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9 Enclosed Pool Ideas and Design Inspiration

Build your own pool now and learn about enclosed pool ideas and designs, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of having one.

Enclosed pool with a screen-protected frame

If you have a pool or are considering building a pool in your backyard, there are many things to consider. One of the many considerations is whether or not to enclose the pool. 

You are making a significant investment by installing a swimming pool. When you choose to enclose your pool, you can enhance your experience when enjoying your pool. An enclosure allows you to control the water temperature.  

If you do not have a swimming pool enclosure, the amount of time you spend in your pool could be limited based on extreme weather. There are several options and styles from which you can choose. In addition, an enclosure can provide the first line of defense against bugs and debris. 

Continue reading to learn more about pool enclosure options and why one might be an excellent idea for your pool. 

Different Types of Pool Enclosures 

1) Custom Roof Pool Enclosures

a custom roof enclosure looks beautiful next to the river.
A pool with an enclosure cover looks beautiful next to the river.

A custom roof enclosure is designed to your specifications. It is created just for you and your home. Unfortunately, not every company builds custom pool enclosures. If that is a requirement, you will need to find a company that can handle that.

The benefits of a custom are that it precisely fits your needs. In addition, it can incorporate the features you want with the structural requirements of the house and enclosure. A custom covered pool enclosure is a great option for your screened enclosure.

2) Dome Roof Enclosure 

A strong covered dome roof pool construction
A strong covered dome roof pool construction creates a high ceiling effect.

A dome roof pool enclosure is the most common roof style for pool and patio screen enclosures. A dome enclosure gives you the feeling of open space. 

A dome roof has a semi-circular arch with soft gradual slopes on all sides. In addition, architectural design work goes into creating a dome roof enclosure. 

The benefits of a dome roof enclosure are it is stable and resistant to strong winds and storms. In addition, this type of enclosure has an appealing design.  

3) Gable Roof Enclosure

A gable roof enclosure is also known as an A-frame enclosure. This type of enclosure has two roof sides that slope and meet at a ridge in the center. From the side, this type of enclosure looks like a triangle. 

A gable roof enclosure can stand on its own and surround the pool, or it can attach to an open patio with a gable. This type of enclosure is perfect for a specific type of residential architecture, like the kind found in Florida. 

This enclosure is beneficial for those with a pool far out into their yard and not close to the house. 

4) Hip Roof Enclosure

A flawless hip roof is enclosed in white paint
A flawless hip roof is enclosed in white paint, similar to a gable roof but sloping on all sides.

A hip roof enclosure is one that slopes at all sides and meets at the top. This type of enclosure has a streamlined design that resembles a house. It may also look like a pyramid. A hip roof enclosure also gives you the illusion that it is taller than it really is. 

The benefit of a hip roof enclosure is that it is a versatile type of enclosure. In addition, this type of roof provides a large amount of wind resistance during a storm. 

5) Mansard Roof Enclosure 

A Mansard pool enclosure with a distinctive design
A pool enclosure with a distinctive design adds meaning to an outdoor space.

A Mansard enclosure has a flat top with angled and sloped sides. These sides meet the house or wall panels. It is a unique shape but provides a large amount of space. A Mansard roof enclosure is a more popular option. 

One of the benefits of this type of enclosure is that it is one of the most substantial options you can purchase. In addition, the design is simple and an ideal fit for just about every house type. 

6) Shed Roof Enclosure

A shed roof enclosure that is customizable
A pool area’s enclosure roof that is customizable for shapes and designs.

A shed roof enclosure is one of the most affordable enclosure options available. This type of enclosure creates an appealing-looking roof for your enclosure. In addition, this option gives you structural protection. 

A shed roof enclosure is flat across the top, and the side panels have a gentle slope until they reach the enclosure walls. 

7) Slope Roof Enclosure

A sloping roof enclosure design with a continuous cover to the house.
A roof enclosure design with a continuous cover to the house.

A sloping roof enclosure has gentle slopes around the entire enclosure. This type of enclosure is only compatible with specific architectural styles. The style roof sheds debris and leaves easily from the top of the enclosure. 

8) Standard Screen Pool Enclosure

A standard screen pool enclosure is a structure that provides a barrier for your pool and pool area. These enclosures can protect your pool from debris, insects, and unwanted pests. When you live in an area like Florida, it also keeps alligators out of your pool. 

There is no one set size for a screened in pool enclosure. Instead, they come in varying shapes and sizes depending on your needs, style, and house. 

9) Two-Story Pool Enclosure 

A Two-Story Pool Enclosure is built to incorporate the second story of your house. This type of enclosure can cover your balcony and provide more usable outdoor space. A two-story pool enclosure is tall and provides a feeling of a lot of space.  

Pros and Cons of Pool Enclosures 

There are many reasons why you should purchase a pool enclosure, but there are also some downsides to consider. It is not a requirement that you purchase a pool enclosure, but you will see it is a great idea.

Pros:

Privacy

A pool enclosure gives your personal swimming pool privacy. Your enclosure can be made of glass that you can cover with tinted stickers, curtains, or blinds. This can add to the privacy so that your neighbors cannot see in when you do not want them to. Stained glass can also be used on the enclosure, enhancing the swimming experience. 

Security

An enclosure can keep debris, leaves, pests, and insects out of your pool. It also provides some amount of security for you and others. For example, it keeps children or even adults from wandering into your yard and reduces the chance of an accident. 

Pool Maintenance

When you have an enclosure around your pool, it can improve the longevity of your swimming pool. This is because it keeps out debris which means there is less to clean. As a result, it is easier to keep the pool clean. 

Any enclosure prevents dirt, leaves, and trash from blowing into your pool. An enclosure also helps to protect the pool from damage. 

Adds Living Space

When you install a swimming pool enclosure, it adds additional usable living space. For example, you can add a lounge, dining area, and kitchen under an enclosure. This also extends the amount of time you can use the pool. 

Without an enclosure, you have to close the pool in the fall when it starts to get cooler. However, with an enclosure, you can swim into the late fall and early in the spring. In addition, they can insulate the area around the pool to help keep their temperature comfortable. 

If you live in a more mild climate, you may be able to swim all year long. 

Increase the Value 

In some cases, having a pool can increase the value of your home. For example, when you add an enclosure to your pool, that can increase the value of your home. In addition, potential buyers may be more interested in your house if there is an enclosure for the pool.

Less Evaporation

During the hot months, the water level in your pool can evaporate. When there is a screen enclosure over your pool, it can help slow down the process of evaporation.

Cons:

Limitations on Landscaping

There is a considerable downside to installing a pool enclosure. The downside is it limits the amount and type of landscaping you can have. Enclosures take a lot of space which limits the amount of grass you have in your yard. In addition, an enclosure provides a large amount of shade which means they cannot survive because of lack of sunlight. You will find that you will be limited in your landscape design.

Colder Water in the Summer

A pool enclosure or pool cage limits the exposure your pool water has to the sun. This makes the water in your pool chilly. You will not be able to use a solar pool cover because there will not be enough sunlight. 

Cost

Installing a pool have a significant expense. Adding a pool enclosure adds another expense to your pool. The average price of an enclosure is approximately $9,000. For some, that is too high of a cost to add an enclosure to your pool.

Property Limitations

The size of your property will limit the shape and size of your pool enclosure. Therefore, you want an enclosure that can be built in a way to maximize the amount of space you have. Some enclosures can be added as an attachment to your house. It can also be a stand-alone option. 

Obstructed View

Depending on the type of enclosure you install, it could obstruct your view. The enclosure that provides the largest field of view has expansive windows. The corners of the enclosure and low walls can be in the way of your view. 

How Much Does A Pool Enclosure Cost?

It should not come as a surprise that the large the enclosure you build means, the higher the cost. The size of your pool dictates the size of the enclosure you need. The material quality and the design of the enclosure also impact the price. 

On the other hand, the quality of the materials also means that your enclosure can last longer. The installation of the pool enclosure has a hefty upfront cost, but it can save you money long-term. 

The enclosure reduces the cost of maintenance and water. In addition, it saves money on water because it evaporates less, so you have to fill it up less often. 

The cost breakdown for the enclosure changes based on the type and material of the enclosure. 

A screen enclosure is the most affordable option. You can expect it to cost you anywhere between $4,000 to $15,000. You can expect a screen enclosure to be between $5 to $15 for each square foot. 

A polycarbonate enclosure pool may cost you anywhere between $8,000 to $30,000. This means this type of enclosure is going to cost about $15 to $45 for each square foot. 

A glass enclosure is among the most expensive options available to you. They can insulate your pool and remain the most durable. The price range for this enclosure is $15,000 to $50,000. This translates to about $30 to $65 for each square foot. 

A retractable pool enclosure may be an additional expense in addition to the enclosure. A retractable pool enclosure costs about $20 to $200 for each square meter. 

What Is the Difference Between Indoor Pool vs Pool Enclosure?

An indoor pool is contained inside a building. An indoor pool is often in a pool room. In addition to constructing a separate building for the pool, you may want to add a changing room, hot tub, or shower. 

Indoor pool size is limited to the space where you can build a room for the pool. An indoor pool is smaller than an outdoor pool. Indoor pool costs are expensive because it is more than constructing the pool. 

There are additional expenses with indoor pools such as, regulations, and temperature regulations. With an indoor pool, there is no concern about the weather and temperature because you are protected from it. An indoor pool can be considered a year around swimming pool. This is a great option for a colder climate.

A pool enclosure is built over an outdoor pool. An outdoor pool is located on the outside of the house and is not enclosed by a building. Because there is no building around the pool, you can add an enclosure. 

While the enclosure can be attached to the house, it is not a room in the house. An enclosure does not have to be enclosed entirely as it can have open space. 

Why Are Pools in Florida Enclosed? 

There are safety pool requirements in Florida when there is a pool in the backyard. These enclosures provide a safety barrier for the pool in the backyard. In addition to safety and security, they provide a barrier to sun and bugs. In Florida, there is a chance of alligators and small animals ending up in your pool. A pool enclosure helps to prevent this from happening.