7 Benefits of Adding a Pool Enclosure to Your Home
When considering home improvements in Florida, a pool enclosure often ranks high on the list of valuable additions. Far more than just a screen around your pool, these structures offer numerous benefits that enhance your lifestyle, protect your investment, and potentially increase your property value. At Screening Dunrite, we've helped countless homeowners transform their outdoor spaces with quality pool enclosures, and we've witnessed firsthand how these additions improve daily life.
This comprehensive guide explores the seven key benefits of adding a pool enclosure to your home. Whether you're a new pool owner considering your options or a longtime homeowner thinking about upgrading your outdoor space, understanding these advantages will help you make an informed decision about this significant investment.
Benefit 1: Reduced Pool Maintenance
Perhaps the most immediate and noticeable benefit of installing a pool enclosure is the dramatic reduction in pool maintenance requirements.
Keeps Debris Out
Without an enclosure, your pool is constantly bombarded with leaves, twigs, seeds, and other debris that fall from trees or blow in from neighboring yards. This debris doesn't just make your pool look unsightly—it clogs filters, strains pump systems, and can even stain pool surfaces if left too long.
A quality pool enclosure creates an effective barrier against this constant influx of debris. The standard 18x14 mesh screen used in most enclosures is specifically designed to block leaves, twigs, and larger debris while still allowing airflow and light penetration.
Statistical Insight: Pool owners report spending 50-80% less time skimming and cleaning their pools after installing an enclosure.
Minimizes Chemical Usage
When less debris enters your pool, you'll find your chemical balance remains more stable. Organic matter that decomposes in pool water consumes chlorine and affects pH levels, requiring more frequent chemical adjustments and additions.
Cost Savings: The average pool owner saves $300-$500 annually on chemicals after installing an enclosure.
Reduces Filter Strain
With less debris entering the water, your pool's filtration system works more efficiently and experiences less strain. This translates to:
Extended filter life
Reduced pump runtime
Lower electricity costs
Fewer filter cleanings and replacements
Product Recommendation: While your filtration needs will decrease with an enclosure, maintaining an efficient system is still important. The Hayward W3EC40C92S Perflex Filter ($299.99) offers excellent filtration with minimal maintenance, complementing your enclosure's debris-reduction benefits.
Benefit 2: Enhanced Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern for pool owners, especially those with children or pets. Pool enclosures provide multiple safety enhancements that give homeowners peace of mind.
Barrier to Entry
A properly designed pool enclosure creates a physical barrier that helps prevent unsupervised access to the pool area. Most enclosures include self-closing, self-latching doors that provide an additional layer of protection.
Safety Standard: In many Florida municipalities, pool enclosures satisfy local pool barrier requirements when properly designed with self-closing doors and appropriate height specifications.
Reduced Risk of Wildlife Encounters
Florida's diverse wildlife—including snakes, alligators, and various critters—sometimes find their way into unprotected pools. An enclosure effectively keeps these unwanted visitors out, creating a safer environment for your family.
Slip and Fall Prevention
The screens in pool enclosures help contain splash water, resulting in drier deck surfaces around the pool. This reduction in standing water decreases the risk of slip-and-fall accidents that commonly occur around pool areas.
Professional Insight: For families with young children, consider adding an additional pool alarm system like the Pool Patrol PA-30 Pool Alarm ($199.95) for comprehensive protection. While the enclosure provides a physical barrier, layered safety approaches are always recommended.
Benefit 3: Protection from Insects and Pests
Florida's warm climate creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects that can turn a pleasant pool day into an itchy, uncomfortable experience.
Mosquito Barrier
Standard 18x14 mesh screen effectively blocks mosquitoes and most flying insects, allowing you to enjoy your pool without constant swatting or applying insect repellent.
For waterfront properties or homes near natural water features, upgrading to 20x20 no-see-um screen provides even better protection against Florida's smallest biting insects.
Product Comparison:
Screen TypeInsect ProtectionVisibilityAirflowCostStandard 18x14Good (blocks mosquitoes)ExcellentExcellent$20x20 No-See-UmExcellent (blocks tiny midges)Very GoodGood$$Privacy ScreenExcellentLimitedReduced$$$Reduced Chemical Alternatives
With an effective physical barrier against insects, you can reduce or eliminate the need for:
Citronella candles
Bug zappers
Chemical repellents
Yard foggers
Environmental Benefit: Reducing chemical insect control methods creates a healthier environment for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife in your yard beyond the enclosure.
Benefit 4: UV Protection and Comfort Extension
While Florida's sunshine is one of its greatest attractions, prolonged exposure to UV rays can be harmful. Pool enclosures provide significant UV protection while extending the usability of your outdoor space.
UV Filtering Benefits
Most quality screen materials filter 15-30% of UV rays, providing a meaningful reduction in exposure during long pool days. This partial shade effect offers:
Reduced sunburn risk
Lower skin cancer risk with regular use
Less squinting and eye strain
Cooler pool deck surfaces
Health Note: While enclosures provide some UV protection, dermatologists still recommend applying sunscreen when spending extended time in your pool area.
Extended Usage Hours
The partial shade created by an enclosure makes your pool area comfortable during times when it might otherwise be too hot or bright:
Mid-day hours when sun is strongest
Summer afternoons when temperatures peak
Longer swimming seasons in spring and fall
Comfort Enhancement: For maximum comfort, consider adding outdoor ceiling fans to your enclosure. The Hunter Cassius Outdoor Ceiling Fan ($149.99) is designed to withstand Florida's humidity while providing gentle air circulation that enhances the comfort of your enclosure.
Rain Protection
While not completely waterproof, enclosures provide significant protection from light to moderate rainfall, allowing you to continue enjoying your outdoor space during Florida's frequent afternoon showers.
Benefit 5: Increased Property Value
A quality pool enclosure represents a significant investment that typically yields returns both in quality of life and property value.
Return on Investment
According to real estate professionals in Florida, a well-maintained pool enclosure can return 50-70% of its cost in home value appreciation. In some markets, particularly in central and southern Florida, the return can be even higher.
Market Insight: Homes with enclosed pools typically sell faster than those with unenclosed pools, spending an average of 12 fewer days on the market according to regional real estate data.
Buyer Appeal
In Florida's competitive real estate market, a pool enclosure can be a significant selling point:
Attracts buyers concerned about maintenance
Appeals to families with children (safety feature)
Draws interest from seasonal residents looking for low-maintenance properties
Enhances overall outdoor living appeal
Insurance Considerations
Some insurance providers offer discounts for homes with enclosed pools due to:
Reduced liability risk
Lower chance of storm-related pool damage
Decreased risk of wildlife encounters
Financial Tip: When installing a new enclosure, request a certificate of completion to provide to your insurance company, as some offer premium discounts of 5-10% for properly enclosed pools.
Benefit 6: Extended Outdoor Living Space
A pool enclosure effectively creates an additional living area for your home—a versatile space that bridges indoor comfort with outdoor enjoyment.
Multi-Season Usability
Your enclosed pool area becomes usable in conditions that might otherwise make outdoor activities uncomfortable:
Light rain showers
Windy days
Cooler evenings
Peak sun hours
Versatile Entertainment Area
Beyond swimming, an enclosed pool area serves multiple functions:
Outdoor dining space
Entertainment zone
Exercise area
Relaxation retreat
Design Recommendation: To maximize your enclosure as an entertainment space, consider weather-resistant furniture like the Hampton Bay Beacon Park 5-Piece Set ($899.99), which offers durability against Florida's climate while providing comfort and style for guests.
Expanded Visual Space
From inside your home, a pool enclosure creates a visual extension of your living space, especially when designed with large windows or sliding doors opening to the enclosure.
Architectural Insight: Light-colored enclosure frames (white or bronze) create a sense of spaciousness and blend well with most Florida home designs.
Benefit 7: Environmental Benefits
Pool enclosures offer several environmental advantages that align with sustainable living practices.
Reduced Water Evaporation
Enclosures significantly reduce water evaporation from your pool—by up to 50% according to some studies. This conservation benefit:
Reduces water consumption
Lowers utility bills
Maintains more stable water levels
Preserves chemical balance
Resource Savings: A typical 15,000-gallon pool in Florida can lose 1-2 inches of water weekly to evaporation during summer months. An enclosure can save thousands of gallons annually.
Lower Energy Usage
Pools with enclosures typically require less energy for heating and maintenance:
Reduced heat loss, especially at night
Less pump runtime due to decreased debris
Lower chemical demand means fewer resources used in chemical production and transportation
Decreased Chemical Impact
With less debris entering your pool and reduced evaporation, your pool requires fewer chemicals to maintain proper balance. This means:
Fewer chemicals entering the environment through backwashing
Reduced chemical manufacturing demand
Lower transportation impact for chemical delivery
Eco-Friendly Product: For environmentally conscious pool owners, consider the Natural Chemistry Pool Perfect($24.99), which uses natural enzymes to reduce chemical needs and works exceptionally well in enclosed pool environments.
Choosing the Right Enclosure for Your Home
To maximize these benefits, selecting the right enclosure design and materials is crucial.
Common Enclosure StylesDome Style - Arched roof design that maximizes height and space
Best for: Larger pools, homeowners wanting maximum vertical space
Typical cost range: $10,000-$20,000+
Mansard Style - Flat center roof with sloped edges
Best for: Balance of aesthetics and function, moderate budget
Typical cost range: $8,000-$15,000
Flat/Gable Style - Simplest design with straight lines
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, smaller pools
Typical cost range: $6,000-$12,000
Material ConsiderationsFrame Materials
Aluminum: Most common, offers excellent durability and low maintenance
Aluminum quality varies: Look for extruded aluminum with wall thickness of at least 0.050" for structural elements
Screen Options
Standard 18x14 mesh: Good all-purpose option
20x20 No-See-Um: Better insect protection, ideal near water bodies or wooded areas
Pet Screen: 7x stronger than standard, ideal for homes with pets
Privacy Screen: Limited visibility from outside, reduced airflow
Door Options
Single swing door: Economical, functional
Double doors: Easier access for furniture and equipment
Sliding doors: Space-efficient, larger opening
Maintenance Considerations
To ensure your enclosure continues providing these benefits for years to come, proper maintenance is essential.
Regular Maintenance TasksQuarterly Inspections
Check for small tears or holes in screening
Inspect fasteners for signs of corrosion
Examine door closures and latches for proper operation
Annual Deep Cleaning
Use appropriate algae removers like Wet & Forget ($29.99)
Inspect and replace any damaged fasteners
Check structural integrity of all connection points
Post-Storm Checks
Inspect for wind damage after significant storms
Check hurricane cables if applicable
Address any minor damage promptly to prevent escalation
For a complete maintenance guide, our DIY Pool Enclosure Maintenance Course provides comprehensive instruction on keeping your enclosure in optimal condition.
Conclusion
A pool enclosure represents one of the most functional and valuable additions you can make to your Florida home. The seven key benefits—reduced maintenance, enhanced safety, insect protection, UV filtering, increased property value, extended living space, and environmental advantages—combine to create an investment that pays dividends in both lifestyle improvement and long-term value.
Whether you're building a new pool or looking to enhance an existing one, an enclosure transforms your pool from a maintenance-intensive feature to a true centerpiece of outdoor living. With proper selection, installation, and maintenance, your pool enclosure will provide these benefits for many years to come.
At Screening Dunrite, we specialize in custom pool enclosures designed to maximize these benefits for your specific property and needs. For more information about our design and installation services, or to learn more about maintaining your existing enclosure, visit www.screeningdunrite.com or contact our team of experts directly.
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This article was written by the experts at Screening Dunrite, Florida's trusted pool enclosure specialists since 2010. For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, visit www.screeningdunrite.com.
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