I want to tell you a simple truth about retractable patio enclosures.
Not all patio enclosures you see in the market will protect your swimming pool from the extreme weather conditions. This may include snow, heavy storm, scorching sun, etc.
It is a reality that most people run away from at all cost, especially after buying an enclosure. The truth is, you must have mechanisms to assess the condition of the pool enclosure to ensure it is a high quality accessory.
The enclosure should meet the required manufacturing standards besides other important aspects such following proper installation procedures.
In this article, I want share with you 7 practical ideas that will improve the performance and reliability of your pool. Adopting these simple ideas will help you acquire a patio enclosure that can protect your pool from both rain and snow.
Don’t worry, I will explain everything you need to do shortly.
Here is what you need to do first:
1. Go for Retractable Patio Enclosures with Extruded Aluminum Structure
You should trust patio enclosures constructed from extruded aluminum rods. This is because aluminum has superior properties.
It is easy to fabricate, strong, lightweight, durable, rust resistant, etc. Here is more information about physical and chemical properties of aluminum rods.
Section of patio enclosures made from aluminum has been packed ready for shipping.
The aluminum retractable patio enclosures can withstand heavy weight. Normally, they are rated 900kg per 1.5m radius.
Before you buy any of these enclosures, request for the data sheet where you’ll get all information about various tests to verify the quality and durability of the aluminum rods.
These may include loading, torsion, tensile strength, yield strength, etc. Remember, these features may vary depending on the type of aluminum alloy.
The table above shows 8 different grades of aluminum with sample test for three mechanical properties.
The patio enclosure manufacturers use extruded aluminum to construct the covers and rail tracking system. Due to their reliability, the manufacturers confidently offer a 15 year warranty.
A retractable patio enclosure constructed from extruded aluminum rods, solves all safety problems. That is, at no time will a patio enclosure collapse due to heavy load.
A section showing an already assembled aluminum structure.
The good thing about aluminum is that, you can also give it a personal touch to make the patio enclosure unique. That is, you may consider various aluminum surface treatments such as painting, anodizing, polishing, etc.
Now that you’ve chosen a strong and reliable patio, structure; what should be your next step?
2. Choose Solid Polycarbonate Retractable Patio Enclosures
Do you know why most retractable patio enclosures are constructed from solid polycarbonate sheet?
This is due to its high impact resistance, superior optical and mechanical properties. Solid polycarbonate is 200 times stronger than glass.
You can follow this link to learn more about solid polycarbonate sheets.
A General purpose polycarbonate sheet
When you need retractable patio enclosures that can protect your pool from snow and rain; this is the only material that meets the dynamic demands and expectations of all consumers.
Below is a table showing technical properties of polycarbonate material. This is according to tests performed by Polyfluo PTE. Ltd.
A complete list of all essential physical and chemical properties of solid polycarbonate sheet.
A solid polycarbonate patio enclosure will support heavy weight loads – up to 900 kg distributed within 1.5m. This is a clear indication that it will protect your pool from snow and heavy storm.
Moreover, it is not affected by either water or weak acids. This implies that, even if you live in an industrial area, acid rain won’t affect your enclosure.
Remember, polycarbonate does not absorb water. You can see this clearly from the table above.
Therefore, you have every reason to consider a polycarbonate material for your patio enclosures.
I am sure at this point, you can comfortably choose an appropriate material for your retractable patio enclosure.
A retractable swimming pool enclosure constructed from solid polycarbonate sheet and aluminum rods
It is this simple, the structural components of the patio enclosure is constructed using extruded aluminum. On the other hand, the glazing material is a solid polycarbonate sheet.
Choosing the right material alone is not enough, the structure and roof design will determine the strength of your patio enclosure.
I’ll explain this in the next section.
3. Consider Structural and Roofing Design
How well do you understand your retractable pool enclosure design?
The designing process starts by having a clear technical drawing. The technical drawing will include all essential dimensions.
These will include length, width and height. Of course, the roofing design also forms part of the technical drawing.
A technical drawing of a dome shape swimming pool enclosure
As you can see from the technical drawing, retractable patio enclosure is made up of several sections. Therefore, you should assess every section to ensure they are strong.
You’ll find that water may enter the swimming pool where these covers join to form complete enclosure. It is because these sections may be not be airtight.
In short, this is what I am saying:
First, you should ensure the design is strong with proper reinforcement mechanisms. This will protect the cover from collapsing when there is snow or strong wind.
You should check every section to ensure there is no possibility of leakage. Also, you need to check for any point of weakness.
Secondly, you need to choose a better pool enclosure roofing design.
What do I mean by this?
Choose a roof design that will allow water and snow to drain down the pool deck. Here are different types of roof designs:
Here are 6 different types of patio enclosure roofing designs
You should avoid mansard and flat roof designs. They don’t allow water and snow to drain down to the swimming pool deck.
I can recommend these four types of roofing designs dome, sloped, gable or hip. Both water and snow drain easily to the pool deck.
Moreover, this design makes them easy to clean and maintain.
With all these in mind, let us move to another important section of a retractable patio enclosure.
4. Assess and Reinforce Swimming Pool Deck
Remember, you are going to install the retractable patio enclosure on a swimming pool deck. Therefore, it should be strong enough to support the weight of your enclosure.
You should assess the entire swimming pool deck and reinforce it, where necessary. It doesn’t matter whether you have a concrete or a wooded swimming pool deck.
A retractable patio enclosure on a concrete swimming pool deck
When you have a weak or unstable swimming pool deck, the cover will be blown away by wind.
Normally, low quality swimming pool decks tend to crack as you drill on their surface to install an enclosure.
Again, you should remember that the strength of a swimming pool decks degrade with time. Therefore, for old swimming pools, I will recommend that you begin by remodeling the pool deck.
Installing an enclosure on a strong pool deck is a sure way to protect your swimming pool from snow, strong wind and water.
Next, you need to follow the recommended patio installation guidelines.
5. Follow the Recommended Retractable Patio Enclosures Installation Process
All retractable patio enclosures come with a complete installation manual. The process is simple and easy to follow.
You should remember to fasten and rivet all sections. Any loose sections may cause leakage.
This should include all frames, gate and the rail tracking systems. You must test the structure to ensure that it is strong and stable.
However, in case you can’t do it, just hire a professional company to accomplish the work for you.
Always remember that the process much adhere to the construction guidelines.
6. Buy Your Retractable Patio Enclosures from Reputable Companies
Buying your retractable patio enclosures from a reputable company is a sure way to acquire high quality accessory.
Well, I do a lot of research on swimming pool enclosure quality and so far, Excelite pool enclosures are a better option.
A fully installed retractable swimming pool enclosure manufactured by Excelite.
A reputable company should help you in the design process. It doesn’t matter whether you need a standard design or a custom patio enclosures.
Furthermore, it should provide realistic quotations with a wide range of enclosure designs and styles. This will make it easy for you to choose the right enclosure for your pool.
In short, here is what you need to consider before buying their enclosure
- Importing the patio enclosure; if they deliver to your door step, the better as you can save some money.
- A flexible payment schedule – maybe paying 30% as down payment while the order is being processed. Then, paying the remaining amount after the order is complete but before shipping.
- Secure and trusted payment system; I prefer Alibaba’s payment system. It is secure and any disputes can be solved easily.
- How long has the company been in the industry? You can clearly tell their experience and expertise, hence guarantees quality.
- Warranty period; a high quality retractable patio enclosure comes with a 15 year warranty.
- What do other people say about the company? Try to access customer review and focus on whether the customers were happy with the patio enclosure
Again, the company should show a proof of quality testing and verification. These should include high impact tests, 3 feet snow tests, etc.
7. Focus on Buying the Best Quality; It’s Worth the Price
You should strive to get value for your money at all times. You should focus on getting the best swimming pool enclosure in the market.
Quality retractable patio enclosures will protect your swimming pool from all devastating weather conditions.
The good news is, pool enclosure cost is now for as low as $2,999. Still, you can also save more if you adopt better swimming pool enclosure shopping strategies.
New swimming prices for retractable swimming pool enclosures
Here is an Utimate Guide to Help You Save $10000 on Swimming Pool Enclosure Price.
With these ideas, you should be able to acquire retractable patio enclosures that will protect your pool irrespective of the weather condition.
Before I finish:
Is there a reason why should let snow or water destroy your expensive swimming pool simply because it is winter?
I don’t think so, you need to take an action today to solve this simple problem. With retractable patio enclosures, you will have an extended swimming season.
It doesn’t matter whether it is summer or winter; the environment within the swimming pool area will remain unchanged. A favorable environment for swimming.
Also, you can decide to have an indoor or outdoor environment around your pool. These are fascinating features I don’t think anyone would wish to miss.
Maybe, you can start by reviewing these Amazing Swimming Pool Enclosure Designs of 2017.