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.