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There’s no doubt that you have an entire house filled with perfect Florida rooms because you live here! Did you know that because outdoor living areas are so popular here, people across the nation are starting to refer to their sunrooms, patios, and back porches as the “Florida room?”

They are.

We can’t hold it against them though because having a little slice of paradise all to ourselves is why we bought homes here!

We’ll let them dream their little dreams.

Have you transformed your outdoor living area into a space that you and your family can enjoy year-round, rain or shine? If it looks a little rough around the edges right now, we’ve got some tips that can inspire you to take drab to fab without breaking the bank.

First things first

If you haven’t enclosed your outside space yet, you need to consider doing it. You’ll begin enjoying the benefits immediately—and there are many when you think about it!

The main reason that we enclose our outdoor spaces is to create a sense of privacy. That’s true whether you decide to install a glass or mesh screen enclosure.

We believe mesh screen privacy enclosures are the best choice because glass enclosures block free airflow. It turns out that triggers feelings of claustrophobia in some people. And, if that wasn’t bad enough, glass enclosures are prone to mold and mildew because no airflow means that damp corners and crevices become the perfect breeding ground for it.

Left unchecked, it continues to spread and eventually can become harmful to your health—it affects animal health too.

Blocks bugs and debris

As soon as your Florida room is enclosed, you’re going to experience living life in paradise bug-free!

Imagine that for a second—

No more constant swatting when a swarm of insects invades your party. You won’t need to keep a supply of flyswatters on hand to fight off the flies for outdoor get-togethers either. Nor will you need to fill the air with the pungent aroma of insect repellant and citronella in hopes of getting in a night swim with the family.

When it storms outside, you can sit inside and enjoy the rain instead of dreading the mess left behind when it ends. Yard debris becomes nearly nonexistent… we won’t wipe out the possibility entirely because odds are that you have kids enjoying your Florida room. It tends to find its way in from time to time then for sure.

UV protection

Glass enclosures can actually provide a degree of UV protection thanks to the wonder of treated glass. The cost goes up depending on the degree of protection, of course.

Mesh screen enclosures provide a degree of UV protection too. The sun filters through but not at full strength. That means you won’t need to apply sunscreen nearly as often when you’re enjoying time outdoors.

The kids are going to love to hear that news, aren’t they?

Map out your design

Take time to think about how you will utilize your Florida room because it will help you determine what furnishings to purchase to enrich your space. For instance, if you rarely dine outdoors, clusters of seating areas would work better for your family than having a dining table and chairs.

Your lighting choices should reflect how you plan to use the space as well. If you’re creating a reading nook, you’ll want to provide enough lighting to read late into the night. You just never know when you’ll feel compelled to discover how it all turns out in the end.

Accessorizing your furniture with pillows and throws brings an element of comfort and serenity to the room.

Water features add aesthetic pleasure, but you must admit that humans are just as attracted to the sound of running water. It creates a sense of peace within us. Implementing a water feature in your design could be as easy as placing a very small one on a table top!

If you use plants in your design plan, giant urns filled with dried branches and ferns are a popular option. However, if you have a green thumb, having a variety of greenery surrounding you probably sounds more appealing.

Some people add drapery so they can completely close off the area from the outside world. Mesh screen enclosures could solve that issue because some companies, like ours, for instance, offer customers an option to customize their privacy screen using digital imagery.

The transformation is amazing. You won’t ever want to cover it up!

Lounging in paradise

If you haven’t got a Florida room yet, we’re pretty sure you would never regret adding one to your home. In addition to the benefits we listed above, they actually increase your property value to some degree.

If your home has a patio or back porch, enclosing it will likely cause you to hang out there even more than you do now. In fact, the new Florida room may instantly become your family’s favorite room in the entire house.

It will be a cozy place to hang out rain or shine. Play games, talk, create a chorus of snores when you all drift off on a lazy Sunday afternoon… you know, family stuff!

Enjoy it while you can because time passes quickly—and, the passing of time brings change. Before you know it, the kids will be growing up and off to spend time with their friends more than they’re at home.

That’s not all bad, of course. Eventually, there will be new memories in the making. Like, when you plan that small outdoor wedding, perhaps. Or, maybe even better yet, when you snuggle up with a grandchild on the chaise for the very first time…

Whatever it is that you find yourself doing out in the Florida room, enjoy it!

The decision to install a swimming pool isn’t made lightly—in fact, it’s a huge investment! Protecting it from the elements is essential so it will remain in good condition for years to come. The best way to do that is by installing a mesh pool enclosure or purchasing a pool cover.

We’re going to take a look at both and, maybe, by the time you finish reading this, you’ll know which is best for you.

Mesh vs glass

There’s a reason to install a mesh pool enclosure instead of glass—and, that’s free airflow.

It may not seem like much, but one of the biggest complaints about glass pool enclosures is that people can begin to feel “trapped” when inside them. Because there’s no natural airflow, it creates a “stuffy” atmosphere that some will admit makes them feel claustrophobic.

Another disadvantage to glass enclosures is that they trap moisture inside which promotes the growth of mold and mildew. Left unchecked, it can, ultimately, have a detrimental effect on your family’s health.

Mesh pool enclosures

Mesh pool enclosures are high-quality structures that completely screen in your pool area. We’ve already mentioned that air flows freely through the screening material allowing you to feel every whisper of a breeze. It completely eliminates the claustrophobic effect caused by glass enclosures.

There are other benefits to choosing a mesh pool enclosure and they are:

Privacy

It’s surprising what a difference an element of privacy has in your surroundings. You’ll never have moments of feeling “on display” when everyone seems to be out in their backyards at the same time—or feel under the watchful eye of a nosy neighbor.

Safety

There’s no need to worry about a child or someone’s pet going out onto the pool cover and causing it to collapse. You can lock the door on your mesh pool enclosure and not give safety another thought.

Debris blocker

Florida is well known for pop-up storms. You won’t have to worry about getting caught with the pool cover off if your pool is enclosed entirely. Let the wind blow as hard as it wants—it’s not going to be cluttering up your pool with storm debris.

Think about all the skimming you won’t be doing.

Keeps bugs away

Tropical weather is the ideal breeding ground for all types of bugs. They won’t be hanging around during pool time any longer. Mosquitoes can’t get to you either.

Imagine the difference that will make.

UV protection

While mesh pool enclosures don’t block 100% of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, they do cut down your exposure to them. That means you won’t be pulling everyone out of the pool to reapply sunscreen as often.

It’s also worth noting that some mesh pool enclosure companies—like ours, for instance—offer their customers a customization feature. You can provide any digital image and have it displayed on your pool enclosure walls.

Talk about a dramatic effect! You can feel as if you’ve been transported to anywhere on earth the moment you walk out your back door.

We’ll mention too that mesh pool enclosures are very easy to clean. Turn the kids loose with a bucket of sudsy water and a scrub brush a couple of times a year to clean off accumulated salt and debris build-up. They’re strong enough to stand up to a power washer too.

Pool covers

Some people refer to a pool cover as a pool blanket. They’re a piece of material that spreads across the surface of a swimming pool. Common materials are PVC, coated tarpaulin, or vinyl and they come in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Their main purpose is to protect your pool from environmental debris—such as leaves, grass, dirt, and bugs.

Homeowners often choose one of three types of pool covers.

Inground/above-ground pool covers

They appear handy because they lay on top of the water’s surface. Inground/above-ground covers help reduce cleaning costs and are the cheapest option when looking for a basic pool cover. They tend to need to be replaced about every five years or so though. Also, you should note they may not be sturdy enough to prevent a human or animal from falling in.

Safety pool covers

Although made from the same types of materials as inground/above-ground pool covers, safety pool covers have the added protection of being secured to the ground. That means they aren’t blowing off and away during a storm.

They’re strong enough to prevent children and animals from falling into the pool too.

Be prepared to clear accumulated debris from the top of the cover before removing it though. And, you may need to keep a pump handy to clear any standing water if the cover isn’t equipped with a drain.

Solar pool covers

Solar pool covers capture the heat from the sun reducing the cost of heating your pool. They keep water from evaporating as quickly too—that saves you money on the water bill.

Solar pool covers are lightweight and easy to use. Bubble blankets and solar sun rings are two popular types of solar covers.

Solar pool covers reduce cleaning costs because they keep out the majority of leaves and debris. They aren’t known for their longevity though so be prepared to replace them regularly.

Weighing the difference

Swimming pools are a great place to make lasting memories all summer—every summer. You should do all that you can to ensure it’s protected from the harsh Florida sun and the salt erosion that affects everything left outdoors here.

Creating a private outdoor pool area with a mesh pool enclosure can change the ambiance dramatically—especially when you have your screens customized! You’ll be able to enjoy your pool day or night without being invaded by bugs and mosquitoes. Moreover, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that entry to the pool is blocked unless you say so.

While pool covers are a valid option for keeping out the majority of debris, most won’t prevent children and pets from falling in. In addition, they don’t provide any type of UV protection because it isn’t safe to swim under them and they have to be totally removed when the pool is in use.

Summer may be winding down but the pool season here in Florida is far from over—especially if your pool area is enclosed. It’s not too late to get the job done and extend your family’s “summer” fun. There are several types of pool enclosures—and we’ll take a look at three—but we believe a mesh pool enclosure is your best bet.

A mesh screen pool enclosure affords you so many benefits that when you weigh them into the mix, the final expense may surprise you.

Let’s take a look at them first.

Protection

A mesh pool screen enclosure provides your family with an element of UV protection. With a bit more shade, you won’t be pulling the kids out of the pool as often to reapply their sunscreen. ‘

Sure, the popsicle breaks work but imagine an extended swimming session that isn’t fueled with all that sugar!

We get our share of rain during the summer months, but the rainy season extends into October. According to ClickOrlando, Florida has a 50-50 chance of seeing rain every single day this season. Installing a mesh pool screen enclosure now will allow your family to swim even if it’s raining outside.

Privacy

The number one reason that people install mesh pool screen enclosures is for an added sense of privacy. Sometimes—especially on those days that everyone’s out in their yard—it can seem as if your family is on display when you’re out enjoying a swim.

If you’re worried that a screen won’t provide enough privacy, some companies, like ours, provide their customers with the option to customize their screens.

All it takes is a digital image and your pool area can be transformed into your favorite spot on earth. It doesn’t matter if it’s a beach or Aunt Ruthie’s backyard garden, customizing your screens gives you the sense of being there every time you walk out your back door.

Safe and sound

Private spaces make a lot of people feel more at ease—perhaps it’s because they block prying eyes. And, of course, a pool enclosure would provide you with a sense of security. You may experience what it truly means to relax for the very first time!

The doors latch—and lock—securely so you never have to worry about someone playing too close to the pool and falling in. Your pets are safer too!

Bugs begone

Living in paradise has very few drawbacks but bugs have got to be one of them! Our subtropical climate is the perfect breeding ground for millions… or could it actually be billions… of them.

The odds that you’ll be driven inside because they seem to be showing up in droves will drop to nonexistent. A mesh pool screen enclosure keeps even the tiniest insects from finding their way to the party. You can toss that insect repellant in the trash—if the only time you use it is poolside, that is.

More swimming, less skimming

Another fact about living in a subtropical climate is that it’s ripe for breeding storms.

You won’t have to worry about a storm blowing up before you can cover the pool when it’s enclosed. And, after it blows over, you won’t be fishing debris out of it either.

Pool enclosures keep storm and yard debris in the yard where it belongs! You could turn over storm clean-up duties to the kids and supervise poolside if you want… you’ve certainly earned it after all. You can ask them to join you as their reward for a job well done.

Pool enclosures keep your water levels where they need to be longer too because blocking some of the ultraviolet (UV) rays will extend chlorine life.

Last but not least

A pool enclosure increases your home’s resale value to some degree. Of course, how much totally depends on the market in your area, as well as the design, age, and type of enclosure that is installed.

Looking at a ballpark figure

It’s easy to see that your family will benefit from having your pool enclosed. Moreover, the thought of completely transforming the area by customizing your privacy screen has to be a little exciting.

On the other hand, it’s hard to decide to go for it without having any idea of the expense.

Here’s an overview of three types of pool enclosures and an approximate starting cost to have one installed. Your final cost depends on the type of structure, the design, size, and, of course, building costs in your area.

Shop around and contact several contractors. Most of them offer free estimates.

Mesh pool screen enclosure

An advantage that this type of structure provides homeowners that we didn’t mention earlier is free airflow.

We live in Florida, after all! We want to take advantage of every breeze that passes by and mesh screen enclosures allow you to do that.

Moreover, free airflow also keeps mold and mildew from getting a foothold. Both thrive in damp, wet places and can affect your family’s health in a negative way.

Mesh privacy screens are easy to clean too. A scrub brush and a bucket of sudsy water will do the trick. If you’d rather get after the job with a power washer, they can stand up to that too.

A mesh pool screen enclosure is your most economical choice. On average, they cost between $5 and $15 a square foot. The total cost range for an average-sized enclosure is between $4,000 and $14,000.

These types of structures usually attach directly to the home but can be freestanding if your design warrants it. They’re built to Florida’s strict building codes and can withstand wind speeds up to 150 mph when well anchored.

Retractable pool enclosure

These types of pool enclosures allow the homeowner to switch between a covered, partially covered, or completely open pool.

The enclosure folds in on itself as you easily push the cover out of the way. It’s just as easy to walk the cover back into place when the swimming day is through. The cover locks into place to prevent it from dislodging if the wind rises.

Retractable pool covers cost anywhere from $20 to $200 per square foot. A major factor in the final expense is the height of the structure.

Glass pool enclosure

Despite the fact that glass enclosures trap moisture which can promote the growth of mold and mildew, they remain a popular choice for homeowners. That’s because your outdoor pool area is transformed into an actual room.

Here in Florida, they’re built using high-impact glass to be as hurricane-resistant as possible.

Glass pool enclosures range between $30 and $65 per square foot. An enclosure could cost between $15,000 and $50,000 depending on your dimensions and design.