Judging from the image here, our first response might begin with something to the effect of, “So… let’s say you had a really bad day at work…” Seriously though, we realize the odds are that no one would ever have that look on their face when asking about kick plates. It just struck us funny. Still, who’s to say that your turbulent teen won’t get caught up in emotion one day and give the panel a swift kick? An unpleasant thought, but it could happen. Raging hormones—sheesh. We’re certain that they would apologize immediately when they regain their composure though. You’re their parent after all.
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.