Why install a pool enclosure?
Installing a pool enclosure provides multiple benefits. In terms of safety, it represents a reliable shield against the risks of domestic accidents and drowning. It is particularly important for households with young children. The pool enclosure also enables the water to be kept cleaner. It prevents leaves and other impurities from falling into the pool.
It is a protective solution that dramatically simplifies pool maintenance and saves time on a daily basis.
In addition, the pool enclosure enables you to maintain and preserve the water temperature. It is ideal for enjoying water at an optimal temperature, regardless of the season. Its installation enables the water temperature to be increased by 6 to 8°C, especially during the summer months, thanks to the greenhouse effect. This means that you can enjoy excellent bathing comfort for longer throughout the year.
What are the most important criteria for choosing an enclosure?
When choosing a pool enclosure, there are various factors to be taken into account.
The height: this is an important criterion and its choice generally varies according to the desired bathing period. For a short swimming season, a low enclosure is perfectly suitable. On the other hand, if you would like to enjoy your pool all year round, a high enclosure with a minimum height of 1.8 m is preferable. You will be able to take advantage of the pool while being protected from the wind.
Integration into the environment: influences the choice of a pool enclosure. The shelter will change the visual appearance of your home. You should therefore choose a model that fits in perfectly with its surroundings.
Ease of installation: this is a key factor in choosing an enclosure. The rule is to choose a model that is easy to install and compatible with the existing pool.
The ease of operating the modules: this is a determining factor in optimising the use of the pool enclosure. Whether manual or motorised, handling must be easy and enable good swimming comfort. It is therefore best to choose a model that opens and closes as easily as possible.
Reliability of the structure: this is mainly ensured by the materials and fastening methods chosen. As far as materials are concerned, you can choose between aluminium and wood for the structure and polycarbonate (alveolar or cristal®) or single or double glazed glass for the covering surfaces. Depending on the environment, the installation of guide rails may be necessary to ensure the smooth and safe movement of the structure.
What are the different types of pool enclosures?
There are many different types of pool enclosures depending on the needs and requirements. Among the most commonly used are sliding, stackable, retractable, and fixed enclosures.
Retractable pool enclosures
Theretractableenclosure The retractable enclosure is designed to make the most of the space around the pool. The modules fit into each other. They can slide to the right or left to provide access to both sides of the pool. It is worth noting that this type of enclosure is available in manual or motorised versions.
Sliding pool enclosures
The sliding enclosure is made up of stackable modules. Versatile, these can be raised for full or partial opening. It also guarantees a good quality of bathing thanks to its modularity. There are also motorised versions.
The collapsible pool enclosure
The collapsible model offers the possibility of opening one or more of its modules by raising them. All the modules can also be removed to fully appreciate the pool. This is a practical enclosure that allows the mechanism to be opened and closed quickly.
The fixed pool enclosure
As the name suggests, the enclosure is a fixed coverage system. Despite this, a wide range of configurations are possible. Many opening options are possible, such as a sliding or folding door, and folding side openings. It’s all a question of space, usage, and budget.
As far as materials are concerned, the pool enclosure can be produced in a variety of models, including aluminium, PVC, wood, and polycarbonate or glass cover. In terms of longevity, the aluminium model offers a reasonable compromise thanks to its aesthetics and durability. Wood is a good alternative thanks to its warm and natural appearance. PVC is a perfect compromise between quality and price. In both cases, the material chosen will underline the contemporary or rustic design of your home, easily integrating into your outdoor environment.
Choosing between a low or full-height pool enclosure?
Before buying a pool enclosure, it is important to differentiate between a full-height and a low enclosure.
On the one hand,the full-height pool enclosure has the advantage of offering a spacious swimming area. It covers the pool plus the surrounding area and enables you to create a protected living space around the pool. You can therefore swim in all seasons or simply enjoy the good weather by the pool. Note that this type of enclosure requires either a building permit or a simple declaration of works.
On the other hand, the low enclosure is a protective solution combining discretion and good value for money. It is generally presented in the form of several modules of varying widths. In terms of height, it differs from other enclosures in that it is only 20 cm to 1 metre high.
Which opening system should you choose for your pool enclosure?
There are different opening systems available for pool enclosures. Firstly, there is the removable enclosure that is both practical and easy to handle. It is made up of lightweight modules that can be stacked or raised via lifting levers. As for the sliding enclosure, its modules glide, depending on the configuration, on guide rails or not for a simple and fluid opening. In both cases, the rail system enables easy handling and better reliability of the structure. For full-height enclosures, it is also possible to select the rotunda system that has a rounded shape on one or both ends.
Thanks to technological advances, a pool enclosure can be either manual or motorised. In contrast to manual opening, motorised pool enclosures have a number of clear advantages. First of all, it saves a lot of time when manipulating it. Also, opening and closing the enclosure no longer requires physical effort.
What are the criteria for installing a pool enclosure?
Since the enclosure is designed to protect an existing pool, several parameters must be taken into account during installation, such as clearance area, and safety, etc. The amount of clearance depends on the enclosure model selected. It is important to ask the following questions: Where should the regular entrance be placed? Is it necessary to have increased child safety? As you can see, these parameters play a major role in the successful installation of your pool enclosure. Finally, do not neglect the issues of maintenance and usage of the pool, as the choice of enclosure depends on this. Just remember that installation on the existing pool should be quick and easy.
What is the budget for a pool enclosure?
Price is a criterion that should not be underestimated when considering the purchase of a pool enclosure. However, it should be noted that the price varies. It depends on a number of factors such as the enclosure model, its opening system, its height, and the materials used in its manufacture, etc. Taking into account the height of the enclosure, the price of a full-height model is more expensive than a low one. Also, depending on the opening system, the retractable enclosure is more expensive than its sliding and removable counterparts.
Furthermore, note that the installation of a pool enclosure is subject to the NF P90-309 standard relating to protective devices for in-ground and unenclosed private pools. According to this standard, the enclosure must be totally resistant to wind and snow. However, above all, it must prevent access to the pool, especially for children, once the cover is closed. Removable enclosures must be equipped with a locking system that cannot be opened by a child.