Pool Enclosures Compared � How To Decide Which Is Right For You

If you own an outdoor swimming pool, then a pool enclosures has now become a must have addition. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your pool as much as possible, whatever the weather, or time of year.

So, given that there is a so much more choice now on the market, in terms of pool enclosures, how do you decide which one is best for you?

The Four main types of pool enclosures

We’ve put four different types of enclosures, head to head, to see how they compare. And, although budget is always a major consideration in any purchasing decision, there are still many more factors to consider in coming to the right decision for you.

In general, all the enclosure offer similar benefits in terms of heating your pool, reducing maintenance and energy costs, reducing heat and water evaporation. However they all work to different levels of effectiveness.

We’ve looked at four pool enclosures types, from four different suppliers:
Pool Igloo Enclosure
from Pool Igloo (http://www.pooligloo.com)

Bubble Dome Pool Enclosure
from Paul Hurd (http://www.pool-enclosures.co.uk)

Low Profile pool enclosures
from UK Pool Enclosures (http://www.ukpoolenclosures.co.uk)

Full Height Swimming Pool Enclosures
from Summit Lesure
(http://www.swimmingpoolenclosures.co.uk)


About Pool Igloo:
Pool Igloo is a different kind of swimming pool enclosures. Because it is flexible, light, easily transported and very simple to store as it occupies very little space. The manufacturers say it can be assembled and dismantled in its entirety in thirty minutes and if storing on one side, in just a couple of minutes.

It’s actually produced using materials such as fibreglass and stainless steel for the arches that form the structure. And there are reinforcements in key areas and injected nylon zips on the entrances of the structure and on the optional doors/windows.

As a consequence of all this, it’s at a very competitive price.

Pros: It has to be price. The Pool Igloo starts at under �'2,000 Euros, and comes in a wide range of sizes. If you priorities are more about keeping all the rubbish, leaves and other debris out of your pool then this could be a good low cost option.

Cons: I’m not sure how good this %KEYWORDCAP% would be in high winds, and also aesthetically, not particularly pleasing. And, I don’t like the idea of not being able to really see into the pool, or when you’ve inside see what’s going on outside. If from a security and safety point of view if nothing else.

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: ****
Aesthetics: **
Ease of Use: ****
Energy Efficiency: **
Overall: **

Summary: Safety and security considerations aside, this swimming pool enclosures could work well in warmer climates, such as southern Europe. Also the fact that it can be so easily put up, or taken down is a big plus in some locations.

How do air domes work?
Bubble Domes, Dome enclosures, or Air Domes, are all similar types of enclosures. They look like, and are like, big bubbles. There’s usually a small fan, which blows air in to the structure to keep it up. And it is then held in place either by a water bag which runs around the bottom of the pool enclosure, or it is bolted down to the ground around the enclosure by a cable. The fan uses very little power, and you get in and out of the enclosure via a zip door.

Pros: Again, this type of enclosure is very competitive in terms of pricing, with Dome Enclosures costing from around 2,500 upwards. Also there are a large range of sizes available.

Cons: In my view, the big down side of these enclosure is that they’re just ugly. Big, and ugly. And also I’d be rather worried if your swimming pool is in a more exposed area, as l could imagine a big gust of wind just taking your Bubble Dome and planting it in your neighbours garden!

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: ****
Aesthetics: ***
Ease of Use: ***
Energy Efficiency: ***
Overall: ***

Summary: If you’re not too worried about aesthetics, and your swimming pool is in a sheltered area, then this could be a good cost effective option.

Low Profile pool enclosures
These types of swimming pool enclosure really seem to have changed the whole market in recent years. This is down to a number of reasons. However the big thing here is that these low profile enclosure combine all of the big benefits of the larger swimming pool enclosure buildings, but with a smaller price tag. And also, to many people, an enhanced aesthetic.

Pros: Total value for money. These robust structures, are very easy to use and operate, and also very efficient in terms of heat retention and absorption. Prices start at just under 3,500, inclusive of VAT and delivery.

Cons: The fact that they are low profile, means you cannot walk around the pool edge when the enclosure is on.

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: ****
Aesthetics: ****
Ease of Use: *****
Energy Efficiency: *****
Overall: ****

Summary: The decision with the Low Profile pool enclosure seems to hinge on �Low Profile’ element. To some people this is a big plus, as aesthetically it minimizes the impact on your pool area. This combined with enhanced heat and energy performance, and price, is making these enclosure the pool enclosure of choice for many people.

High Sided pool enclosure
These come in many different shapes and designs, from 3, 5, 7 and even 9 sided. The materials used in these types of enclosure, is either Plexiglas/Polycarbonate combinations, or at the top end of the market, toughened glass is used. Consequently these are substantial structures, which need more careful planning and preparation prior to installation.

Pros: These pool enclosure are great if you want to turn your outdoor swimming pool, into an indoor pool. Or if you want a complete pool room, where you can have space to walk around the pool, or relax within the pool enclosure itself.

Cons: As mentioned, these are substantial structures, which can have a big impact on your wallet, and possibly in terms of planning, and ground works required prior to installation. Another consideration is that aesthetically, these enclosures don’t look great and can have a major impact on the whole visual setting of your pool.

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: **
Aesthetics: ****
Ease of Use: ****
Energy Efficiency: ****
Overall: ***

Summary: Given the money, and the space, these enclosures can give you a complete new space in which to swim and relax. But with prices anywhere from 18,000-35,000 it’s no easy decision.

So which is the Best pool enclosure?
Based on the above evaluation, the Low Profile enclosure comes out on top, in terms of value for money, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. However there are many factors to weigh up in coming to a decision on which enclosure is right for you. But if you take a look at the sites mentioned here, you’ll at least have a good view on what’s available.

For further details and articles on swimming pool enclosures, please visit http://www.ukpoolenclosures.co.uk