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.