Why an Above Ground Pool Enclosure Is Worth It (Especially in Florida)

An above ground pool enclosure is a structure built around your pool to keep out bugs, debris, and harsh weather — while extending how long you can enjoy the water each year.

Quick answer: What does an above ground pool enclosure do?

BenefitWhat It Means for YouBug protectionKeeps mosquitoes, gnats, and flies out of your swim areaDebris barrierFewer leaves, pollen, and dirt in the waterSeason extensionSwim longer into fall and springSafetyActs as a barrier to protect children and petsLess maintenanceCleaner water means less cleaning and fewer chemicals

If you have an above ground pool in coastal Florida, you already know the problem. You step outside for a swim and within minutes you're swatting mosquitoes, skimming leaves, or heading back inside because of a surprise rainstorm. Your pool gets used far less than it should.

That's exactly the problem a pool enclosure solves.

Nearly 300 children under 5 drown in pools and spas each year, and the majority of those incidents happen in residential settings. An enclosure adds a critical layer of protection — on top of the enjoyment and convenience it brings every single day.

I'm Cody Lafferty, and with over 10 years of hands-on experience designing and installing aluminum structures and screen enclosures here in Florida, I've helped countless homeowners find the right above ground pool enclosure to fit their pool, their budget, and their lifestyle. Let's walk through everything you need to know.

Understanding the Above Ground Pool Enclosure

When we talk about an above ground pool enclosure, we aren't just talking about one specific product. The term covers a wide range of structures designed to shield your swimming area. Some are lightweight and sit directly on the pool’s top rails, while others are massive, freestanding aluminum "cages" that turn your backyard into a private resort.

In our neck of the woods—from Titusville down to Vero Beach—the most common request we see is for structures that handle the intense Florida sun and the relentless "no-see-ums" (those tiny biting midges that ruin a good sunset swim).

Selecting the Right Above Ground Pool Enclosure Type

Choosing the right model depends on your primary goal. Are you trying to keep the water warm, or are you just tired of scooping out oak leaves? Here are the 7 Types of Pool Enclosures usually considered for residential pools:

1. Screen Enclosures: These are the gold standard in Florida. They use high-quality mesh (like Phifer screen) to allow airflow while blocking 100% of pests and most debris.
2. Dome Enclosures: Often made of vinyl or mesh, these "sun domes" look like a tent over your pool. They are excellent for heating the water via the greenhouse effect.
3. Telescopic and Retractable Enclosures: These high-end systems slide on tracks. You can have a fully enclosed indoor pool when it rains and an open-air pool when the weather is perfect.
4. Vinyl Enclosures: These usually feature clear 12-mil vinyl. They act like a greenhouse, often increasing water temperature by up to 20°F.
5. Glass Enclosures: While more common for inground pools, custom glass enclosures provide the ultimate "four-season" room experience, though they come with a higher price tag.
6. Inflatable Domes: A temporary, budget-friendly option held up by air pressure from a fan.
7. Lean-To Enclosures: These attach directly to your house, extending your living space out to the pool edge.

For more detailed specs on how these fit different yard layouts, check out our page on above-ground-pool-enclosures.

Enclosure TypeBest ForMaterialLifespanScreenBug & Debris ProtectionAluminum & Mesh10–20 YearsDomeHeating & BudgetVinyl/Fiberglass5–10 YearsRetractableVersatilityPolycarbonate/Aluminum15–20 Years

Permanent vs. Portable Enclosure Options

One of the first big decisions you’ll make is whether you want something that stays up year-round or something you can pack away.

Permanent Enclosures (like our custom aluminum pool cages) are engineered to withstand Florida's high winds. They require concrete footings and professional installation but offer the best long-term ROI. They don't just protect the pool; they create a "screen room" environment where you can leave your towels and patio furniture out without them getting soaked or covered in pollen. Learn more about our permanent pool-enclosures here.

Portable or Temporary Options (like inflatable or lightweight vinyl domes) are great if you only want to extend the season by a month or two. However, in Brevard County, we have to be careful with these. A sudden summer squall can easily catch a lightweight dome like a sail, potentially damaging your pool’s uprights or sending the enclosure into your neighbor's yard.

Key Benefits: Safety, Savings, and Season Extension

Beyond just keeping the bugs away, an above ground pool enclosure is a functional upgrade that pays for itself in several ways.

Improving Energy Efficiency and Water Temperature

If you've ever hopped into your pool in April only to jump right back out because of the "refreshing" (read: freezing) water, you'll appreciate the thermal benefits of an enclosure.

Vinyl and polycarbonate enclosures create a greenhouse effect. Sunlight enters, hits the water, and the heat stays trapped inside. Research shows that a dome enclosure can increase water temperature by up to 20°F. Even a standard screen enclosure helps by acting as a windbreak, which significantly reduces "evaporative cooling"—the process where wind blowing across the surface steals heat from your pool.

This means you spend less on pool heaters and more time actually swimming. For more on how mesh and screen affect your pool's climate, see our guide on screen-enclosures-for-pools.

Reducing Maintenance and Cleaning Time

Let’s be honest: nobody buys a pool because they love vacuuming it.

• Debris: A screen enclosure blocks leaves, twigs, and those pesky pine needles that clog up your skimmer basket.
• Chemicals: UV rays from the sun actually break down chlorine. By providing partial shade, an enclosure helps your chlorine last longer, maintaining a better chemical balance.
• Filter Life: Less dirt in the pool means your pump and filter don't have to work nearly as hard, extending the life of your expensive equipment.

Imagine spending your Saturday morning swimming instead of skimming. That’s the reality of a pool-screen-room.

Enhanced Safety and Security

This is the most important benefit. According to the CPSC, barriers like enclosures can prevent the majority of submersion incidents. For families with young children or pets, an enclosure provides a "locked door" between the house and the water.

While the pool structure itself acts as a partial barrier, a full enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates provides much higher security. You can read the full Safety Barrier Guidelines for Pools to see why these structures are so highly recommended by safety experts. We take this seriously at Lafferty FL, ensuring every pool-screen-enclosures we install meets or exceeds local safety codes.

Cost Factors and Choosing the Right Above Ground Pool Enclosure

How much does an above ground pool enclosure cost? It’s the number one question we get. The truth is, it varies wildly based on what you’re looking for.

Estimating Your Investment

To give you a ballpark, pool screen enclosures typically cost between $4,000 and $14,000, or roughly $5 to $65 per square foot. If you are looking at a simple vinyl dome, you might spend between $1,500 and $3,000.

Several factors will influence your final quote:

• Size: The total square footage of the area to be enclosed.
• Height: Do you want to be able to stand up and walk around the pool deck, or just cover the water?
• Materials: Aluminum frames and premium "TuffScreen" mesh cost more upfront but last much longer in the Florida salt air.
• Site Prep: If we need to pour a concrete pad or "footer" to anchor the screen room, that adds to the labor.
• Permits: In cities like Cocoa or Melbourne, you’ll need a building permit to ensure the structure is wind-rated.

While the upfront cost might seem significant, consider the long-term ROI. A permanent enclosure can increase your property value and save you hundreds of dollars a year in chemicals and heating costs. If you're searching for pool-cages-near-me, we can provide a localized quote that accounts for Brevard County's specific wind requirements.

For more on pricing for different mesh types, visit our page on swimming-pool-screen-enclosures.

Installation, Regulations, and Maintenance

Installing an above ground pool enclosure is not your typical weekend DIY project—especially if you want it to survive a hurricane season.

Safety Standards and Compliance

In Florida, we don't just build for looks; we build for the wind. Local building codes in places like Palm Bay and Merritt Island are very specific about how much wind pressure an enclosure must withstand.

• The 4-Inch Sphere Rule: Any openings in the enclosure (like the space between the pool rail and the screen) must be small enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. This is to prevent small children from squeezing through.
• Gates: Must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch positioned high enough that a toddler can't reach it.
• Engineering: Permanent structures must be anchored into a solid foundation—usually a concrete "footer" or a reinforced deck.

If your current enclosure has seen better days, we also offer pool-screen-repair-services to bring it back up to code.

Long-Term Care for Your Enclosure

To get the full 15–20 year lifespan out of your enclosure, you need to show it a little love.

1. Cleaning: Gently wash the screens with a soft brush and mild soap once or twice a year to remove salt spray and algae.
2. Hardware: Check the door closers and latches. If they aren't "snapping" shut, they need adjustment or lubrication.
3. Frame Inspection: Look for any loose bolts or "green" mold growing in the tracks.
4. Prompt Repairs: If a storm blows out a single panel, get it fixed quickly. A hole in the screen allows the wind to get "inside" the structure, which can create enough pressure to tear out other panels.

For major fixes or full rescreens, check out our pool-screen-enclosure-replacement-and-repair and pool-cage-repairs services.

Frequently Asked Questions about Above Ground Pool Enclosures

Can an enclosure withstand high winds and winter snow?

In Florida, we don't worry much about snow, but we definitely worry about wind. Permanent aluminum enclosures are engineered for wind speeds often exceeding 130–150 mph. Lightweight domes, however, should be taken down if a major storm is brewing. As for snow (for our friends further north), most vinyl domes are rated for light loads but should be cleared or deflated during heavy blizzards to prevent the pool frame from collapsing.

Do above ground pool enclosures increase property value?

Yes! In the Florida real estate market, a "screened-in pool" is a major selling point. It effectively adds "usable square footage" to your home by creating an outdoor living room. It signals to buyers that the pool has been well-maintained and is safe for families.

Are these enclosures compatible with all pool brands?

Generally, yes. Whether you have an Intex, Bestway, or a high-end Wilbar pool, enclosures can be adapted. For "sun domes" that sit on the pool, you'll need to know your pool's diameter, the number of vertical uprights, and the width of your top rails to ensure a perfect fit. Custom aluminum enclosures are even more flexible since they are built around the pool area rather than on the pool itself.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, an above ground pool enclosure is about taking back your backyard. It’s about being able to swim at 8:00 PM on a Tuesday without being eaten alive by mosquitoes. It’s about knowing your kids are safe and your water is clean.

At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we’ve spent over 30 years helping our neighbors in Melbourne, Viera, and throughout the Space Coast make the most of their outdoor spaces. We are a family-owned business that treats every project like it’s our own backyard.

Ready to turn your pool into a bug-free sanctuary? Start your project with a custom pool screen enclosure today and let us help you find the perfect fit for your home.