With a swimming pool enclosure, any pool owner can take their pool game to the next level. It protects against debris, increases the swimming season, makes everything safe, and reduces maintenance. While professional enclosures can be quite expensive, building your own DIY Swimming pool enclosure is way more affordable and much more satisfying.
In this guide I will explain every single detail from matching materials to long-term maintenance and constructing your very own enclosure. Whether your goal is a retractable, fixed, or a budget screen enclosure, I have you covered.
Advantages of a Swimming Pool Enclosure
Previously, it was tough to imagine the possibility of swimming with no restraints. The biggest advantage of a pool enclosure is that it helps to extend the swimming season. A good enclosure will help trap heat and keep the water warm even within cooler temperatures. If you live in the more cold regions during the winter, a glass or polycarbonate enclosure can help keep it warm, which minimizes the need for a heating pole.
Debris Protection, and Weather Shielding
Leaves, dirt, insects, and other debris can easily accumulate in a pool, therefore it requires them to be cleaned out regularly. An enclosure prevents all types of debris from getting in while also reducing maintenance time and cost. In addition, the enclosure helps to protect the pool from wind, rain, and snow, greatly increasing the cleanliness and usability of the pool.
Children and Pets Safety
If there are pets and young kids in the family, then ensuring safety around the pool is important. An enclosure can prevent unwanted access, greatly reducing the chances of an accident or drowning. A lockable door can be added to ensure that only authorized users can access the enclosure.
Less Chemicals and Maintenance
Covered pools not only improve hygiene, but also have other benefits such as water evaporation being drastically reduced. With less water and chemicals being added to the pool, there is a more stable chemical balance, resulting in less chlorine and other chemicals being required.
Options for Building DIY Swimming Pool Enclosures
When choosing the materials to build with, you must ensure their structural reliability and strength, and outline and visual appeal.
Framing Materials
- Aluminum: Doesn’t rust and is lightweight which adds durability.
- Wood: Known for its natural look, but requires sealing against moisture.
- Steel: Known for its strength, but rust is a serious threat if not treated.
Glazing Materials
- Polycarbonate panels: Enable Great insulation while being UV blocking and impact resistant.
- Glass Panels: Look elegant but are known to be fragile and expensive.
- Mesh Screens: Great for insulations, but offer less ventilation.
Considerations Regarding Dimensions and Contours
Prior to building anything, determine the shape and size of the area designated for the new pool, while also calculating its perimeter. Popular enclosures are:
- Dome enclosures Simple to construct and inexpensive.
- Gable or A-frame enclosures Fashionable and very strong.
- Flat-roof enclosures Conventional, but only useful in places that do not get much snow.
Designing Your Own Pool Enclosure
Regulatory Compliance: Permits and Documentation
Some regions may need a building permit to construct an enclosure for a swimming pool. Check the regulations within the zone of the project, the limits imposed by the homeowners’ association, and the required codes regarding safety for the area before you start building.
Checklist of Needed Equipment and Supplies
You will need a set of tools and materials with you at the start in order to build a kit:
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Required Tools
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Measuring tape
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Pool cover reel kit
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Saw, circular
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Drill without a cord
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Hammer
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Level
Tool for riveting
Set of Blueprints showing the Positioning of the Construction and the Building Site The site containing the pool and the designated area enclosing it has to be measured visually and with the tools.
Start by ensuring that the surface is smooth and firm enough to handle construction activities.
Use stakes and cords to outline where the support poles will be positioned.
Guide to Installing DIY Swimming Pool Step-by-Step
Installing a pool cover reel makes it easy to handle and store your pool cover. With a reel installed, your cover will last longer, reduce water evaporation, and keep dirt out of the pool. To make sure the installation goes smoothly and lasts a long time, follow these steps properly.
Select The Location
Select the location that is most convenient for you. Ideally, place it in the shallow end of the pool so that you can easily pull and retract the cover. The area around the reel should be stable and flat to support its weight when fully loaded.
Measure and Mark
Using a measuring tape, identify the location of the reel system. Mark spots along the edge of the pool where the brackets will go. The reel should be centered in the middle of the pool and aligned with its edges for optimal performance.
Drill Holes
Take a power drill and drill pilot holes for the mounting brackets. The type of drill bit you use will depend on the type of the decking material (wood, tile, concrete). By doing this the brackets will have the support to stay in place.
Attach Brackets
Using stainless steel screws or anchor bolts, secure the mounting brackets. Make sure to tighten them enough to avoid any unwanted movement since loose brackets can lead to the reel moving around while in use.
Assemble The Reel
Carefully follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the proper assembly of the reel system. Most reels consist of:
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A main tube( usually telescopic)
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Handles or cranks for rolling
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Side support arms for stability
Install The Cover
Place the cover flat on the water surface. Bring the cover in and attach it to the reel system using the provided straps, fasteners, or Velcro. It is critical that the cover is evenly distributed across the width of the reel so that uneven rolling does not occur.
Test The Reel
Observe the smoothness of the reel moving after turning the reel clockwise/ counter clockwise to observe how the cover is rolled up. If you notice the cover wrinkling, adjust the straps as necessary , or the reel's alignment.
Secure The Cover
When the reel is fully retracted, the built in locking system should be engaged to keep the cover in place along with the safety clips. These measures help in avoiding any accidental unrolling the cover may experience due to wind or movement.
Enjoy Your Covered Pool
Now that the reel is correctly set, you can operate the cover for your pool with ease. Covered swimming pools are easier to maintain, which helps keep the swimming pool clean and energy-efficient.
Reel Anchoring
To improve the stability of the reel, anchor bolts can be used for the deck and the poolside area. The bolts prevent movement of the reel in the presence of high winds.
Tension And Alignment Adjustment
Incase of uneven rolling of the strap, adjust the strap's tension. If correction is required, change the position of the brackets and loosen or tighten the screws.
Installing Option For Solar Cover
Make sure that the solar pool cover that you are using is fastened to the reel. The solar covers will help in maintaining heat inside the pool and will also save on heating expenses while ensuring the pool water temperature stays warm.
Putting On Protection Cover
In order to maximize the lifespan of the reel, it is important to cover it with a weatherproof tarp whenever the reel is not in use. This will prevent damage from the sun, rusting, and wearing out exposed to rain and snow.
Maintenance and Long-Term Care
Washing of the Enclosure
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Regular cleaning can be done using a non-abrasive detergent and a soft cloth.
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Never use strong substances as cleaners for the polycarbonate or aluminum since these can be destroyed.
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Thoroughly rinse in order to avoid soap residue.
Assessment for Repairs
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Review all the bolts, screws, nuts, and all closed fasteners to check whether they are loose.
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Search for fractured side panels and remove the broken ones.
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Add lubrication on moving parts of the retractable enclosures.
Enhancing Your Enclosure Over Time
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Incorporate lighting fixtures for swimming at night.
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Implement solar panels for heating the pool water.
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Automation upgrade to smart technology for automated opening and closing.
FAQ’S
Is it possible to construct your own retractable pool enclosure?
Generally, yes, but it requires more advanced skills and tools. To make things easier, use premade sliding tracks with lightweight polycarbonate panels.
Will I need a permit to construct a pool enclosure?
Typically there I a permit requirement where a more permanent structure is concerned, although this will vary by region. It is always best to discuss with local authorities and HOA stipulations regarding projects such as these before undertaking them.
What is the best material for a pool enclosure?
The best option to go with would be polycarbonate panels for their protection from UV rays, durability, and insulation. In addition, aluminum frames are lightweight and have rust, making them suitable for use over a long period of time.
Conclusion
It is relatively simple to understand the view of building a DIY swimming pool enclosure as a task that becomes extremely gratifying over time, primarily focusing on safety, maintenance, and swimming period length. While using proper materials and designs along with construction techniques will improve functionality, they will also reduce cost and guarantee longevity.
With this guide now set for reference, you should start thinking about planning your project. Feel free to comment below if you built your own pool enclosure. Don’t forget to share your experience and photos with us!