Was this the year? Did you finally install a backyard pool? If so, did you go with a pool cover or an enclosure? Keeping debris out of the pool is essential to the amount of time you’ll actually be spending in the pool—especially if you’re handling all the maintenance yourself.
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!