They say that Floridians install pool enclosures more often than anywhere else in the United States. That’s entirely feasible given our tropical climate. When the temperature begins to soar in Florida, there’s nothing like diving into the cool, blue water of your own backyard pool.
We have a longer swimming season than the rest of the nation and we take advantage of it! Pool enclosures allow us to enjoy our pool season even more because:
- They provide some protection from UV rays which means you’ll be applying sunscreen less often and extending the life of the chlorine in the pool.
- Cleaning the pool is much easier. Pool screens keep yard debris from blowing into the pool. They keep wandering animals—like snakes, lizards, bugs, or larger animals—from winding up in the water and not being able to escape too.
- Bugs and mosquitoes can’t get to you—imagine a summer free of continuously swatting at those pests!
- Your pool cleaning system works more efficiently with less debris to process.
Some people use removable pool covers, but can have problems with them blowing over… or away… during our strong storms. And, we certainly get our share of those!
There are three main types of pool enclosures that are more stable—inflatable, telescopic, and permanent. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Inflatable pool enclosures
Inflatable pool enclosures resemble an air dome (sometimes called a bubble). In the past, inflatable covers have most often been used for tennis courts or other playing fields. However, more homeowners are considering them than ever before. There are different colors and design patterns from which to choose and while many people opt to use standard design dimensions, they can be customized to fit your specifications.
The enclosure, itself, is made of tear-resistant coated vinyl layered over a fabric base. Installers use steel cables to anchor the enclosure. A quiet blower—much like those used for a child’s bouncy house—maintains the air pressure inside the pool dome.
A zipper doorway, like that of a tent, provides the entrance into the dome. Once inside, swimmers enjoy complete privacy from the prying eyes of neighbors.
These types of enclosures don’t always do well in heavy winds—usually because they weren’t anchored securely. In the event of a hurricane or another high wind event, homeowners have the option of deflating the dome and putting it back up when the weather has calmed down.
It’s also important to note that inflatable enclosures are less efficient at maintaining heat due to the fact that the sun doesn’t hit the water. They only increase the water temperature by about 10 degrees. That’s in comparison to an increased water temperature of 20 degrees for structural covers.
Telescopic pool enclosures
If you want to have the option of fully opening your pool sometimes but don’t want to deal with the ups and downs of a removable structure, you might consider a telescopic pool enclosure. Also known as a retractable enclosure, they give homeowners the advantage of literally pushing their pool enclosure out of the way!
These segmented enclosures fold neatly back into a larger section—imagine closing a small telescope and you’ve got the idea. The most popular telescopic enclosures work by sliding on tracks that are installed along a flat deck surface. There are trackless models on the market too, though. They’re easier to install and may work better for surfaces that aren’t perfectly flat.
The only real drawback is that they aren’t recommended for large areas.
Permanent pool enclosures
The most popular type of pool enclosure is a permanent pool enclosure. They can be custom-designed to accommodate any area and are a beautiful addition to the property. They actually add to the total square footage of your home which increases your property value.
It used to be that most permanent pool enclosures were constructed using glass panels to maximize the amount of natural sunlight available. However, glass enclosures don’t allow for free airflow. Not only can they feel stuffy and close, but it also increases the probability that you’ll have mold and mildew issues to contend with.
Mesh screen pool enclosures are becoming a popular trend here in Florida. They provide homeowners with all the benefits of the glass screen enclosures. And, in addition to catching even the faintest breeze that passes your way, there is less chance that mold or mildew will get a foothold. You’re swimming area will be a more healthy environment for family and friends.
Furthermore, it’s recommended that we clean the exterior of our homes two or three times a year to rid them of any accumulating salt. Cleaning your screen pool enclosure requires nothing more than a bucket of warm soapy water and a scrub brush. The screens hold up to a power washer just fine as well.
There’s another special feature that mesh screen enclosures provide. Some companies—like us, for instance—offer customers the option of customizing their mesh privacy screen enclosures using any digital image. The change it makes to your environment is quite astounding.
Are you ready to take the plunge?
Pool enclosures are a major expense for lots of homeowners, but when you consider all the benefits they provide, it’s easy to see why they are a popular home addition.
You’ll spend your summer doing more swimming and less cleaning. Bug invasions become a thing of the past. And, your kids will love the fact that they don’t have to take breaks to get sunscreen reapplied.
If you never thought you could love your pool more than you do already, install a pool enclosure. We bet you’ll change your line of thinking on that topic.