Telescopic pool enclosures vs. pool shutters: the match
Do you want a covered pool but are hesitating between a telescopic pool enclosure and a pool shutter? It can be difficult to decide because both types of swimming pool protection have their advantages and disadvantages. Here is everything you need to know about telescopic pool enclosures and pool shutters to help you compare these two pool cover solutions.
A focus on telescopic pool enclosures
What are the advantages of a telescopic pool enclosure?
Telescopic enclosures have numerous qualities, which explains their popularity in France.
Many bathers and swimmers choose this type of cover because it offers:
- Optimum protection for the swimming pool: when closed, a telescopic pool enclosure totally protects the pool water and the coping, which facilitates pool maintenance and prevents the accumulation of debris like dust and dead leaves.
- A pleasant temperature is maintained: it prevents heat loss from the pool water, but also from the air contained under the enclosure, and even enables you to gain a few degrees thanks to the greenhouse effect.
- A choice of materials: a telescopic pool enclosure can be made of aluminium, wood, PVC, steel, glass, or honeycomb polycarbonate, which enables customisation to suit your wishes and needs.
- A height that enables you to create a true aquatic space: a mid- or full-height telescopic enclosure allows you to stand up under the enclosure and enjoy your covered pool year-round. It can also cover part of the terrace to create a poolside wellness area with a spa, jacuzzi or a solarium.
- Easy, adaptable opening: a telescopic enclosure can open to the left, right or from the centre. You can also choose to open it only partially to keep part of the pool under cover.
Although the modules slide easily thanks to rollers and guide rails, it is also possible to choose a motorised pool enclosure that can be quickly and automatically opened via remote control.
What are the disadvantages of a telescopic pool enclosure?
Even though they have numerous advantages, telescopic pool enclosures nevertheless have several disadvantages, including:
- Price: this is one of the most expensive types of pool enclosure.
- Size: the installation of a telescopic pool enclosure requires space around the pool, because it stands on the deck around the coping.
- Administrative procedures: it may be necessary to file a declaration of works or obtain a building permit to install a full-height (over 1.8 m) telescopic pool enclosure.
The maintenance of telescopic enclosures
Telescopic enclosures must be regularly maintained. It is recommended to clean them at least twice a year, just before winterising and before the peak season.
For effective maintenance, you will need a bucket of warm water, non-abrasive cloths and mild soap. Avoid pressure washers and abrasive sponges, which risk scratching the walls of the pool enclosure.
Once you have finished cleaning, rinse thoroughly. To prevent encrusted stains, you should ideally wipe off any dirt as soon you see it. You should also very regularly clean the rollers and guide rails to enable the modules to continue to slide easily.
You can use a broom to get rid of dust and dead leaves before greasing the system.
Telescopic pool enclosures: how much do they cost?
The price of a telescopic pool enclosure can vary according to several criteria:
- The material used for the structure: you can choose among aluminium, wood, steel or PVC.
- The wall glazing: the price will not be the same if you choose honeycomb polycarbonate, plain glass or double-glazing.
- The size: the cost of a telescopic pool enclosure can double depending on the height and the surface area it must cover.
The average prices for a telescopic pool enclosure range between €7,000 (for a standard low-profile pool enclosure) and €25,000 (for a custom full-height enclosure).
A focus on pool shutters
The operation of a pool shutter
Rolling pool shutters consist of several flexible slats that may be made of PVC, wood or polycarbonate.
They unroll at the surface of the pool to protect and secure it. They are rolled and unrolled thanks to a roller that is situated at one of the extremities of the pool. This roller may be equipped with a handle for manual operation or motorised to quickly and automatically uncover the pool thanks to a remote control or key.
The are two types of pool shutter:
- The above-ground pool shutter: placed at the surface of the water inside the pool.
- The immersed pool shutter: situated just below the surface of the water.
The advantages of pool shutters
There are several arguments in favour of pool shutters:
- They are economical, because both the purchase price and installation cost are considerably more affordable than for a pool enclosure.
- They are less bulky and take up very little space when rolled up, enabling you to fully enjoy bathing in the peak season.
- They provide good water protection because they cover the entire pool, which prevents dust and dead leaves from falling into the pool, but also keeps the water at a pleasant temperature longer.
- They are very discreet because they are situated near the pool water and their minimalist design does not disrupt the aesthetics of your outdoor space.
- They are easy to use because you need simply activate the roller to cover the pool or open it to fully enjoy bathing or swimming.
- They do not require any administrative procedures before being installed over the pool, therefore it is not necessary to apply for a declaration of works or a building permit.
Pool shutters: what are the disadvantages?
Although they are economical and easily installed, rolling shutters nevertheless have several disadvantages that you should take into account:
- Their solidity can be severely tested during harsh weather or hail.
- They do not protect the pool coping and deck.
- They are not suitable for all pool shapes, such as bean-shaped pools.
- They must be entirely rolled up to enable bathing and swimming.
Pool shutter maintenance
Failure to give your pool shutter regular care will quickly become apparent. For optimum cleaning, you should ideally remove dirt and dead leaves from the shutter every time this is necessary. You should also perform complete maintenance at least twice a year, once before winterising and once before the bathing season. To do so, unroll the pool shutter and clean the slats one by one with a brush and a special detergent. You should then rinse with a pressure washer. Don't forget to clean the bench and the roller.
The price of a pool shutter
The price of a pool shutter is generally between €1,500 for a manual model, and €10,000 for a high-end motorised product.
The match: a telescopic pool enclosure vs. a pool shutter?
| Selection criteria | Telescopic enclosure | Rolling pool shutter |
| Design | Wide choice of materials | Guaranteed discretion |
| Protection | Can protect the pool, coping and deck and enable year-round bathing | Limited to pool water |
| Ease-of-use | Adapts to needs by opening totally or only partially | Opens easily and occupies little space |
| Administrative procedures | May require a declaration of works or a building permit depending on the height | Installation with no formalities |
| Price | €€€ | €€ |
