Types of Pool Enclosures – A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Pool enclosures are ideal for keeping your swimming pool free from falling debris and organic contaminants. There are different types of pool enclosures in the market designed to offer full coverage. Some of them consist of glass, while others consist of transparent materials.

Pool enclosures help keep the swimming pool protected and clean from harmful elements and ensure the water remains clean. Some pool covers come with retractable roofs that allow you to open the top when the weather is cool. This retractable feature makes the enclosure expensive, making the swimming pool convenient and adaptable.

This review examines the benefits of covering your swimming pool and the various types of pool enclosures.

Why Use a Pool Enclosure

Swimming pools add value to your home. The pool needs to be protected to ensure the water remains healthy enough for a swim. A pool enclosure provides you and your family members with a safer environment to enjoy a swim. It protects your skin from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

The most popular reasons for having a pool enclosure include:

  • To keep snakes and mosquitoes out.
  • To keep raccoons and other animals out of your pool.
  • To prevent leaves or debris from falling into the pool water.
  • Allows you to swim at any time without fear of intruders.
  • It extends the lifespan of the vinyl liner and plaster within the pool.

Other benefits of installing a pool enclosure include:

Reduces the Use of Chemicals:

Having a pool enclosure reduces the number of times you apply chemicals to the pool water. The sun burns off chlorine in the water, making you use expensive and time-consuming chemicals. Pool enclosures block the ultraviolet rays from the sun, reducing your constant use of chemicals.

Reduces Skin Exposure To Sun Rays:

Pool enclosures provide shade for the pool and reduce maintenance expenses and the number of times you clean them. Installing a pool enclosure in your home protects you from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It comes in handy during long and intense summers.

Provides Security For Pets and Children:

Pool enclosures offer protection when you have pets or kids around an open swimming pool. You can choose to enclose a particular section or the whole area. The pool enclosure offers safety and increased security with its windows, doors, and end panels.

Allows You To Enjoy Your Swimming Exercise:

The pool enclosure allows you to have access to your swimming pool at any time of the day. It protects your swimming pool from harmful elements and lets you enjoy the pool with friends and family members.

Adds Value To Your House:

Having a pool enclosure at the back of your house raises the value of your property. It is a perfect way to increase the valuation of your home. It helps you attract ready buyers if you plan to sell it in the future.

Types of Pool Enclosures

A pool enclosure is a perfect way to keep your pool safe and free from organic contaminants. There are different types of pool enclosures depending on the size of the pool and what the owner wants. Some of them consist of glass or transparent materials. At the same time, others come with screen surfaces that keep debris and bugs from falling into the pool.

Pool enclosures come in two main categories:

  • Screen pool enclosure
  • Glass pool enclosure

Other types of pool enclosures include:

Two-Story:

The two-story pool enclosure offers more luxury to your swimming pool. It is ideal for anyone that wants to include a second-story deck in the chamber. Most of the two-story pool enclosures consist of glass. It covers a significant part of the house, making the swimming pool accessible at any time of the year.

Dome Roof:

A pool enclosure with a dome roof aligns on each swimming poolside. It slopes down, forming a semi-circle shape.

Standard Screen:

Pool enclosures with standard screens are affordable. It reduces the swimming season for you and your family. It keeps insects, debris, intruders, and other organic contaminants out of the pool.

Gable Roof:

Pool enclosures with gable roofs are the most popular option in the market due to their attractive designs. A gable roof slants on both sides of the swimming pool, forming a triangular shape.

Slope Roof:

Pool enclosures with sloppy roofs do not have attractive designs. But, it allows rainwater, debris, and other contaminants to slide off the surface quickly.

Mansard Roof:

Pool enclosures with Mansard roofs are sloppy on all sides of the swimming pool. This sloppiness creates a pointed shape at the top of the roof.

Critical Components of Pool Enclosures

A pool enclosure consists of essential components that enable it to function long. Some of the key features that are common in most pool enclosures include:

A Locking System:

Most pool enclosures have locking mechanisms that ensure the door keeps intruders out. These locking mechanisms are accessories fixed to the doors to enable you to open them using a key. Some types of locks that come with pool enclosure doors include:

  • Radial pin locks
  • Water-resistant locks
  • Cam locks
  • Latch locks
  • Wing handle locks

Track and Rail System:

Every pool enclosure comes with a rail and track system that requires wheels to work. The rail system is the path on which the wheels functions as you close or open the pool enclosure.

Glazing or Enclosure Cover:

The glazing or cover is one of the essential parts of any pool enclosure. It refers to the glassy surface that occupies around 88% of the swimming pool enclosure.

The Structure:

The pool enclosure structure is the vital section that holds the glazing material in one piece. It consists of wood or aluminum and can withstand high winds.

Factors to Consider When Setting Up a Pool Enclosure

A pool enclosure improves the safety and purpose of any pool and makes your home unique. When adding a section to your backyard swimming pool, there are some factors to consider. These factors include:

Contractors to Provide Warranty Coverage:

The first step to take when installing a pool enclosure is the contractors you hire for the job. Reputable contractors may seem more expensive, but they will build the enclosure with the correct specifications. These experienced contractors will not cut corners by using low-quality materials. Their expertise allows them to warranty your pool enclosure if something happens in the future.

Material to Use for Framing:

There are different materials to use in building a pool enclosure. But using aluminum is way better than most materials in the market. It is lighter than wood, more robust, and withstands certain climate conditions. Aluminum’s resistance to corrosion is essential for a durable pool enclosure.

Roofing Options to Use:

Your roofing options can impact the structural integrity of the pool enclosure you are building. You can choose from several designs for your pool enclosure roof. For instance, the Mansard roof offers a tall and open design that gives your pool enclosure a spacious feeling. In contrast, the Hip roof withstands high winds and enhances the height of your chamber.

Quality of Screens:

A screened pool enclosure is only as good as the screen installed with it. For instance, Solar Insect Screen features a woven mesh that keeps insects out of your swimming pool. In contrast, Phifer Pet Screen is ideal for homes with kids and pets.

Maintenance Tips for Pool Enclosures

After installing the pool enclosure, the next step is maintaining it to ensure longevity. The pool enclosure needs maintenance and thorough cleaning to keep functioning over a long period.

Some maintenance tips for pool enclosures include:

Ensure the Locks on the Door are Functioning:

You should ensure that the pool enclosure door lock is functioning. You have complete control of whoever is accessing the swimming pool if the locks are working. It helps prevent intruders or unnecessary pool use when you are absent.

Clean the Pool Enclosure Once a Week:

Cleaning the pool enclosure prevents the spread of algae, fungus, and other organic contaminants. These bacteria cannot threaten the well-being of your family members if the enclosure is clean. The algae growth on the enclosure surface restricts the airflow and makes your pool feel hotter. If left untreated, it can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and other serious health complications.

Things to consider when cleaning a pool enclosure include:

  • Be sure to protect yourself by putting on safety gloves and protective goggles.
  • Ensure to wash the entire pool enclosure using a combination of pressurized water and lukewarm.
  • Use a soft cloth to wipe the surface of both the polycarbonate sheets and aluminum rods to remove tough stains.
  • Do not use chemicals that react to polycarbonate or aluminum.

You should follow the procedures and operational standards in the pool enclosure manual. It is essential to follow directions when installing a pool enclosure to avoid unnecessary breakdowns.

Inspect the Pool Enclosure:

Your pool enclosure will look good and remain in excellent working condition if you inspect it. Regular inspection allows you to identify problems before they worsen and save you time and money.

Take Care of the Enclosure Railings:

Remember to take care of the rails at the base of the swimming pool enclosure. Clean the railings and remove any leaves or stones that may have fallen on them. By not taking care of the rails, you can break the pool enclosure while closing or opening it.

FAQ

Anyone considering setting up a pool enclosure in their homes will likely have some questions. Some might even wonder if pool enclosures will be a good investment for them. Some frequently asked questions concerning pool enclosures include:

What is a pool enclosure?

Pool enclosures are tall structures with transparent roofing placed above your swimming pool. It protects your swimming pool from sun rays, insects, intruders, and organic contaminants.

What makes up a pool enclosure?

Pool enclosures consist of durable screens that have up to ten years. These enclosures come with PVC armored plates and rust-resistant screws that prevent corrosion.

Is pool enclosure a worthy investment?

Pool enclosures have proven to be valuable investments. It helps preserve your swimming pool\’s safety, cleanliness, and privacy. These enclosures provide a barrier that keeps pests, debris, and fallen leaves out of the pool.

Can I use my pool enclosure all year?

The retractable roof traps solar energy to make it comfortable for you all year round, even on cloudy days. It provides an additional heat source for the pool.

Does it take long to install a pool enclosure?

The time duration for setting up a pool enclosure depends on the size of the structure. The installation process takes about 9 – 15 days, depending on the model of the swimming pool enclosure.

Can I install pool enclosure tracks on existing decks?

You can install the tracks for the swimming pool enclosure on an existing pool deck. It is possible if there is sufficient foundation to meet the code requirements. You have to create a channel for the track to match the surrounding surface.

What kind of site preparation do I need for pool enclosures?

You can only install pool enclosures on a level and smooth surface capable of supporting the enclosure\’s weight.

What does it cost to install a pool enclosure?

The cost of installing a pool enclosure depends on certain factors, such as your location, style, and size. A pool enclosure costs at least $5 – $15 per square foot and between $3,999 and $14,500 to build.

Conclusion

There are so many benefits that come with installing a swimming pool cover in your home. These types of pool enclosures help homeowners protect their pools from harsh climatic conditions. It keeps debris and bugs from falling into the water. Pool enclosures are worthy investments for anyone to embark. It possesses the ability to keep your pets and kids safe from unnecessary pool visits.

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