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Should You Enclose Your Pool? Benefits, Costs and Advice

Last Updated: October 04, 2023

A swimming pool enclosure, in addition to adding privacy and security, is a great way to protect your pool from leaves, pollen, and insects.

Pool Enclosure Costs #

Glass panel enclosures provide the most complete protection and climate control, with total installed costs often between $20,000 to $60,000.

Aluminum Frame with Glass Panels

  • Materials: $15 to $25 per sq ft
  • Labor: $5 to $10 per sq ft
  • Total for glass panel enclosure: $20 to $35 per sq ft

Screen Pool Enclosures

  • Screen material: $2 to $4 per sq ft
  • Aluminum frame: $15 to $20 per sq ft
  • Labor: $5 to $8 per sq ft
  • Total for screen enclosure: $22 to $32 per sq ft

Additional Costs

  • Permit fees: $100 to $500
  • Masonry base: $8 to $12 per linear ft
  • Removal of existing enclosure: $2,000 to $4,000
  • Heating/cooling system: $4,000 to $8,000
  • Automatic retractable system: $10,000 to $15,000

Key Factors

  • Type of material (glass, screen, polycarbonate panels)
  • Size and height of enclosure
  • Manual vs motorized opening
  • Accessories like doors, windows, ventilation

Swimming Pool Enclosure Large

Pool Enclosure Cost Examples #

Here are some real-life examples of how much homeowners paid for pool enclosures:

  • A homeowner in Florida installed a basic 20' x 40' screen enclosure around their in-ground pool. With the aluminum frame and labor, the total project cost was $15,000.

  • A family in Texas had a 30' x 50' glass panel enclosure installed around their backyard pool and patio area. The enclosure with tempered glass doors and windows cost them $38,000 total.

  • A homeowner in California added a motorized retractable enclosure around their 20' x 30' pool. The glass panels with automatic opening system totaled $48,000 installed.

  • A hotel in Hawaii enclosed their large 40' x 100' commercial pool with aluminum framing and clear polycarbonate panels. The massive pool enclosure project cost $68,000 including materials, labor and shipping.

  • A city Parks & Rec department installed basic screen enclosures around 4 public pools measuring 25' x 75' each. The total project cost for all 4 pool enclosures was $85,000.

  • A luxury homebuilder created a glass conservatory-style enclosure around an indoor pool including heating, cooling and lighting. The high-end custom pool enclosure was $150,000 to construct.

Swimming Pool Enclosure Modern

Types of Pool Enclosures #

TypeProsConsCost Per Sq Ft*
Glass
  • Full visibility
  • Excellent durability
  • Great climate control
  • Most expensive option
  • Fogs up
  • Can break/shatter
$20 - $35
Screen
  • Lower cost
  • Lets in breeze
  • Easy to repair holes
  • No weather protection
  • Insects get in
  • Less privacy
$22 - $32
Polycarbonate
  • Impact resistant
  • UV protection
  • Clear visibility
  • Easily scratched
  • Can yellow over time
$25 - $50

Reasons to Install a Swimming Pool Enclosure #

No matter what type of swimming pool enclosure you install, it will provide a number of benefits, including the following:

  • Convenience: A swimming pool enclosure is a step up from a pool cover, which doesn't allow swimming while it's in use. Plus, telescopic or retractable pool enclosures allow you to modify the amount of sunlight that comes in and accordingly enjoy a warmer or cooler climate depending on your mood and needs.
  • Safety: Unfortunate pool accidents involving pets and children can be prevented by controlling who and what has access to the pool area. An alarm system can enhance the safety of a pool enclosure.
  • Thermal Efficiency: A glass pool enclosure magnifies and traps the sun's heat, which allows your pool to warm up faster and stay warmer even beyond the warmest months.
  • Value: A pool enclosure can be a great place to entertain guests and if you ever decide to sell your home, will increase its resale value.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pool Enclosure Company #

Here are some important questions to ask when hiring a pool enclosure installation company:

Experience

  • How long have you been installing pool enclosures?
  • How many pool enclosures have you installed?
  • Can you provide references from recent pool enclosure projects?

Services

  • Do you provide design consultation to help select the best materials and layout?
  • Do you handle securing required permits for the project?
  • Do you demolish and remove any existing enclosure/structure?
  • Does your work include site preparation and post-install cleanup?

Materials

  • What enclosure materials and brands do you recommend and use?
  • Do you offer warranties on the enclosure materials?
  • Can you provide product samples to view?

Costs

  • What is the estimated total cost for the pool enclosure I need?
  • Do you offer payment plans or financing options?
  • What factors might increase the project cost from your estimate?

Process

  • How long will the pool enclosure installation take?
  • How will you minimize impact/disruption to my property during the project?
  • Do you pull all required permits for the pool enclosure installation?

Asking these questions upfront will help vet potential contractors and ensure you choose an experienced company qualified for the project.

Sources:

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