To Screen or Not to Screen – Does Your Outdoor Project Require an Enclosure?

Enhancing Your Backyard Oasis: Pros and Cons of Screening Your Pool

Backyard swimming pools offer a refreshing escape from the heat and provide a fun-filled space for relaxation and entertainment. However, an unscreened pool can attract unwanted insects, debris, and pests, making it less enjoyable and requiring more frequent cleaning. Pool screening can address these issues while offering additional benefits, but it also comes with its own considerations.

Pros of Pool Screening:

1. Reduced Debris and Insects: Pool screens act as a barrier, preventing leaves, twigs, insects, and other debris from falling into the pool, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and skimming. This also helps maintain pool water quality and reduces the risk of clogging filters and pumps.
2. Enhanced Child Safety: Pool screens can provide an extra layer of child safety by preventing unsupervised access to the pool area. The screens act as a deterrent and make it more difficult for young children to reach the pool without adult supervision.
3. Protection from Pests: Pool screens keep out unwanted pests like mosquitoes, bees, and other wildlife that can be annoying and potentially dangerous (think: gators!). This allows for a more comfortable and enjoyable swimming experience without the constant fear of pests.
4. Increased Privacy: Pool screens can provide a degree of privacy from neighboring properties, allowing you to enjoy your pool without feeling like you’re being watched.

Cons of Pool Screen Enclosure:

1. Initial Cost: Pool screening is an additional investment that can be costly, especially for larger pools or enclosures with complex designs.
2. Maintenance and Upkeep: Pool screens require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the buildup of dirt, pollen, and debris. This can be an added chore for pool owners.
3. Limited Sunlight: Pool screens block some sunlight, which can reduce water temperature and affect the growth of poolside plants. This may require adjustments to your pool maintenance routine or landscape design.
4. Aesthetics: Pool screens can obstruct the line of sight from inside the house. But even worse, they can obstruct nature, lake or oceanfront views from inside the enclosure. Panoramic screen walls can help mitigate this concern, but do not alleviate it completely.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to screen your pool depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you do not intend to install a screen now, but may want to in the future, talk to your pool builder about installing the necessary footers under the decking in advance. This can save you a lot of time and money in the future.