Screen Enclosures for Florida Pools: Worth the Investment?

The Florida pool cage

Drive around South Florida and you will see that most pools sit inside a screen enclosure, also called a pool cage or lanai. People ask whether it is worth the money. Here are the benefits, the trade-offs and what affects cost. Enclosures are usually a separate contract from the pool, so EDX Pools can coordinate with your enclosure company during a new pool project.

Benefits

Bug protection

This is the main reason people buy one. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are worst around dawn and dusk, and a screen makes the pool usable at those hours.

Less debris

An enclosure keeps out most leaves and twigs, so less skimming and less strain on the filter. It helps most under oak, ficus or palm trees.

Some shade from sun

Standard screen blocks part of the sun's rays. It is not a replacement for sunscreen.

Safety

A screen enclosure with a self-closing, self-latching door can serve as a pool barrier under Florida's pool safety rules. Whether it meets the requirements for your pool depends on its construction and your local code, so confirm with your city's building department. See our pool safety guide.

Easier chemistry

Less debris generally means less chlorine demand, though savings vary.

What drives the cost

• Size and height: Bigger pool areas need more frame and screen.
• Roof style: Flat, mansard and gabled designs cost differently.
• Screen type: Heavier screen costs more than standard mesh.
• Engineering and permits: Required in our wind zones.
• Re-screening: Replacing screens on an existing frame costs less than a new enclosure.

Prices change with materials and market conditions, so get a written quote from your enclosure contractor.

Materials and options

Frame

Frames are usually aluminum, which resists corrosion in salt air. Thicker, heavier frames resist wind better, so ask your contractor about the gauge and the design wind load for your address.

Screen

• Standard fiberglass mesh: Common and affordable. Tears more easily.
• No-see-um mesh: Finer weave for tiny gnats, with slightly less airflow.
• Heavy-duty screen: A stronger, tear-resistant option that costs more.
• Solid panel sections: Some designs add rigid panels for rain protection.

Permits and codes

Pool enclosures are engineered structures, and South Florida's wind codes are strict. Expect:

• A building permit pulled by the contractor.
• Engineering drawings, especially for larger or custom designs.
• Inspections during and after construction.
• HOA approval in many communities.

Requirements vary by city, so check with your building department. Our permit guide explains the overall process.

Maintenance

• Hose down the screens a few times a year to remove dirt, pollen and mildew.
• Rinse the frame gently. High pressure can dent aluminum.
• Check for torn panels after storms.
• Check door closers and latches regularly.
• Expect to re-screen eventually. Screens do not last forever in sun and wind.

Before hurricane season, ask your enclosure company what to do if a major storm approaches. See hurricane pool prep.

Resale value

In our market, many buyers expect a screened pool. How much an enclosure adds to resale varies by neighborhood and condition, so ask a local real estate agent. For most South Florida homeowners, bug protection and less cleanup are reason enough. If you want to talk it through for your yard in Boca Raton or Coral Springs, request a free estimate.