Screen Enclosure forPool: The Ultimate Guide
Making the most out of your outdoor space can be a brilliant idea.
More so if you want to enjoy the view of your garden or surrounding scenery while taking a swim.
However, most homeowners lack ideas on how to re-engineer their backyards.
That is, making a space that would either serve as a resting area or an entertainment area.
Well, here’s the best solution for you.
Screen pool enclosure – Photo courtesy: Houzz
A screen enclosure for pool comes in handy in such situations guaranteeing you maximum use of your swimming pool all year round.
This is regardless of the different seasons.
And that’s not only it, there are several other benefits that a screen enclosure will provide you not only at the comfort of your home but also swimming pool.
In some way, a screen enclosure for pool might transform your home to a resort like space – obviously, you would be longing for while away.
Also, at the end of this guide, you will not only be in a position to build your own screen enclosure for the pool but also replace it when a need arises.
Just stay with me to learn more.
So, what do we mean by a screen enclosure for the pool?
What is a Screen Enclosure for Pool?
Before anything, let’s first know what we mean by an enclosure.
With that, it will be much easier for you to clearly understand what a screen enclosure for pool means.
An enclosure refers to a barrier that is constructed for the purpose of surrounding a particular structure or area.
In our case, a swimming pool area.
Take, for example, here we are an example of a swimming pool enclosure:
Now, what does this lead us to as far as our subject of today is concerned?
It brings us to a conclusion that a screen enclosure for pool refers to a barrier that surrounds an outdoor swimming pool.
It’s basically something like this:
Screen swimming pool enclosure
Just as the name suggests, a screen enclosure for a pool is made up of a screen material which can either be Phifer, superscreen or transparent screens.
They can either be made of glass or polycarbonate sheet.
However, it will be hard for you to notice the difference as glass and polycarbonate sheet appear similar.
The good news is that at the end of this guide, you will be able to differentiate between the two.
I will in detail explain more on the two types of materials.
Again, the truth is:
Your screen enclosure for the pool can be designed to suit any of your desired preferences be its roof design, size, type of materials used and so on.
As I mentioned earlier, constructing a screen enclosure for your pool will be highly beneficial not only to the pool users but also your swimming pool.
The question remains:
How exactly can I benefit from a screen enclosure for my pool?
Benefits of a Screen Enclosure for Pool
Some of the main reasons why you need a screen for the pool enclosure include:
1. Prevents debris from entering your swimming pool
A screen enclosure covers the entire part of your swimming pool.
Meaning, falling leaves, insects, papers and several other foreign materials will lack access to your swimming pool.
Not only will your swimming pool be tidy but also the surrounding area.
2. Creates an outdoor relaxation space.
According to your size of the enclosure, you can easily customize it to create an outdoor space that you can use for entertainment and other forms of relaxation.
How can you achieve this?
Relaxing around the pool – Photo courtesy: Carolina Home Exteriors
Well, all these will be based on your creativity.
Adding furniture, plants and cool lighting will hugely transform the look and feel of your screen enclosure for your pool.
1. Prevents harmful UV rays from affecting the pool users.
Do you know why I would recommend you to use a polycarbonate sheet for your enclosure?
Polycarbonate blocking UV
It’s because it has the ability to filter the risky UV radiations that might otherwise expose the pool users to dangerous health risks.
4. Enhances the value of your property
An additional equipment to your property would definitely increase its value.
Take for instance a house with a screen enclosure and one with none.
At the time of selling the property, the house with a screen enclosure will unquestionably attract more buyers than the one without.
Screen enclosure attached to wall
Why?
It has a screen enclosure.
Now you understand how this simple yet so classy structure would save you the energy of finding a new buyer.
5. It enhances the beauty of your property
The glassy appearance of your enclosure coupled with the reflections and blue color of water bring out a quite beautiful scenery around your home.
It makes it a center of attraction.
6. Lengthens your pool activities
A screen enclosure will facilitate continuous usage of your swimming pool all year round.
It is irrespective of the seasons as it will prevent you from being affected by the harsh weather conditions.
Swimming with family
In addition to that, using a polycarbonate sheet would further lengthen the durability of your pool screen enclosure.
7. Ensures privacy
In order to achieve maximum privacy, you can either choose to use tinted polycarbonate sheets or introduce curtains in your screen enclosure space.
Pool enclosure guarantees privacy
However, you can as well include a fence or a wall to prevent prying eyes from monitoring your pool activities.
8. Improves the safety of your pool
With a screen enclosure, you will be in a position to control who enters or exits the enclosure.
By doing so, you will prevent kids from accessing the enclosure without a guardian.
Figure 8 Kid drowning in a pool
All this is facilitated by the locking mechanism of your screen enclosure door.
9. Reduces pool maintenance practices
Owing to the fact that a screen enclosure will prevent debris and other foreign materials from entering the pool.
Remove debris in pool – Photo courtesy: Home Tips
Routine cleaning of your swimming pool will be reduced by a higher percentage.
10. Prevents evaporation of water
During hot weather, swimming pool water evaporates.
Meaning, much water is lost during the process.
Water evaporating from a pool
However, a screen enclosure is able to act as a barrier and block evaporating water from being carried away by the wind.
Instead, water that evaporates settles on the screen enclosure and thereafter, it condenses and drops back into the swimming pool.
From the information above, we can conclude that a screen enclosure for the pool is quite an important equipment not only for you but also for your swimming pool.
Parts of Screen Enclosure for Swimming Pool
Just as any other machine or equipment would have different parts that make it complete, so does a pool screen enclosure.
Some of the major parts of a screen enclosure are not limited to;
- Frame
- Rail system
- Roof cover/glazing material
- Door Locking mechanism
- Gutters
- Ventilation system
- Heating system
· Frame
The frame is one major part of any type of enclosure including a screen enclosure.
It covers the entire enclosure as it is responsible for the general support of the enclosure.
So, what really is a frame made of?
You might be asking yourself such a question.
Well, depending on your taste and preference, you can choose to use extruded aluminum or wood as both serve the same purpose.
However, the best material that I would recommend you to use is the extruded aluminum.
Reason being, it will not only last you for decades but also has some resistance to rust.
And this is not all.
Extruded aluminum has many other properties that make it stand out among other types of framing materials.
Don’t worry, I will expound on that later in this guide, just stay with me to learn more.
The frame of a screen enclosure supports the glazing material or screen all around the enclosure.
In short, the screen is positioned in between the different frames.
Have a look at this;
Aluminum structure – Photo courtesy: URBAN ECOS
The grey parts are the frames while the transparent sections are covered by the screen.
As you can see, a frame for screen enclosure can be painted with any color.
However, it’s important to note that most people prefer to paint their frames with “earthly colors” such as grey, black, brown and white just to mention a few.
Reason being these colors are neither shouting nor are they dull.
· Roof cover/Glazing Material
In simpler terms, a glazing material is the transparent section of a screen enclosure.
It also forms the roof of your enclosure.
As I mentioned earlier, you can either choose to use polycarbonate sheets or glass to build your screen enclosure.
Polycarbonate sheet
Obviously, there will always be the best of them all, which in our case happens to be polycarbonate sheets.
Why am I advocating for it?
First,
- Polycarbonate sheets are durable. They are designed to last from one decade to another if well maintained.
- They are cost saving as compared to glass
- Polycarbonate sheets have the ability to tolerate harsh weather conditions such as tornados.
- As if that’s enough, polycarbonate sheets are versatile. Meaning, they can be customized into different shapes that otherwise add spark to your house or building.
Nevertheless, there exist some few drawbacks not excluding;
- Polycarbonate sheets are toxic
- They are prone to scratches and dents.
On the other hand, you can choose to use glass. As we all know, glass is prone to breakage and cracks.
This is the main reason why most screen enclosure owners choose to settle for polycarbonate sheets.
Aside from being susceptible to breakage, glass is also an expensive material not excluding the after sale expenses.
· Door Locking Mechanism
An entrance and exit point is crucial for any type of enclosure.
Not only does it enhance security but also improves the privacy of the enclosure users.
For all this to be achieved, a door locking mechanism needs to be present.
So, what exactly is a door locking mechanism?
This refers to a fastening equipment that achieves closure through the help of a lock and a key.
There are several types of locks that you can choose to use in your screen enclosure for your pool.
We have;
- Latch locks
- Cam locks
- Wing handles
- L and T locks
- Radial Pin Tumbler Locks
- Water resistant locks
i. Latch locks
A latch refers to a fastening equipment that operates by joining two surfaces together in order to attain closure.
However, this doesn’t assure you adequate safety.
You have to use it along with a lock which otherwise uses a key that facilitates its opening and closure.
ii. Water resistant locks
As the name implies, water-resistant locks are resistant to water.
This makes them on of the best type of locks to use for outdoor enclosures as it has the capability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
iii. Cam locks
Cam locks appear to be cylindrical in shape and consist of a lock which is positioned at one end of the door while the rotating locking handle is located at the opposite side.
This is what am talking about;
Cam lock
iv. Wing handles
It is easy for you to confuse a wing handle with L and T locks.
However, the difference between the two lies on the fact that a wing handle has its lock fixed just beneath the handle.
Have a look at this to understand more;
Wing handle
v. L and T locks
Just as the name suggests, the L and T locks are designed in a manner that they form letter L and T.
However, they lack a locking system beneath the handle, a feature that differentiates them from the wing handles.
L and T locks
vi. Radial Pin Tumbler Locks
This type of locks restricts opening of the lock with any another key apart from the usual one.
It has cylindrical pins arranged in a circular manner that facilitate its operation.
Have a close look at it below;
Radial Pin Tumbler Locks
These are just some of the commonly used types of locks for enclosures as we have several others that also can be fixed in different types of enclosures.
With this information, it is now easier for you to decide on the best type of lock that well satisfies your interests.
Pool Enclosure Screen Material
For a pool enclosure screen to be constructed, there have to be materials that will be used.
In this section, we are going to look at three type of materials that would be of much significance when building a pool screen enclosure.
- Aluminum
- Glass
- Polycarbonate sheets
· Aluminum for Pool Screen Enclosure
Aluminum is a strong metal that plays a major role in the framing of a screen enclosure for the pool.
Aluminum screen pool enclosure
What I’m I trying to say?
Most of the frames used to construct a screen enclosure are often made of aluminum metal.
This is due to the several attractive features that aluminum possesses.
So, which features are we looking at here;
- Durability- Aluminum has certain chemical properties which enhance its longevity making it last for decades if well maintained.
- Recyclable – Extruded aluminum can be recycled severally without worrying about it losing its properties.
- Aluminum is a strong metal that has the capability of tolerating harsh weather conditions.
As if that’s enough, it is easily portable owing to its lightweight nature.
- Rust-resistant- Aluminum is not only resistant to rust but also corrosion which might take place under different environmental conditions.
- Last but not least, aluminum is non-toxic making it environmentally friendly.
Nevertheless, you can choose to use wood in the framing of your enclosure.
But this is what I have to say.
Wood absorbs water and at the same time is prone to rotting.
Meaning, using it for your screen enclosure for the pool would subject it to rotting due to the water evaporation that takes place inside the enclosure during hot weather.
However, that’s not enough. Wood is inclined to be eaten by termites.
If you have chosen to use wood, it would be better for you to treat it first before proceeding with the installation.
· Glass Screen Enclosure for Pool
Glass is a fragile yet so classy material to use as a glazing material for your screen enclosure for the pool.
As I mentioned earlier, glass can easily be mistaken for polycarbonate sheet and vice versa owing to the fact that they both appear transparent.
Glass screen enclosure for pools – Photo courtesy: Home Stratosphere
I would recommend usage of glass mostly in commercial areas rather than homes due to the fact that it can easily crack or break.
You can agree with me that premises with kids around would far much be affected by this as compared to those with none or less.
To avoid any accidents from occurring, it would be better for you to consider such precautions before deciding on the material to use for your home screen enclosure for the pool.
Some of the advantages of using glass include;
- Glass doesn’t rust thus lasts longer
- Cleaning glass is easy due to its smooth surface
- Glass increases the value of your property. Since it’s an expensive material, the glass would hugely raise your property value.
- Glass does not hold or retain water. In short, it’s waterproof thus making it retain its glow for long.
§ Solid Polycarbonate Screen Enclosure for Pool
By now, you already know that a polycarbonate sheet would be the ideal type of glazing material to use for your screen enclosure for the pool.
Polycarbonate screen pool enclosure
Most screen enclosure owners choose to use polycarbonate sheet due to the following reasons.
- It is cheaper as compared to glass
- Polycarbonate sheets are not prone to breakage as compared to glass
- Using a polycarbonate sheet guarantees you protection from harmful UV rays which by blocking them.
- Apart from blocking the harmful UV radiations, polycarbonate sheets have the capability of blocking sound making them ideal for use around areas that need silence such as offices.
- Polycarbonate sheets are flexible as they can be designed into different shapes that add spark to your home.
At this point, you are in a position to make a wise decision concerning the type of material you would want to use depending on your interest.
However, you also need to know how much it would cost you to purchase a screen enclosure for your pool.
How Much a Pool Screen Enclosure Cost?
There are a number of factors that will determine the cost of your pool screen enclosure some of which include;
- Size of your swimming pool- The larger your pool is the costlier it would be.
- Type of materials used – As we have seen, some materials cost more than others. Purchasing expensive materials would mean that it would cost you more.
- Size of pool screen enclosure – Again, the larger your screen enclosure the costlier it would be as it will require more materials as compared to a smaller one.
On average, a screen enclosure would cost you from as low as $300 to as high as $36000 and more.
It’s important to note that prices vary from one region to another.
However, the above range generally covers the average cost of screen enclosure in different locations.
1. Screen Pool Enclosure Cost of Installation
You can choose to install the screen enclosure on your own or employ an expert to do the task.
However, constructing it on your own will reduce your cost budget.
According to some statistics, most homeowners have confirmed to have spent around $13500 to $16000 in the construction of their screen enclosure for the pool.
Glass screen enclosures are much expensive as compared to other types of enclosures.
You will spend around $300 to $550 on labor as most laborers charge $30 to $36 per hour.
Estimating the cost of the pool enclosure
Also, you have to keep in mind that permits increase your costs.
Nevertheless, not all screen enclosures for pool requires permits.
If you choose to build a screen enclosure on your own, you only have to purchase the enclosure which costs around $2500 on average.
1. Pool Screen Enclosure Repair Cost
Repairing a pool screen not only involves a single part but different parts of the enclosure such as repairing broken doors, screen repair, repairing structure damage among others.
It will averagely cost you $35 per hour for a screen repair.
This amount plus the cost of materials will cost a total of $58 per task.
Fixing rotted wood would cost you a total of $125 while conducting a complete rescreening would attract a fee of $9 including the cost of labor as well as materials used.
As if that’s not enough, cage painting will averagely cost you around $126 including the cost of materials.
If you choose to repair broken doors or other structural damages, then you will spend an average of $255 per task.
At this point, I am convinced that you are in a better position to make wise buying decisions before making any purchases.
Screen Enclosure for Pool Roofing Styles/Designs
When choosing a roofing design for your screen enclosure, you are spoilt for choices as there are several of them that are very well designed to suit anyone’s interests.
Some of the commonest roofing designs include;
Screen pool enclosure roofing designs
1) Mansard roof design
A mansard roof comprises of two sloppy sides and a flat surface.
The two sloppy sides converge at the top flat surface forming a mansard roof.
You can as well refer to it as a French roof.
The mansard roof design is made up of flat roof and hip roof design.
The two sloppy sides depict a hip roof style while the flat surface portrays a flat roof design.
Advantages of mansard roof design
- It is spacious and so will be able to accommodate additional features such as furniture inside the enclosure.
- It appears attractive as well as unique.
- Easy to expand
Disadvantages of mansard roof design
- Expensive to install- Owing to its complex design, installing a mansard roof would cost you more. You will be able to install several gable roof or hip roof for the cost of a single mansard roof.
- It is unsuitable for areas experiencing extreme weather conditions due to its roof design which has a flat surface that may otherwise hold snow leading to damages.
- Mansard roof is expensive to maintain and repair. This is due to the fact that not many experts are conversant with mansard roof making it difficult to find labour as well. Additionally, materials required to construct it are costly making the entire processes expensive.
2) Flat roof design
Just as the name suggests, a flat roofing design comprises of a flat or rather leveled roof surface just as shown in the diagram above.
Advantages of flat roof design
- As compared to a gable roof design, a flat roof has more stability due to its shape. It is able to withstand extreme wind pressure without getting damaged.
- Flat roof is simple to build making them cheaper as well.
- Due to their flat roofing, cleaning, making repairs or installing equipment such as satellite dishes becomes cheaper.
Disadvantages of flat roof design
- Flat roofs are not as attractive and as a result, many people don’t build it.
- The flat roofing makes it difficult for snow or any other falling materials to slide down in turn leading to roof damage due to accumulation.
3) Slope roof design
As the name suggests, this type of roof design slopes from a higher point which normally is the side attached to the building to a lower point just as vividly shown in the diagram above.
Advantage of slope roof design
- Materials that fall on the rooftop are able to slide down the sloppy roof preventing accumulation and damage of the roof.
Disadvantage of sloppy roof design
- Building a sloppy roof is considered difficult as compared to a flat roof design.
4) Gable rood design
A gable roof design consists of two sloping sides that converge at the top.
Unlike a mansard roof design, a gable roof lacks a flat surface at the rooftop.
Advantages of gable roof design
- It facilitates good drainage as snow and water is able to roll off
- A gable roof design is easily ventilated
5) Dome roof design
A dome roof design appears semi-circular in shape.
Its shape facilitates sliding off of unwanted materials from the screen enclosure preventing any sort of accumulation.
To add on that, a dome roof is quite spacious and has the capability of accommodating furniture or plants.
Advantages of dome roof design
- Dome roofs have a great resistance to wind pressure.
- In some cases, the roofing design reduces heating cost by 75%
Disadvantages of dome roof design
- It is unattractive
- Dome roofs are expensive to build
6) Hip roof design
A hip roof design can be mistaken for a gable roof design.
However, a hip roof style has all it sides slanting as compared to a gable roof design which has only two of its sides slanting.
The shorter sides of a gable roof design are flat from the topmost part to the pool deck.
Advantages of hip roof design
- A hip roof offers perfect stability as well as resistance to strong winds.
- Its design facilitates water to drain off.
Disadvantages of hip roof design
- It is expensive to construct as compared to flat roof design
- There’s a possibility of leakage if not well installed.
Step-by-step Pool Screen Replacement Process
In case your screen enclosure is damaged, you don’t have to purchase a new one unless it is extremely damaged.
All you have to do is replace the damaged area.
The question remains, how do you replace a screen enclosure?
Step 1. Identify the damaged area of your screen
Before commencing any other process, you should first locate the damaged area.
This will make it easier for you to remove the screen as you will use the damaged area as a starting point for removing the entire dented screen.
Damaged section
Step 2. Eliminate the screen and thread
Remove the screen thread from the pool cage crease by pulling it using a needle nose pliers.
Make sure to pull down the screen as you pull off the thread of the old screen just as illustrated below.
Fixing damaged section
Step 3. Examine if there is any undone thread
Check if there is any thread left in the pool cage crease. In case there is, use a needle nose pliers to get rid of it.
If none is left, then proceed to the next step.
Step 4. Measure the screen
Measure the size of the area that needs to be fixed with a new screen. Thereafter, cut out the estimated size needed for the screen replacement from the new roll.
Step 6. Fix the thread and screen
Position the screen thread along the pool cage crease making sure it fully covers from one corner to another.
Once you are done, cut off the excess thread at the edges then secure the thread and screen with a screen roller.
To achieve this, all you have to do is press the thread and screen against the pool cage crease.
Thereafter, trim the excess screen at the sides then make sure that everything is in place as desired.
After completing this procedure, you are done!
How to Build a Pool Screen Enclosure
Many people might think that building a pool screen enclosure is such a difficult task.
However, that’s not the case.
By the end of this section, you will relate to what I’m saying. Keep reading.
Before anything, it’s important for you to put certain factors into consideration such as;
- Cost- Several things may influence the cost of your pool screen enclosure. From the type of materials used, size of your enclosure, a design of your enclosure among others.
- Screen type- Depending on your interest, you can choose to use pet screens which prevent pets from gaining access into your screen enclosure. Also, using Phifer screen will be a great idea more so if you want to prevent insects from getting into your screen enclosure as it has a higher mesh count.
- Contractor – Choose the right contractor to get all your work done efficiently. Leading contractors such as Excelite are well known to offer such quality services at affordable rates worldwide.
- Materials – Decide on the appropriate materials to use in constructing your screen enclosure. Some materials are designed to suit certain interests meaning you have to settle on what you desire to achieve.
After considering such factors, you can now proceed with building your screen enclosure.
Step 1. Attach a mounting system
A mounting system will be responsible for supporting the rest of the framework.
In our case, we will use gutters as our mounting system.
Fix the gutter against the roof of your building.
This is what I’m talking about;
Attaching mounting system
Step 2. Begin the framework
One tip that you should know in order to conduct this process faster and efficiently is that you should mark the vertical and horizontal posts.
This will enable you to quickly identify posts that will merge with their opposite counterparts.
Also, mark the foundation posts with positions that will enable vertical posts to fit in.
Thereafter, start the framework by attaching the frames to the integrated gutter making sure that each vertical frame merges with its horizontal counterpart and vice versa.
As you continue joining the frames, a meaningful structure starts forming.
Framework
Step 3. Fix the roof frames
After completing framing the sides of your enclosure, it’s now time to fix the frames of the roof.
Your roofing design will be determined by the design of your enclosure.
Just as you fixed the side frames, do the same for the roof frames.
However, you will add cross-supports that will give your enclosure maximum support and steadiness.
The cross-supports run from one side of the roof to the other just as shown below;
Fix frame
Step 4. Attach the doors to your structure
Every enclosure will need a door for maximum security and privacy.
After completing the framework, mount the door onto the enclosure structure you have made.
Amount door
Step 5. Fix the screen
This is the final stage when constructing your screen enclosure for the pool.
First, begin by measuring the area that needs to be fitted in with the screen.
Thereafter, take the right measurements of the actual screen that would fit onto the desired area space.
After cutting out the individual pieces, secure them onto the frames as shown below;
Fix screen
Fix the screen onto each and every frame space until you are done.
Test whether everything is in place as desired.
If so, then your screen enclosure is ready for use.
It’s as simple as that!
FAQs on Screen Enclosure for Pools
Do you have any questions about swimming pool screens?
Well, I have made this section for you.
1. Can you extend my existing screen room?
Yes, we can extend it by adding to the already existing structure.
2. Why should I buy a pool screen enclosure?
- Guarantees you swimming all year round
- Maintains tidiness of your swimming pool
- Ensures safety around the pool
3. Do I need to have a screen enclosure warranty?
Yes, you should demand to be granted one so that in case of any malfunctions you are in a better position to be helped.
4. Can I install a screen enclosure without any professional help?
Yes, more so if you are a handy person then this would be a simple task for you.
Furthermore, most manufacturers include a manual for installation.
5. Is it a must for my pool screen enclosure to be connected to my house?
It is not necessary. Our qualified professionals will be happy to come up with different designs that suit your interests.
6. When can a pool screen enclosure be installed?
A pool screen enclosure can be installed anytime as long as the weather is favorable.
7. Do I need a professional to repair my pool screen enclosure?
It is not necessary; you can do the task by yourself.
8. When is the best time to purchase a pool screen enclosure?
The appropriate time to buy a pool screen enclosure would be when the demand is low and supply is higher.
This period falls around summer as most people prefer not using enclosures during that season.
9. How much does a pool screen enclosure cost?
The average cost stands at $12,520 with most homeowners spending from $10,650 to $14,340.
Conclusion
We can undoubtedly conclude that a screen enclosure for the pool is the ultimate solution not only for an untidy pool area but also a great equipment to prevent insects or any other foreign materials from falling into your swimming pool.
Also, at this point you are able to easily make wise buying decision concerning purchasing of screen enclosures and so are you ready to acquire one for your pool.