How much does a pool enclosure cost?
How much does a pool enclosure cost?
A pool screen enclosure costs $5 to $15 per square foot or between $4,000 and $14,000 on average. Pool cage costs depend on the pool size, enclosure type, and quality of materials. High-end polycarbonate or glass pool enclosures cost $15 to $65 per square foot or from $10,000 to $50,000.
$5 – $15 cost per square foot installed
$4,000 – $14,000 average total cost for pool screen enclosure
A pool screen enclosure costs $5 to $15 per square foot or between $4,000 and $14,000 on average. Pool cage costs depend on the pool size, enclosure type, and quality of materials. High-end polycarbonate or glass pool enclosures cost $15 to $65 per square foot or from $10,000 to $50,000.
Pool Enclosure Cost
A pool enclosure costs $5 to $65 per square foot or $4,000 to $50,000 on average. Pool screen enclosures cost $5 to $15 per square foot, plastic or glass pool cages cost $15 to $65 per square foot, and custom or retractable enclosures cost $40 to $200 per square foot.
| Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Dome Kit | $2 – $6 | $750 – $7,500 |
| Screen | $5 – $15 | $4,000 – $14,000 |
| Polycarbonate | $15 – $45 | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| Glass | $30 – $65 | $15,000 – $50,000 |
| Custom | $40 – $100 | $25,000 – $100,000 |
| Retractable | $20 – $200 | $15,000 – $150,000 |
Most enclosures are aluminum framing with screen mesh in southern climates, and glass or plastic in northern. A 12′ x 24′ pool with a 3′ deck needs an 18′ x 30′ (540 SF) enclosure.
A pool enclosure:
Reduces insects, debris, and pollen
Provides privacy, UV protection during summer months, and acts as a windbreaker
Extends the swimming season to earlier in the spring and later in the fall, or to year-round swimming for all-season lanais or glass enclosures
Reduces heating costs, chlorine use, and sweeping time
Has a customizable enclosure design
Increases your home's resale value
Pool Screen Enclosure Cost
A pool screen enclosure costs $5 to $15 per square foot or $4,000 to $14,000, depending on the size, type, and quality of materials. Pool screen enclosures, lanais, and pool cages are 3-season, which lets the air flow freely but reduces insects, debris, and UV rays.
| Size (W' × L') | Average Cost8 |
|---|---|
| 15' × 30' | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| 20' × 40' | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| 30' × 50' | $7,500 – $20,000 |
*A two-story enclosure requires scaffolding and costs 30% more.
Pool cages are the most common and affordable enclosure and last 10 to 20 years before needing rescreening.
Screen enclosures are ideal for southern climates, such as Florida. Pool cages are typically attached to the home, but can be freestanding.
Most pool cages are built with hurricane-rated aluminum framing that withstands winds up to 150 MPH when properly anchored and well maintained.
Installing a super gutter for drainage or concrete footings to support the enclosure adds $1,500 to $2,500+ to the overall cost.
Glass Pool Enclosures Cost
Glass pool enclosures cost $30 to $65 per square foot or $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the size, type, and glass quality. Outdoor glass pool enclosures are all-season rooms that block pests and endure rain, snow, and harsh temperatures for year-round use.
Consider adding a moisture barrier, dehumidifier, or connecting to the home's HVAC system to regulate the temperature in a 4-season pool enclosure.
Choose from insulated, tinted, tempered, or high-impact glass with features such as UV, snow load, and hurricane protection.
| Size (W' × L') | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 11' × 22' | $7,500 – $15,000 |
| 15' × 30' | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| 20' × 40' | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| 30' × 50' | $45,000 – $90,000 |
Glass pool cover types
| Glass Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Tempered Clear Glass | Regular plate glass |
| Insulated Glass | Tinted, Low-E, or argon gas panes protect from UV rays. |
| High Impact | 4-Season hurricane and snow certified |
Polycarbonate or Plastic Pool Enclosures Prices
Polycarbonate or plastic pool enclosures cost $15 to $45 per square foot or $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and height. Most prefabricated enclosures are circular panels that may be retractable or telescopic. Manufacturers offer a 5- to 15-year limited warranty.
| Size (W' × L' × H') | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 11' × 21' × 3' | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| 15' × 30' × 6' | $6,500 – $20,000 |
| 18' × 35' × 6' | $8,500 – $28,000 |
| 20' × 40' × 6' | $15,000 – $32,000 |
| 24' × 40' × 9' | $22,000 – $40,000 |
| 25' × 50' × 9' | $25,000 – $50,000 |
Polycarbonate pool enclosure facts:
200x stronger than glass; lighter, more flexible, and insulates more efficiently
Offers UV protection, and is chemical and weather-resistant
Withstand winds of 100 to 150 MPH and snow load between 25 and 70 PSF
This synthetic glass is cheap and durable but has short longevity. The panels undergo discoloration over time and can crack, chip, dent, and scratch easily unless it’s hard coated.
Polycarbonate panels are not sealed units, which can fill with dirt and water, causing fog and condensation build-up.
Pool Enclosure Kits Prices
Pool enclosure kit prices range from $2,500 to $15,000, depending on the size and materials. Aluminum pool screen enclosure kits cost $5 to $15 per square foot, while rounded, telescopic enclosures with glass or polycarbonate panels cost $15 to $30+ per square foot.
DIY enclosure kits are reserved for smaller pools. Manufacturers typically offer a limited 5- to 15-year warranty.
| Type | Height | Price Per Square Foot* |
|---|---|---|
| Inflatable Dome, Plastic Vinyl | High | $2 – $6 |
| Screen Mesh, Aluminum Framing | High (8'-10') | $5 – $15 |
| Rounded, Telescopic, Polycarbonate | Low (3'-6') | $13 – $21 |
| Rounded, Telescopic, Polycarbonate | High (6'-9') | $30 – $45 |
*Shipping and assembly fees are not included.
Retractable Pool Enclosure Cost
A retractable pool enclosure costs $20 to $200 per square foot depending on the size and if it's manual or automatic.
A manual, plastic, low-height (3'-6') retractable pool enclosure costs $3,000 to $25,000.
An automatic, glass, high-height (6'-10'+) structure runs $30,000 to $150,000.
| Type | Height | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Manual, Plastic | Low (3'-6') | $3,000 – $25,000 |
| Automatic, Glass | High (6'-10'+) | $30,000 – $150,000 |
Some retractable enclosures are telescopic, where each section gets smaller and smaller and retracts inside itself. Others have a retractable roof only.
Inflatable Pool Dome Cost
An inflatable pool dome costs $750 to $1,500 for an above-ground pool, and $2,500 to $7,500 for an inground pool. The plastic or vinyl cover is inflated with an air blower and held in place with water weights or deck anchors. The dome must be deflated and stored before a heavy storm or during the winter.
| Pool Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Above Ground Pool | $750 – $1,500 |
| Inground Pool | $2,500 – $7,500 |
Vinyl Fabric Pool Enclosure Prices
A vinyl fabric pool enclosure costs $10,000 to $25,000. Similar to a wedding tent, a reinforced vinyl membrane is stretched over a rigid, interlocking, and tubular frame. These structures can withstand heavy snow and winds and are permanent but can be relocated.
Some models have lighting, central air, and insulation.
The fabric is either colored, clear, or opaque.
Pool Screen Enclosure Cost Estimator
The main cost factors when installing a swimming pool enclosure are its height, size, materials, strength, and whether it’s attached to an existing structure or freestanding.
Size & Height of Pool Cage
The larger the enclosure, the lower the cost per square foot, but the higher the overall cost. The size of the enclosure depends on the size of your pool, deck, and seating area.
A 12′ x 24′ pool with 3′ sidewalk needs an 18′ x 30′ (540 SF) enclosure.
A 6′ deck area requires a 24' x 36’ (864 SF) enclosure.
Enclosures need a height of at least 7′ to 8′ to walk or stand, which costs twice as much as a low enclosure that only covers the pool. Heights vary from one foot above the surface of the pool, up to two stories tall.
| Height | Price Difference | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Base cost | Seals and covers the pool from snow, rainfall, and debris. Allows enough room to swim and ranges from 1 to 2 feet above the surface of the pool. |
| Medium | 1.5X base | Reaches several feet above the ground with plenty of space to move around in and above the water level. Designed without obstructing views of the surrounding landscape. |
| High | 2.0X base | One to two-stories high to match or extend higher than the home's roof. Turns the pool area into an outdoor room for people to walk, sit, swim, and play. |
Freestanding vs. Attached Design
A freestanding pool enclosure costs more to install than one attached to an existing structure if a wall section is not required. When attaching to a house, the height of the enclosure matches the roof and connects with a super gutter for drainage, which adds to the total cost.
Permanent vs. Portable Pool Enclosures
Above-ground pool enclosures are typically portable, such as inflatable domes or vinyl fabric tents with zippered doors. Inground pool enclosures are mainly permanent, using aluminum framing with screen or glass.
A permanent pool enclosure costs $3,000 to $50,000, doesn't move, lasts longer, and is the most cost-effective.
A portable pool enclosure such as a pool dome costs $750 to $7,500, but has to be taken down each season and may only last five seasons.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Portable | $750 – $7,500 |
| Permanent | $3,000 – $50,000 |
Pool Enclosure Screen Materials
Pool enclosure screen materials cost less than glass or plastic panels, allow for natural airflow, and protect against the sun and insects. Avoid cheap Artisan screen. Choose Super Screen or Phifer screen in polyester, fiberglass, or aluminum, which has a 10-year warranty.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | $0.30 – $0.75 |
|
| Fiberglass | $0.15 – $0.60 |
|
| Aluminum | $0.30 – $0.55 |
|
| Copper Bronze | $1.40 – $2.20 |
|
| Copper | $2.00 – $4.00 |
|
Top screen features are UV, tiny insect, and pollen protection, pet resistance, heat repellant, flame retardant, water-shedding abilities, low VOCs, antimicrobial protection, and lead-free materials.
Pool Screen Mesh Sizes
Screen mesh sizes range from 8/8 to 20/20, which shows the number of openings per linear inch. The mesh size affects the protection against squirrels, birds, and insects getting into the pool area, as well as your view outside the cage.
18/14 gauge – Standard size mesh
20/20 gauge – Has smaller holes, prevents pine needles and insects, and offers UV protection.
Florida Glass is a vinyl-coated fiberglass screen without any holes, commonly used around the base of the enclosure for privacy and to keep dirt and pets out.
High Wind & Snow Loads
Pool enclosures in areas with hurricanes, high winds, or heavy snow loads cost 10% more. All-season pool enclosures require:
Sloped roofs and a gutter system to facilitate rain and snowmelt runoff
A reinforced and interlocking frame
Larger framing or structural members
Bracing or steel wire cables
High-quality glass or sheet glazing certified for hurricane and heavy snow loads
Roof Types
Roof shapes like gabled, hipped, segmented, or lean-to cost 10% to 20% more to build than flat or curved shapes. Another option is combining a glass or polycarbonate roof with screen mesh sides to allow the wind to flow freely.
Screen Enclosure Gutter
A screen enclosure gutter costs $1,500 to $2,500 installed. This structural super gutter is 5" to 7" wide heavy-gauge aluminum that provides a barrier between the house and pool, supports the weight of the enclosure, protects the fascia, and provides roof drainage.
Concrete Footing For Screen Enclosure
Installing footings costs $4 to $6 per linear foot. Screen enclosures typically require an 8” by 8” concrete footing to anchor and support the weight of the enclosure properly. Small enclosures may only require a 4” nominal slab. A contractor will determine the foundation and footing requirements.
Existing concrete pool decks often already have a footing that can support an enclosure.
Existing paver patios require a footing to be poured under the pavers before building an enclosure.
Pool Enclosure Permits
Pool enclosure permits cost $30 to $325 on average and may take months for approval. A permanent screen enclosure requires a permit to make sure it's properly supported and secured. A portable enclosure will likely not require a permit.
Additional Pool Cage Costs Calculator
Additional upgrades influence the installation cost, personal comfort, and how the finished enclosure looks in the yard.
Swimming Pool Enclosure Doors
New pool enclosure doors cost $200 to $500 each to install, depending on the type of materials, style, and strength. Choose from swing, bi-fold, sliding, or automatic styles in wood, steel, aluminum, or vinyl. Add a self-closing lock or pool door alarm to increase safety.
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Screen Door | $100 – $350 |
| Storm Door | $270 – $1,000 |
| Pool Door Alarm | $20 – $100 |
Pool Cage Lighting Cost
Pool cage lighting costs $800 to $2,500 installed. Running electricity to a freestanding enclosure costs $500 to $1,500 more. This low-voltage LED lighting system is safe near water, fits into the beam of the enclosure, and the wiring is concealed.
| Project | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Add Electricity | $500 – $1,500 |
| Install Lighting | $800 – $2,500 |
Air Conditioner & Heated Pool Enclosure
Adding or expanding the HVAC unit costs $300 to $5,000 to bring air conditioning and heat to a glass pool enclosure. Consider installing a sunroom over the swimming pool instead, for better energy efficiency. A 4-season sunroom costs $20,000 to $80,000 to build.
An indoor pool dehumidifier costs $1,000 to $3,000. An all-season pool enclosure needs a dehumidifier year-round to prevent mold and mildew, improve air quality, remove odor issues, and reduce energy costs.
Pool Screen Cover
Pool covers cost $100 to $15,000, with most homeowners spending $1,000 to $3,600, depending on the material and if it's a manual or retractable cover. Install a swimming pool cover if your main concern is keeping debris out and preventing water evaporation.
Privacy Shades For Pool Enclosures
Privacy shades or curtains for pool enclosures cost $30 to $200 per shade. Shades provide nighttime privacy, block sunlight, and many are retractable.
Another option is installing a pool awning to provide cover and shade. A basic shade sail costs $100 to $400, while a manual or motorized retractable awning runs $2,000 to $5,000.
Additional Upgrades
Landscaping – Landscaping around the pool cage costs $4 to $12 per square foot. Consider extending the enclosure to include landscaping inside.
Seating or Storage Areas – Building a concrete patio costs $4 to $12 per square foot to add extra space to entertain guests and store pool supplies.
Drains – Installing drains along the bottom rail of the pool cage to let out pooling water costs $30 to $50 per drain.
Cabana Bar – Add a cabinet and countertop with a refrigerator for $600 to $2400.
Pool Fence – Installing a pool fence costs $12 to $16 per linear foot and helps prevent kids from reaching the water.
Furniture and Décor – Outdoor patio furniture starts at $200 for a small table and chairs and goes up to $2,500 for a 5-piece wicker sofa seating set. A pool storage shed costs $300 to $600, while hanging and potted plants run $30 to $200 each.
Pros and Cons of Swimming Pool Enclosures
The pros of building a swimming pool enclosure outweigh the cons. Pool screens can protect your health, safety, privacy, pool maintenance time, and your wallet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Pool Cage Maintenance & Replacement Costs
Pool screen repairs cost $200 to $600 for small jobs and $1,200 to $3,500 for a complete rescreening. Proper maintenance can increase the longevity of your pool enclosure by a decade or more.
Regular maintenance tasks include:
Clean the enclosure every 6 months, or hire a professional to pressure wash annually.
Tighten or replace loose bracing cables after a storm.
Store all movable objects away from the enclosure if high winds are threatened.
Remove any peeling paint and do paint touchups.
Check all screens, anchors, bracing cables, door hardware, adjacent wood, and rubber splines regularly.
Replace torn screens or glass/plastic panels at the first sign of damage.
Replace rusted or weak screws, anchors, fasteners, or bolts.
Repair or replace damaged door hardware and lubricate it.
Replace rotting fascia or soffits. Consider adding a super gutter to direct the flow of water.
Replace loose rubber splines.
Pool enclosure FAQs
How Long Do Pool Enclosures Last?
Pool enclosures last 10 to 25 years, depending on the frame and screen type. High-end pool enclosures have warranties coving the frame, roof panels, and labor. Using high-quality screens, aluminum framing, and removing trees around the enclosure ensures it lasts the longest.
Do Pool Screens Block Sun?
Pool screens give you protection from the sun and block 30% to 80% of the sun's harmful UV rays, depending on the mesh size and brand. Plus, pool screens keep the patio up to 15° cooler, block out bugs, and make cleaning a breeze.
How Much Does a Pool Enclosure Cost in Florida?
A pool enclosure in Florida costs $6,000 to $12,000, depending on the size of the deck, type of enclosure, and materials used. In Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tampa, prices range from $5 to $15 per square foot to build a mesh pool screen enclosure with aluminum framing.
Why Are Pools in Florida Enclosed?
Pool screen enclosures are common in Florida because of safety requirements. Enclosures protect against bugs, sunlight, and water evaporation, keep the pool water cooler during hot Florida days, and make cleaning the pool easier.
Are Pool Screen Enclosures Covered by Insurance?
Pool screen enclosures are not covered by insurance, but may be added to the policy. You can buy a rider up to $50,000 in coverage, in $10,000 increments. However, most providers only cover the framing and not the screening. Also, some insurers won't pay if the enclosure has not been maintained.
Does Homeowners Insurance Go Up with a Pool Enclosure?
Homeowners insurance usually won’t go up with a pool enclosure, because the insurance is already higher from the pool. Insurance costs may go down slightly due to the extra safety the enclosure provides, especially if there's a lock on the door to protect the pool from trespassers.
Hiring A Pool Enclosure Company
Although small kit enclosures can be built yourself, most enclosures require hiring an experienced contractor for installation. Professionals have access to a wider selection of materials at better prices, have the right equipment, have insurance, comply with all building codes, and offer a warranty.
Before hiring a professional pool enclosure company, remember to:
Get at least three in-person estimates to compare.
Ask for recommendations from family, friends, and neighbors.
Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Ask for a clear written warranty.
Ask for references with contact information.
Look for contractors with APSP CBP (Association of Pool & Spa Building Professionals) certification.
Ask for a fully itemized contract in writing.
Avoid making large payments up front. Never pay in full or in cash. Come up with a payment schedule for work completed instead.
Building Considerations
To build a high-quality pool cage, professionals recommend:
Framing – Certified aluminum framing (6005 alloy) is strong, doesn’t rust or corrode like steel or rot like wood, can be certified as hurricane reinforced, has built-in spline tracks, and has a painted or anodized finish.
Beam Connections – Connect beams using beam knuckles with internal gusset plates – not a scissor connection.
Fasteners – Use premium 18/8 stainless or Pro-Tech fasteners. Basic stainless heads will rust.
Screen – Super Screen (17/20), Phifer TuffScreen (18/14), or Phifer No-See-Ums (20/20) mesh are pet and weather-resistant, tightly woven to keep out almost all insects, include a 10-year warranty, and last up to 20 years.
Doors – Install heavier aluminum doors with a continuous piano hinge, weather stripping, an adjustable door sweep, and a keyed or coded security lock embedded in the frame.