Why Installing Pool Shutters is a Smart Investment for Homeowners

Why Install Pool Shutters?

Installing pool shutters, also known as pool enclosures or a pool cage, is an increasingly popular option for homeowners with swimming pools. Pool enclosures serve several useful purposes that can make them a worthwhile investment.

Protection from Debris

One of the biggest reasons to install pool shutters is to protect the water from debris like leaves, sticks, and blown dirt and dust. By covering your pool when it's not in use, you can cut back considerably on maintenance needs. You won't have to skim debris off the surface or run your pool vacuum as often.

Reducing debris means you may use fewer pool chemicals too. Tree leaves and other organic matter contaminate pool water, leading to more chemical demand. With an enclosure around your pool, less debris lands in the water.

Lower Evaporation

When you leave your pool uncovered, a significant portion of your water is lost to evaporation over the swim season. This causes you to add more water more often to maintain level. It also makes your pool chemicals become more concentrated, throwing off water balance.

Installing a pool enclosure cuts down on evaporation. By keeping the pool shielded even when not in use, less moisture is lost. Adding an enclosure can reduce the amount of replacement water you need by 30% or more.

Extra Outdoor Living Space

Pool cages create usable outdoor living areas that can be enjoyed for many months of the year. By enclosing the pool itself plus a surrounding deck/patio zone, you essentially add a sunroom or screened porch.

This extra temperate space can be furnished with seating, dining sets, and outdoor recreation amenities. You can still enjoy beautiful weather days even when it's too cool to swim. Entertaining small groups outdoors becomes more flexible with a pool enclosure too.

Different Kinds of Pool Enclosures

If you decide to put an enclosure around your swimming pool, you'll find there are different design options. The best choice depends on climate, yard layout, HOA rules, and other factors.

Aluminum Framed Screen Rooms

One very popular version of a pool enclosure is an aluminum-framed screen room structure. This resembles a pole barn building, but with screens covering the entire perimeter instead of sheet metal or another solid siding.

Screen pool cages allow sunlight, airflow, and visibility of surroundings. Yet they still provide protection from wind debris. It's important to choose screens with very fine mesh to effectively block tiny debris. Screens also filter some UV rays to prevent sun damage to pool finishes.

Clear Vinyl Enclosures

Another option for covering a pool area is clear vinyl or plastic sheeting. These transparent pool enclosures allow sunlight to penetrate. So they don't impact the effectiveness of pool heating solar collectors at all.

The downside is vinyl pool enclosures generally don't allow much airflow. Make sure to choose vinyl sheets with UV protection. Too much sun exposure over years can cause vinyl to become brittle and yellowed.

Retractable Awnings and Rolling Shutters

Retractable/motorized systems are great for adjustable control over your pool enclosure. On sunny days the cover can slide open or roll back to allow open-air swimming. Retract when the weather is poor or at night.

Rolling shutters provide the security of solid panels and the adjustability of opening/closing covers. Manual or motorized systems are available. One downside is potential for mechanical problems from complex operating mechanisms.

Tips for Constructing an Enclosure

If you plan to build a permanent structure around your pool rather than buying a temporary pop-up canopy, keep these tips in mind:

Mind Setbacks and Easements

Most areas have zoning rules about structures in relation to property lines and utility easements. Make sure to check regulations for pool enclosures. You don't want to sink money into building only to have modifications required later.

Include Ample Ventilation

Humidity and chemical odors can build up fast in enclosed pool zones. Ensure your structure includes enough ventilation to allow fresh airflow. Vents near the tops of walls and screens help tremendously.

Consider adding a powered vent fan or two as well. Most models have dampness sensors to automatically exhaust air when interior RH gets too high. Some even help destratify air temperatures.

Mind the Slope

Pay attention to drainage slope around your pool enclosure. You don't want heavy rain to result in standing water inside. Ideally, have the structure's foundation perched just above yard grade level.

Grading soil to create a perimeter swale is wise too. Make sure runoff has somewhere to go. Having splash blocks, drain piping, or gravel trenches along the base keeps the interior dry after storms.

Operating Pool Shutters and Enclosures

To maximize benefits from your pool enclosure or retractable cover system, follow these usage tips:

Close at Night

Get into the habit of closing your motorized pool shutter or extending your cover every evening when you're done swimming. This prevents evaporative water loss and blocks any windblown debris from getting into the water overnight.

Vent Daily

If feasible with your system, open up panels or retract coverings for a bit each sunny day. Letting fresh air circulate and ventilate prevents a closed-in musty smell from developing.

Check Tracking and Tension

Over time, operating mechanisms like roller tracks may need lubrication or adjustment. Make sure to inspect regularly so that covers open and close smoothly. Keep an eye that vinyl and screen panels stay taut and anchored tightly.

Well-maintained pool enclosures not only protect your investment - they also make your backyard more enjoyable to use. Investing in covers or retractable shutters is worthwhile for many home swimmers.

FAQs

Do all pool enclosures need to be fully covered?

No, some pool enclosures use retractable, open-air systems. Screens, rolling shutters, and retractable awnings allow adjustable air flow while still providing cover when needed.

Can enclosure panels withstand wind and storms?

Pool enclosures are usually engineered for high wind resistance ratings of 90mph or more. Make sure to buy panels rated for your area's typical wind speeds.

Will an enclosure make my pool area feel closed in?

Not if good ventilation and visibility are incorporated. Features like translucent panels, screens, window-like shutters, and vent fans prevent a closed-off feeling.

Do I need a permit to build a pool enclosure?

In most areas permits are required for permanent structures like pool cages. Make sure to check zoning laws for setbacks too. Permits ensure proper construction for safety.

Can enclosures help control humidity around a pool?

Yes, features like powered exhaust vents, screens, and open-air awnings allow moisture to dissipate instead of lingering over the water's surface.