Pool Enclosures
Four Things to Consider When Getting an Enclosure for Your Swimming Pool
The most obvious benefit of having a screen enclosure is it keeps the bugs, mice, snakes, and other pests from messing up your pool. It helps keep your pool warm in the colder months and prevents it from getting too hot during the summer. And, more importantly, the enclosure keeps pets and children safe from any accidents in the pool without keeping them out of the yard.
Moreover, enclosing the pool will help you spend less time and money on maintaining your pool. You’ll spend less on chemicals since there’s less evaporating into the air due to the reduced direct sunlight. There is also less algae growth so you won’t have to treat it or scrub its surfaces as often. And, you don’t have to worry about leaves and other debris getting into your pool.
Pool Enclosure Design Considerations
1. Height Profile
There are three height profiles for screen enclosures – high, medium, and low.
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High profile screen enclosure
High-profile or standing pool enclosures can make your pool and the area around it into an outdoor living and fitness area. You can have these attached to the house or as a completely separate structure. And, depending on the material of your enclosure, you can make it into an indoor pool that you can convert to an outdoor one as you please.
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Medium profile screen enclosure
A medium profile screen enclosure will still let you stand inside it. What makes it different from a full-height enclosure is that it does not reach the ceiling height. It's a more affordable option since it will cost less than a high-profile enclosure. It also lets you avoid the need to seek approval for adding a structure in your home since it does not have the height to be considered as one. And, with polycarbonate roofs, the shorter profile warms up your pool faster. This makes it the best option for making swimming comfortable in the colder months. Most medium-profile screen enclosures are retractable since you don't want a permanent structure limiting the space of your pool. You can choose to limit the enclosure to only the pool with a door for entry or to include a small area for lounging.
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Low profile screen enclosure
Some might say that a low-profile pool enclosure is only a fancy pool cover. But, with enough height, you can still swim in your pool even with it covering your whole pool. Unfortunately, there’s only enough overhead room for swimming laps and water aerobics.
2. Enclosure Material
You have two options for the material of your enclosure – polycarbonate glass or screen.
Polycarbonate will cost you more in material cost and construction. Due to its heavier weight, the frame of your enclosure also has to be thicker to support it. This is the best for pools in colder climates since a full glass enclosure can keep heat like a greenhouse.
On the other hand, screen pool enclosures cost the least in both material cost and labor. It’s best for places that stay warm for the whole year. And, it lets in the breeze so it doesn’t get too hot inside. It still provides some shade over your pool so you still get protection from direct sunlight.
You don’t have to choose one over the other. You can combine both by using polycarbonate glass for your roof and screen for the sides. You get good ventilation and a solid roof in this way.
3. Roof Design
When it comes to roofing, there are two popular options. What people choose usually depends on the material for the roof of the enclosure. Dome swimming pool enclosures usually have solid polycarbonate roofing. The design prevents the build-up of water at the top and the material looks best in this configuration.
As for flat swimming pool enclosures, these often use screens for the whole enclosure. This makes sense since there’s no need to worry about water building up. Furthermore, it saves them money in its construction since a flat pool enclosure is the simplest to build and uses the least amount of materials. This is the best option if your goal is to keep the pool clean from debris and to prevent pets or children from falling into your pool.
4. Fixed Pool Enclosure vs. Retractable Pool Enclosure
What you choose depends on how you prefer to use your pool. A fixed pool enclosure eliminates any option to alternate between an indoor and outdoor pool. But, without the moving parts, it has fewer moving parts that will wear over time.
With a retractable or telescopic pool enclosure, you can close or open your enclosure to switch between an indoor and outdoor pool. The only drawback is that you need to maintain the sliding rails that let you retract the enclosure. And, if it has an automatic feature, you also need to have these maintained regularly and have it repaired when needed.
Thinking of Getting a Pool Enclosure?
Do you need help in deciding which options are the best for your pool? We can have our designers come to your home to assess your pool and yard. We will give you the suggestion that best fits your situation and your budget. Call us to schedule an appointment today!
