Pool Enclosures

A swimming pool enclosure helps to keep debris out of the pool and reduces cleaning time. Some pool screen enclosures will also increase the appeal and resale value of a home in real estate.

Many people want to know the cost of a pool screen enclosure before they start making plans to install one.

How much does pool enclosure cost? The price per square foot for a typical pool enclosure ranges from $25 to $200. The price will depend on the design elements and choices such as size, layout, setup, wind load, and more. Most installations can cost between $5,000 and $14,300.

In this guide, you can check out the calculation of the cost of a pool enclosure. But first, let me define a pool enclosure.

Pool Enclosure

Pool Enclosures are a type of architectural product that encloses both the swimming pool and the deck area. They’re constructing foundation-required structures that adhere to local building codes.

A stamped engineering drawing is a requirement to obtain a permit to install a pool enclosure. It will ensure that the building withstands snow and wind loads.

Submit the engineering draft to the local town or city for building permit approval before installation.

Factors Affecting The Pool Enclosure Cost

In terms of the cost of installing a pool enclosure, there are many considerations to consider. The time of labor setup and site preparation, including planning and inspection fees, are some of these costs.

These factors add up to the total cost of the materials that make up the pool enclosure.

The price of a pool enclosure will vary by several factors, including the features, size, and budget. Decide on the size first.

Low Enclosure

Low enclosures surround the pool alone, providing ample swimming space while obstructing landscaping and views. These low-cost pool enclosures usually cost around $25 per square foot. It only extends about 1-2 feet above the pool’s surface.

Medium Pool Enclosure

Medium pool enclosures allow for plenty of movement in and out of the pool. But it will remain low enough to avoid blocking important views.

High Pool Enclosure

High pool enclosures create an outdoor room with a full-size ceiling. It may be higher than the roof of your house.

Enclosure Design

After you decide on the size, consider the enclosure’s design. Whether the enclosure is freestanding or attached to an existing structure will affect the design.

If you decide to attach the structure to an existing structure, consider the interface and height. It will ensure that it complements and functions correctly with the existing structure.

If there is no need for a wall section, you may lower the enclosure cost to an existing structure. But if it needs a housing interface or house attachment, the cost may be the same or slightly higher.

Fixed Pool Enclosure

In contrast, retractable or telescopic pool enclosures have fixed and moving parts of the building. You can open such enclosures in warmer weather to reveal the pool and deck area.

The moving parts, or bays, usually slide over or under one another. When you open or close the enclosure, your pool effectively becomes an indoor or outdoor pool.

When you open the pool area, the deck extends beyond the enclosure area. Now, this significantly improves the function of the pool area. The bays are typically moved by hand and require two people to open and close in 5 to 10 minutes.

The new telescopic pool enclosures are easier to move, but it takes more effort over time. All retractable pool enclosures should be bought with an electric drive system that automatically opens and closes the enclosure.

It raises the cost of retractable pool enclosures. But it is well worth it in the long run, especially if you’re alone or have any physical or health problems.

Fixed Or Retractable Pool Enclosures

The choice of a fixed or retractable pool enclosure is the second main cost factor. Because of the increased complexity in covering the same area, retractable pool enclosures are more expensive than fixed pool enclosures.

A fixed pool enclosure is merely a stationary structure that is the most cost-effective to construct. Sliding bi-fold doors, windows, and sliding doors complement the fixed structure by adding fresh air during the summer months.

Glazing And Framing Materials

Enclosures for the pool wood, steel, and aluminum can all be used for structural framing—however, not unsupported or non-reinforced vinyl (vinyl alone isn’t strong enough). Aluminum is ideal because it does not rust or rot in an indoor or outdoor pool environment.

Acrylic, polycarbonate, and tempered or laminated glass are among the glazing materials used to cover telescopic pool cages. Acrylic and polycarbonate are less expensive and more durable than glass.

However, condensation on the inside may be visible during the colder months. It will not be an issue for aluminum framing. But it will be for timber or steel framing in the future, which is why wood windows are rarely used in homes today.

Some people choose to use wood and steel. The high humidity in these materials produces evaporation of pool water which will necessitate an HVAC system.

Even so, if regular maintenance is not done, the wood and steel will deteriorate over time. The extra cost of the HVAC should be taken into account.

If the glass is used, it must be tempered or laminated to ensure its safety. It is heavier, which necessitates more significant structural framing members to support the load.

This material raises the enclosure cost. Even-tempered glass can shatter when struck. Take extra care not to hit it with the pool skimmer pole or other pool equipment.

Pool Screen Enclosure Features

Some people might prefer a pool enclosure with extra features. Special lighting, electrical wiring, HVAC capabilities, and a more decorative roofing style are all popular choices. Any additional features increase a screened pool enclosure’s price.

The cheapest options are basic attached or standalone enclosures for in-ground or above-ground pools. There are two types of people with swimming pools—those who use their swimming regularly and those who only use it when there are guests.

People who plan to use their pools regularly may prefer a more personalized enclosure with additional features. If you’re one of these people, consider additional features such as the HVAC system for your comfort.

Add extra light, too. Wouldn’t it be nice to stay in your pool while enjoying the relaxing scenery/features?

If you know someone who already has a pool enclosure, it is unnecessary to follow their design. Consider how you will use your pool and home in the future when designing a swimming pool screen enclosure.

Always see that your decision is what you want to avoid regrets in the future or costly redesign.

Snow Load & Wind Load

When choosing an enclosure, most people don’t think about snow and wind loads, but engineers do. If the place you live in has a lot of snow and wind, your indoor-outdoor pool enclosure should be built to withstand it.

Pool shelters are not designed to withstand real snow or wind loads. They often fail and have a short lifespan. As a result, the structural members or framing will be more prominent as the snow and wind levels rise.

These more significant framing components would also raise the pool cage cost. But not by a significant amount since pool enclosures must withstand high winds and snow loads in the first place. And they’ll withstand the elements no matter where you live.

Also, the enclosure’s roof should not be flat in any section. It should have at least a peak or gable roof to allow snow and water to slip off. The pool cage will collapse on any weaker system if there is too much rain, freezing rain, or snow.

Pool Shelters

Pool shelters are also known as enclosures, but they are low-cost structures designed for mild climates. Most people who install pool shelters live in little or no snow and low wind.

If there is a guarantee of warranty, it will state the need for snow removal. Installation of straps and poles will be done to secure the building in high winds. Or the unit must be dismantled for the warranty to be valid.

Pool Screen Enclosure Cost

Bugs and debris are kept out of the pool area with screen pool enclosures. The sleek design of today’s screen enclosures is appealing.

The main advantage of these pools is their practicality. The lack of bugs and debris makes the pool more enjoyable and easy to clean. The total cost of a pool enclosure measuring 504 square feet is estimated to be $8,000.

The average cost of a glass pool enclosure is $28,000. Through tinted or UV-protected glass, such pool enclosures provide an extra layer of sun protection.

In the summer, add some air circulation to cool it down. The correct air circulation will make it more comfortable for those outside the pool. You may also turn up the heat in the spring, fall, or winter to allow you to swim all year.

Screens or nylon are the common materials when constructing a portable pool enclosure. They allow you to save money by not having to hire a professional. Moreover, they are usually easier to erect and dismantle.

But keep in mind that you must erect and dismantle the portable pool enclosures at the end of each season. The price of a portable pool enclosure varies on many factors. The cost will depend on the size of the area to be covered and the materials used.

A retractable pool enclosure allows you to enjoy the warm summer air by opening up a glass enclosure. This pool enclosure can go high up to $150,000 for a pool area of approximately 1,000 square feet.

Is It Worth Installing A Pool Enclosure?

Pool enclosures, whether screen or other types, are very common in Florida. Pool enclosures in Florida allow you to keep debris and unwanted visitors out of your pool.

It’ll also help you stay cool in hot weather. Alligators have been known to get into people’s pools when they don’t have pool enclosures. Lucky for you if you have not yet experienced such a scary event. So it is yet another reason why you might want one.

You can improve your backyard and pool area’s privacy depending on the type of enclosure you have. It’s nice to be able to look out and see what’s going on around you.

But it is also lovely to be able to deter people from seeing you. There has to be a swap so people can see in if you can see out.

In this section, I’ll go over pool enclosures in more detail. See if they’ll provide you with enough value for the money you’ll spend.

The Advantages Of Installing A Pool Enclosure

When most people think about having a screen enclosure, one of the first things that come to mind is “it keeps the bugs out.”

One of the most significant advantages of an enclosure is for this reason alone. A screen enclosure can improve your swimming and outdoor living space experience in a variety of ways. Let us look into its advantages.

1. Enhanced security

Have you imagined what would happen if a neighborhood kid wandered into your yard and fell into the pool? Swimming accidents occur daily all over the world, and many of them are entirely avoidable.

A pool screen enclosure can be used as a child safety fence if it has a high door handle. It’s that simple to fulfill your responsibilities as a responsible neighbor.

2. Reduced debris

You have two choices if you’re tired of having to scoop floating piles of leaves out of the pool every time you go into your backyard.

First, cut down all of your trees. Cutting your trees will create noises that will annoy your neighbors, lower your resale value, and raise your AC bill. The second choice is to build a swimming pool enclosure. Opt for the latter so you can reap the benefits of a clean pool without having to cut down any trees.

3. Defend against bugs

There’s nothing quite like summer in Florida. The hotter months of the year remind people why they have a home with a pool in the first place.

Unfortunately, summer brings a slew of pesky insects with it. Of course, you do not want any bugs when you decide to take a swim.

Stillwater of any kind serves as a breeding ground for these insects, especially mosquitoes. Mosquitoes, bees, wasps, horseflies, and other uninvited animal kingdom visitors can all be kept at bay by pool enclosures.

4. Increase your home’s value

In several Orlando neighborhoods, the decision to install a screened-in pool enclosure isn’t even a choice. The homeowners’ association may require it.

Even if your state does not require installing an enclosure, or by your deed, still install one. Do not miss out on the chance to make your house stand out in the real estate market. It can be unpredictable at best.

5. A great addition to your home

Due to the ability to create additional living space adjacent to the pool, a pool enclosure will make your home feel more spacious.

During the winter, it’s simple to increase your living space. Leave all the doors and windows open without letting bugs in.

Most people appreciate being able to open their doors to the pool area all year long. It will enable you to use this area as an extension of their home.

6. Reduction of chemical evaporation

Even though solid chemicals are an unavoidable part of pool maintenance, no one wants to be exposed to them.

However, by installing an enclosure, you would be able to keep your pool cleaner and safer for longer.

7. Reduced energy costs

The cost of heating the water is one of the most costly aspects of pool maintenance. On the other hand, an enclosure would help prevent the water from being too hot or cold.

8. Algae growth inhibition

While green water is appealing, a pool brimming with algae is anything but! Thankfully, a screened enclosure can significantly slow the growth of algae.

The Disadvantages Of Installing A Pool Enclosure

1. Let us face it, an enclosure seems like a cage

Although the closure provides a sense of privacy and personal space, it also creates a caged sense. Pool cage is a phrase that many people are familiar with.

2. Screen torn

The screens will need repair or replacement. The majority of enclosure peaks are perpendicular to the pool. The screen panels above the pool may be challenging to replace and may necessitate the use of scaffolding.

3. Mildew and mold

Mildew will grow on the enclosure over time. It will need to be pressure washed as much as twice a year.

Enclosures for swimming pools do have a few drawbacks. One of the drawbacks is the cost of upkeep and maintenance.

The screens may develop damage from large storm debris or small animals, resulting in repair costs. Squirrels can climb pool fences and cause expensive repairs.

Conclusion

Building a pool enclosure is costly, but it protects your pool and allows you to enjoy your backyard more. It is critical to recruiting a screen enclosure contractor with experience, regardless of cost.

If you plan on attaching the pool enclosure to the house, the more reason you need to hire a professional. The wrong people may cause water damage to the structure or even the house itself.