Retractable pool enclosure in Florida - Is it worth it? [+Costs]

In the following article you will find what retractable pool enclosures are, which are their costs, which are their benefits and why they are worth it if you own a property in Florida.

What is a retractable pool enclosure?

A retractable pool enclosure is a special type of movable modular pool cage which can slide back and forward through rails installed on the pool deck to provide a customizable cover for the pool and pool surrounding area.

Most retractable pool enclosures are made from polycarbonate and aluminum, although some designs can include other materials:

Aluminum: Often used for the frames of the pool enclosure structure. It is a lightweight and easy to maintain material, with a good resistance to corrosion and rust.
Polycarbonate: Most retractable pool enclosure panels are made from polycarbonate. This material allows the sunlight to pass through but can be designed to block harmful UV rays. Additionally, it can be made on different thickness, to enhance its mechanical and impact resistance.
Fiberglass: Some retractable pool enclosures use fiberglass panels instead of polycarbonate panels. Fiberglass panels are lightweight components which require very little maintenance.
Acrylic: It is another popular material for retractable pool enclosure panels. It offers UV protection, good mechanical and impact resistance, high transparency and light weight.

What are the benefits of a retractable pool enclosure?

Retractable pool enclosures have the same benefits as the regular pool cages, among them:

Add a new indoor space to your house: You get an extended covered area where you can perform activities and spend your leisure time all around the year, even during bad weather.
Enhanced security: Protect your loved ones and pets from pests and bugs, dangerous wild animals (like snakes), excessive UV radiation and weather factors (such as occasional rains, uncomfortable wind gusts, etc.)
Increases the curb appeal: You can install a pool enclosure that fits with the architectural style of your house, increasing its aesthetic appeal.
Lower the pool maintenance costs: Protect the pool, pool equipment (such as pumps and electrical devices), pool deck and pool area from dust, debris and falling tree leaves, which keeps the pool water clean and lower the pool maintenance costs in the long run.
Add value to your property: The real estate market value of your property increases when you install or restore a pool cage.

Additionally, retractable pool enclosures have other advantages:

Customizable spaces: Retractable pool cages allow you to customize the covered area, this means, if you want to close the pool area totally or just partially.
Enhanced resistance: Retractable pool enclosures are often made from sturdier materials (such polycarbonate or acrylic) than regular pool cages, which are often made from lighter materials (such as fiberglass or polyesters)
Manual versus automatic: Retractable pool cages can be manually operated or can be powered by an electric motor system.

On the other hand, retractable pool enclosures also have some disadvantages compared with regular pool cages:

Higher installation costs: Retractable pool enclosure materials (polycarbonate or acrylic) can be more expensive than regular pool cage materials (fiberglass or polyesters), installation procedures are more complex and require more time and labor, which increases the costs. Additionally, retractable pool enclosures require the installation of the rails, and also the electric system, if it is automatically operated.
Higher maintenance costs: In addition to the maintenance costs of an equivalent regular pool cage, you must add the maintenance costs of the rails and the electric operation system.

How much does a retractable pool enclosure cost?

A retractable pool enclosure costs vary in a wide range from $1,000 to $4,000, for manual retractable pool enclosures, and from $8,000 to $20,000, for automatic retractable pool enclosures, but their prices can be as high as $85,000, depending on several factors, such as the pool size and the pool cage height.

Factors that affect the cost of a retractable pool enclosure

There are many factors that determine the total cost of a retractable pool enclosure, among them:

Pool size: As with the regular pool cages, the size of the pool is a very important factor that affects the final cost. The bigger the pool area to be covered, the higher the cost of the retractable pool cage.
Pool shape: Retractable pool enclosures for standard rectangular-shaped pools are cheaper than retractable pool cages designed to cover non-standard, customized pools.
Pool cage height: As in regular pool cages, the cost of a retractable pool enclosure will be determined by the height of the structure. The taller the pool cage, the higher the final price.
Pool enclosure materials: Retractable pool enclosures made with high-quality materials, such as aluminum, polycarbonate and acrylic, will be more expensive than those made with lower quality materials, such as PVC, plastics, etc.
Manual versus Automatic: As we have seen before, under the same conditions, an automatic retractable pool enclosure can be even 5 times more expensive than an equivalent manual retractable pool enclosure.
Customer requirements and preferences: Depending on customer requirements and preferences, a retractable pool enclosure can cost up to $35,000, for a small size pool, up to $75,000 for a medium size pool, and up to 85,000 for a large size pool.

Additionally, you must consider other costs, such as labor costs, electric system costs, and so on.

Labor costs: To install a manual retractable pool enclosure can cost between $500 and $2,000, while labor costs for an automatic retractable pool enclosure installation can range from $2,000 up to $10,000.
Electric motor: An automatic retractable pool enclosure electric motor can cost from $1,000 up to $2,500, for the unit alone, and from $2,000 up to $3,500, including installation costs.

When it comes to durability, retractable pool enclosures have an average lifespan of 4 to 6 years, while regular pool cages can last between 15 to 30 years, or even 40 years, with proper maintenance.

Is a retractable pool enclosure worth it?

To have a pool enclosure in your house is indeed worth it. To have a retractable pool enclosure, it depends. Depends on your budget and the purpose of your pool cage.

You will enjoy at least the following benefits having a pool cage in your house:

Enhanced property curb appeal
Augmented house market value
Improved protection against biological and environmental agents
Extended space for leisure activities no matter the season or the weather

But, when comparing regular pool cages with retractable pool enclosures, you must take into account, as minimum, the following factors:

Table 1. Regular pool cage vs. Retractable pool enclosure - Comparison

Factor	Regular pool cage	Retractable pool enclosure
Installation Cost	Lower	More expensive
Maintenance Cost	Lower	More expensive
Durability	15 to 30 years	4 to 6 years

If you have already decided to have a retractable pool enclosure, then you have to choose between a manual pool enclosure and an automatic pool enclosure. Then, you should consider the following factors:

Table 2. Manual pool enclosure vs. Automatic pool enclosure - Comparison

Factor	Manual pool enclosure	Automatic pool enclosure
Installation Cost	Lower	More expensive (It can be 5 times higher)
Maintenance Cost	Lower	More expensive (It must include the electric system and tracks maintenance)

Final thoughts

If you want to install a pool enclosure, but still don’t know which is the best option, you should ask a reliable pool cage company. They will assess your particular needs and requirements and give you valuable advice.

If you decide to install a regular pool cage or lanai in your property located in Florida, just call us or ask us for a free estimate. Pool Paint Screen LLC is a reliable pool cage and lanai installation and maintenance company that operates in Florida, from Orlando to Sarasota, covering the following areas: