How Much Do Pool Enclosures Cost?

Pool Enclosures Costs by Type 

The typical pool enclosure costs between $8 and $200 per square foot. This price is largely dependent on the type of enclosure. Though there are all kinds of pool enclosures, most people choose one of four options.

Pool Screen Enclosure Cost

Screen enclosures typically cost between $5,600 and $10,500 for a 700-square-foot enclosure (or $8 to $15 per square foot). This option helps keep bugs, leaves, and other debris out of the water. There are several different types of pool screens, from fiberglass and pet-proof screens to “Florida Glass,” which helps protect from inclement weather. The overall cost depends on the design, the type of pool, and the quality of the materials.

Glass Pool Enclosure Cost

For the typical 700-square-foot pool, a glass pool enclosure costs between $21,000 and $45,000. At $30 to $65 per square foot, it’s of the most expensive options, but the right glass enclosure can help you use your pool year-round.

Insulated and tempered glass panels that help boost security and energy efficiency typically comprise enclosures. Keep in mind that glass enclosures have limited design options because glass isn’t as flexible as polycarbonate.

Polycarbonate Pool Enclosure Cost

The typical polycarbonate enclosure costs anywhere between $14,000 to $70,000 for a 700-square-foot pool (or $20 to $100 per square foot). This is another option that can help you use your pool year-round—and it’s stronger than glass. Polycarbonate can offer some protection from UV rays while sustaining heavy snow and wind. Unlike glass, this type of enclosure comes in many different designs and sizes. 

Retractable Pool Enclosure Cost

Most retractable pool enclosures are made from polycarbonate, but this type of design has a significantly higher cost. The typical retractable pool enclosure costs $70,000 for a 700-square-foot pool, but it could cost as much as $140,000 if it’s a high-end model. This price is for a motorized pool enclosure. 

Manual retractable pool covers, which have panels you can slide, cost significantly less. You can find a low-profile model for as little as $3,000

Pool Enclosure Cost Factors

Pool enclosures don’t have a cut-and-dry cost. It depends on numerous factors, including the size, type of pool enclosure, and design. Keep in mind that maintenance does increase costs in the long term. Most homeowners spend $700 to $5,000 on the cost to rescreen or repair an enclosure. Regular pool maintenance costs$1,200 and $1,800 per year. Here are some other factors.

Size

A pool enclosure’s square footage usually determines its price. The bigger the pool enclosure, the steeper the price tag—but don’t forget to include the deck area in your estimate. The average pool is around 700 square feet, but it’s not uncommon to see 800-square-foot pools. 

A small in-ground pool could even be as little as 200 square feet. While impractical for residential properties, an Olympic-size swimming pool is around 13,450 square feet. There’s no limit to size other than the space you have available.

Height

Pool enclosures need a ceiling height of at least seven to eight feet to walk or stand. Since it’s more difficult to install pool enclosures with height, they do tend to cost more. You can expect to spend:

• $25 to $75 per square foot for a low enclosure

• $8 to $100 per square foot for a medium enclosure

• $15 to $200 per square foot for a high enclosure

Low pool enclosures don’t give you standing room, but the average quality option tends to be the most budget-friendly of the different heights. This type of enclosure only allows for one to two feet above the pool. 

Medium pool enclosures, which are the most common, generally cost 1.5 times more than low enclosures and allow for standing. High pool enclosures cost two times more than low pool enclosures and can extend more than two stories above the pool.

Design 

Different pool enclosure designs carry different costs. A simple pool cover costs anywhere from $100 to $3,800—and enclosures can fall in that range depending on the design, though most cost far more. 

For example, a pool lanai (an enclosure attached to the house) costs $1,400 on average, while retractable covers can cost upwards of $140,000. Expect to pay 10% to 20% more for domed, gabled, lean-to, hopped, or segmented roof shapes than you would flat or curved shapes.

Materials

Material matters when it comes to cost. Screens tend to be the least expensive, along with inflatable vinyl. Glass and polycarbonate typically cost more, but they provide sturdier protection from the elements. They’ll help you use your pool year-round.

Kits

Pool enclosure kits prices vary, but they’re $3,900 on average. A pool enclosure kit for an above-ground pool costs as little as $1,700, while an all-vinyl pool enclosure kit for an in-ground pool costs upwards of $6,100. It’s not uncommon to find high-end telescopic kits made from polycarbonate for as high as $15,000

Doors

Each enclosure door adds cost. The price of the door depends on the kind of door you pick. Most homeowners choose screen doors, storm doors, and doggy doors, at the following costs per door:

• Screen doors: $50–$500

• Storm doors: $100–$1,000

• Doggy doors: $150–$500

Screen doors are the least expensive, with a frame typically made from aluminum or wood. Storm doors, which are usually more secure than screen doors, are typically made from polycarbonate. Doggy doors are what they sound like: a door just for your pet.

Cost to Install Pool Enclosure

If you want your pool enclosure installed by a professional, expect to spend around $35 per hour for screen and polycarbonate enclosures on top of the cost of materials. Glass enclosure installation rates are typically higher at $50 per hour, though several factors that impact the installation price. 

Size and Height

The more square footage your pool enclosure covers, the longer it will take to install. The same goes for height, which drives up installation costs.

Materials

Materials like glass are difficult to install, so you can expect to spend $20 more per hour on labor costs for glass enclosures. If you choose a kit with an easy-to-install material, like vinyl, you may not even need to splurge for labor at all. The easier your material is to install, the less you’ll have to pay for labor. 

Permits

Your location regulations may require that you get a permit to install a permanent pool enclosure. Most permits cost between $30 and $325, thoughinflatable or portable pool covers rarely need permits. Check before you start installation.

Labor

The typical contractor charges $35 to $50 per hour for labor to install a pool enclosure. Painting will add $1.75 per square foot to your labor costs. You can expect to spend more on labor in areas with higher costs of living or for a complicated build. Labor costs are significant, since it could take around two weeks for a pool enclosure company to install a pool enclosure.

Other Work

While you’re installing your pool enclosure, you may want to do other maintenance or repair jobs in and around your pool. This could include the cost to repair a pool liner, which is an average of $2,300, or the cost to drain, fill, and treat your pool, which could run $650 or more. You may even want to install add-ons like lighting or an HVAC extension. This will drive up installations. Expect to spend:

• $800 to $2,000 on lighting (including wiring)

• $300 to $5,000 to extend your HVAC unit or add a dehumidifier

• $30 to $200 for privacy shades

DIY vs. Hiring Pros

While DIY pool enclosure installation costs less than hiring a pro, it can be challenging and time-consuming unless you’re an experienced DIYer—not to mention dangerous depending on skill, land, and complexity. Handy homeowners may be able to install inflatable pool enclosures, kits, and other temporary structures. This can save significantly on labor costs, but it’s not an option for most homeowners who want a permanent pool enclosure.

A professional should install permanent enclosures, particularly those made of glass or with complicated motorized systems. Some enclosures are greenhouse- and shed-like. They take precise measurements and careful work. A faulty pool enclosure doesn’t just look bad, but it’s also dangerous. A pool screen enclosure company near you should be able to give you a quote and lay out your options.

FAQs

Do pool enclosures increase home values?

Pool enclosures add value to your home, but it’s not clear how much of an ROI you’ll receive. In general, a pool will only increase your home’s value by 5% to 8%, but in warm-weather climates, it could add anywhere from $11,600 to $95,000, with or without an enclosure. 

It’s certainly worth noting that in areas where a pool enclosure is required, the lack of an enclosure will detract from the value of your home. Either way, a pool enclosure can help you enjoy your pool year-round, so it may be worth the cost even if you don’t see a huge return.

How long do pool enclosures last?

Pool enclosures last an average of 15 years, with most lasting between five and 25 years, depending on the type and quality of the enclosure. Climate and maintenance also play a role. A well-maintained enclosure lasts longer than one that’s poorly maintained and subject to damaging weather that can corrode or rust the material.

What’s the best style and material for pool enclosures?

Mansard roofs are one of the most popular styles of pool enclosure. This type of roof is extremely strong—even if you opt for a screen enclosure. Though screen enclosures are the best for a budget, polycarbonate pool enclosures are still the most durable and versatile overall.