How much does it cost to install a swimming pool enclosure?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Pool enclosures offer increased security, lower maintenance, and comfortable swimming longer into the year. A pool enclosure is a permanent structure covering your pool. It can be fairly small and low to the ground, covering only the pool or large enough to enclose the pool and deck. Pool enclosures can be made of different materials, and each has price points to consider.

The national average range to install a pool enclosure is between $10,000 and $30,000. Most homeowners spend $18,000 on a polycarbonate enclosure tall enough to walk beneath and enclose the pool deck. This project’s low cost is $5,000 for a screen enclosure covering the pool and extending to meet the house. The high cost is $60,000 for a fully retractable polycarbonate enclosure covering the pool and deck.

Pool Enclosure Cost

Pool Enclosure Cost per Square Foot

Pool enclosures have a wide range of costs per square foot, with total costs ranging between $8 and $200 per square foot. This is because there are many materials and styles for pool enclosures. Screened enclosures are the least expensive at $8 to $15 a square foot. Retractable enclosures cost the most at $75 to $200 a square foot, while glass and polycarbonate stationary enclosures cost between $50 and $75 a square foot on average.

Your enclosure’s height, material, and style dictate the final cost per square foot.

Swimming Pool Enclosures Cost by Height

Swimming pool enclosures range from those barely above the pool, giving you only enough space to swim, to those large enough to walk under. Not all materials and types of pool enclosures are available in every height. For example, screen enclosures are typically taller, even though they cost less per square foot. Retractable enclosures can be any height because they slide over the pool and retract back when needed. The height of your enclosure has some influence on the total costs.

Medium Enclosure

Medium-height enclosures cost between $8 and $100 a square foot. These are some of the most common enclosures. They are big enough to enjoy the pool area without ducking or removing the enclosure, but they do not have high ceiling heights. These enclosures can be made of any material. They can be screened in enclosures that just cover the pool or be larger glass or polycarbonate enclosures that also cover some of the deck and seating areas. You can find retractable covers at this height that provide you with flexibility on how it is used.

High Enclosures

High enclosures average $15 to $200 a square foot. These enclosures turn your pool area into an outdoor living space. They are full ceiling height and sometimes even taller than indoor ceilings. Some can be as high as 1½ or 2 stories. These enclosures often have custom paneling and sections that can be opened for additional airflow when made of glass or polycarbonate. They can also be made of screens, giving you the height at a lower cost.

Low Enclosures

Low enclosures range from $25 to $75 a square foot on average. These enclosures cover only the pool. They may be domed and large enough to swim beneath, or they can be flat and retractable. These enclosures are designed for security and to keep the pool clean. They do not offer a lot of ambiance or the ability to swim on a rainy day like larger glass or polycarbonate enclosures. They are almost always polycarbonate and/or retractable.

Pool Enclosure Cost by Material

Pool enclosures come in a few materials. Each has different costs, appearances, and performance to consider. What may work in one scenario may not be the correct choice for another.

Pool Screen Enclosure

Pool screen enclosures are the least expensive type at $8 to $15 a square foot. This is a good option if you want to keep things like bugs, leaves, and debris out. Pool screen enclosures also offer a small amount of security because they fully enclose the pool so that it can be more difficult to enter. You have options for the screen type, including standard fiberglass screens, “pet” screens, which are tougher for pets to rip, and “Florida Glass.” This last one is a screen with a clear plastic overlay. It offers protection from the elements and other benefits of traditional screens. These enclosures are more limited in scope and shape because the screen is stretched over a frame, so some shapes cannot be achieved.

Polycarbonate Pool Enclosure

Polycarbonate pool enclosures cost between $20 and $200 a square foot on average. This is one of the most popular enclosures. Polycarbonate is less expensive than glass but offers many of the same benefits. It offers protection from the elements and keeps out debris and intruders. Polycarbonate can block UV rays and keep the interior area warm. This means that you may be able to use the pool longer into the year. Polycarbonate enclosures come in all shapes and sizes. They can also be retractable or have movable panels that may not be possible with a glass enclosure.

Glass Pool Enclosure

Glass pool enclosures range from $30 to $75 a square foot. Glass enclosures were among the first types of enclosures but are less popular today. They are made of stationary or movable glass panels. The glass is usually tempered and insulated to make the enclosure safe and energy-efficient. These enclosures are more limited in shape than polycarbonate, but they keep the interior warmer so that you can use the pool longer. They may be retractable, but this is fairly rare because the shapes and sizes are limited. Glass cannot curve like polycarbonate without becoming prohibitively expensive.

Pool Enclosure Cost by Design

Pool enclosures can be found in various shapes and styles. Many have similar and overlapping costs per square foot, depending on the materials. However, they vary by size. This changes the project’s final cost, with smaller enclosures costing less than larger ones.

Pool Dome Enclosure

Domed pool enclosures cost between $500 and $200,000, giving them one of the largest ranges of enclosures. Domes can be simple, low stationary covers extending a few feet above the pool at their highest and do not extend past the pool. They can also be large, retractable enclosures tall enough to walk under and can retract at either end. This means they can have the widest range of costs, sizes, and overall styles. They are most commonly made of polycarbonate but may be made of glass if the frame is larger, breaking the panels into more pieces. Domed enclosures can also be used for round pools and above ground pools, with a slightly different shape than the type used for inground pools.

Pool Dome Screen

Screened pool domes cost $500 to $5,000. Screened pool domes are generally designed for above ground pools. They form a cap over the top of the pool, usually with a metal frame and a small vinyl section at the top. They are lightweight and perfect for keeping insects out. Their total costs range depending on the size, features like zip-out panels, and whether you use Florida Glass or screens with plastic sheeting. The more complex the dome, the higher the final cost.

Lean-to Pool Enclosure

Lean-to pool enclosures average $5,000 to $20,000. Lean-to enclosures extend off of your home. They are not freestanding, so you have three walls of material, one of which moves up into the roof, and one that is “open” as it connects to the house. This is a good enclosure if you want to step out from your home directly into the enclosure. This is a good option if your pool is fairly close to your home. It can be made of any material, including screens, glass, and polycarbonate.

Shed Roof Enclosure

Shed roof enclosures cost between $8,000 and $30,000 on average. This enclosure is freestanding and a good choice if your pool is farther from your home because it is a total enclosure. This is one of the more simple structures. It uses straight walls and a low-pitched roof. It can be made of screens, glass, or polycarbonate and may have retractable panels or other features. They can cover the pool or the pool and surrounding area, depending on your needs.

Gable Pool Enclosure

Gable pool enclosures range from $8,000 to $30,000 on average. This is a freestanding enclosure with a roof shaped and pitched similarly to many roofs. This is a more traditional option for pool enclosures. They can enclose the pool or the pool and surrounding area. They can also be made of screens, glass, or polycarbonate. Sections can be moveable or retractable.

Hip Roof Enclosure

Hip roof enclosures cost between $10,000 and $30,000. This is a freestanding enclosure. But rather than having just two slopes to the roof, these have four slopes - one toward each wall. There are more panels involved in the construction, so costs can be higher than other types. Most of these enclosures are polycarbonate or glass, but they can also be made with Florida Glass screens. This is a slightly more decorative enclosure. Like the other types, it can encompass just the pool or the pool and surrounding area.

Mansard Roof Pool Enclosure

Mansard roof pool enclosures average $10,000 to $50,000. This enclosure has four pitched sections like the hipped roof, but with an additional panel section at the top. The top of the enclosure is completely flat. This gives it a slightly different appearance and maximizes the light coming in. This is not a great enclosure for snowy areas, but it can be a good way to add light and warmth for warmer climates. These are freestanding structures and can be made of glass, polycarbonate, or Florida Glass screens.

Retractable Pool Enclosure

Retractable pool enclosures cost between $20,000 and $200,000, depending on the size and shape. Many styles and types of enclosures are retractable or partially retractable. They are almost always made of polycarbonate but may have glass panels or a mixture of glass and polycarbonate. The panels may retract from side to side, meaning they slide from one end to the other. Some retractable enclosures can be manual, meaning you must push the panels open and shut. Others are motorized, which increases the project costs.

Custom Pool Roof Enclosure

The cost of a custom pool enclosure ranges from $20,000 to $200,000. Many pool enclosures are technically custom, meaning they are built for your pool and area. This is to differentiate them from readymade enclosures, which may be less expensive but have more limitations in material, size, and scope. A custom enclosure is good if you have a pool or area that is not entirely square or rectangular. You can also give it a different roof and style to match your home. Custom enclosures can be made of any material and may have options like retraction or removable panels.

Pool Enclosure Door Costs

While some low enclosures and lean-to enclosures may not need a dedicated door because of how they are shaped and used, most need at least one door. All freestanding styles need a door for entering and exiting the enclosure. The door can be made of the same screen or polycarbonate as the rest of the material, and it can look like a regular door or be a smaller “doggy door” for pets.

Pool Screen Door

The cost of a screen door for your pool enclosure ranges from $50 to $500. Screen doors can be made of standard fiberglass screen or covered in Florida Glass with plastic over the screen. They can be single or double doors. This is a good choice if the rest of your enclosure is also screen because screen doors allow fresh air into the enclosure. The door’s frame is often aluminum but may be wood in some high-end models. Some screen doors can be decorative, but most are fairly plain.

Storm Door

Pool enclosure storm doors average $100 to $1,000. These doors are usually made of polycarbonate. They may be clear or have an opaque finish to let light in while providing privacy. They are lightweight and slightly more secure than screen doors. You can put a security lock on these doors, making the entire enclosure and pool area safer. They can be standard-sized or double doors, depending on your needs.

Doggy Door for Pool Screen Enclosure

A doggy door for a pool enclosure is between $150 and $500. These doors can be installed in any enclosure, from screen to glass to polycarbonate. They can be found in many sizes so that you can use them with different-sized doors. For security, it is best to find a door that locks when your dog is not actively using it. The doors hinge at the top and are free-swinging when not locked. They can be made of screen or polycarbonate within a frame for durability.

Swimming Pool Enclosure Cost by Brand

When having a pool enclosure constructed, it is recommended that you contract with a local company or brand. Since most enclosures are built and assembled for your pool, it is helpful to use a company or brand that can come out, take precise measurements, and give you the size, style, and features you need.

When looking for a retractable enclosure, there are a few brands that serve the entire country, which can make shopping easier.

Libart Pool Enclosure

Libart Pool enclosures cost between $75 and $200 a square foot. They make a range of custom retractable enclosures. You can choose from low, medium, and high enclosures of many sizes. You can also choose different shapes and configurations. Their enclosures are made from high-quality aluminum and polycarbonate materials for long-lasting durability and use. You can get the correct fit for your pool because they are made to order.

DynaDome Pool Enclosure

DynaDome’s prices average $75 to $200 a square foot. They make a wide range of custom retractable enclosures. They make residential and commercial enclosures in several sizes and styles. Their retractable enclosures can move to and from either end of the pool for more customization. For example, you may have only the center of the pool open, with the ends enclosed.

Roll-a-Cover Pool Enclosure

Roll-a-Cover enclosures range from $80 to $120 a square foot. They also make custom retractable covers of many styles. Their company is designed to be easy to work with to find the correct fit for your pool. They also use high-quality materials that make retracting easy. Their enclosures are lightweight, durable, and easy to move and use. Like the other companies, they make their enclosures to fit your pool.

Labor Cost to Enclose a Pool

Most companies that make pool enclosures roll the labor cost into the enclosure’s price. This makes it easier to price your final project. For those companies that break down their pricing, most charge around $35 an hour for screen and polycarbonate enclosures. Glass enclosures have slightly higher labor rates at $50 an hour.

Above Ground Pool Enclosures

If you have an above ground pool, you can still use an enclosure to protect it and keep insects and animals out. Enclosures for above ground pools usually attach directly to the pool and form a dome overhead. They can be made of screens or vinyl. On average, they cost between $400 and $1,200, depending on the enclosure’s size. Most are designed to be portable so that you can remove them when you winterize your pool.

Vinyl Pool Enclosure Cost

Vinyl pool enclosures start at around $500 for most above ground pools. Typically, vinyl enclosures have removable panels or sections where you can remove the vinyl to expose the screen. This gains ventilation as needed since the vinyl’s interior can get very warm. This is a bonus for pools in areas with short swimming seasons because the vinyl keeps the pool area warmer so that you can swim for longer. Vinyl enclosures usually have a frame that fastens onto the pool’s edge. Over the frame are various panels stretched over the screen. The vinyl is opaque, so removing some sections may be necessary for the most light.

Inflatable Pool Dome Cost

Inflatable pool domes have costs starting at around $400. These are lightweight, portable covers for above ground pools. You can attach and remove them as needed. They can be used with inflatable portable pools and hard-sided pools. They have a more limited range of sizes and shapes, working best with round pools. They often have a screen material, but some can be covered in Florida Glass for better insulation.

Cost to Rescreen a Pool Cage

Pool cages can be rescreened for around $5 a square foot. Rescreening involves removing the old torn screen and attaching the new screen to the frame. This can be a cost-effective way to revive an older screen enclosure with areas where insects and debris can get inside. The frame needs to be in good condition to rescreen. If your frame is bent, rusting, or has other issues, you may want to replace the enclosure rather than rescreening.

Portable vs Permanent Swimming Pool Enclosure

Most people with inground pools use a permanent swimming pool enclosure, while most above ground pools use portable versions. However, this does not need to be the case. Sometimes, you may want to place a portable screen cage over a smaller inground pool to keep it clean or build a full permanent enclosure over an above ground pool.

In general, permanent enclosures give you more options. They have more sizes and styles, and you can have them custom made for your pool. Portable models are lightweight and easy to set up and take down, but they do not last as long. They are also not as secure, so they may not meet safety codes. While a permanent structure can be used without a fence on the property, a portable enclosure must have a fence to meet safety regulations.

Attached vs Freestanding Pool Enclosure

Choosing an attached or freestanding enclosure comes down to the pool’s location. If your pool is fairly close to your home and you have a lanai or patio between your pool and home, you may want to create a lean-to-style attached enclosure. This means that you can leave your home and walk directly into the enclosure.

If your pool is farther from your home, your enclosure must be freestanding unless you have a pool house or other building nearby. Freestanding enclosures give you more style options and can cover your pool or your pool and pool deck.

Both come in many sizes and materials, so costs are comparable in some ways.

Pros and Cons of Pool Enclosures

Pool enclosures have many pros. They add security to your pool area, particularly if you use a permanent structure. They also keep your pool clean by keeping out debris, small animals, and pests. This can cut down on maintenance costs. Depending on what your pool enclosure is made of, it may also cut down on evaporation, which means that you need to fill your pool less frequently.

Pool enclosures can also warm the area up, extending the time you can use the pool.

However, some pool enclosures block direct sunlight from getting in. This can mean that algae is more likely to grow. While the air may be warm, your pool water may be colder, meaning you may need to use a pool heater more often.

Pool Enclosure Kit Prices

Pool enclosure kits are fairly rare because most enclosures must be built to your pool’s dimensions. Kits measuring approximately 6 feet by 100 feet and made of Florida Glass cost roughly $600 and do not include installation.

Other options include pool fence kits, which are not true enclosures, with costs starting at around $80 to $90 for the average 10-foot by 20-foot pool. These fences are made of mesh and provide some security but do not include a top, so they do not keep debris out.

Pool Cage Maintenance Costs

Pool enclosure maintenance varies depending on the enclosure. Most glass and polycarbonate enclosures only need periodic cleaning of the panels to keep them clear. Depending on where you live, this may need to be as often as every 6 months. You can do this yourself or contract with your pool company. Cleanings cost between $75 and $200 a visit. Retractable panels may need to be serviced regularly if you have a motorized version. Services start at around $100 per visit and may have higher costs if you need parts.

Screened enclosures often need frequent patching and rescreening about every 10 years. This costs around $5 a square foot to rescreen.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pool Cage Painting

The cost of painting a pool enclosure is between $1,500 and $2,000 on average. Costs depend partly on the material and size. Some materials may need painting more frequently than others, but most need to be painted every 5 to 10 years.

Pressure Wash a Pool Cage

You can have your pool enclosure pressure washed for between $75 and $200. Pressure washing removes buildup on the cage’s interior and exterior. This helps more light enter, which helps prevent algae buildup.

HVAC

You can extend your indoor HVAC system to your pool enclosure for roughly $1,000. HVAC systems for fully enclosed pool areas help keep humidity levels down and cool the air. This is important because the high humidity can cause the frame to rust.

Lighting

If you want to use your pool at night, add lighting to your enclosure. The average cost of extending wiring out to the enclosure and adding lights is between $800 and $2,000, depending on the number of lights and the wiring distance.

Privacy Shades for Pool Enclosures

Privacy shades start at around $20 to $50 each. The exact shades you need are dictated by the enclosure’s type. Some can have shades that roll down the sides, while others need them custom made to fit the walls.

Seating or Storage Areas

Some pool enclosures only enclose the pool. Others enclose the pool deck. Some also enclose a pool lanai if the enclosure is attached. You can use your regular pool seating and storage for these areas because they are inside the enclosure. Extending your enclosure to these sizes dramatically increases costs.

Screen Enclosure Gutters

Most enclosures do not need gutters because the roof is curved. However, if you have a sloped roof, you may want to add a gutter to direct the water away. Costs start at between $3 and $5 a linear foot.