Before they rip off the cover and go for it, there are some steps you need to take to ensure the water is clean and safe.

Warmer temps promote algae growth

Once the temperature is consistently in the upper 60’s to 70 degrees, you don’t want to wait to long to get under the cover. Algae grows faster when the water warms up and if you put it off too long, you’re going to have to deal with a murky, green mess.

That’s going to slow down the process because it may take a few days to turn the water clear again. After the chemical treating… and retreating… and…

Before you take off the cover

If you don’t have a pool enclosure, your winter cover likely has scattered debris or standing water on top of it. We suggest cleaning it off before unveiling the pool. We suggest using a pump to drain off the water and “raking” off accumulated debris first. If you don’t have an automated system to cover and uncover the pool, we suggest making it a two man job. Mainly because pool covers are heavy!

Odds are there will still be a small amount of water to deal with too, however, even if it winds up in the pool, it shouldn’t be enough to cause serious issues. The following steps should take care of it nicely.

Properly store winter accessories

Take the time to properly store your winter cover and other accessories to avoid any damage during the summer. There’s no reason you can’t reuse them year after year and you know what they say about a penny saved! The old saying seems especially apropos these days, doesn’t it?

Remove the cover and lay it out flat. Brush off any remaining water and debris. Allow the cover to dry thoroughly. Before folding it for storage, sprinkle talcum powder over it to prevent mold and mildew growth. Dark, damp spaces provide prime conditions for the fungi spores to thrive. Especially, when coupled with Florida’s soaring humidity levels.

Carefully fold the cover to prevent damage or rips before storing it in a cool, dry place, such as the garage or storage shed.

Reconnect and maintain

If you disconnected your pool filter, pump, heater, automatic pool cleaner, in-line chlorinators, or any other pool equipment for the winter, it’s time to reconnect everything. Don’t forget to reinstall the drain plugs removed from the equipment.

It’s also a good time to take some time to lubricate the o-rings, gaskets, and other hardware with a silicone lubricant. It helps keep your equipment watertight making it more likely to work properly all season long. Then, after it flies by—as summer is wont to do—it’s easier to disassemble again to get winterized.

Once everything is in place, if the water level is below the skimmer, it’s time to refill the pool.

It’s time to add the chemicals

Start your pump to get the water circulating and then you’re ready to start adding the chemicals to your water. Pull out the water balancers, stain and scale preventer, algaecide, clarifier, and pool shock.

Address metal build-up first because during the off-season, copper, iron, aluminum, and other metals can accumulate in your pool water. Metals in the pool don’t cause a concern for swimmers, even at high levels, it’s all about the aesthetics. Metals and minerals can make the water cloudy or stain underwater surfaces. Moreover, if not addressed, changes in pH or high chlorine levels—such as during shock treatments—encourages metal staining too.

Finding the proper balance

Home test kits or strips are the fastest and easiest way to check the levels in your pool. Always test the water chemistry before adding any chemicals. Focus on balancing the Total Alkalinity first because it has a direct impact on the pH levels. Once it’s in range, test the pH because it’s likely to change while adjusting the Total Alkalinity. Once the pH is leveled out, you can work on adjusting the other chemistry levels.

You’ll need to check the levels of Free Available Chlorine, Calcium Hardness, and Stabilizer, otherwise known as Cyanuric Acid.

The recommended water balance ranges are as follows:

• Total Alkalinity (TA): 80–120 ppm
• pH: 7.4–7.6
• Free Available Chlorine (FAC): 2.0–4.0 ppm
• Calcium Hardness (CH): 200–400 ppm
• Cyanuric Acid (CYA): 30–100 ppm

Always read and carefully follow product instructions when adding chemicals to your pool. Keep the pump running at high speed until the chemical is fully integrated which often takes up to four hours or longer after adding it to the water. Never mix chemicals and add them to the water only one at a time.

Brush and vacuum

Plan to give the pool a thorough brushing and vacuuming before shocking the pool. Even if you don’t see it, there’s likely bacteria and algae clinging to the pool walls. Moreover, the process is going to help your filtration system remove all bits of debris. When that stuff is out of the water, your chlorine works most efficiently.

Start brushing at the shallow end of your pool and work your way toward the deep end. Vacuuming your pool directly to “waste” reduces strain on your filter. Once the pool is brushed and vacuumed, let the filtration system run through the night and you’re ready for the next step.

Shock and awesome

The last step for ridding the water of bacteria, algae spores, and, well, germs in general, is to shock the pool. Shocking the pool hits it with a mega burst of chlorine to wipe them out completely. Once that process is completed and you’ve allowed it to circulate through the system, treat the water with algaecide the following day. Once that’s said and done, your set for an awesome swim season.

Enjoy it!

The post When are You Opening the Pool? appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

We’ll let you know if there are any cons to consider as well.

Boosts structural integrity

Your screen enclosure provides some protection from the elements. Ultraviolet (UV) rays filter through the screens making them less intense. And, if the wind isn’t blowing too hard, the enclosure does a good job of keeping you dry should you want to sit outdoors during a rain.

If you convert your enclosure into a sunroom, you and your family will have a stronger defense against the elements. You have the option of installing windows that have added UV protection built in as well. They would be a bit more costly, but some would say it is totally worth the added expense.

Moreover, your sunroom would be framed out as outlined by Florida’s strict building codes. This creates a more stable foundation that may better withstand hurricane force winds should you ever be in the path of a serious storm.

Climate control

Screen enclosures allow air to flow freely throughout your outdoor living space. They also provide a bit of shade on those hot, sultry days. Sunrooms allow you to enjoy a clear view from every angle while enjoying a cooler temperature thanks to air conditioning.

Peace and quiet

Do you live in a neighborhood where the homes are built so close together that you can almost reach over and touch your neighbor’s house from your window? When you’re spending time in your screen enclosure, it can be hard to feel as if your family has any privacy at all. Voices carry through the air after all and, quite possibly, right into the neighbors’ ears.

Lots of homeowners choose to install double-pane windows in their sunrooms because they create a sound barrier from the inside and outside. We’ll mention that double-pane windows will be at the higher end cost-wise, but homeowners are quick to express their happiness with the decision. The environment becomes more peaceful, which enhances relaxation time.

Who wouldn’t love that?

Sunrooms eradicate pollen

Your screen enclosure can keep bugs and insects out of the area. Snakes, rodents, and other wildlife are blocked from coming too close to the house, too. Still, we can’t get around the fact that Florida is plagued with pollen for several weeks in the spring.

For those who suffer from allergies, it can be impossible to spend time outdoors. If you convert your enclosure into a sunroom, the glass windows create the needed barrier to keep pollen and other allergens—and mold comes to mind here—out.

Increases your home’s value

Curb appeal can charm prospective buyers into making an offer. An eye-catching sunroom qualifies as an attractive feature that appeals to home appraisers, real estate agents, and, of course, the would-be buyers. Sunrooms expand your indoor living space and, therefore, increase the property value to some degree.

Agents will love being able to sell the space. After all, it can be multifunctional and once she knows the potential buyer’s interests, she can customize her selling points, trying to reel in an offer. If the buyer has children, a sunroom can provide them a safe, sunny spot to play. Do they enjoy working out? Moving their equipment into the sunroom may appeal to them.

Many potential scenarios could apply.

If it ain’t broke

Sunrooms provide you with protection from the elements while allowing you to feel closer to nature. They create a bug-free zone that is impossible for all manner of bugs and insects to penetrate. Small animals, reptiles, and amphibians can’t break through the sunroom’s borders either. A sunroom can create stunning curb appeal and, thereby, it increases the value of your home to some degree.

We told you we’d share the cons, too. However, when it comes right down to it, the biggest con we have for choosing to convert your screen enclosure into a sunroom is the cost. Your screen enclosure already provides you with all of the benefits that a sunroom can, except for air conditioning. A well-placed ceiling fan or two would keep the air circulating. They do a wonderful job of stirring up a constant breeze.

Your level of UV protection would likely be higher if you choose to install beefed up windows. However, that can get costly pretty quickly because a sunroom is enclosed in glass.

You see where we’re going here, right?

Consider converting your screens instead

If one of the reasons that has you considering a conversion is that your screens are in bad need of repair anyway, why not replace them with screens that are customized with stunning digital imagery? Imagine surrounding yourself with a scene of the surf rolling into shore. Or perhaps a luxurious tropical forest complete with cascading waterfalls is your favorite spot in the entire world—

Screen customization allows you to completely change your environment. The designs are visible from both sides of the screen, creating a beautiful view for your neighbors to admire as well. The images are printed using dyes that are infused with added UV protection to guard against sun fade. They are guaranteed to remain vibrant for years.

Moreover, you, your family, and friends are guaranteed to love hanging out in your new getaway spot. Be prepared to get volunteered to host special events and other get-togethers. We wouldn’t be surprised.

Having the party come to you isn’t all bad. In fact, many would agree that it was rather unfair of everyone else in the group who always wanted to meet at a specific friend’s house. If converting your screens and not your space is the route you wind up taking, enjoy your new space.

Maybe you can use some of the money you saved not converting to a sunroom to splurge on new patio furniture or decor. It doesn’t take much to completely change the ambiance in the room when coupled with beautiful imagery.

The post Should I Convert My Enclosure Into a Sunroom? appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

Sunrooms became popular during the 1950s and 60s. People were looking for a way to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors—mainly, fresh air and sunshine—without the annoyance of dealing with bugs and other pests or adverse weather conditions. The solution was to create a room constructed with huge windows and glass ceilings. The visual satisfaction of being enclosed in glass enhances feelings of rest and relaxation.

Lanais were already a popular feature in Florida by that time. Screening them in made the space more enjoyable for the same reasons people began adding sunrooms to their home designs in other parts of the country. Bugs and flying insects couldn’t invade the space. Moreover, when sudden rain showers and storms sprung up, the screened-in area afforded some protection from the elements.

Let’s compare and contrast

There are a few subtle differences between a Florida room and a sunroom.

Most Florida rooms have solid, insulated roofs. They help protect against the sun’s intense heat during the late spring and summer. Sunrooms are often constructed with glass roofs to create a more open feel and, thereby, a greater sense of connection to the outdoors.

Florida rooms are typically constructed using aluminum framing and mesh screens rather than glass windows allowing for free airflow. This literally causes a greater sense of being outdoors because without the screens, you are. Sunrooms are designed using insulated glass windows and ceilings to maintain a better level of comfort throughout the year.

Florida rooms go up more quickly. Homeowners can typically enjoy the space between a week to three weeks after making the decision to construct one. Sunrooms are often included in the original design of the home or as a room addition. They normally take a month or two to complete.

Florida rooms are usually constructed using aluminum framing and mesh screens. It’s a more modern and maintenance-free approach. Sunrooms, on the other hand, are more costly due to the expensive of insulated glass and other materials, such as wood and sheetrock.

Both can be created from scratch using existing patios and if someone has experience in construction, can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. However, many homeowners hire professional contractors to see the job through to completion.

People consider Florida rooms as more versatile. Homeowners use this multi-functional space for relaxing, exercise areas, or entertainment venues. Sunrooms are typically designed as living rooms and decorated to inspire relaxation.

Both Florida rooms and sunrooms provide additional living space which boosts the property’s value to a degree. How much depends on factors such as size and materials used.

Something else to consider

Rather than incurring the expense of enclosing your outdoor living space predominantly in glass, take another look at a mesh screen enclosure. We’ve already mentioned that it’s a more budget-friendly option. Moreover and especially if you’re going to enclose your pool area, we want to mention that screen enclosures allow for free airflow. That is your best defense against mold and mildew.

When water is splashed from the pool, it winds up everywhere! If you have a glass enclosure, it can prevent some areas from drying out completely. When that happens, mold can begin to grow and, once it gets started, continue to spread. Left unchecked, mold eventually causes adverse health issues for humans and their pets.

Symptoms of allergic reactions to mold in humans include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Eye irritation
• Sore throat
• Dry cough
• Sneezing
• Wheezing or shortness of breath
• Inability to focus
• General malaise

Pets can exhibit the following allergic reactions:

• Respiratory issues such as sneezing, breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and discharge from the eyes and nose
• Excessive licking or scratching leading to fur loss and painful sores.
• Lethargy

If left unchecked, the allergic reactions above can lead to more serious issues, including:

• Bleeding from mouth or nose
• Neurological problems causing them to act strangely
• Digestive problems that present as vomiting and stool changes
• Weakened immunity

Choosing a Florida room

Florida rooms built with mesh screens provide your family with a variety of benefits that you can enjoy all year long. We’ve already mentioned that they guard against bug invasions and adverse weather conditions. And that the free airflow protects your family from the danger of mold exposure because every nook and cranny dries out completely.

They also prevent unwanted creatures, such as snakes or even the occasional gator, from wandering too close to the house. Because they are traditionally built with standard, insulated roofs, they add a level of protection from the sun’s dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays. And, as the sun filters through the screened walls, it lessens their intensity as well.

We have one last reason for choosing a Florida room over a sunroom. That is screen customization. Some companies offer to print digital images onto their mesh screens. The results are astonishing, completely transforming the surroundings while adding the illusion of privacy that many homeowners find wonderfully surprising!

Images are printed onto the screens using dyes reinforced with the latest UV protection ensuring they remain vibrant for years to come—even under the harsh Florida sun!

This feature enables homeowners to create a backyard getaway spot that draws their family and friends in—so much so, that it could easily become the favorite room in the house! The ability to be outdoors and feel as if you’re at the beach or surrounded by lush tropical vegetation or any other spot in the world that you and your family choose is a fringe benefit hard to resist.

What do you think?

The post Florida Room Vs Sunroom appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

LED strip lights are flexible and energy efficient. These lights have an extremely long lifespan. Often up to as much as 50,000 hours without much time-luminosity decay. That means they don’t grow dimmer over time. Moreover, they’re the perfect solution for accentuating architectural details and provide just the right amount of ambient lighting in your outdoor living space. They are easy to install using accessories, such as mounting tracks. Connectors allow you to run multiple strips together so they all operate with one controller.

LED strip lights are versatile

There are several LED light strips to choose from so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your outdoor space.

Single-color LED strips

Single-color strip lighting provides you with consistent lighting in one specific color. Of course, many homeowners choose white lights, however, that is totally up to your custom design.

Color-changing LED strips

Color-changing strip lights usually come with a remote, however, you can install a wall switch instead if you would rather. Moreover, many styles have an app attached. It gives consumers the option of operating the system by using any electronic device. Homeowners can change up the ambiance with the click of a button. They make decorating for the holidays a breeze!

Tunable white lights

You can easily adjust these light strips from a warm white light to a cool day white.

Waterproof strip lighting

Waterproof lights are submersible making them the perfect choice for the pool or dramatically lighting fountains and other water features.

Easy to install

LED strip lights are a popular choice for DIY projects because they are easy to work with. Homeowners can accomplish the task themselves with the right supplies and a few hours of their time.

Installation perks include:

• Ability to cut to size—The strips are marked with cut lines. Each cut point is set up to create a connect point so you can easily run strips together or use the piece in another area entirely.
• Adhesive backing—This makes mounting the strips especially easy.
• Waterproof strips—Created using a silicone resin material, strips are protected from dust and moisture.

How bright is too bright?

Many LED strips are created to be dimmable, however, the density—meaning the actual number of lights contained on the strip—is an option as well. The common count is 30 lights per meter or 60 lights per meter.

The number of Lumens describes the light output. The higher the number, the brighter the light.

The following guide can help you determine your Lumen requirements:

• Accent or mood lighting: 100 to 300 Lumens per foot
• Under cabinet or other decor lighting: 175 to 360 Lumens per foot
• Task lighting with a higher distance from the source: 300 to 450 Lumens per foot

To make the math easier to figure out, we’ll note here that a meter works out to just over three feet. There are many how-to-install LED strip light videos found on sites such as YouTube.

Careful if you’re climbing

If using a ladder to install your lights on your lanai or in other areas, please, remember to be careful! In 2023, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that 500,000 people were treated for ladder-related injuries. Moreover, 300 of the incidents proved fatal.

Basic safety rules apply when working from a ladder.

They are:

• If you feel tired or dizzy—or prone to losing your balance—don’t get on a ladder.
• Don’t work during high winds or storms.
• Wear slip-resistant shoes. Leather soles aren’t appropriate because they aren’t considered slip-resistant.
• Inspect your ladder to confirm it’s in good condition before using it.
• Use an appropriately sized ladder for the area you are installing lights in.
• Place your ladder on a firm, level surface before climbing.
• Only one person at a time on the ladder, please!

The “three points-of-contact” rule is very important when working from or climbing a ladder. Two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot should be in contact with the ladder at all times. This technique greatly minimizes the risk of falling.

Enjoy your new surroundings

LED strip lights are easy to install making them a great choice for the do-it-yourselfer. They’re available in several styles regarding colors and capabilities. You can easily change colors and create light shows using a remote or app which adds to their allure.

Once you have them installed, all that’s left is to enjoy them! They are a perfect choice for lighting up your screen enclosure or other outdoor living areas and they can be used to illuminate walkways. They also provide a dramatic landscaping effect anywhere on your property.

Night swims with underwater LED strips installed in the pool will become a family favorite activity. The lights shimmering through the water create a magical feel for adults and children alike. As a matter of fact, you can have that type of ambiance no matter where you have them installed!

Are you ready to get started?

The post Light Up Your Nightlife with LED Strips appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.

Before you dive into the project, look at this list to model your steps and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Budget the build

The first thing you should do is create a budget so you can determine the maximum amount that you will spend for your pool enclosure. Cost factors to consider are the size, design, and materials used for building. However, don’t opt for the least expensive building materials because it’s likely to affect the enclosure’s structural integrity. Spending more for quality materials will actually save you money in the long run.

You may want to look into working with a company that offers screen customization. These companies use digital imagery to print your choices directly onto the screens. Dyes with added UV protection are used for printing. It ensures your images remain vibrant for years to come.

And, the results are nothing short of amazing!

Zoning and permits

There may be stipulations and restrictions regarding building on your property. It’s a good idea to check in with your city government to see if any apply to you. Rules and regulations may include how far structures must be from the property line or whether there are height restrictions. Moreover as with all Florida builds, the structure must be built to withstand hurricane-force winds.

Cities and counties use permits to create structure and are a way to track the public’s compliance. They are in place to protect residents with inspections as the build progresses. It’s doubtful that your screen enclosure will need a mid-build inspection, but don’t take our word for it!

If you hire a contractor for the build, they should be aware of any needed permits and will likely take care of obtaining them. If they don’t mention permits during your consultation, it’s probably best to choose someone else to work with. They may be corner cutters.

HOAs may hold you back

If you live in a subdivision overseen by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), you need to find out if they have any restrictions that could prevent installing your pool enclosure. HOAs are known to be a bit strict so there could be rules about the style of your enclosure, height, colors, and the building materials used.

Moreover, there may be noise restrictions only allowing work to go on between certain hours of the day. Some HOAs specify where construction workers must park while completing the project. Lastly, you may have to submit a detailed plan in advance.

Determining the size and design

Your family probably spends a lot of time at the pool. Your enclosure can cover just the pool itself to keep it protected when you aren’t swimming. Building a larger enclosure, however, say, one that covers your pool and the pool deck would allow you to create a backyard getaway.

If you choose to go bigger, consider things like the space you need to cover to create space for dining outdoors sans flies. Regarding design, you may choose to use the size and architectural style of your home to influence the pool enclosure design.

Building materials

Most Florida pool screen enclosures are framed out with aluminum and held together with stainless steel or other screws that are rust-resistant. Aluminum is an economical choice that is lighter in weight, and easy to maintain. Screens with a tighter weave will eliminate the possibility of bugs breaking through to invade your new space.

Working with a contractor

If you aren’t planning to DIY your enclosure, we suggest contacting at least three contractors to come out and give you an estimate. Most companies offer free estimates so if someone mentions charging you, it might be a sign of someone who is all about their bottom dollar rather than the quality of their workmanship.

Once you have received all the estimates, we suggest throwing out the lowest right off the bat and then determining which you will work with.

Once said and done

Your family will love the new space because pool enclosures enhance time spent together. For instance, have you thought about how marvelous it will be to have a night swim without diving under the water to escape the onslaught of mosquitoes? And your sense of privacy levels up a notch or two as well.

You won’t have to reapply sunscreen for the kids as often because the UV rays are filtered through the screens and aren’t as harmful. Other benefits include the luxury of locking the door when you don’t want kids or pets to have access and wandering wildlife won’t ever find their way into the water and, then, aren’t able to get out again.

Moreover, if you decide to customize your screens, you will automatically change the entire ambiance of your outdoor living area for the better! It will seem like you’re on vacation every time you hit the water.

The entire area remains debris-free when storms blow through as well. That means less time skimming and more time making memories that will last a lifetime.

Enjoy!

The post Points to Consider Before Installing Your Pool Enclosure appeared first on Patio Scenes Outdoor Privacy Screen.