Warmer weather is just around the corner, and you might already be thinking about jumping in the pool. Swimming pools are the perfect at-home getaway, providing fun and relaxation for the entire family. This year, you can take pool time to the next level by installing a pool enclosure in Florida.
There’s no better time to prep your pool for swimming season than right now. In this article, we’ll look at different types of pool enclosures, how much they cost, why you should consider installing one, and much more!
What Is a Pool Enclosure?
Pool enclosures are just what they sound like — structures that enclose your swimming pool area. Debris, weather, bugs, and nosy neighbors can be a nuisance as you try to maintain your private backyard oasis. A pool enclosure offers the perfect solution without taking a big bite out of your checkbook.
What makes a pool enclosure different from a pergola, awning, or other pool covering? Pool enclosures typically have polycarbonate or glass panels with aluminum or wood frames to create a solid barrier. This keeps anyone and anything from accessing the pool while allowing plenty of natural light to filter through.
Pool Enclosure Design Options
When it comes to installing a pool enclosure in Florida, you have several design options. One might work best for some homeowners while another is ideal for others — there’s really no wrong choice. That said, having a budget and knowing how you want your pool area to look will help you identify the right pool enclosure for your preferences and needs.
- Flat Enclosures: If saving money and space is your top priority, consider buying a flat enclosure. Flat enclosures sit along the pool’s edge and cover it without taking up extra yard space. You can leave it on when the pool is not in use and retract it when you decide to swim.
- Standing Enclosures: Standing enclosures are perhaps the most common pool enclosure design you’ll see in Florida. They consist of at least three walls and a roof, offering total protection for your outdoor living space. Many homeowners connect this type of custom enclosure to their homes and basically make the pool an indoor pool.
- Low-Profile Enclosures: With a low-profile pool enclosure, you get the space-saving benefits of a flat enclosure with the experience of a standing enclosure. This shell-like pool cage sits atop your swimming pool and allows you to swim under a roof. However, there isn’t enough room to stand or walk on the pool decking while the enclosure is down.
Benefits of Aluminum Pool Enclosures
Installing a brand-new aluminum or screened-in pool enclosure adds a lot to your Florida property. It can instantly transform your pool time and help you make the most of one of your biggest investments. Below, we lay out a few specific benefits of pool enclosures.
Privacy
Have you ever decided not to hop in the pool because the neighbors were doing yard work? Swimming and sunbathing can be relaxing — except when you know people might be watching. Privacy issues can turn your enjoyment into apprehension.
With a pool enclosure, you don’t have to worry about the prying eyes of neighbors or passers-by. A custom enclosure for your outdoor pool comes with as many windows as you want, meeting all your specifications and giving you the privacy you crave. You can swim freely and enjoy peace of mind.
Security
Many Florida homeowners build a backyard paradise around their swimming pools, adding poolside tables, chairs, grills, and other items. It’s an excellent way to get the most out of pool time. However, it also may lead to security concerns.
One of the primary benefits of installing a pool enclosure in Florida involves security. Your enclosure can discourage criminals from breaking in and vandalizing your property or stealing expensive items. No more bringing the furniture inside every night or constantly worrying about thieves!
Protection
A swimming pool is a major investment, and you’ll want to do everything you can to protect yours. Twigs, leaves, rocks, and other debris can fall in and damage the pool’s material or break the draining mechanisms. Other foreign options may also get into the pool and contaminate the water.
The best way to protect your outdoor swimming pool is by installing an enclosure. It offers the hurricane protection you need when Florida weather gets rough and prevents health risks related to water contamination. You can also enjoy the sunshine without fretting over harmful ultraviolet rays.
Pool enclosures also keep the bugs at bay. Flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and other insects can ruin outdoor events and your go-to mode of relaxation during the warmer months. With the right type of enclosure, you’ll stay safe from pesky critters.
Year-Round Swimming
Most people reserve swimming for hot, sticky summer days. But wouldn’t it be nice to take a dip anytime throughout the year? Well, now you can — thanks to a premium pool enclosure!
Enclosures function like pool and patio covers, protecting your backyard from all kinds of Florida weather. You can use the pool whether it’s pouring rain or clear skies. Some enclosure designs even allow you to heat the enclosed area, extending pool season into the winter months.
Reducing Evaporation
Evaporation is a significant problem for many swimming pool owners, though they might not realize it. Humidity, wind, and other environmental factors can cause the water in your pool to evaporate. The more this happens, the more water you lose and the more you pay to refill it. However, there is a solution.
Pool enclosures reduce evaporation by shielding your pool water from the elements. This has a couple of key benefits:
- You don’t have to pay to replace and rebalance the water as regularly as before
- Your pool stays ready for whenever you feel like swimming
Property Value
Are you planning to sell your home eventually? If so, you’ll want to keep it in tip-top condition and use home improvement projects to increase its overall value. A custom pool enclosure does just that.
Installing a pool enclosure can instantly boost your property’s value. It adds a unique feature to your property and raises its resale price. Once you decide to put your place on the market, you can rest assured you’ll get an excellent deal.
A higher property value also means more interest in the listing. Homes with aluminum pool enclosures stand out from other homes in the neighborhood, attracting more potential buyers. With such visibility, you’ll be able to sell your property in no time!
Aesthetics
Your household is unique, and you want your home to reflect that inside and out. Maybe your interior design is spot-on and matches your particular tastes — what about the exterior, though? Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect their outdoor aesthetic.
If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to boost your property’s curb appeal, consider installing a swimming pool enclosure. Enclosures come in a wide variety of styles, designs, and materials to suit all your functional and aesthetic needs. With a custom installation, you can give a much-needed facelift to your otherwise lackluster outdoor space.
Legal Compliance
Property value, aesthetics, privacy, protection, and security aren’t the only factors to consider when choosing a pool enclosure. Some Florida neighborhoods require residences to have these enclosures per local regulations. If that’s the case, you will benefit from installing one by satisfying these ordinances.
Building codes for pool enclosures in Florida may vary from location to location. If you’re unsure about local laws and stipulations, check with your HOA. Doing a bit of research beforehand can help you save a lot of headaches down the road.
Saving Money
At the end of the day, a pool enclosure helps you save money. Robberies and vandalism, for example, may cost you a pretty penny for repairs and replacements. Keeping your swimming pool area secure will deter crime and prevent these expenses.
The costs associated with regular pool maintenance can add up over time. However, a reliable enclosure can reduce them by protecting your swimming pool year-round. You won’t need to treat the water and test for chemical imbalances as frequently.
Pool Enclosure Maintenance Tips
Custom-designed pool enclosures use high-quality materials that look as great as possible for as long as possible. However, a pool enclosure in Florida is not immune to deterioration. You’ll want to follow a few pool enclosure maintenance tips to keep your structure in peak condition.
Inspect It Regularly
First of all, it’s important to inspect your pool enclosure regularly. You don’t need to perform thorough inspections daily, but keep an eye out for signs of wear and tear. Some things to watch for include the following:
- Rust spots
- Ripped screening
- Cracked glass panels
Hurricane season can take a toll on your entire property, including the pool enclosure. We recommend checking for signs of damage after heavy rainfall, high winds, and other storms. By identifying issues early, you can apply the correct solution and prevent worse problems.
Understand Signs of Damage
Here are a few common types of damage your pool enclosure may face:
- Rot and decay: Enclosures with wood frames are more prone to rot and decay than aluminum pool enclosures. However, aluminum materials may corrode over time. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and salt damage are the usual suspects behind rot and decay.
- Warped material: Warped beams and bowed panels could spell disaster for your pool enclosure. Although slight warpage isn’t necessarily a huge concern, it could worsen and compromise your enclosure’s structural integrity. Bent or bowed material often results from poor installation, cheap components, fallen debris, and wind damage.
- Holes in the screen: Cracks and holes are some of the most common, aggravating types of damage you may come across. Strong winds can rip the screening or hurl debris into it, puncturing the meshwork. Animals like squirrels and raccoons can also tear through trying to get in.
Clean It Regularly
A custom pool enclosure can match any swimming pool design and increase your backyard’s overall aesthetic. However, dirty, dingy pool enclosures can have a reverse effect and make the entire property look bad. You’ll want to clean yours regularly to prevent this.
Cleaning the enclosure for your pool also promotes longevity and durability. The dirtier it gets, the more it becomes susceptible to deterioration. With a little TLC, you can avoid serious problems related to mold growth, rust, and algae buildups.
Bear in mind that you can damage your pool enclosure by using improper cleaning methods. Some chemicals may eat through the screen meshwork or ruin the transparent glass panels. You should always speak with the installation professionals about cleaning your enclosure to avoid costly mistakes.
Pool Enclosure Costs
Pool enclosures come in countless shapes and sizes, making it impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all cost estimate. Costs may vary depending on numerous factors, including:
- Size: Larger enclosures cost more than smaller ones. For this reason, standing enclosures almost always cost more than flat and low-profile enclosures.
- Materials: Your enclosure’s building materials play a part in the total cost. The rarer or more durable the material, the more you can expect to pay.
- Labor: Complex jobs always cost more than easy, straightforward ones. You’ll end up paying more if installing your pool enclosure takes a lot of time, equipment, and personnel.
- Location: Is it difficult for vehicles to access your backyard? Your property’s layout and location can affect pool enclosure costs.
The best way to calculate costs for your pool enclosure is to get a quote. Our award-winning pool enclosure contractors in Largo, Florida, are happy to discuss your options and provide an accurate estimate.
Get an Aluminum Pool Enclosure From Pyramid Aluminum
If you’re looking to install a pool enclosure in Florida, look no further than Pyramid Aluminum! Pyramid Aluminum has a top-rated team of designers and technicians who create aluminum pool enclosures for clients in Seminole, Largo, and St. Petersburg, FL, and the surrounding area.
For more information about aluminum pool enclosure installation in Largo, FL, call Pyramid Aluminum at (727) 585-8441 and get a free quote today!
