Swimming pool enclosures are protective structures that cover your pool area using materials like aluminum framing with screens, glass panels, or retractable polycarbonate sections. Here's a quick comparison of the main types:
Enclosure TypeBest ForPrice RangeKey AdvantageScreenBug protection, airflow$4,000–$14,000Most affordable, low maintenanceRetractable/TelescopicFlexibility, seasonal use$10,000–$30,000+Opens and closes in minutes
Whether you want to keep bugs out during Florida summers, extend your swimming season into cooler months, or reduce cleaning time and chemical costs, choosing the right enclosure depends on your climate, budget, and how you use your pool.
The benefits are clear: enclosed pools stay cleaner, require fewer chemicals, retain heat better, and provide safer access by keeping out debris and unwanted visitors. Research shows that homeowners with enclosures can swim earlier in the day and later in the season, while dramatically cutting maintenance hours. Some enclosures even survived 24-inch snowstorms and hurricane-force winds when properly engineered.
I'm Cody Lafferty, Founder & CEO of Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, and I've spent over three decades helping Brevard County homeowners design and install custom swimming pool enclosures that withstand Florida's demanding coastal climate. Our team specializes in aluminum-framed screen enclosures engineered for wind resistance, corrosion protection, and long-term durability—so you can enjoy your pool without the bugs, debris, or constant upkeep.
At its core, a swimming pool enclosure—sometimes referred to in the architectural world as a natatorium—is more than just a cover. It is a specialized structure designed to create a controlled environment around your water. In places like Melbourne and Vero Beach, these structures are essential for managing the intense humidity and relentless UV rays that can otherwise turn pool ownership into a full-time job.
One of the biggest "hidden" benefits we see is chemical reduction. Without an enclosure, the sun’s UV rays quickly dissipate chlorine, forcing you to constantly rebalance the water. By adding swimming pool screen enclosures, you create a barrier that filters these rays and keeps organic debris like leaves and pine needles out of the water.
Beyond the water chemistry, these structures offer incredible evaporation control. Evaporation is the primary cause of heat loss in pools. An enclosure traps that moisture and heat, acting like a greenhouse to keep your water warmer for longer periods. This leads to significant energy savings, as your pool heater won't have to work nearly as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. Plus, from a real estate perspective, a high-quality enclosure is a permanent home improvement that adds tangible market value to your property.
In Florida, we are blessed with sunshine, but we also deal with "un-swimmable" days due to wind, rain, or those occasional chilly winter mornings. Swimming pool enclosures provide an extended season, often allowing for year-round swimming. By regulating the ambient temperature around the deck, you can enjoy your morning laps even when the air outside has a bite to it.
Furthermore, pool-lanais and enclosures offer critical UV protection for your skin. While you’re splashing around, the mesh or glazing helps diffuse the harshest rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and making the pool area a much more comfortable place for children and seniors to spend the afternoon.
Safety is a top priority for every homeowner we work with in Cape Canaveral and Fort Pierce. An enclosure provides an added layer of security, acting as a physical barrier that prevents unsupervised children or pets from wandering into the pool area. Most designs include locking doors, which offers peace of mind that a standard fence sometimes cannot.
Maintenance savings are where the enclosure truly pays for itself. Imagine never having to skim leaves or chase away frogs and "no-see-ums" again. By reducing the amount of dirt and biological matter entering the pool, you lower your chemical costs and extend the life of your pool filter and pump. For homeowners in Melbourne Village, this means more time swimming and less time scrubbing.
Choosing the right structure requires a look at how you want to use your space. While some people want a permanent indoor feel, others want the ability to open everything up when the weather is perfect.
FeatureScreen EnclosuresGlass EnclosuresTelescopic EnclosuresMaterialMesh & AluminumSafety Glass/PolycarbonatePolycarbonate PanelsAirflowExcellentLimited (unless windows open)VariableVisibilityHigh (Clear view)High (Panoramic)HighMaintenanceLowModerate (Cleaning glass)ModerateInstallationPermanentPermanentRetractable
Whether you are looking for something permanent to withstand the coastal winds of Rockledge or a semi-permanent solution, the choice of materials will dictate your long-term satisfaction.
The most popular choice in our service areas like Titusville and Sebastian is the aluminum-framed screen enclosure. We use high-quality aluminum framing paired with vinyl-coated fiberglass mesh (often 18x14 Phifer screen). This setup allows for maximum airflow while keeping even the smallest Florida bugs out.
For those looking for a true four-season experience, glass or solid polycarbonate panels are the way to go. These provide a "sunroom" feel. An aluminum-pool-enclosure with solid glazing offers superior thermal performance, keeping the heat in during the winter and the humidity out during the summer.
If you can’t decide between an indoor and outdoor pool, retractable designs offer the best of both worlds. These systems use a series of nested panels on a single-track system or wheel-based mobility. You can slide the panels back in under 60 seconds to enjoy a fully open-air pool, or pull them shut when a summer thunderstorm rolls in.
These telescopic designs are incredibly popular for their "barrier-free" access. Many models allow you to enter from three different sides, and because they are lightweight, they can be operated manually with ease. If you're searching for pool-cages-near-me that offer this kind of flexibility, you'll find that telescopic models are a game-changer for seasonal comfort.
Investing in an enclosure is a significant decision. On average, a standard pool screen enclosure costs between $4,000 and $14,000. However, the price range per square foot can vary wildly—from $5 for basic screen setups to $65 for high-end, motorized glass structures.
When you look at pool-screen-enclosure-cost, it’s important to remember that you aren't just paying for materials; you are paying for the engineering that keeps that structure standing during a Florida gale.
Several variables will shift your final quote:
You may see "Sun Dome" or DIY kits advertised online, often ranging from $2,990 to $10,351. While these can be a budget-friendly way to get a seasonal dome over your pool, they come with significant limitations. Most DIY domes can only withstand winds up to 40-45 mph and are not designed for heavy snow or sustained high winds.
Furthermore, many of these kits are non-returnable and require precise measurements that leave zero room for error. If a DIY enclosure fails, you are often left without a warranty. Professional installation ensures that the structure is permitted, engineered for your specific backyard, and backed by a company that handles pool-cage-repairs if something goes wrong down the line.
When we design an enclosure for a client in Viera or Palm Bay, we look at the local environment. For example, structures must meet or exceed the Florida Building Code, which is some of the strictest in the nation regarding wind resistance. High-quality pool-enclosure-screens are tested to ensure they won't pop out the first time a tropical storm brushes past the coast.
We believe in using materials that are built to last. This includes:
Using pool-enclosure-aluminum that is custom-cut on-site or in our West Melbourne warehouse ensures a perfect, tight fit that kit-built options simply can't match.
While aluminum is low-maintenance, it isn't "no-maintenance." We recommend a regular cleaning schedule to remove salt spray and pollen, which can eat away at the finish over time. Periodically checking your screen tension and the condition of your fasteners will extend the life of your cage.
If you notice a tear or a loose beam, addressing it early with florida-pool-cage-screen-repair-and-replacement-services can prevent a small problem from becoming a total structural failure during a storm.
In almost every part of Brevard and Indian River County, yes. Because these are permanent structures, they must comply with local building codes and usually require a permit. This process involves site-specific engineering to prove the structure can withstand local wind loads. Additionally, if you live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you will likely need their approval on the design and color. At Lafferty, we assist our clients with pool-enclosures by providing the necessary documentation for these approvals.
These systems operate on a series of tracks. Each segment of the enclosure is slightly smaller than the one before it, allowing them to nest inside each other when pushed back. Most modern systems use a single-track design that is "barrier-free," meaning there isn't a high rail to trip over when walking onto the pool deck. They can be moved manually by one person or equipped with electric motors. Their primary benefit is heat retention; when closed, they can keep the air inside up to 20 degrees warmer than the outside air. You can see these in action in Merritt Island and surrounding areas where homeowners want that indoor-outdoor flexibility.
A professionally engineered enclosure is a tough structure. Many of our designs feature storm cables for additional bracing and structural gutters to handle heavy rainfall. While "Sun Domes" might need to be taken down before a storm, a permanent aluminum enclosure is built to stay put. In fact, some high-end enclosures have even been documented surviving 24-inch snow loads in northern climates—though here in Melbourne, we’re more concerned with hurricane-force winds. By using a certified structural engineer for every project, we ensure your investment is built to last.
A swimming pool enclosure is more than just a screen; it’s an investment in your home’s value, your family’s safety, and your own peace of mind. By choosing the right materials and a design that fits your lifestyle, you can transform your backyard into a year-round oasis that requires a fraction of the maintenance of an open pool.
At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we take pride in our 30+ years of combined experience serving the Florida coast. From the initial design and permitting to the final screw, we never cut corners. We use only the best materials available to ensure that your enclosure stands strong against the elements while looking beautiful for decades to come.
Ready to stop bugging out and start enjoying your pool the way it was meant to be? Get your swimming pool screen enclosures today and let us help you build the backyard of your dreams.
"Lafferty did an amazing job! We love our new screen. They were very professional and we had our finished screen before expected. We recommend Lafferty to everyone."
"Lafferty did an excellent job on our unconventional screening project. The office staff was responsive and friendly. From consultation to installation, all of our questions and concerns were addressed."
"Lafferty did an excellent job installing our pool screens. The are prompt and keep you well informed concerning the job! I would definitely hire Lafferty Screens again!!"
"We are very satisfied with our new fence and work done by Lafferty Aluminum. Quality, professionalism, and reliability working with Lafferty has been very good and I am happy we chose them."
"Lafferty was one of the easiest and smoothest company's to work with. We are building our home and these guys were so customer friendly, answered all our questions, was available to take our call if we had questions."
"Friendly service, professional attitude of employee, polite and they cleaned up as they worked. We had our pool enclosed redone after hurricane damage and now it looks great. Thanks"
"Lafferty did a fantastic job from start to finish on the patio pavers and aluminum screening. They completed the project on time, and perhaps even a little ahead of schedule!"
"I couldn't be happier with the work performed by Lafferty. They replaced my original screen house in February in a professional and timely manner. I would highly recommend them for your screen enclosure needs."
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