How Much Does a Pool Enclosure Cost? Everything You Need to Know About Purchasing a Pool Enclosure

Pool enclosures have many benefits. They keep bugs out and prevent leaves and debris from dirtying your pool. Enclosures also provide privacy, shade and protection from the elements. Some types of enclosures are designed for safety, preventing kids, non-swimming adults and pets from falling into the pool.

A pool enclosure can actually be one of many things - from a removable mesh fence to a permanent glass enclosure. Because of that, prices vary widely depending on the type of enclosure you select. You could spend just $500 or upwards of $50,000.

About Pool Enclosures

Pool enclosures can be made of mesh screen, glass or - less often - plastic. Some are retractable; others are not. They can be fixed structures with doors and windows or moveable screens that collapse and fold away. Fixed structures can be attached to the home or unattached.

Removable pool fences, usually made of mesh, are the least expensive option. They surround just the perimeter of the pool, and they’re are designed for quick setup and takedown. Typically climb resistant, they’re available in a variety of heights, styles and colors.

Screen enclosures generally have aluminum frames and mesh screens. They’re great for keeping bugs and debris out, as well as keeping the pool secure, but they’re not intended for cold climates because they can’t handle the weight of snow. Most often, you’ll see these in humid, buggy climates.

Glass pool enclosures are significantly more expensive, but they work in any climate. In cold climates, they greatly extend the swimming season. They also provide security and keep bugs and debris out, but they do block some of the sun unless you opt for a retractable roof. The ceilings are made using shatterproof glass for safety.

Screen and glass enclosures have the additional advantage of prolonging the life of your swimming pool’s parts and components Because they block debris, your filtration system will last longer because it doesn’t have to work as hard.

Cost of Pool Enclosures

• Removable pool fences usually cost $500-$2,000, or about $15-$20 per linear foot. For an average-sized pool, budget closer to $1,000-$1,500.
• Screened enclosures tend to cost $15-$25 per square foot. They start at about $7,000 and go up from there. A small 16X32 enclosure that is 10 feet in height might cost $7,500-$13,000, depending on your location and the company you choose.
• Inflatable dome enclosures sell for about $10,000, but they require annual setup and takedown because they get too hot in the summer months.
• Glass enclosures usually cost $45-$65 per square foot. For a 1,000-square-foot enclosure, budget $45,000-$65,000.
• High-end glass enclosures with retractable roofs - the kind you’d see at a hotel - often cost $100-$200 per square foot.

Choosing a Pool Enclosure

Functionality should be one of your first considerations. What do you want the pool enclosure to do? If it is purely for safety, a removable fence should do just fine. If you want to keep the bugs out, you’ll need a screen or glass enclosure.

Budget is another important consideration. What can you afford? Set a realistic budget before you start shopping and stick to it. If you decide on a budget in advance, you might not be as tempted to upgrade to a fancier model you can’t afford.

Consider the size, condition and quality of your pool, as well as the characteristics of the neighborhood. In most cases, you don’t want to put a fancy glass enclosure around an above-ground pool or an inexpensive vinyl pool - the finances just don’t make sense. If you live in a high-end neighborhood and everyone has large mesh or glass enclosures, the best thing for resale value is probably to invest in one, too.

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