As homeowners, especially those with swimming pools, comfort and safety are two top priorities. Swimming pool enclosures can offer that in a variety of ways, but what about when it comes to potential harmful UV rays? From skin damage, to sunburn, and long-term concerns like skin cancer, exposure to UV rays can have an impact on your health. While sunscreen is important, it doesn’t offer complete protection, so it’s important to take as many precautions as possible to ensure the wellbeing of you and your family.
So, the question remains, do swimming pool enclosures block UV rays? The short answer, yes, but there’s more to the conversation. Let’s dive deeper into how swimming pool enclosures can provide UV protection and how Screen Enclosures & More can install one for you.
Understanding UV Protection and Why it Matters
When talking about UV rays and UV protection, there are a lot of factors to consider. For the purposes of this post, we’re going to keep things pretty simple. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to premature aging. UVB rays are what cause sunburn and can damage the skin’s surface. Overexposure to all Uv rays can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer and other skin-related health issues.
Traditionally when you spend time outside by the pool, you’re vulnerable to those potentially harmful UV rays. This is especially true in peak sunlight hours on very sunny days. However, UV rays are still active on cloudy days as well.
A swimming pool enclosure equipped with UV-blocking mesh or more solid materials can help reduce exposure to both UVA and UVB rays by varying degrees depending on the type of materials. This means you can spend more time in and by the pool, soaking up the sun without worrying as much about the damaging effects. Although, it’s still vital to wear your sunscreen.
The Role of Swimming Pool Enclosures in UV Protection
A swimming pool enclosure is a protective barrier installed around your pool and patio area to provide extra safety and comfort to your outdoor living. In the realm of safety, a benefit that pool enclosures can have is the ability to reduce harmful UV rays, allowing pool owners to enjoy their backyard oasis without the threat of major sun damage.
The UV ray protection comes from the right combination of UV blocking mesh, like Phifer Screening, and additional design elements like shade sails to offer additional protection while still allowing for plenty of natural light throughout the pool area.
Different Types of UV Protection Options for Pool Enclosures
When it comes to swimming pool enclosures, there are almost unlimited options for customization depending on your lifestyle. Different materials, mesh, configurations, and designs offer varying levels of protection against UV rays, insects, and weather elements.
Screen Enclosure
A screen enclosure can cover your entire pool and patio area. The design of the enclosure is customized to your house, and the material of the mesh is chosen based on your specific needs. At Screen Enclosures & More we have several UV-blocking screening options like:
Fiberglass Screening
Fiberglass screening is a popular option for swimming pool enclosures, because of its balance of durability and affordability. It’s made from tightly woven strands of fiberglass coated with a protective vinyl layer, and serves as an excellent barrier against potentially harmful UV rays. Although it offers ample protection, it still has excellent airflow to keep your pool area well ventilated and comfortable.
A great advantage of fiberglass screening is its versatility. It has a good mix of functionality and aesthetics, which makes it a preferred choice for a variety of home styles. Its durability allows it to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use while maintaining its effectiveness and appearance over time. Plus, the ability to filter out UV rays while preserving clear visibility means you can enjoy your outdoor space without sacrificing sun protection.
Solar Screen
For an even higher level of UV protection, solar screen is an ideal option. This specialized material is made from a PVC-coated polyester fabric engineered to block up to 90% of harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light to filter through.
In addition to their impressive UV-blocking performance, solar screens come in a variety of colors and densities to tailor your enclosure to your specific needs.
Vinyl-Coated Polyester Screening
If you’re in need of a more robust solution that can withstand just about anything thrown at it, vinyl-coated polyester screening is a top choice. This screening is constructed from a polyester mesh base that is coated with a layer of PVC vinyl, resulting in enhanced resistance to tears, abrasions, and fading from prolonged UV exposure.
The added vinyl layer ensures the screen will hold up under tough conditions, making it particularly well-suited for areas where the pool enclosure is exposed to high levels of wear and tear. The material also offers excellent UV protection, keeping your pool area cooler and more comfortable while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Additionally, since the vinyl-coated polyester is resistant to fading and tearing, it requires minimal maintenance to stay looking its best, making it the most hassle-free choice.
Aluminum Screening
Although it doesn’t provide the highest level of UV protection, aluminum screening is a popular choice because of its natural durability and insect resistance. The metal construction of aluminum naturally reflects a portion of UV radiation, offering a level of shielding that helps protect pool-goers from sun exposure while maintaining an open feel in the enclosure.
Aluminum screening is often chosen for its long-lasting nature and ability to withstand the elements. Its strength makes it an excellent choice for areas that experience frequent high winds or heavy rain.
Our team will help you choose the mesh option that best suits your lifestyle needs, to ensure you receive the maximum level of comfort and protection from your screen enclosure.
Motorized Screens
Motorized screens are a great option, especially if you have backyard space you’re not enclosing. They provide convenience and functionality, and allow you to raise and lower the screens as you see fit with just the push of a button. This offers an effortless way to control the level of sunlight and UV protection of your pool area.
Maybe you want extra protection during the peak afternoon hours, but want a more open-air feel in the evening, motorized screens give you the freedom to customize your outdoor experience.
Shade Sails
If you want an option for UV protection that doesn’t involve a full swimming pool enclosure, shade sails can be a great option. They don’t provide the same level of protection and versatility as a full enclosure, but they are a good starting point. They can also be used in addition to an enclosure to add an extra layer of protection.
Shade sails are fabric structures that are suspended above the pool area to provide targeted shade. By blocking direct sunlight, they can help reduce UV exposure, especially in areas of the pool most affected by the sun.
These can be a more cost-effective solution than a full enclosure and the placement is flexible. You can add as few as one shade sail or as many as you need to make your space feel comfortable and secure.
Swimming Pool Enclosure Installation
Whether you opt for a full pool birdcage style screen enclosure, shade sails, or a combination of the two, the first step in the process is a consultation. Our team will come to your home, assess your pool area, and discuss your specific needs, including the level of UV protection you’re looking for along with any other needs you may have. We will then recommend the best enclosure options based on your preferences and your budget.
The pool enclosure installation timeline will vary depending on your custom enclosure, but our team will provide detailed information prior to the official installation date. We will ensure everything is done right the first time so, when installation is complete, your pool and patio area is ready for time with family and friends.
Maintaining Your Swimming Pool Enclosure for Ongoing Protection
To ensure your swimming pool enclosure continues to serve you for many years to come, regular maintenance is key. The screens and materials used in the enclosure can degrade over time if not properly maintained, so it’s important to clean your screen enclosure two times per year (before and after summer) and inspect the enclosure for abnormal wear and tear.
A swimming pool birdcage protects your pool from the elements and things like insects and debris. For this reason, we cannot stress enough the importance of keeping it properly cleaned. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to get rid of any debris on your enclosure. Then, use a soft bristled brush and a mild dish soap to thoroughly clean the mesh. With a garden hose, gently rinse the screen from the inside, getting rid of the dish soap. Repeat this process at least twice per year, once before summer and once after.
Choose the Right Pool Enclosure Company
If you want an excellent source of protection from UV rays, bugs, and the elements, a swimming pool enclosure is a great choice. Make sure you choose the right pool enclosure company for the job to ensure you receive the best service and best quality product.
For Jacksonville pool enclosures or pool enclosure installation in the surrounding areas, Screen Enclosures & More is the right choice for the job. We will meet with you, create a plan based on your vision, and build and install your custom enclosure.
Click here to schedule your consultation for a free estimate.
