What Is A Pool Enclosure?
A pool enclosure is exactly what it sounds like! It is a structure that encloses a pool. There are two types of pool enclosures, glass, and screen cages. In this article, we will focus on screen pool enclosures, why you should have one, and how you should go about cleaning one. I will tell you right now, there are more advantages than disadvantages when it comes to pool enclosures.
When Did Screen Enclosures Become Popular?
Pool screen enclosures have been used for very many years, however some things have changed over that time. The design, structure, and overall look of enclosures is changing. Of course, some folks still have the bulky structure, but there are now very sleek looking pool enclosures!
Where Are Pool Cages Popular?
Screen enclosures are most popular in Florida, the southernmost state in the United States. Of course, they can be found in many other places, but Florida is where you will find the most screen enclosed pools. The combination of the climate, the bugs, and the sun are all what motivate many homeowners in Florida to install a screen pool enclosure.
Now you know the basics of pool enclosures. We’ve gone over that pool enclosures can be made of screen or glass, their design is changing, and that they’re mostly used in the state of Florida. Now, what are the benefits? There are so many benefits of having a screened enclosure, you can see five of them we’ve listed below.
Benefits of Pool Enclosures
1. Pool Enclosures Offer More Shade!
Hear us out. What do most people do when they’re getting ready to go to the pool?
- Grab the pool toys for the kids.
- Grab the pool snacks
- Lather up in sunscreen (which can be a battle with the kids)
Well, with a pool screen enclosure, you can cross off number 3 from that list! Of course, the enclosure allows sunlight in, but the amount of shade makes staying by the pool more bearable and less threatening from the sun’s UV rays. You won’t have to worry about reapplying sunscreen on your kids every 30 minutes and battling them to stay dry until it dries.
Did you know sun protection for the pool extends the life of the chlorine applied to the pool? So with a pool cage you get 2 in 1! Sun protection for both your skin and your pool!
2. Screen Enclosures Keep Pesky Pests OUT
Pool owners unite with one topic of discussion. Cleaning! And what makes cleaning so tedious? Beetles, Wasps, Bees, Frogs, Spiders, Waterbugs, Snakes, Lizards, Mice, Mosquitos, etc… Even larger animals like raccoons, cats and dogs sometimes find their way into residential pools. Finding those in the water is not fun. That’s a reason why screen enclosures are a genius structure to have around your pool.
In the hours that you used to spend hiding away in your house from the blood sucking mosquitos, you’ll be able to relax by the pool without swatting at mosquitos all day long. Also, you won’t have to play hide and seek from horse flys. If you swim a lot, you’re familiar with the relentless horseflies that hurt when they bite. You won’t have to put up with constantly lathering with sunscreen and bug repellent!
3. Pool Enclosures Keep Debris Out
The second worst thing about cleaning pools is the constant debris falling into the pool. Leaves, flowers, buds, grass clippings, pine needles, pine cones, dirt, mulch, etc… All these debris litter your pool and must be cleaned out. A traditional pool sweep works well but it takes a while and is also an arm workout. The pool vacuums also work, but require maintenance and upkeep.
The best way to keep debris out of your pool is by literally blocking them out! A screen enclosure includes walls and a roof so falling debris is deterred. Also, wind can’t blow leaves or other debris into your pool. Pool enclosure designs vary. Some are designed with dome tops so the leaves just slide off. Others with flat roofs and tall trees can be easily cleaned with a leaf blower.
4. Pool Enclosures Make Cleaning Your Pool Easy!
As we mentioned above, they keep bugs and debris out of the pool. Debris such as leaves, sticks, etc, make the pool dirty because they usually have dirt and dust on them. Your pool cleaning system will work better when you have a pool cage installed. Your pool filter will thank you.
5. Nice-Looking Designs
You have many pool screen enclosure design options.
You can completely customize your pool cage so you can control what goes where and what does what. You’re the homeowner. You know your pool and you know your family. You know what you need and what would look best. So get creative! You can work with your screening company so they know exactly what you expect out of your pool cage. Keep scrolling for some creative pool ideas we provide. You’ll find pictures provided as well.
Caring for Your Pool Screen Enclosure
Now, You’re probably thinking something like this:
“So, my pool enclosure will keep my pool clean, but how often do I have to clean my pool enclosure?”
That is a very valid question.
According to Alan, a pressure washer in Orlando, Florida, the homeowner should clean their pool screen enclosure once every 6 months. If algae growth is persistent, the homeowner may need to clean more frequently.
Below, you’ll find a list of reasons why you should keep your pool cage clean:
1. Cleaning inhibits the growth of mold, fungus, lichen, dirt and algae. Some molds can cause allergies and illnesses.
2. Residents with home owner associations may be required to maintain the cleanliness of their pool enclosure.
3. Algae and lichen can fall into the pool and affect the pH level and filter. Pool owners know how important it is to keep the pH levels stable. Your screen enclosure will help a lot with that by keeping dirt and leaves out, however you need to be diligent about keeping the screen clean as to not allow algae to fall into the pool water.
4. If the algae growth becomes heavy on the screens it can affect the amount of air flow through the screens and make it hotter inside the pool enclosures. It’s important that you clean the algae and lichen from your pool enclosure. Cleaning will keep the musty smell away and will allow maximum fresh air flow.
5. A dirty pool enclosure detracts from the overall beauty of the home and become a neighborhood eyesore. Not to mention, most Home Owners Associations (HOA) enforce cleanliness and neatness. You can’t get away with a grubby pool screen for long until your HOA will come around with a citation.
6. Last of all, we’ve done some research on how homeowners should clean their screen pool enclosures. We found a surprising answer. Damage like holes, tears, and gaping in the screen or loss of spline can occur if not professionally cleaned.
Household pets like dogs and cats may also cause damages to pool screen enclosures. If you do end up with a torn screen, you will have to repair it as soon as possible. Torn screens allow mosquitoes, bees, wasps, etc to enter inside and if not repaired quickly, they can easily tear even more. To be safe, call your local pressure washing company! Make sure they specialize in cleaning pool screen enclosures.
Pictures of Creative Pool Enclosure Ideas
We mentioned above that you can get creative with your pool enclosures. Here are some creative ideas for you so you can personalize your pool cage and make it perfect for your family.
Pictured above: Here is a pool enclosure that has shades installed. These pool shades are retractable and can be used in the strong sunshine hours. They also provide more privacy from your neighbors. Also, you can see that this homeowner placed bushes and shrubbery around the pool enclosure. Landscaping helps keep the patio/pool area looking natural while also providing shade and privacy.
Pictured Above: We love this original pool enclosure. The pool has full coverage and wall protection on three sides. The entrance to the pool is a fence with a gate. This design makes the backyard look more open. The patio with the table and chairs is in the open, while the pool is still protected by the fence. Fences like these are perfect safety structures for children. If your kids like to play in the backyard, but you’re sick of having to worry about them falling in the pool unsupervised, invest in a pool enclosure like this!
We have heard some people say that they don’t want a pool enclosure because they have or want an irregular shaped pool. As you can see from the photos, it is very possible to have a pool cage with an asymmetrical pool. Personally, we think that an irregularly shaped pool looks better enclosed than a typical rectangular pool.
As you look into pool cages and the options you have for customizing yours, you’ll find that there are so many options! Do your research, talk to the professionals, and get creative.
You’ll find that your pool enclosure can be the final touch to making your backyard look and feel like paradise.
Article written by Laurel Clarke.
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