Mesh pool screen enclosures are becoming more and more popular over traditional glass enclosures. That’s because they offer several benefits for homeowners that glass enclosures can’t provide.
Are you wondering how a mesh pool screen enclosure stacks up against a glass one where ultraviolet (UV) protection is concerned?
We’ll share what we know.
Glass vs mesh pool screen enclosures
Exposure to the sun is highly beneficial for our immune systems in small doses because it stimulates our bodies to create vitamin D. That’s more important than ever because vitamin D is a natural defense against the coronavirus. And, we aren’t going to deny that a healthy tan is something to be proud of as well.
Still, sunscreen is a necessity when your family and friends are at the pool for an extended length of time. That’s because too much exposure to UV rays will ultimately damage the skin. Even worse than peeling skin, continued exposure often results in permanent damage—such as the “leathered” look we know so well or even worse, skin cancers.
Glass enclosures without added UV protection won’t keep you from frying because the glass intensifies the effects of the sun’s UV rays. Mesh pool screen enclosures provide an element of shade so you won’t have to apply sunscreen as often.
If a homeowner is willing to pay the price for treated glass, a glass pool enclosure could certainly block more UV rays than a mesh pool screen enclosure. Glass treated with added UV protection is more expensive, of course, and the price continues to increase depending on the amount of protection you want.
In contrast, mesh pool screen enclosures are often treated with additional UV protection as the company norm. It’s because doing so extends the life of your screens. Untreated, the mesh will begin to break down under the relentless barrage of ultraviolet light beating down on your screens day after day.
Moreover, if your contractor provides customers with the option to customize their screens—like we do, for instance—the dyes used are specially formulated to withstand UV rays so the imagery doesn’t begin its slow fade on day one.
Lower the temperature
Glass pool enclosures—especially those with no UV protection—intensify the heat of the sun. We’ve already mentioned that can increase your chances of getting burned substantially. On the other hand, mesh screen enclosures give you some shade and can actually lower the temperature of your entire home.
That’s because the treated screens don’t absorb as much heat. If your pool enclosure attaches to your home, that means your exterior walls won’t be absorbing as much heat as they had before.
Since we’re talking about outdoor elements, it’s worth mentioning that you aren’t going to get driven inside every time a storm blows up either.
Free airflow
Mesh pool screen enclosures don’t block airflow the way glass enclosures do.
That’s a big deal because free airflow allows for surfaces to dry completely. It’s going to greatly reduce your chances that you’ll have areas where mold and mildew begin to grow. Our heat and humidity provide the right type of environment for mold to thrive.
Left untreated, it can create health problems for both humans and pets. And, the threat to your health worsens with prolonged exposure.
Free airflow can eliminate the feeling of claustrophobia that some people experience when “cooped up” inside a glass enclosure too.
Provide more privacy
Mesh pool screen enclosures actually provide a greater sense of privacy than glass enclosures. Of course, glass can be tinted, but, again, it would be an additional expense. Mesh screen enclosures are cheaper to install than glass overall. When you add the fact that choosing a darker color for your screens—or when adding a custom image to them—creates an even greater illusion of privacy, we think it’s another reason that screen enclosures are a better choice.
Easy to clean
The difference between cleaning a glass enclosure and a screen enclosure is as different as night and day.
All you need is a bucket of sudsy water and a scrub brush to wash away dirt and salt accumulations from the screens. If you break out a power washer, you’ll be finished with the chore in no time!
Glass enclosures can be tougher to maintain. Lots of homeowners hire a service to handle the chore which can get costly depending on the size of the structure.
They block the sun and more
So, we’ve determined that mesh pool enclosures do provide you and your family with some protection from the sun. They protect you from exposure to the wind and rain too.
They also block bugs and mosquitoes from invading your space. Just imagine what it would be like to not spend your time poolside without constantly swatting at your face and arms!
You can store your supply of flyswatters in the garage and save them for when everyone is hanging out in the yard.
Yard debris isn’t going to be a problem any longer either so your pool is going to stay a lot cleaner. You might even do away with the pool guy and take on the job yourself.