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7 Types of Pool Enclosures and How to Pick the Best One for Your Pool
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Screen enclosures for pools come in seven main shapes including domed, gabled, mansard, flat, lean-to, retractable, and inflatable, each offering different benefits for your backyard.
Domed pool enclosures cost more than flat or geometric designs because of their rounded complexity, but their customizable heights and materials suit most pool types.
Your choice depends on factors like budget, pool location, weather patterns, and whether you want a freestanding structure or one that attaches directly to your home.
Hiring a local sunroom professional provides expert guidance on matching the right enclosure type to your pool, managing complex installations, and ensuring proper attachment to your home.
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There are countless reasons to consider the many types of pool enclosures on the market. Not only do they make your pool area safer, but they can keep out bugs, falling leaves, and even the direct rays of the summer sun. The cost of a pool enclosure heavily depends on the type you choose, and each comes with a range of customizable options. Let's dive in.
1. Domed Enclosure
Photo: TomasSkopal / iStock / Getty Images
Domed pool enclosures win the popularity contest for a few reasons. They come in a range of heights and materials, but all have a rounded roof design in common. In most cases, polycarbonate framing creates a soft semi-circle shape over your pool for an open-air feel. The rounded roof fights against high winds and keeps snow and debris from piling up.
Domed pool enclosures come in both pre-assembled and DIY options. Installing a larger enclosure is safest with the help of a local sunroom installer, while small and medium designs can be installed yourself. Due to the wide range of designs, domed enclosures are ideal for many types of pools as well.
Keep in mind that dome-shaped enclosures cost more than flat and geometric shapes due to their complexity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stylish options | Costs more on average |
| Strong in extreme weather | Complex installation |
| Highly customizable | Requires ample space |
Best for: All types of pools in areas with high winds
2. Gabled Enclosure
Photo: christian.bitzas / Adobe Stock
Gabled pool enclosures feature a gabled—or A-frame—roof. They typically peak at the center similar to a gabled roof on a home and slope down evenly on either side. This type of pool enclosure is so stable that it can stand on its own and doesn't need to attach to the nearby house. In other words, if you need to cover a pool that is nowhere near the edge of your home, gabled is a great way to go.
Similar to domed enclosures, those with gable roofs come in a range of heights and shapes with either screens, polycarbonate, or glass between the frames. Due to the strength of the structure, you can also opt for two-story pool enclosures to connect to a home's balcony.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Two-story options | Costs more on average |
| Freestanding or attached | Not as strong in high winds |
| Debris slides off roof | Complex installation |
Best for: Freestanding enclosures over pools far from your house
3. Mansard Enclosure
Photo: akurtz / E+ / Getty Images
The happy medium between a domed and gabled design, this type of pool enclosure has a mansard roof. Mansard roofs are flat on the top and then slope down evenly on either side. The shape is both sturdy against strong winds and discourages debris from piling on the roof.
Pool owners often choose mansard pool enclosures because of their wide-open, breezy feel. Mansard shapes also often mirror the design of the home itself. Yet again, you'll find mansard enclosures with screens, glass, and polycarbonate, and in a wide range of heights. Due to their customized shape, they often cost more than the other enclosure shapes discussed in this article.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Middle-ground options | Costs more on average |
| Matches home style | Flat section on top |
| Strong in high winds | Not best for small pools |
Best for: Large pools in high-wind regions
4. Flat Enclosure
The flat type of pool enclosure is just as it sounds—it has a flat roof and typically has a square or rectangular shape. Due to the straightforward design, it is budget-friendly, and it’s also a bit easier to install the pool enclosure yourself. Flat enclosures are also ideal for those looking to directly extend the pool enclosure from their back patio or roof for a seamless look.
Flat enclosures come with low, medium, and high ceiling heights and both four and three-walled options. They can be a great middle ground between a screened-in porch and a closed poolscape. Keep in mind that they’re not as strong as a domed or mansard roof against extreme weather.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower cost on average | Not as stable |
| DIY options | Debris can gather on roof |
| Easy to connect to home | Requires more space around trees |
Best for: Budget-friendly enclosure options
5. Lean-To Enclosure
Photo: PC Photography / iStock / Getty Images
Imagine your pool enclosure directly extending from the side of your home as if it's been there all along. A lean-to pool enclosure comes in a range of shapes and materials but attaches directly to the face of your home to cover your pool. The shape essentially creates a new living space off of your home that you can access seamlessly.
Lean-to enclosures can either close on all sides or leave one side open for airflow on warmer days. They also come in retractable options that allow you to adjust the amount of sun on the pool. It's best to have a professional connect the hardware to your home to protect it from damage, and you may pay a bit more for this design on average.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Retractable options | Costs more on average |
| Extends living space | Not ideal for DIY |
| Highly customizable | Must attach to home siding |
Best for: Small pools close to your home
6. Retractable Enclosure
Photo: Radoslav Cajkovic / iStock / Getty Images
While many designs include retractable options, we’re giving this type of pool enclosure a nod of its own.
Pool enclosures can retract in a variety of ways. Some include panels that open and close, while others close up in a telescopic shape and create space for open-air swimming. Low-profile retractable enclosures are easy to DIY and can open and close easily during swimtime. They are ideal for small pools and even spools—also known as spa pools—or hot tubs. Large retractable enclosures can be complex to install, so it's best to save this project for the pros.
Retractable pool enclosures also act as a great pool cover option to protect your water from debris.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Flexible design | High costs |
| Highly customizable | Requires additional hardware |
| DIY options | Not available in all shapes |
Best for: Pools in areas with a range of weather patterns
7. Inflatable Enclosure
Photo: Ralf Geithe / iStock / Getty Images
As a quick and budget-friendly alternative, inflatable pool enclosures are ideal for covering the water of both inground and above-ground pools. The structure is easy to set up on your own since it uses a fan to remain inflated. The height of the enclosures varies as well. Some invite swimmers to splash around in a protected space while other enclosures are only ideal for when the pool is not in use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Temporary solution | Not ideal for high winds |
| Budget-friendly | Lower height options |
| Easy to remove | Rarely customizable |
Best for: Temporary pool coverage
Pool constructions and installations reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
5.0★ avg. • 1 total reviews
- Sarah E.
Joseph did a great job with the staircase and trim. Timely and efficient, clear communication about the work, very fair pricing. For the stairs in particular, done very skillfully in an old house (1893) in a tight spiral, and very creative with how to do the handrail. Did a nice job with...
Vouis Trim Carpentry L.L.C. - Jena P.
This company does it right. Firstly, I want to say that Landan was a joy to work with. He was so kind, transparent, and had everything under control. His entire team showed up ready to work and they were all very respectful of the fact that we were in an office space. A little backstory – we...
Krumlauf Floors - Sam M.
Professional Team, smooth to communication chain and schedule flexibility. Follows proper construction procedure and completes task on time.
Pegasus Concrete - Jeanann S.
Very professional, knowledgeable and helpful! Completed the install on time and as expected.
Ward's Services - Adam E.
Cole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLC - Grace G.
Excellent, Prompt, Courteous Service!!! They were super friendly and quite personable. I felt very comfortable with the gentlemen that did the installation. They installed it exactly where I asked them to and they did an excellent job!! I loved their service so much.
Tether House - Brenda C.
Great experience from start to finish. The installation team was very respectful, clean and professional. Ilia kept in touch throughout the long waiting period (due to pandemic) so we were always appraised of what was happening. The windows look great! Would definitely recommend.
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Mary O.
The guys did an outstanding job and we had a great experience with CarifaTile. I appreciated that Joe reviewed the quotes with me and set expectations prior to the install. The crews showed up as scheduled and always left the areas clean upon leaving the house. We will definitely use...
CarifaTile - Jake H.
Did an amazing job transforming my yard. Also installed sod in places, would recommend to everyone.
Cardinal Landscaping & Construction LLC - Archie D.
Always been satisfied with the service work and how they have taken care of my pool.
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