Are you curious to know what they are?

Private matters

The number one reason homeowners install screen enclosures around the pool or another outdoor living space is the added level of privacy they provide. In fact, some admit that had they realized how greatly it would enhance their ability to rest and relax, they would have done it sooner! Even though screen enclosures don’t provide total privacy, the illusion of such is enough to promote an increased sense of well-being. You can better focus on what’s happening in your immediate surroundings—even if it’s nothing!

Neighbors are great but sometimes it’s nice to feel completely secluded from everyone. Tucked away in your enclosure, the sights and sounds of the neighborhood tend to drift into the background. Screen enclosures create the perfect ambiance for relaxation. They also shield your family from the prying eyes of others when you’re hosting a private party or family gathering.

Take things even further

If you’re considering creating a backyard getaway spot to provide the seclusion that you’re seeking, you need to know that some companies offer to customize the screens. That means you can easily create the getaway of your dreams! You’re sure to find images that appeal to your senses, and believe us when we say, you will feel those sensations every time you step through the doorway.

The images are printed directly onto the screens using dyes treated with the latest type of UV protection meaning that your scenes remain vibrant for years. Once you’ve added the finishing touches to your design with furniture and other decor, you will have created a space your family may quickly deem their favorite spot making outdoor family time a daily occurrence!

Bugs aren’t an issue

Screen enclosures keep all manner of bugs and insects—noseeums included—outside your enclosure because they won’t fit through the finely woven screen.

Imagine enjoying a meal outdoors with family and friends without being barraged by a horde of flies! If you enclose the pool area, night swims are bound to become more popular because the mosquitoes won’t be able to dive-bomb swimmers as soon as they surface. Moreover, no one has to wander through a cloud of bug spray and citronella fumes! Outdoor family time takes on a new meaning when it’s bug-free!

A level of UV protection

The sun isn’t as intense over the winter, but UV protection is always important. As the rays pass through the mesh screens, they become less intense. That means you won’t need to apply sunscreen as often. Moreover, your outdoor furniture and other decor won’t suffer sun fade as quickly.

That’s another big plus in today’s economy.

Creature comfort too

Florida is home to numerous varieties of snakes and lizards who have no qualms about mosying up to the house to find a place to hide away. If you’ve ever been surprised to discover a snake curled up under a throw pillow or slithering across the lanai floor, you know it can be downright terrifying—especially if your kids are the ones to find it!

After your enclosure is up, unwanted guests are bound to the yard instead of coming near the house looking for a new home. Moreover, a pool enclosure saves you the unpleasant task of fishing out any wildlife that made its way into the pool only to perish before succumbing to exhaustion. That’s something you won’t miss having to handle for sure.

Safety features included

It’s horrifying to hear your child shriek when they find a snake hiding away. It’s even more horrifying to be momentarily distracted and let your youngster wander out of sight. Screen enclosures provide you with a space where small children can play while getting some fresh air and sunshine. More importantly, they have a specific area to play in.

You can plan to sit and read for a while or make your to-do list—especially important this time of year—without worrying about losing track of anyone. Your pets won’t be able to wander away either.

Outdoor family time equals prime time

Your new screen enclosure is a great place to enjoy time with family. Your friends will love the space too! You’ll enjoy a heightened sense of privacy which increases your ability to rest and block out the hustle and bustle going on in the neighborhood around you.

Choosing to customize your screens allows you to create a truly incredible space that completely transforms your environment. We print the images directly onto the screens with dyes treated with added UV protection.

Bugs will never be a nuisance whether you’re hanging out by the pool or trying to enjoy a meal outdoors. Moreover, your screen enclosure creates a boundary that keeps wildlife from coming close to the house. Your family gains some protection from dangerous UV rays and your stuff won’t fade as quickly either. Lastly, your enclosure provides a safe space for children or pets to play without worrying they will wander away from the area.

Outdoor family time can become an event that everyone looks forward to getting on the calendar regularly. Time moves quickly—soak up those precious moments every chance you get. You won’t ever regret it.

The post Enhance Outdoor Family Time, Enclose Your Space appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

There is a lot to be said for quality time spent in bulk. Still, we trust that you found some time for relaxing too so you returned to work refreshed and recharged.

Staycation on steroids

If you haven’t enclosed your pool or outdoor living space, doing so will make any time your family spends outdoors more enjoyable. Friends will enjoy it too and your place may become the favored place to hang out.

Here’s why.

Added privacy

Neighbors are great but feeling like your family is secluded from the neighborhood hustle and bustle is nice too. Mesh screen enclosures won’t completely shield your family from view, but enclosing your outdoor space gives you the illusion of seclusion.

Some homeowners have reported that they had no idea what a positive impact adding a privacy screen enclosure would have on their lives.

Bugs have to beat it

Lots of contractors use Phifer screen products. They have been in business since 1952 and know their stuff! They are a leader in the insect screen industry claiming the title of the world’s largest producer of aluminum and fiberglass insect screening.

The finely woven screens allow for free airflow, but no manner of bug or insect will get through it. Not even those pesky noseeums that seemingly show up at every outdoor gathering. Imagine dining outdoors and not being annoyed by a single fly lighting on your plate! Or envision a spontaneous night swim with the fam and not being driven back indoors too soon because the mosquitoes seem intent on eating you all alive.

Having no bugs to interfere with your plans will seem like a dream come true… because it will be!

UV Protection

We realize, of course, that mesh screen enclosures don’t block out 100% of the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. Instead, they filter the rays which lessens the damage done by far. Your family won’t be reapplying sunscreen as often—that will be welcome news to the kids for sure!

Your stuff won’t suffer sun fade nearly as quickly either!

The scene stays clean

Once your enclosure is up, you won’t be looking out the window after a storm blows through to see your deck chairs or sofa covered with debris. It more than likely isn’t going to be nearly as wet either.

Your enclosure keeps storm and yard debris out of the area. That means you can go out to relax without having to pull cleaning duty first.

Creatures and critters… oh my!

More like, tell creatures and critters goodbye! Another benefit of installing a screen enclosure is that it provides a barricade that keeps wildlife farther away from the house. Never again will you risk you—or your children—discovering a curled-up snake under a cushion. If you live near a body of water, the occasional alligator strolling through the yard may be a sight you’re used to but having one on the patio or in the pool on the other hand…

Well, let’s just say that’s a surprise that won’t come to fruition—ever.

But wait! There’s more.

Especially since we’re on the topic of staycations, we want to be certain you realize that some companies provide a customization feature. Customers choose a specific scene and, thanks to the advances in digital technology, it gets printed directly onto their screens.

Dyes infused with added UV protection ensure that images remain vibrant for years.

The change in the ambiance is dramatic! Homeowners report that their new surroundings create even more of a sensation of being away from prying eyes. And once you complete the decor, you will feel like you’re in your own little world.

What better place to plan a staycation? Or a backyard barbecue. Or, perhaps, your child’s birthday party…

That list could go on and on because your enclosure will more than likely become the entire family’s new favorite spot to spend time together. And if you feel like you’re on vacation every time you walk into the space, even better!

Enclosing your family’s outdoor space provides you with added privacy because sometimes it’s nice to be able to block out the outside world to a degree. Bugs and insects can’t get through the finely woven screens to annoy you. That fact alone makes being outdoors far more enjoyable.

Moreover, your enclosure provides a boundary that prevents local wildlife from finding its way too close to the house. Dirt and debris aren’t going to clutter your space and the screens provide a degree of shade.

They’re easy to clean too. All you need is a power washer. Or you could provide the kids with a bucket of soapy water and some scrub brushes to let them help. The odds are it will be a chore they won’t mind completing for you because, after all, there is water involved.

And, here’s an idea. If you mentioned a game that entails wiping out the enemy’s force field with the counteractive concoction in the bucket followed by the super surge rinse stored in their high-powered water guns or hose, the enthusiasm to begin could be through the roof!

The post Was It a Staycation This Year? appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

They are often placed near a garden or some other scenic area of the yard. Doing so creates an even greater sense of relaxation.

Most homeowners keep their gazebos to the traditional Amish style shape which is most often an octagon. However, hexagon-shaped gazebos aren’t all that uncommon these days. Others break out of the mold and move away from the traditional look entirely.

The interior design ranges greatly and that’s as it should be. An outdoor living space needs to be an area where we feel comfortable. A place where we look forward to spending time with family and friends. Some homeowners keep to tradition, and wooden benches line the gazebo’s interior—with the exception of the doorway, of course. The center area is left entirely open. It makes a perfect spot for young children to sit and play while their parents relax without fear of anyone wandering off should they get distracted. Others skip the benches entirely and bring in outdoor furniture—a sofa and chairs, for instance.

Add some pillows, maybe a blanket, and a small table or two and you’ll be good to go! It’s sounding pretty comfy, cozy already, but we have to mention that we know how to make your gazebo’s interior even more so. In fact, we’re making comfort number one on our list of three reasons you should consider enclosing the space.

Increase your comfort level

When you screen in your gazebo, you immediately add two levels of comfort. Enclosing the area provides a degree of sun protection—and, here in Florida, we’ll take all of that we can get!

You will also notice an immediate difference in the number of bugs that you have to contend with… as in, there are none! The mesh grid that composes the screen is fine enough to allow even the slightest whisper of a breeze to pass through it, but bugs—even those pesky little no-see-ums—can’t get in.

Go ahead. Picture sitting outdoors on those sultry summer nights without constantly slapping at bugs and mosquitoes…

It’s looking pretty great, yeah?

A sense of privacy

One of the reasons that homeowners enclose their outdoor living areas is the privacy factor. We may not always jump to the word “privacy” when thinking about comfort in this way—especially when we’re talking about our homes! I mean, seriously, privacy can be pretty hard to come by on a pretty regular basis! Am I right?

Still, even if we hang out with our neighbors every weekend, sometimes it’s nice to be able to put a little distance between us and… well… the world in general, these days. Enclosing your gazebo allows you to feel like you’re truly getting away from it all. It also makes it easier, say, to celebrate your child’s birthday on a small, family-scale without all the children living nearby watching longly from their yards.

You can even take things a step further and hire a company that customizes its screens using digital imagery. The dyes used are specifically created to stand up to ultraviolet (UV) rays and are guaranteed not to fade.

Imagine the possibilities! You can use an image from your favorite vacation—a distant mountain range or stunning desert scene, perhaps—or search through a digital catalog until you discover the flower garden of your dreams. Whatever you decide, the end result is sure to astound you.

Upgrades are good

If you’re building a new gazebo, the addition will increase your property value to some degree. However, just enclosing the space could be one of the perks that close the deal for a specific buyer someday. Keeping up with your due diligence as far as maintenance is concerned will keep your screens in excellent condition for years to come.

We should note, though, that it’s important to check with the city to see if there are any laws or ordinances that would prohibit you from adding a structure to your property. For instance, there may be regulations as to how far the structure needs to be from any property lines.

If you’re a member of a homeowners association, check with them too. Associations of this type are known to abide by stringent rules and breaking them could quickly lead to headaches… or worse yet… fines! If the addition isn’t allowed, don’t give up hope. Instead, plan to go before the board and present your case.

Who knows? You could sway them to your way of thinking.

Nothing new under the sun

Found in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Persia, 4th Century China, Japan, and then, Medieval Europe, gazebos have been around for thousands of years. They remain popular architectural designs in various countries around the world today.

Many people find them alluring, feeling as if they give off a sense of peace and tranquility. They’re aesthetically pleasing to the eye which also creates a sense of well-being. It’s for these reasons, among others, that some homeowners decide to add a gazebo to their property.

Enclosing your gazebo increases your family’s comfort level because you will instantly realize an increased sense of privacy. You won’t be bombarded with bugs and mosquitoes when spending time outdoors either. Lastly, screening in your gazebo affords you a degree of protection from the sun.

We think these are all great reasons to enclose your gazebo. How about you?

The post 3 Great Reasons to Enclose Your Gazebo appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

If your pool enclosure is constructed of aging privacy screens, do you have some tears? A few simple screen repairs mean that you aren’t going to be fighting off the bugs and mosquitoes this year.

If you’re hoping to change the view though, you don’t have to spend a fortune.

We’re sharing some budget-friendly pool renovations today that can give your pool the perfect facelift.

It will beckon people to draw near.

Saltwater systems

Saltwater systems are a major trend spreading throughout the swimming pool industry.

Chlorine is essential to maintaining your water quality. Chlorine tablets have been the norm for decades, but saltwater pools continue to grow in popularity. Salt cell systems are becoming stiff competition.

When pool water passes through a salt cell, electrolysis releases chlorine into the water. It keeps your pool sanitary without the continuous maintenance that chlorine tabs require.

These systems are easier on our eyes, skin, and hair too. That means we aren’t going to suffer ill effects from chlorine exposure when we live in the pool as much as possible. Well, other than wrinkly skin, of course, but that’s short-lived, so…

Automation systems

Technology continues to evolve but keeps older pool owners in mind at the same time. A lot of new gadgets and equipment can be retrofitted so you aren’t left out.

Robotic cleaners, automatic pool covers, and all-in-one automation systems that test the water and dispense chemicals are at your disposal. You might even decide to get rid of the pool guy.

If you can handle it all with your smart phone, why not?

Energy-efficient pool pump

The phrase, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” is one that a lot of us apply subconsciously.

A pool pump could undoubtedly fall into that category. However, if your pumps been humming along for years… and years… you should consider getting a new one. Variable-speed pumps will decrease your energy use and that adds up over time. As a matter of fact, experts say that a variable-speed pump that costs around $1,000 installed should pay for itself in energy savings over a one to three-year period.

Do your research before making a purchase because you may be living in an area that qualifies you for an energy rebate when you install your new pump.

Waterline Tile

If the area above the pool’s waterline is either pebble or stone finish, changing to tile will make a dramatic difference. Changing out the tile above the waterline is a remarkable change as well.

The cost of replacing the tile above the waterline for an average size pool starts between $600 and $800 depending on where you live.

If you’re able to go ahead and resurface and deck your pool at the same time, people might think that you have an entirely new pool.

However, since we’re talking budget-friendly, we’ll move on—

LED lighting

One of the quickest and most affordable ways to give your pool an entirely new look is with LED lighting.

LED lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional pool lighting. That fact makes it easier to absorb the higher cost of installation. It’s the least expensive way to transform your pool into an oasis that you will look forward to escaping to on those sultry summer nights. It typically costs between $700 and $800 to install one LED light.

Once you’ve made the decision to add LED lighting, the vast array of possibilities can be exciting to consider. Will your LED lighting include changing colors from basic white to red, blue, green, and magenta?

LED lighting certainly creates an amazing nighttime atmosphere—are you already envisioning the display at your 4th of July celebration?

Water features

Water features and lighting create the most dramatic pool effects. You may be surprised to discover that, like LED lighting, when you weigh-in with the final outcome in mind, installing a more subtle water feature is an option worth adding to your budget.

Bubbling fountains, a pond niche, or a stairway fountain all add ambiance but aren’t nearly as expensive as the cost of installing a rock waterfall or a few stone pillars which can easily range between $2,500 and $5,000.

Outdoor living room

No, we’re not suggesting that you float your furniture. Still, though, creating an outdoor living area complete with a fire pit near your pool will spark some interest.

The elements of fire and water together make for an inviting space to gather… whether or not s’mores and swimming are going to be involved!

Boosting your budget

It’s been a pretty tough year for a lot of us.

When you’re considering the pros and cons of upgrading or adding elements to your swimming pool, it can be easy to come up with more cons because we think of our pools as luxury items.

Before you push any pool renovations or upgrades out another year—or two—we have one last point for you to think about.

Your swimming pool is a summertime hub for family and friends. Lifetime memories are made for someone practically every time you’re together—making the space more inviting can only work to that advantage.

If all-out pool renovations just aren’t going to happen this year, pick up a couple of snazzy floats, they suffice for memory-making just fine.

The post 7 Budget-Friendly Pool Renovations appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

Florida law requires that swimming pools—other than the portable shallow “kiddie” pools—be fenced in for safety’s sake. No one wants to risk an unattended child wandering into the yard and falling in the swimming pool! Or, what if your neighbor’s pet escaped for a jaunt around the neighborhood… it would be horrific to discover that they’d made their way into your pool and couldn’t get out again. 

According to the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (Chapter 515, Florida Statutes), which became law in 2009, all outdoor swimming pools must have a 4-foot fence or another barrier around the outer perimeter with no gaps or openings that could allow a small child access. 

Standard pool fencing is by far the most often used method but there’s another option that is growing in popularity.

Privacy screen is making the scene

While having a backyard pool is definitely a luxury, there are undoubtedly times that they can seem a little more open to the public than we’d like—during a family birthday celebration for instance. You can’t possibly invite all the neighbors, right? Or, maybe you have that one neighbor who likes to keep a little too close of an eye on the happenings over in your yard… 

Constructing your pool enclosure using privacy screens rather than traditional fencing creates an illusion of privacy that will transform your outdoor living space into one resembling a private get-away spot. That’s especially true if you look for a company that customizes its screens using digital imagery.

The transformation of the space is nothing short of amazing and truly affects the overall feel of the area. Love the beach? You’ll feel your sitting seaside every day watching as the waves rush toward the shore in the distance. Or perhaps you’ll surround yourself with imagery of a vibrantly colored garden… the possibilities are literally endless!

Beauty coupled with an element of privacy aren’t the only benefits you’ll gain though. We’ve got three more to share with you.

A spot of shade

Surrounding your pool with privacy screens partially protect your family from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light because they provide a degree of shade. That means you won’t need to worry about slathering sunscreen on the kids as often. In turn, they won’t be driving you crazy begging you to let them go back in before it’s had time to dry. 

Furthermore, in addition to providing up to 75% more privacy than standard screens, porous mesh screens allow free air flow. That equals a space that is far less susceptible to moisture issues that lead to mold and mildew problems.

Pest and debris free

Florida has its share of wildlife and it’s not unheard of for snakes, lizards, frogs, mice, and other creatures to be attracted to the water in your pool. Once they find their way in, they don’t always make it out again. That’s never a pleasant experience—

Leaves and other yard debris aren’t as unsettling as a lifeless animal, still it’s no fun cleaning out the pool after a storm. They can blow up so quickly that nobody has time to get the pool covered every single time. And, once debris settles at the bottom, it begins to decompose immediately which further complicates things.

A pool enclosure constructed from privacy screens forms a barrier that blocks dirt and debris from reaching your pool so you’ll spend less time skimming and more time in the water with your family.

What bugs?

Okay, so you may not completely forget that our tropical climate is perfect for breeding all types of bugs… but you will notice the fact that they aren’t invading your space any longer.

A privacy screen pool enclosure keeps bugs out—even when they’ve been attracted by lights at night and seek entry relentlessly. Your days—and nights—spent continuously swatting at annoying insects will be behind you forever once your privacy screen pool enclosure is in place.

Don’t fence me in

Glass pool enclosures are sometimes referred to as “pool cages” because they can cause some people to become claustrophobic inside the totally enclosed space. And, with no ventilation, glass pool enclosures promote the growth of mold and mildew.

Mesh screen enclosures allow for the free air flow factor which helps people deal with their feelings of claustrophobia. And, it’s far less likely you’ll have problems with fungi getting a foothold. Additionally, if you choose to work with a company that offers the customization feature, you can completely transform your space. You will be amazed at what a difference adding imagery makes in the feel of your surroundings.

Furthermore, if you can incorporate your patio or lanai into the enclosed area as well… wow! Talk about a backyard retreat! You won’t be worrying about anyone feeling “caged.” As a matter of fact, it may be hard to get them to leave if they feel as if they’re visiting their favorite resort every time they walk out your back door.

Sounds great, right?

It’s no wonder that you’re considering switching from traditional pool fencing to a privacy screen enclosure. They’re a required safety feature and must meet Florida law requirements.

Screen enclosures provide these additional advantages:

• A sense of privacy
• Provide some shade
• Block debris and keep animals from finding their way to the water
• Keep bugs out—even the tiny ones
• Durable

Because of their durability, privacy screen enclosures are very cost-effective. They are very low maintenance—use a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush or a power washer to clean them periodically. 

While we’re on the subject, it’s noteworthy to mention that while installing a pool or a pool enclosure increases property value to an extent, it’s unlikely that you would ever recover the entire installation cost. However, a well-maintained swimming pool can make or break a buyer’s decision to choose your home. So, it’s not likely that your home will be sitting on the market for very long.

The odds are that you’ll be putting your home for sale at some point in the future. In the meantime, though, your backyard pool is sure to be a favorite summertime hangout. You’ll be busy frolicking in the pool with family and friends and making memories for years to come. 

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