The pool enclosure is the pool protection element that has the most advantages over other solutions such as shutters or tarpaulins.
However, there are different pool shelters and we will see their differences.
The advantages of a pool enclosure
First of all, let’s start by seeing the advantages of a pool enclosure
safety and security
If it meets the NFP90-309 standard, a pool enclosure, whether flat or high, is a device that complies with the law on the protection of private pools. It avoids the addition of another system such as an alarm or barrier.
The gain in temperature
A pool enclosure has two effects on the water temperature of your pool:
- it will prevent calorie loss at night or on days of bad weather thanks to the protection provided by the shelter
- it will create a greenhouse effect on sunny days and thus increase the temperature gain of the water.
Longer period of use of your pool
A high or mid-high pool enclosure allows you to use your pool as soon as the water temperature allows. The shelter protects the pool from the elements and you can use your pool even if it is cold or raining. Combined with a heat pump, you can even use it in winter.
Preservation of water quality
When closed, a pool enclosure provides a real protective shell for your pool. All the usual pollutants such as leaves, insects and small animals can no longer reach the water. This keeps your pool water cleaner for longer.
Reduced maintenance
Since the water in your pool will be protected from the elements, you will not need to treat your pool as often as if it were in the open air.
Water saving
A shelter reduces the evaporation of water. This will reduce the frequency with which you level your pool.
The different types of pool shelters
After the benefits, let’s now look at the different types of shelters. Indeed, not all shelters are equal.
The flat shelter
It is the simplest, cheapest and most discreet shelter. Due to its design, a flat shelter will not be more conspicuous than a bar sheet. However, it is also the most constraining to use.
Indeed, to use your pool, you must open your flat shelter or remove the modules to store it. During swimming you will no longer be protected from the elements.
The removable shelter
The removable curved pool enclosure is a little more technical than the flat enclosure and allows you to swim by opening only part of the enclosure.
You are then still protected from the elements.
It can also be removed to be stored on sunny days.
The telescopic shelter
The design is different and these shelters are made up of modules that fit into each other to provide a simple and quick opening.
They also allow you to swim without removing the shelter, just by opening one end of the shelter and they can be motorized. Telescopic shelters can be of different sizes: low, mid-high and high.
The mid-high shelter
The mid-high shelter is a telescopic shelter whose height varies from 4ft to 6ft high. This shelter allows you to create a living space around your pool without administrative constraints.
Indeed, shelters less than 6ft high do not require a building permit. You benefit from a larger useful space than with a low telescopic shelter.
The high shelter
The high shelter is the best thing you can do in a pool enclosure: it offers a space where adults and children can stand upright. Your pool becomes a new room and extends your home and you get an indoor pool if the shelter is attached to your home. Exceeding 6ft in height, it must be the subject of a building permit application.
What height for my shelter, how to choose it?
After seeing the different types of shelters, it is interesting to see in which cases a flat shelter is a wise choice and in which case it is better to have a high shelter.
The cost of the shelter
The first criterion is the budget allocated to the shelter: as a general rule, the higher the shelter, the more expensive it is.
The range for a medium-sized pool (26ftx13ft) varies from $6,000 to over $22,000.
The layout of the pool
If your pool is along your house, it will be preferable to go on a high shelter leaning against the wall of your house. It will fit better than a high standard shelter.
If the space around your pool is limited you will need to choose a flat or removable shelter because they take up less floor space than telescopic handlers.
The use of the swimming pool
The choice of height will directly impact the use you can make of your pool.
So if you have children, space, budget and want to use your pool even in winter, a high shelter is recommended.
This does not detract from the qualities of a flat cover that will raise the temperature of your pool very quickly and protect it much better than a tarpaulin or a shutter.