cause health problems. When airflow is blocked, damp areas, those nooks and crannies, where water accumulates don’t ever get completely dried out. When coupled with the high humidity levels that we experience a good portion of the year, you have a prime environment for mold and mildew to thrive. Undetected and left on its own, it continues to grow. As mold spores are released into the air, anyone with a weakened immune system can develop an allergic reaction.

Signs of exposure to mold are:

  • Wheezing
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Rash or hives

These symptoms only grow worse over time and affect pets as well as humans.

Living in Florida it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for patches of the stuff around your home. Most indoor mold can be eliminated by wiping down the affected area with a solution containing one cup of bleach per one gallon of water. Wear a mask, goggles, and rubber gloves while working to avoid exposure to spores. They tend to release into the air immediately.

If the mold is extensive, it may be in your best interest to work with a professional.

Free airflow: Just one benefit of a mesh screen enclosure

While you do risk being driven indoors if it’s raining on a windy day, a mesh screen enclosure allows you to enjoy your pool on days when you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do so. In addition to providing some protection from the elements, which includes a degree of protection from the sun—and that means you won’t be pulling the partygoers out of the water to reapply the sunscreen as often, oh by the way—the area around your pool is going to stay dry. The air continually circulates through the screens so you won’t have areas of dampness left to cause future problems.

Other benefits that you, your family, and your friends will enjoy after enclosing your pool with a mesh screen enclosure are:

  • An elevated sense of privacy—In fact, some homeowners report they had no idea how much more enjoyable pool time would become after enclosing the space.
  • Your pool stays cleaner—That will be extremely noticeable after a preschooler’s birthday party—especially if you keep the partygoers corralled inside! You’re going to notice an overall difference too though. Just imagine heading outdoors after a storm and plopping down to read next to the pool while the kids play without having to clean in and around it first!
  • There’s a safety feature included—When the pool area is off-limits, simply lock the door.

How about creating your own private getaway?

Have you seen a customized mesh screen enclosure yet? There’s no denying that the results are nothing short of amazing! Some may even describe the end result as jaw-dropping!

Some companies offer a customization feature that allows their customers to use digital imagery—chosen either from the company catalog or the customer’s private library—to surround themselves with beautiful scenes from favorite vacation spots or any other place that gives them a sense of well-being.

Imagine the possibilities.

After you add your own finishing touches to complete the ambiance effect, your family may never want to gather together in any other area of the house! Your new getaway spot is sure to last for years to come. Built to withstand hurricane-force winds, the designs are printed directly onto the screens using the latest technology and that includes using dyes reinforced with added UV protection. They’re guaranteed not to fade.

Creating memories

Whether it’s your sweet pea’s birthday bash or just a typical evening at home, time spent together as a family is what life is really all about. Creating a space where your family loves to be is one of the best things you can provide for them.

To quote a famous movie character, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Don’t miss it. Soak it up like the sun! One day, you’ll be sitting by the pool reminiscing while looking forward to everyone arriving to make the next batch of memories.

Enjoy those moments. They mean a lot.