The Ultimate Guide to Pool Glass Covers

If you get excited about pool season—and particularly bummed when it’s over—you may want to install a pool glass cover. Of all the pool cover types, the glass ones are arguably the most beautiful to look at. There are lots of design choices available, and best of all, the pool parties never have to end. Here's what to know.

What Are Glass Pool Covers?

If you're an avid swimmer, a glass pool cover is a must-have pool upgrade. These covers are enclosures that encapsulate your entire pool and deck area. It allows you to enjoy your pool year-round, regardless of the weather.

Glass-covered pools are available in a wide range of designs and are a common alternative to polycarbonate pool enclosures. 

Benefits of a Pool Glass Cover 

Pool glass covers have tons of great benefits that make them a worthwhile investment depending on your needs and wants. Besides enjoying year-round use of the pool, you can swim without worrying about rainy or cold weather. And even on nice, sunny days, you’ll be protected from the harsh UV rays if you opt for special-coated glass.

The glass cover can also make your DIY pool maintenance tasks easier. You won’t have to spend time fishing debris and leaves out of the water. And because you’ll be able to keep your water protected from the outside elements, you can maintain your pool water chemical levels with more ease.

The cover also keeps pesky pests away, whether it be the annoying mosquitos or the curious critters. Another added bonus is that the enclosure gives you privacy.

Cons of a Pool Glass Cover

Generally speaking, of all the pool remodel costs, enclosures can be one of the costliest. Besides the cost, you have to consider that the enclosure will require a lot more cleaning. 

Depending on the height of your enclosure, this might require you to hire special window cleaners to get the job done safely.

And while the hope is that you’ll never have issues with your pool glass cover, if problems arise, the repairs could be costly. Because the system is complex, rather than trying to DIY anything, it’s best to hire a pool cover repair company near you.

Moreover, you shouldn’t install a glass pool enclosure if your only goal is to increase your home’s value. The ROI may vary depending on your location, climate, and appraiser. If you want to increase your home’s value, there are other home improvement projects that offer a great ROI, like replacing your garage door or doing a minor kitchen remodel.

Design Options

Glass pool covers have aluminum framing and can come in a variety of designs. Overall, they have a luxurious look that makes them an attractive option for many pool owners.

Enclosure Types

You can choose from a lean-to or freestanding design for the pool cover. The lean-to is a common choice because you can build it onto the side of your house. You may opt for the freestanding design, however, if your pool is located far from the main building.

Additionally, you can opt for a motorized, retractable cover or a manual retractable cover. The former is great for large enclosures with high ceilings. To open or close a motorized cover, you just press a button and wait several seconds.

On the other hand, you might opt for a manually retractable pool cover if you have a smaller pool. There are simple, freestanding cover designs that are easy to open and close, even for one person to do on their own.

Roof Types

You can choose from a variety of roof types. Some of the more common ones are:

• Gable

• Cathedral

• Shed

• Flat

• Pitched

• Mansard

Glass Types

The glass used for pool covers is insulated and tempered. There are many options available:

• Pane types: double-paned or triple-paned

• Glaze types: dual-glazed, triple-glazed, marine-glazed, laminated

• Low emissivity (low-e) coating

• Storm-ready

• Insulation

• Tinting

While some of the glass options are decorative, others are functional and sometimes necessary. For example, if you live in an area with severe weather, you’re likely familiar with the benefits of impact-resistant windows.

So when you consider that a pool glass cover is almost all glass, it’s easy to see why it’s important to get hurricane-impact rated glass. This specialized glass will ensure that your pool cover will withstand weather like hurricanes, ice, and snow.

Also, opting for glass with special coatings like the low-e coating is beneficial because it helps reduce the heat that enters the cover by up to 50%, helps block UV rays, and the coating can reduce your heating and cooling costs.

Color Options

You’ll have the choice of different color options for the aluminum frame. Common colors are black, white, clear, and bronze, although custom colors may be available to fit your exact vision.

Additionally, you might opt for finishes like powder coat, foiling, metal cladding, or a wood veneer.

Additional Options

If you don’t want a plain-looking glass pool enclosure, there are plenty of options to add some pizazz. Some options that are available include:

• Moldings

• Ridge cresting

• Finials

• Interior trim

• Corner columns

HVAC Options

When it comes to your glass pool cover, you need to consider proper ventilation and dehumidification to ensure good air quality. After all, you don’t want your pool to feel like a greenhouse.

Ventilation

To have proper ventilation, you can install windows, including casement windows and skylights. Doors can also be an easy way to increase ventilation, especially sliding glass doors. 

Depending on the height of your enclosure ceiling, you might opt for motorized windows to make opening and closing them as easy as pressing a button.

Heating

Adding heating to your pool enclosure is likely a must if you live in an area with a cold climate. In addition to heating the air, you can also opt to heat your floors. The floor heating systems can utilize your existing pool water heater.

Dehumidification

For optimal swimming conditions year-round, you can install a pool dehumidifier. Besides dehumidifying the air, these units can handle the heating and cooling. They can even help heat the pool water.

Costs

Glass pool enclosures cost $30 to $75 per square foot, although the price can be as much as $100 to $200 per square foot for a high-end, motorized, retractable cover. This cost is usually all-inclusive and accounts for all materials and labor.

A 700-square-foot pool enclosure may cost you $21,000 to $45,000, while a retractable pool enclosure of the same size ranges from $70,000 to $140,000.

Note that glass pool covers are a much more budget-friendly solution than indoor pools, but offer similar benefits. In particular, you can build a glass pool cover as a lean-to on existing buildings, whereas an indoor pool often requires construction from the ground up.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing a pool glass cover is a very complex task. Even if you’re a seasoned DIYer, leave this project to the pros—hire a pool service company near you. From constructing the framing to installing the glass, the pros know how to get the job done right so you can enjoy the enclosure for years to come.

Depending on the location of your pool, the installers may need to use cranes to position the necessary pieces. And if you opt for high-end designs with motorized, retractable roofs or if you decide to install a dehumidification system, you’ll need a team to help you, including HVAC professionals.