The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Screen Mesh for Your Pool Enclosure
Different screen mesh types for pool enclosures
When it comes to pool enclosures, the screen mesh you choose is far more important than most homeowners realize. This seemingly simple component affects everything from visibility and insect protection to energy efficiency and long-term durability. With numerous options available in today's market, selecting the right screen mesh can be overwhelming without proper guidance.
At Screening Dunrite, we've installed and replaced thousands of screen panels across Florida, giving us unique insights into how different mesh types perform in real-world conditions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about screen mesh options, helping you make an informed decision that balances your specific needs, budget, and long-term satisfaction.
Understanding Screen Mesh Basics
Before diving into specific options, it's important to understand the fundamental characteristics that differentiate screen mesh types:
Mesh Count Explained
The most basic specification you'll encounter is mesh count, expressed as two numbers (e.g., 18x14 or 20x20):
First Number: Represents horizontal strands per inch
Second Number: Represents vertical strands per inch
Higher Numbers: Indicate tighter weave and smaller openings
Lower Numbers: Indicate more open weave with larger openings
Technical Insight: "Mesh count directly affects three critical factors: visibility, airflow, and insect protection. Understanding this relationship is key to selecting the right screen for your specific priorities." - Screening Dunrite Technical Director
Material Composition
Most pool enclosure screens fall into these material categories:
Fiberglass: The most common material, coated with vinyl or PVC for durability
Polyester: Often used in specialty applications for superior strength
Aluminum: Used in specific applications where metal properties are desired
Hybrid Materials: Proprietary blends offering enhanced performance characteristics
Key Performance Factors
When evaluating screen options, consider these critical performance aspects:
Visibility: How clearly you can see through the screen
Insect Protection: Ability to keep out various sizes of insects
UV Resistance: How well it withstands sun exposure without deteriorating
Strength: Resistance to tearing and punctures
Airflow: How freely air passes through the screen
Heat Reduction: Ability to block solar heat gain
Privacy: Level of visibility from outside the enclosure
Lifespan: Expected durability under Florida conditions
Standard Fiberglass Screen Options
Standard 18x14 Mesh
This is the most common and economical screen mesh used in Florida pool enclosures:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Count: 18 strands per inch horizontally, 14 strands per inch vertically
Material: Vinyl-coated fiberglass
Openness Factor: Approximately 65%
Cost Range: $0.85-$1.25 per square foot installed
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Excellent (minimal visual obstruction)
Insect Protection: Good for most common insects
UV Resistance: 5-7 years before noticeable deterioration
Strength: Moderate
Airflow: Excellent
Heat Reduction: Minimal (10-15%)
Privacy: Minimal
Lifespan: 7-10 years under typical Florida conditions
Best For:
Budget-conscious homeowners
Areas where maximum visibility is desired
Enclosures with good airflow requirements
Standard insect protection needs
Limitations:
Not ideal for homes near pine trees (needles can penetrate)
Less effective against no-see-ums and smaller insects
Shorter lifespan compared to premium options
Limited strength against pets or active children
No-See-Um 20x20 Mesh
This tighter weave screen is designed specifically to keep out Florida's tiniest biting insects:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Count: 20 strands per inch both horizontally and vertically
Material: Vinyl-coated fiberglass
Openness Factor: Approximately 55%
Cost Range: $1.10-$1.60 per square foot installed
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Very good (slight visual darkening)
Insect Protection: Excellent (blocks even tiny midges)
UV Resistance: 5-7 years before noticeable deterioration
Strength: Moderate
Airflow: Good (approximately 15% less than standard 18x14)
Heat Reduction: Moderate (15-20%)
Privacy: Minimal
Lifespan: 7-10 years under typical Florida conditions
Best For:
Waterfront properties where no-see-ums are problematic
Areas near marshes, lakes, or standing water
Homeowners particularly sensitive to insect bites
Properties near pine trees (prevents needle penetration)
Limitations:
Slightly reduced visibility compared to standard mesh
Somewhat reduced airflow
May feel more enclosed due to tighter weave
Not significantly stronger against physical damage
Product Recommendation: Phifer 20x20 No-See-Um Screen - Professional installation recommended
Pros: Superior insect protection, good visibility, established brand quality
Cons: Premium price point, requires professional installation for optimal tension
Best for: Florida waterfront properties and areas with significant tiny insect populations
Premium Strength Screen Options
Pet Screen
Designed specifically to resist damage from pets, this specialized screen offers exceptional durability:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Count: Varies by manufacturer, typically 15x15 or similar
Material: Vinyl-coated polyester (7x stronger than standard fiberglass)
Openness Factor: Approximately 60%
Cost Range: $2.00-$3.00 per square foot installed
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Good (slightly darker than standard screen)
Insect Protection: Very good
UV Resistance: 7-10 years before noticeable deterioration
Strength: Excellent (resists pet claws and moderate impacts)
Airflow: Good
Heat Reduction: Moderate (15-20%)
Privacy: Minimal
Lifespan: 10-15 years under typical Florida conditions
Best For:
Homes with dogs or cats that interact with screens
Lower panels where pets typically approach the screen
Families with young children
Areas subject to more frequent impact or contact
Limitations:
Higher cost than standard screening
Slightly thicker appearance
May have more visible grid pattern
Not completely impervious to determined pets with sharp claws
Product Recommendation: Phifer Pet Screen - Professional installation recommended
Pros: 7x stronger than standard screen, excellent tear resistance, good visibility
Cons: 30-50% more expensive than standard screen
Best for: Lower panels in homes with pets or active children
Installation Tip: Many homeowners opt for a hybrid approach, using pet screen only on lower panels where pets actually contact the screen, with standard or no-see-um screen on upper panels. This strategic approach optimizes both performance and budget.
Super Screen™
This premium product represents the highest tier of durability for residential pool enclosures:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Count: Proprietary weave pattern
Material: Specially formulated vinyl-coated polyester
Openness Factor: Approximately 55-60%
Cost Range: $2.25-$3.25 per square foot installed
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Good (slightly darker than standard screen)
Insect Protection: Excellent
UV Resistance: 10-15+ years before noticeable deterioration
Strength: Superior (3x stronger than standard fiberglass)
Airflow: Good
Heat Reduction: Moderate (15-20%)
Privacy: Minimal
Lifespan: 15+ years under typical Florida conditions
Best For:
Homeowners planning long-term residence
Areas with exposure to harsh conditions
Those willing to invest in reduced long-term maintenance
High-value enclosures where longevity is prioritized
Limitations:
Highest cost option for standard visibility screens
Slightly more visible grid pattern
Limited color options (typically charcoal or black)
May be overkill for seasonal residences
Product Recommendation: Twitchell Super Screen™ - Professional installation recommended
Pros: Exceptional longevity, excellent tear resistance, reduced long-term cost of ownership
Cons: Higher initial investment, limited availability through professional installers
Best for: Primary residences where long-term value is prioritized over initial cost
Value Analysis: While Super Screen™ costs approximately 2-3 times more than standard fiberglass screen initially, its 2-3 times longer lifespan makes it cost-effective over time, especially when factoring in the labor costs of rescreening.
Specialty Screen Options
Solar/Heat Control Screens
These specialized screens are designed to reduce heat gain while maintaining visibility:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Count: Varies by product, typically tighter than standard
Material: Vinyl-coated fiberglass with specialized coatings
Openness Factor: 30-50% depending on specific product
Cost Range: $1.75-$2.75 per square foot installed
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Good to moderate (darker than standard screen)
Insect Protection: Excellent
UV Resistance: 7-10 years before noticeable deterioration
Strength: Moderate to good
Airflow: Moderate (reduced compared to standard)
Heat Reduction: Significant (25-35%)
Privacy: Moderate
Lifespan: 8-12 years under typical Florida conditions
Best For:
West-facing enclosures with afternoon sun exposure
Enclosures with limited natural shade
Homeowners prioritizing cooler temperatures
Reducing air conditioning costs in adjacent indoor spaces
Limitations:
Darker appearance reduces outward visibility
More noticeable screen presence
Reduced airflow compared to standard options
Higher cost than standard screening
Product Recommendation: Phifer SunTex 80/90 - Professional installation recommended
Pros: Blocks 80-90% of solar heat and UV rays, reduces glare, energy efficient
Cons: Darker appearance, more visible screen presence
Best for: West and south-facing enclosures where heat gain is problematic
Privacy Screen (Florida Glass)
When visibility control is a priority, these specialized screens offer enhanced privacy:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Count: Very tight proprietary weave
Material: Vinyl-coated fiberglass with specialized finish
Openness Factor: 15-30% depending on specific product
Cost Range: $3.00-$5.00+ per square foot installed
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Limited outward, very limited inward
Insect Protection: Superior
UV Resistance: 7-10 years before noticeable deterioration
Strength: Moderate to good
Airflow: Reduced but still functional
Heat Reduction: Significant (30-40%)
Privacy: Excellent (especially during daylight hours)
Lifespan: 8-12 years under typical Florida conditions
Best For:
Enclosures close to neighbors or public areas
Homes where privacy is a significant concern
Pool areas where changing clothes might occur
Properties on busy streets or public spaces
Limitations:
Significantly reduced outward visibility
More noticeable "screen presence"
Reduced natural light transmission
Highest cost for screen materials
Product Recommendation: Florida Glass Privacy Screen - Professional installation recommended
Pros: Excellent privacy, good insect protection, significant heat reduction
Cons: Limited outward visibility, premium pricing
Best for: Specific panels where privacy is needed, rarely used for entire enclosures
Application Tip: Privacy screen is often installed strategically on specific panels rather than the entire enclosure. This targeted approach maintains visibility where desired while providing privacy where needed.
Specialized Application Screens
Pool Cage White Screen
This less common option provides a distinctive appearance and specific benefits:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Count: Typically 18x14 or 18x16
Material: Vinyl-coated fiberglass in white color
Openness Factor: Approximately 65%
Cost Range: $1.25-$1.75 per square foot installed
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Good but with different aesthetic (white grid)
Insect Protection: Good
UV Resistance: 5-7 years before noticeable deterioration
Strength: Moderate
Airflow: Excellent
Heat Reduction: Slightly better than black screen (reflects more light)
Privacy: Minimal
Lifespan: 7-10 years under typical Florida conditions
Best For:
White-framed enclosures for aesthetic coordination
Homeowners preferring the appearance of white screen
Situations where slightly cooler temperatures are desired
Modern design aesthetics
Limitations:
Shows dirt and algae more readily than dark screen
Limited availability compared to standard black/charcoal
May appear more visually prominent than dark screen
Typically costs more than standard black screen
Motorized Retractable Screens
For maximum flexibility, these high-end options offer the ability to raise and lower screens as needed:
Technical Specifications:
Mesh Options: Various available, from standard to privacy
Operation: Motorized with remote control
Installation: Requires specialized tracks and housing
Cost Range: $1,500-$5,000+ per opening depending on size and options
Performance Characteristics:
Visibility: Adjustable (completely clear when retracted)
Insect Protection: Excellent when deployed
Flexibility: Superior (deploy only when needed)
Integration: Can be connected to home automation systems
Customization: Multiple fabric and opacity options
Best For:
Luxury installations where budget is not primary concern
Situations requiring variable screening
Enclosures where unobstructed views are sometimes desired
Integration with smart home systems
Limitations:
Significant cost premium over fixed screens
Requires professional installation
More mechanical components that may need maintenance
Not practical for entire pool enclosures (typically used for specific openings)
Product Recommendation: Phantom Screens Motorized Executive Screens - Professional installation required
Pros: Disappears completely when retracted, multiple fabric options, remote control
Cons: Premium pricing, specialized installation, not suitable for all applications
Best for: Luxury installations where maximum flexibility is desired
Making the Right Selection for Your Needs
Assessing Your Priorities
To select the optimal screen mesh, rank these factors based on your specific situation:
Budget Considerations
Initial investment capacity
Long-term ownership plans
Value of reduced future rescreening
Environmental Factors
Proximity to water (no-see-um concerns)
Sun exposure and orientation
Tree coverage and debris potential
Coastal or inland location
Household Needs
Presence of pets or young children
Privacy requirements
Temperature sensitivity
Aesthetic preferences
Strategic Mixed Installations
Many homeowners opt for strategic combinations of different screen types:
Vertical Zoning: Pet screen on lower panels, standard screen above
Directional Zoning: Solar screen on west-facing panels, standard elsewhere
Functional Zoning: Privacy screen near changing areas, standard for general use
Budget Optimization: Premium screen on high-wear areas, standard in less critical areas
Cost-Saving Tip: Our DIY Pool Enclosure Maintenance Course includes detailed guidance on identifying which panels are most vulnerable to damage and warrant premium materials, helping you optimize your investment.
Professional Consultation Value
While this guide provides comprehensive information, a professional assessment offers several benefits:
Site-Specific Recommendations: Analysis of your exact sun exposure, wind patterns, and environmental factors
Sample Visualization: Viewing actual screen samples in your specific lighting conditions
Budget Optimization: Strategic recommendations for mixed installations to maximize value
Installation Expertise: Proper tension and attachment significantly affect performance and longevity
At Screening Dunrite, our free consultation service includes sample demonstrations and customized recommendations based on your specific property and needs.
Installation Considerations
Proper Installation Impact on Performance
The quality of installation significantly affects how any screen mesh performs:
Proper Tension: Screens must be installed with correct tension to resist damage
Spline Selection: The right spline size and type is critical for secure attachment
Frame Preparation: Proper cleaning and preparation of channels affects longevity
Corner Treatment: Proper technique at corners reduces stress points and tearing
Technical Detail: For pool enclosures with flat spline grooves, .310" to .315" flat spline is standard. For enclosures with round spline grooves, .220" round spline is typically used. Using the correct size is crucial for proper tension and longevity.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Consider these factors when deciding between DIY and professional installation:
DIY Considerations:
Requires specialized tools (spline roller, utility knife with hook blades)
Physical demands include overhead work and maintaining tension
Learning curve for proper technique
Time investment (typically 1-2 hours per panel for beginners)
Professional Installation Benefits:
Proper tension across all panels
Warranty on workmanship
Efficiency (experienced teams can rescreen quickly)
Proper handling of specialty materials
For homeowners interested in DIY rescreening, our DIY Pool Enclosure Maintenance Course provides comprehensive instruction on proper techniques.
Maintenance and Longevity
Extending Screen Life
Regardless of which screen type you select, these maintenance practices will maximize longevity:
Regular Gentle Cleaning: Rinse with low-pressure water quarterly
Avoid Pressure Washing: Direct pressure washing can damage screen material
Prompt Repair: Address small tears before they expand
Trim Nearby Vegetation: Prevent branches from contacting screen surfaces
Proper Door Closure: Ensure doors close properly to prevent wind damage
Cleaning Tip: For stubborn stains, use a solution of mild dish soap and water applied with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the vinyl coating.
When to Replace
Look for these indicators that screen replacement is needed:
Brittleness: Screen feels crisp or cracks when gently pressed
Color Fading: Significant lightening from original color
Sagging: Screen no longer maintains proper tension
Multiple Repairs: Panel has several patches or repairs
Reduced Visibility: Clouding or discoloration obstructs view
Conclusion: Investing in the Right Screen for Your Lifestyle
Selecting the right screen mesh for your pool enclosure is a decision that affects your daily enjoyment, maintenance requirements, and long-term costs. By understanding the different options available—from standard fiberglass to specialty applications like pet screen and privacy mesh—you can make an informed choice that aligns with your specific needs and priorities.
Remember that there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Many homeowners find that a strategic combination of different screen types provides the optimal balance of performance and value. Whether you prioritize insect protection, durability, heat reduction, or privacy, today's screen mesh options offer solutions for every requirement and budget.
At Screening Dunrite, we're committed to helping Florida homeowners make informed decisions about their pool enclosures. Whether you're building a new enclosure, rescreening an existing structure, or simply exploring your options, our team of experts is available to provide guidance based on your specific situation.
For more information about screen mesh options or to schedule a consultation, 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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