A pool enclosure provides a great way to extend your swimming season and in many cases it can make your pool useable the entire year round. A pool enclosure is a free standing structure that creates an indoor space around your pool. A pool enclosure provides protection from dirt and debris falling or blowing into your pool keeping the water cleaner and reducing maintenance expense. Pool enclosures also help to insulate the pool water from temperature extremes helping to maintain pool water temperature and reducing heating costs. Pool enclosures can also reduce evaporation so you will not need to add water to your pool as often.
Pool enclosures come in a wide variety of styles and building techniques. The most inexpensive style of pool enclosure consists of an aluminum frame that holds a curved plastic shell. The curved roof reduces weight and building material in addition to making installation very simple. Some of the curved roof style pool enclosures are also retractable so you can open your pool and have complete sunlight on the pool. These “convertible” pool enclosures are built in 8’ to 10’ sections that slide on a track and fit inside one another. Some people prefer this style of pool enclosure because of it’s low cost and great flexibility.
Pool enclosures are also constructed in an atrium style with glass panels or sliding doors that are linked together to create the walls. A curved or gabled roof is then placed on this frame producing a pool enclosure that has much more architectural interest that the domed style. Also the straight walls (as apposed to the curved walls) creates more usable space within the structure. The roof is normally composed of lexan or other composite plastic material to keep the overhead weight at a safe limit.
No matter what style pool enclosure you are interested in, you should consult your local authorities to see what if any permits are required in your area. Depending on the style of pool enclosure you select, there will also be size limitations. The curved roof design will normally span longer distances than the atrium style enclosure. Most manufactures claim that a homeowner can install their enclosure themselves, but you should probably pay for the installation because every installation is different and experience will help the process run smoothly.
Prices vary on pool enclosures depending on the features you are interested in. You can spend as little as a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. They are however a long lasting investment to your home that will likely pay for itself in just a few seasons. Many homeowners also claim the pool enclosure increased the value of their home significantly and they were able to recoup the total cost of the enclosure when they sold their homes.
