Kick plates are generally between six and twenty-four inches in height and are installed along the bottom perimeter of the pool enclosure. They provide a solid barrier at ground level. There are other benefits to installing kick plates at the base of your pool screen—and just for the record, they look great around lanais too.

Improves structural integrity

Kick plates enclose the bottom area of your pool screen—a known area for noticeable wear and tear—preventing the screens from becoming damaged. They also strengthen the entire structure making it more durable overall.

Whether it’s slamming toys against them, pushing and prodding at the edges, or the fascination with worrying a little hole until it becomes a gaping one, kids are notorious for damaging screens. Pets, especially dogs, intent on escaping—or chasing the small animal that is crossing the yard—have ways of doing a number on screens too. Kick plates create a barrier of protection guarding against these tiny—or not-so-tiny—terrors.

Kick plates protect against the damage hurled at your pool enclosure from lawnmowers and other yard equipment. Flying sticks and stones meet their match when up against these barricades.

Kick plates add privacy

Seriously. When you install 24″ kick plates or, say, build a short stone “kick wall,” around your pool, odds are it isn’t going to be seen by neighbors or passersby. It creates a more private environment for your family and guests to relax and enjoy time spent together. Moreover, the visual separation that kick plates provide between your pool and yard gives your outdoor living area a more intimate feel.

Ground coverage

Keeping the pool and enclosure clean can be a huge chore. Particularly so if the kids keep running in and out, right? Kick plates help reduce the dirt and debris that finds its way through the screens when the rainy season hits. Fine yard clippings aren’t as apt to filter through the screens when they’re based at a higher level either.

You’ll have more time to enjoy the pool instead of skimming too. It’s practically a law of physics that whatever is on the floor of the enclosure finds its way to the water. Are we right? With kick plates bordering the entire area, that’s not going to be nearly the issue it was before. Moreover, imagine going through a rainy season without mud filtering through your screen base and stretching across the floor. Are you smiling a little at that thought?

Kick plates make a statement

Believe it or not, installing kick plates makes an appealing change to the aesthetics of your surroundings. Perhaps it’s the clean straight lines giving the area a more polished look. You can easily incorporate any landscaping materials by matching a color or, even, stones. The overall design could easily bring together a more cohesive look for your home and property.

Pests and other unwanted guests

We have our share of persistent pests and other creatures here in Florida. And there’s nothing worse than finding one that was drawn to the water, only not to be able to get out again. Eesh. Screen enclosures do a good job of providing a barrier that keeps them out of the pool. Moreover, mosquitoes and other insects can swarm all they’d like, but they won’t be getting through them to feast on your family and friends either.

Kickplates reinforce your perimeter even further. It makes it even less likely that smaller creatures, such as lizards, snakes, and, even, rodents, won’t be finding a way through the cracks and into your space.

No reason to frown

There isn’t really a downside to installing kick plates. They enhance the structural integrity of your enclosure providing added strength overall. They truly begin proving their worth at ground level though. Dirt and debris can’t get through the solid barricade eliminating the mess created on the floor when we get a good hard rain. The kids won’t be dragging as much stuff into the pool on the souls of their feet either!

Lastly, kick plates provide your family with another level of privacy at the ground level. This will enhance your feelings of well-being and eliminate that nagging feeling of being “on display” that might happen if all the neighbors are out and about during pool time. Your kick plates can add to your home’s aesthetic appeal too.

If you are considering upgrading your pool enclosure or taking the plunge and installing one this year, adding kick plates to the design is a fairly inexpensive idea that is sure to pay for itself over time by saving your mesh screens wear and tear. We believe you’ll find that the added level of privacy and the immediate visual appeal you create will pay off immediately though.

Your family is likely to be spending more time than ever in the water. Better stock up on some extra sunscreen, just in case.

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When used in your screen enclosure, kick plates reinforce their strength when placed to cover the lower part of screens. They generally range in size from a few inches wide to a couple of feet high. There are many to choose from and the type you install depends on your overall design. They are commonly constructed of waterproof material making them ideal for use around your pool enclosure too.

Aesthetic Value

When used with aesthetic value in mind, kick plates can break up the monotony of a typical screen enclosure adding a level of style and sophistication. You can incorporate your kick plates into your overall design creating a look that pleases the eye. The colors, material, and size are completely up to you. You can design a customized space that appeals to the eye and the senses.

Other benefits

Kick plates can be created from stone, metal, or wood and, as mentioned above, reinforce the integrity of your enclosure while lending to the overall design. For instance, small children or pets prone to push at the bottom of the screen line could loosen the screen from its frame. Left in that state, it isn’t long before the affected area gets larger… and larger…

Toys, strollers, and even playing a wild game of fetch with the dog can cause damage to the bottom of your screen. Installing kick plates may ward off those unfortunate scenarios by establishing a firm, yet attractive, barrier.

When mowing or sprucing up your landscaping, small rocks, bits of grass, and other debris can hit your enclosure causing screen damage… and at the very least detracting from the aesthetics due to the dirt and debris accumulation. Moreover, wind can blow yard debris up against your screen enclosure when not protected by a kick plate. Raking the mess away from the outside won’t leave you in danger of damaging your screens when doing yard work.

Water from our sometimes torrential rains, poorly routed roof drainage, or even your sprinkler system can damage your furniture and flooring. Kick plates prevent water from getting into the area keeping it cleaner and requiring less maintenance.

Not high maintenance

Once your kickplates are installed, maintaining them is relatively easy. All you have to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth regularly. If necessary, a mild soap and water solution can be used.

Protect your investment

If your outdoor living space is rarely used, you may not see the need to invest in kick plates. However, we can tell you that for many homeowners, their new enclosed space quickly becomes the family’s new favorite spot to gather. And understandably so! The added level of privacy is enough to cause many families to spend more time outdoors.

Your family and friends will enjoy other year-round benefits too, such as enjoying time outdoors without bugs invading the space. The finely woven mesh screens allow air to flow freely. However, no bugs, even those annoying little noseeums, are getting through. Moreover, the screens don’t block 100% of the sun’s damaging UV rays but they do filter them. It makes them less intense. That means you won’t have to pull the kids out of the pool to apply sunscreen as often.

You also create a safe space for young children or small pets to play outdoors in the fresh air without the danger of them wandering away. Distractions are a normal part of life after all. Imagine taking the time to get in a chapter of your summer read without glancing up to see your toddler making their way across the yard lickety-split. It happens to the best of us! You can easily flip the lock on the door and know everyone is staying put giving you a bit of time to relax. On the other hand, if you’ve enclosed the pool and don’t want anyone near it, that lock works both ways.

Once you’ve enhanced your outdoor living space by installing a screen enclosure, you want it to last for years. Installing kick plates is one way to strengthen the integrity of your enclosure making it more attractive and durable. They are affordable and “pay for themselves” over time when considering the level of protection they add to your screens.

If you didn’t install kick plates initially but plan to rescreen your pool or lanai enclosure this summer, perhaps redesigning the space to include them is an option worth considering.

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Living in Florida, there’s always salt in the air. It’s extremely corrosive and eats away at everything that isn’t made of plastic. It’s recommended that we clean all outdoor surfaces up to three times a year—that includes your screens. All it takes is a bucket of sudsy water and a scrub brush or if you have a power washer, your job just got even easier!

While you’re out there, it doesn’t hurt to inspect your enclosure at the same time looking for any small rips or tears. Make sure and take a good look at the bottom of the screen. It’s one of the areas that are prone to damage.

Children poke and prod

If you have young children, you already know that they have a tendency to run things into walls. Your screens meet the same fate. Playing out on the lanai or patio includes taking toys along and if they have wheels, you can bet they’re going to be crashing into the base of your screens—probably repeatedly. Eventually, it’s going to do some damage.

Kids are known for their impulsive behavior. Once there’s a tiny hole exposed, it won’t be long until they begin to fiddle with it. Before you know it, a tiny tear in the screen can become huge.

Pets play a part

Does your pet scratch at the door when they want to go outside? Imagine the damage they could do to the bottom of your screens if they see something on the other side that piques their interest! It wouldn’t take long for most pets to scratch, claw, or chew their way through a mesh screen enclosure if left unsupervised.

Even if your pet’s not so active these days, they can still damage your screens if they press against them continuously while they’re lounging in the sun.

Wind, water, and debris

Mowing, landscaping, even blowing wind can leave an array of debris along the base of your mesh screen enclosure. The process of raking might damage screens that aren’t protected in some way.

Moreover, water from rain, roof drainage, or runoff from your sprinkler system can damage your flooring or outdoor furnishings.

Kickplates prevent damage

A kickplate is a thin, durable piece of material that is attached to the bottom of the screen panel. They normally range between eight to sixteen inches in height—but, of course, custom sizes are also available.

They’re installed around the entire enclosure to provide your mesh screen enclosure with maximum protection against the elements, your pets, the kids, their toys… You get the idea.

Kickplates are an excellent choice when looking for ways to extend the life span of your outdoor enclosure. And, we know you want it to last as long as possible! It’s everybody’s favorite place to hang out!

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If this was your year, congratulations! We hope the construction is long finished, the yard has recovered from the heavy equipment, and you and your family have had the best summer of your life! You’ll look forward to making new memories together with family and friends every year—so will they. You can count on it.

You’ll be enjoying your pool well into the fall and if you already enclosed your pool, you may be planning to swim year-round. If you haven’t, we’re going to point out the benefits you’ll gain when you enclose your pool rather than using a pool cover.

Pool covers fall flat

A pool cover provides protection from debris finding its way into the pool when you’re mowing the yard or a storm blows through. Some even act as a safety net providing a barrier so kids and pets won’t fall in.

Here’s a list of different types of pool covers but as far as attributes go, they’re both listed above.

Inground and above ground pool covers

These types of covers are the least expensive, but they generally need to be replaced every five years or so. Other than keeping the water cleaner, there aren’t any additional benefits to speak of. They lay loosely across the top of the pool acting as a barrier but you still have to clean off the cover before you can roll it up.

They protect the pool from harsh weather but if the cover isn’t anchored down, you run the risk of the wind catching it. If that happens, they do more harm than good because if it sinks, everything that’s on top is going in the water for sure. Not to mention the hassle getting a sunken cover out of the pool can be in and of itself.

Yuck.

This type of cover isn’t sturdy enough to protect animals or people from falling in either. That can be extremely dangerous if they’re left unattended because walking out onto the cover could be intriguing for a child. Even adults, who aren’t paying attention for one reason or another, could be in danger of falling in. The big fear, of course, is that someone could become entangled in the cover making it impossible for them to reach the surface of the water.

Loose-laying pool covers don’t always provide extra protection from the sun. If that’s the case, your chlorine levels are still going to be affected and evaporation will occur at a higher level.

Safety pool covers

People choose safety pool covers because they’re sturdy and prevent children and animals from falling in. These types of covers anchor to the ground. They don’t blow off every time the wind picks up allowing your pool to get trashed in the process.

The anchors also keep them taut if a child or small animal ventures out on them.

They don’t help regulate the water temperature though. And, if you choose a mesh cover, they don’t do much to keep out debris either.

Solar pool covers

These types of pool covers capture the heat from the sun raising the water temperature by varying degrees. They limit water evaporation too.

They don’t provide protection from someone falling into an unattended swimming pool though. Always remember to monitor children and pets when outdoors. They’re lightweight so they don’t do much to keep out debris and they rip easily.

Mesh screen enclosures—better than glass?

We believe the answer to that question is yes. Why? Because if glass enclosures don’t have a ventilation system installed—and many don’t due to the added expense—they get “stuffy.” That’s because humidity levels increase when air gets trapped inside the enclosure.

Lots of people report feeling “trapped” or claustrophobic and don’t care to spend a lot of time at a pool where they feel uncomfortable.

Glass enclosures create a prime environment for mold and mildew growth too. That’s because when air isn’t allowed to move freely within your enclosure, it never completely dries out. Once mold and mildew take hold in an area, the problem continues to grow—literally. Eventually, exposure to mold and mildew affects your health—and your pet’s health too.

Mesh screen enclosures make more sense

Mesh screen enclosures allow air currents to flow freely through them which deters mold and mildew growth near your pool. It also means that you catch every breeze that passes by—and living in Florida, that’s important.

Bugs and mosquitoes thrive here thanks to our subtropical climate. They can ruin an evening pool party. You won’t have to douse yourself in repellant or spend your time swatting instead of swimming inside your pool enclosure. The mesh screen is fine enough to keep all manner of bugs and mosquitoes at bay—night swims are going to be lots more fun.

Mesh screen enclosures provide you with a degree of UV protection too. You won’t be pulling the kids out of the water as often to reapply the sunscreen. They’re going to think that’s a huge plus, aren’t they?

Of course, we have to mention the swimming rain or shine option, here too. The kids won’t hesitate to take you up on your offer to head for the pool to pass the time on a rainy afternoon!

We haven’t even hit on the main reason that homeowners decide to put up a mesh screen enclosure. That’s privacy! Whether you’re enclosing your gazebo, lanai, or any other outdoor area, mesh screen enclosures give you an added sense of privacy. Glass enclosures can leave you feeling exposed.

We’ll mention too that some companies offer their customers a customization feature that allows them to completely transform the space. Digital imagery allows the magic to happen by transferring any photo onto the screen itself. The results are pretty spectacular!

You’ll feel like you’re entering your own personal retreat every time you walk out the back door.

And, you are!

The post Does a Mesh Screen Enclosure Beat a Pool Cover? appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

You’ve seen the dog memes of a beloved pet—complete with sunglasses no less—lounging on a comfy raft as he floats around the pool, right? Or what about the ones where the dog comes bolting out of the house charging straight toward the water…

Whether they’re catching some rays or fanatic about swimming, those guys are living the life for sure! If your pet is into pool time, have you taken precautions to make sure they can enjoy their time in the water safely?

We’ve put together some tips to help make that job easier.

Risk of pets drowning on the rise

Around 5,000 family pets drown in backyard swimming pools every year—actually that number is sure to be even higher now because that’s a 2014 statistic. Backyard pools are becoming the norm in many portions of the country—especially when you include above-ground pools in the mix.

You can reduce the risk of that ever happening to your precious pup by taking a few simple precautions.

Install additional safety features

Lots of people take the old adage, “better safe than sorry” to heart when it pertains to the swimming pool.

You’re more than likely one of them.

Have you already installed these safety features for added protection against a drowning accident?

• Pool enclosures and fencing—These features keep your pet from falling—or plunging—into the pool when they go outside. Providing a barrier between your pets and the swimming pool helps you maintain a safe environment at all times.
• Gutter guards—A gutter guard is an important safety feature for people and pets too! At best, an open gutter is a fall hazard, however, in the case of small children and pets, there’s a risk that they could become entrapped.
• Pool ramps—If you’re pool doesn’t have a wide set of steps leading into the water, your pet may not be able to exit the pool on their own. Pool ramps install at the edge of the pool and provide the assistance your dog needs to exit the water without help.
• Pool alarms—Some state and local governments require pool owners to install pool alarms. Even if it’s not mandated, the majority of pool owners—especially those with young children—invest in a good pool alarm. Most of them activate if anything heavier than 17 pounds hits the water.
• Safety covers—Pool covers stretch tightly across the pool and anchor at the sides preventing your pet from falling into the pool. They can be purchased in mesh or a solid material depending on your preference.

Keeping them afloat

Don’t depend on his favorite raft to keep him safe while he’s in the pool because accidents happen in an instant. consider getting your dog a doggie life jacket. Your pet will grow accustomed to wearing it quickly.

Manufacturers gauge the jackets according to size and weight.

Performing CPR—on your pet

Our pets are part of the family and when an emergency arises, it can be hard to stay focused. If the unthinkable happens and your dog needs CPR, will you know what to do?

Being prepared allows you to react with confidence rather than wringing your hands and falling into a state of panic. The Red Cross offers an actual class to teach you how to do CPR on your pet.

They also list the following steps to perform CPR on your dog or cat on their website.

1. Check for breathing and a heartbeat. If you don’t see your pet’s chest moving and can’t find a pulse, begin CPR chest compressions.
2. Begin chest compressions. Place your hands on your pet as follows:
   • For cats, small dogs, and deep-chested dogs, place the heel of one of your hands directly over the pet’s heart and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
   • If you have a deep-chested dog, place the heel of one hand over the widest part of the chest and place your other hand directly over the first hand.
   • For barrel-chested dogs, place the dog on its back, place one hand over the widest part of the sternum, and place your other hand directly over the first hand. Lock your elbows and make sure your shoulders are directly above your hands.Then, push hard and push fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, compressing 1/3 to 1/2 the width of your pet’s chest. Make sure the chest comes back fully (recoils) before compressing again. Perform 30 chest compressions.
3. Give rescue breaths. To give rescue breaths, gently close the pet’s mouth and extend his neck to open the airway. Cover your pet’s nose with your mouth and exhale until you see the pet’s chest rise. Give a second rescue breath.
4. Continue the CPR cycle, 30 compressions and, then, 2 rescue breaths, until your pet begins breathing again on its own.
5. Check for breathing and pulse every 2 minutes.
6. Continue CPR until you reach a veterinary hospital.

Wrapping it up

Having a backyard pool is an amenity that more and more homeowners decide is a worthy investment.

And, they’re right!

Swimming pools are the perfect gathering spot for family and friends. They’re a huge responsibility too. Make sure that you have your pool safety precautions in place before anyone ever sticks a toe in the water.

It’s the best way to ensure a happy, healthy summer for the entire family… pets included!

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