A pool is intended to become a shelter from the stress of daily life. Therefore, people who own the pool usually don’t tolerate inconveniences, such as extra trash or insects near the pool. Actually, to defend their backyard asylums, most of them take the apparently extreme measure to get their pools fully screened in.

Pool screen enclosures (also known as “pool cages”) are very popular in Florida, where they not just defend against mosquitoes but provide shelter from the excess heat. So, how to choose the proper pool screen enclosures for you?

Pros and cons

Pool screens are efficient in shielding the pool area from every angle. Whether it is a benefit or drawback depends on your viewpoint and the situation. Let’s begin with naming the major benefits of this variety of pool enclosure:

• Protect you from mosquitoes and other insects
• Keeps leaves and other trash at bay
• Hides your pool from the prying eyes
• Blocks the sun rays to make the pool and surrounding area cooler
• Acts as a security barrier for your pool
• Keeps the wild animals out of your swimming pool

Well, considering all these advantages, why aren’t pool screens a commonplace? The reason is that a screened enclosure also has its drawbacks:

• Blocks sight lines to the pool, which doesn’t let you admire its beauty from other parts of your house
• Prevents the entrance of the sunlight, which can make the pool and surrounding area quite cold
• It needs regular cleaning and renovations
• Isn’t attractive at all – actually, some pool owners find it ugly

Sure, the most significant drawback of the pool screen enclosures is its cost. After all, price is always an important aspect when considering a pool feature.

What’s the price of a pool screen enclosure?

The cost may differ, but pool screen enclosures usually cost about $7 per square foot. Thus, you will have to pay at least several thousand dollars to screen in a common inground pool. It is difficult to calculate the average price for a pool due to the next variables:

• Size of the space that needs screening
• Height of the enclosure
• How many sides have to be screened
• Materials required

Of course, you can save significantly by checking the pool yourself. Actually, you can see that pool screen enclosure kits that alleviate the work. However, prior to proceeding to such a project, ensure that it complies with the residential pool laws in your region – particularly if you’re going to use the enclosure to satisfy protective barrier requirements.

Avoid “caging” yourself In

Still not sure whether to get a pool screen enclosure? Take your time. Unless you have previous experience with pool screens, or particular concerns that make one especially appealing, you can simply adopt a wait-and-see attitude. After using the pool for a year or two, feel free to get it screened if you consider it necessary.

Even in the locations with lots of mosquitoes, the majority of pool owners do perfectly without a screen enclosure. In such cases, maintaining the pool appropriately chlorinated and in right operating condition are enough to keep the pests apart.

Before getting your pool screened, don’t forget to consider other kinds of enclosures that could satisfy your requirements. And of course, when selecting a pool builder, consider at least a few valuations to save some money for the pool features.