Pool Enclosure Cost
Sick of dealing with nosy neighbors, pesky critters, and harsh weather?
We'll break down the costs of pool enclosures by their material and size, giving you an idea of what you can expect to spend.
Ready to put the cherry on top of your dream backyard?
Let's dive in!
Pool Screen Enclosure Cost
On average, you'll spend around $12,000 to install a mid-range pool enclosure. If you want a budget-friendly pool enclosure, you can expect to spend around $2,500, while a high-end pool enclosure will likely cost you around $61,000.
On the other hand, you could choose to go with a portable pool enclosure, which will cost you much less. Portable pool enclosures are typically either made out of mesh or nylon.
The beauty of portable pool screen enclosures is that you can often install them yourself, taking labor costs out of the equation.
On the low-end, you can expect to spend around $400 for a portable pool enclosure.
There are many things to factor in when trying to determine the cost of a pool enclosure, including the size, the design, and the materials.
Main Factors That Impact Pool Enclosure Cost
Size
While it might seem pretty obvious, the larger your swimming pool enclosure, the more you will end up spending.
You can expect material to prices to be anywhere from $10 to $120 per square foot depending on the type of material you select.
Here are some average prices based on square footage:
Many people make the mistake of estimating material costs using the square footage of their pools. However, you must also consider the height when determining the pool enclosure cost, as the taller the pool enclosure, the more materials it will require.
Height for pool enclosures can be broken down into three categories:
Materials
There are many different kinds of materials to choose from, though the three most popular materials for pool enclosures include mesh screens, glass, and polycarbonate. If affordability is the name of the game, go with a mesh enclosure. Yes, they don't look as pretty as glass or polycarbonate, but they'll protect your pool from insects and debris.
The structural materials for pool enclosures range from wood to aluminum. While wood looks nice, aluminum is cheaper and longer-lasting, perfect for those who want something more budget-friendly.
Here's an overview of what you can expect to pay for a pool enclosure based on the material:
Mesh Screen
Like we said before, mesh screens are the most affordable pool enclosures around. On average, you'll spend anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot for a mesh pool enclosure, meaning you'll spend anywhere from $3,750-$15,000 for the whole thing. One of the major advantages of mesh screen pool enclosures is that they allow breezes to flow through.
If you live in an area that gets extremely hot during the summers, having any small bit of breeze you can get is crucial.
You'll still feel like you're swimming outside rather than in a big greenhouse.
While mesh lets in wind, it keeps out small critters.
Mosquitoes running rampant in the area?
Mesh is the answer!
Plus, if you get mesh and want a slight bit of additional privacy or wind blockage on a certain side of the pool, you can always install some Florida glass.
Note that mesh screens eventually need replacement, as they deteriorate over time. They also will not prolong your swimming season like glass or polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate
Want a glass enclosure but can't stomach the cost?
Polycarbonate is the move.
Not only is it much cheaper than glass, it is also more impact-resistant. If you live in a region that is prone to hurricanes, snow, hail, high winds, or other kinds of inclement weather, polycarbonate should be your first choice.
It is also a much better insulator than glass, great for those who live in cold climates. If you want to extend the swimming season into the winter, get a polycarbonate pool enclosure.
You'll likely spend anywhere from $19 to $120 per square foot on a polycarbonate swimming pool enclosure, which comes out to about $14,250-$90,000 for a 750 square foot unit.
Similar to mesh, polycarbonate can keep out bugs. Some of its main advantages are that it is incredibly flexible, great for insulation, can withstand harsh weather, and has resistance levels 250 times greater than that of glass.
Plus, if you're planning on building a retractable pool enclosure, you will likely end up using polycarbonate.
Of course, polycarbonate doesn't come without its downsides. If you live in a hot climate, such as Florida or Arizona, you'll need to get a dehumidifier to prevent mold from growing. It can get quite hot in these enclosures, so install an extended HVAC system might also be necessary to stay comfortable during the summer.
Glass
If you want to create the most luxurious pool enclosure possible, go for a glass pool enclosure.
You'll end up spending anywhere from $30-$70 per square foot, which comes out to about $22,500-$52,500 for a 750 square foot swimming pool enclosure.
Glass is similar to polycarbonate in many ways, including the fact that it protects your swimming pool from debris, critters, and harmful UV rays.
Swimming pool enclosures make use of tempered glass, which is much stronger than average glass.
However, we wouldn't recommend it for harsh climates, as it can shatter when put under a lot of stress.
While there is nothing that can replace the beauty of glass, it is limited in design since it's not as flexible as polycarbonate.
Additional Features
Lighting
If you're planning on using your pool after dark, you might want to install lighting in your swimming pool enclosure.
The average cost for installing lighting in the pool area and running outdoor electricity ranges from around $800 to $2,200 depending on the size of the job.
HVAC
Glass pool enclosures and polycarbonate enclosures can get quite hot during the summer months. If you want to feel comfortable swimming throughout the year, you'll want to add an extended HVAC system to your pool area.
The average cost to add an extended HVAC system to an outdoor pool area is around $1,000.
If you want to save some money and stay comfortable in your outdoor pool, you might consider installing some outdoor fans.
Doors
Depending on the design of your pool enclosure, you might need to install a door. Having a door, regardless of if the pool enclosure is attached to your home or not, is very convenient.
The cost, of course, will depend on the materials. On average, consumers tend to spend anywhere from $75-$420 for a regular door.
If you choose to get a polycarbonate storm door (which you absolutely should if you live in a storm-prone region), then expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000.
Snow and Wind Load
Engineers must consider the snow and wind load of large pool enclosures and so must you.
If you live in an area that goes through heavy windstorms or snowstorms, then you'll need to consider adding additional materials to your pool enclosure to strengthen it.
When considering the design of your pool enclosure, note that it should not be flat on the top section. A gable or peak roof is necessary for allowing water and snow to slide off the side of the pool enclosure.
Rescreening Pool Enclosure Cost
The average cost to rescreen a pool enclosure is $880, which includes labor and materials.
The typical range for most rescreen jobs falls between $280 and $1,450.
Materials for a pool enclosure rescreening job cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot, while labor costs anywhere from $35 to $50 per hour depending on who you hire.
Beyond repairing screen panels, screened pool enclosures often suffer from other problems, including rotting wood fascias, structural damage, and broken seals.
Here's a small rundown as to what you can expect to pay to repair a pool screen enclosure:
Consider a Swimming Pool Cover
Let's say you're on a budget and you really only want a pool enclosure to block out debris and pesky critters. Instead, we recommend going with a swimming pool cover.
Manual swimming pool covers are far more affordable than pool enclosure, going from about $300-$2,500 depending on the size you need. If you choose to go with an automatic swimming pool cover, you'll end up spending anywhere from $4,500-$13,500.
Retractable Pool Enclosure Cost
Retractable pool enclosures provide swimmers with the best of both worlds.
You can extend your swimming season during the winter and get some airflow during the summer.
While they might cost a bit more, retractable pool enclosures are the most versatile pool enclosures around.
On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $30,000 to $160,000 on a retractable pool enclosure.
Retractable pool enclosures can be broken down into two categories, including:
An automatic retractable pool enclosure does not require any work to open and close. Simply press a button and the machinery does the work for you.
On the other hand, a manual retractable pool enclosure must be opened by hand. If you don't have any physical limitations that would stop you from being able to open a manual retractable pool enclosure and you want to save a bit of money, this is a great option.
Retractable enclosures work in a few different ways.
Some units are roof retracting, meaning the roof opens up while the walls remain intact.
Other units use a telescopic retracting design, allowing the pool enclosure to retract into itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Pool Enclosure Add Value To My Home?
Yes. A pool enclosure addition could add substantial value to your home if it adds to the aesthetic and functionality of your swimming pool area. Just like with any home upgrade, a pool enclosure could end up positively impacting your home's value.
It is also worth noting that pool enclosures can reduce your insurance premiums. In short, a pool enclosure can lessen the risk for an insurance company, meaning you might be able to use it as leverage with your insurance provider.
Can You Get a Tan Through a Glass Pool Enclosure?
Though polycarbonate and glass pool enclosures typically use UV-resistant materials, that does not mean you should ditch the sunscreen. You can still get a tan AND a sunburn through glass pool enclosures.
If you're using a mesh pool enclosure, you have absolutely no sun protection.
How Long Do Pool Enclosures Last?
Polycarbonate and glass pool enclosures will typically last around 15 years on average. The amount of time your polycarbonate or glass pool enclosure will last will depend on the climate, weather, and maintenance routine. Pool screen enclosures typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
How To Maintain A Pool Enclosure
To maintain your pool enclosure, you need to come up with a maintenance routine. Here are a few tips for maintaining your pool enclosure:
Final Thoughts - Are Pool Enclosures Worth It?
Pool enclosures aren't cheap by any means, though they can make your time by the pool far more enjoyable. Swimming pool enclosures are definitely worth the investment. Plus, in the long run, you can actually SAVE money on repairs, maintenance, and chemical additives that you would've had to spend money on if not for your pool enclosure.
You won't have to worry about pesky mosquitoes or wasps, spend time fishing around in the pool water for debris, or drenching your lobster burn in aloe vera after spending a bit too much time in the sun.
You will likely have to hire a professional to help you build your pool enclosure, so make sure to call around and ask for quotes to compare.
Good luck and happy swimming!
