Are you ready to install a pool enclosure?
They’re really popular in Florida. That’s most likely because they allow us to make the very most of our subtropical climate. Our swimming season goes on long after the majority of the country has torqued down the winter cover for the long wait until spring. When the pool is enclosed, it’s that much easier to keep it open year-round.
Benefits abound
Once your enclosure is up, you’ll immediately begin enjoying the added value that it brings to your home. First and foremost, a pool enclosure provides your family with a sense of privacy. It’s the number one reason that people enclose their pools and patios.
In addition, a pool enclosure provides:
• A cover from the rain
• Bugs can’t get to you
• Yard debris stays in the yard
• A reduction in evaporation
• A degree of protection from the sun—that’s good for your family and your chlorine levels
They have other advantages too. For instance, they easily double as an outdoor living room to be enjoyed year-round. By the way, outdoor living rooms are actually called “Florida rooms” now in other areas of the country. How cool is that?
They add some measure of resale value to your home too.
The only reason to have to debate whether or not to invest in a pool enclosure, in our opinion at least, is the cost. Still, when you consider all the above benefits you’ll receive, it makes the cost seem far more affordable, doesn’t it?
Two main types of enclosures
Basically, we can break the types of pool enclosures available into two categories—structural or inflatable.
There are more structural enclosures out there but that’s partly because they’ve been around longer than the inflatable styles. Inflatables are gaining in popularity though so we’re going to provide you with information on both types. Hopefully, it helps you decide which pool enclosure is right for you.
Inflatable pool enclosures
Inflatable pool enclosures are made from vinyl and inflate to dome up over the entire pool. The surrounding area that is enclosed depends on the size of the cover, of course.
Inflatable pool enclosures come in a variety of colors and patterns so your sure to find one that appeals to you. Choices could become limited dependent on the size and shape of your pool. However, if you plan to enclose the surrounding area—to accommodate seating perhaps—it could make an advantageous difference regarding choice.
They work much like inflatable yard decorations, but on a larger scale. Air coming from a quiet blower supports the structure continuously. The blower maintains the air pressure inside the dome enabling everyone inside to move about freely.
You enter the structure through a zipper door, much the same as tent doorways.
They don’t stand up well to heavy snowfall, but we don’t have to worry about that here! We do get our share of strong winds though. Make sure to anchor your inflatable pool enclosure securely to the ground surface. Then, when the wind turns rough, you don’t have to worry about it taking flight—now, hurricane-force winds could be a different story.
You’re a seasoned professional in that department though, you live in Florida! If conditions warrant taking the enclosure down entirely until the storm passes, it’s not a difficult process. You’ll do fine.
They may not be quite as expensive as a structural pool enclosure, but inflatable enclosures are less efficient at maintaining the water temperature in your pool. You can expect the water temperature to increase by about 10 degrees rather than around 20 degrees with a glass or mesh screen pool enclosure.
Structural pool enclosures
Glass pool enclosures provide you with full sun exposure or you can install treated glass that blocks a degree of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The amount of protection provided would depend on the type of glass installed.
Glass enclosures are known to cause some people to begin to feel claustrophobic—no matter what size they are. A lack of free airflow can trigger that reaction within some of us. It’s not a good feeling.
In addition, the lack of movement in the air promotes mold and mildew growth. That’s not good either. Left unchecked, it can cause health issues that can grow worse over time—that’s true for both people and pets.
Cleaning all that glass can become an unpleasant task too. You want to let the sunshine in… not be blinded by glaring streaks wherever you look.
Mesh screen is a better choice
You may be thinking something along the lines of, “Well, you would say that… it’s what you sell.” Our answer to that thought is, “That’s why we sell it.”
Mesh screen pool enclosures provide you with all the options of glass or inflatable enclosures. There are a couple of added benefits though, that we believe put them over the top.
They are:
• Free airflow—The mesh screen allows every breeze to pass through the area. That speaks for itself around here! Moreover, though, it allows all surfaces to dry out completely. That keeps mold and mildew from getting a foothold. That means your providing a healthier environment for your family, friends—and pets!
• Customized screens—Some companies offer their customers a customization feature that dramatically changes the environment. They use digital imagery to make the magic happen using any image you want to submit. High-quality inks stand up to the sun for years to come.
They’re easy to clean too! Turn the kids loose with a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush and let them have at it! They can stand up to a power washer too if you’d rather go that route.
You won’t be disappointed
Whichever type of pool enclosure you decide is best for your home, you won’t be disappointed. Both offer you the luxury of living life outside free of bug bombardment! You’ll spend less time cleaning the pool and more time enjoying it with friends and family too.
And, if you plan on adding some furniture to the mix, fall is a great time to shop!
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