Operation
Retractable enclosures are designed using a track system whereby the wheels of each bay are attached to a track, which is then secured to an appropriate foundation. This helps ensure the smooth operation of the enclosure and also provides a locking mechanism so additional anchors or locking pins are not required to secure the enclosure in the event of high winds.
Enclosures that are designed prior to the installation of a pool and patio allows the tracks to be inset into the deck to make them flush with the top of the patio stones; however, tracks can be installed on top of an existing patio providing the surface is relatively smooth and flat.
With regards to operating a retractable enclosure, most require two people to manually push it open and closed; however, some can be equipped with an automated drive system, which allows the enclosure to be opened or closed by the simple push of a button.
When installing an automated drive system, sufficient space is required on one side of the enclosure to install the drive mechanism and electrical conduits are required to run the wiring from the drive system to the control panel.
Configuration
Central to the design of an enclosure is determining how it will retract. Enclosures can be built to retract in various ways, for example, from the middle or from one end. In addition to the direction of the enclosure’s retraction, the client must also decide on how many nested bays or sections there will be and how many are to retract.
For enclosures that abut to an existing structure, such as a house, they are normally designed so they retract away from the house so the pool and patio area can be completely opened up to the outdoors.
Another factor to consider is the number of bays the enclosure will comprise. The more bays there are, the number of tracks required increases (one track per bay) and the wider the enclosure is when fully opened.
The type and location of the enclosure’s panels is another configuration option to consider. For example, transparent acrylic side wall panels and translucent twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels provide additional insulation. (If required, polycarbonate panels can also be installed on the side walls of the enclosure to provide additional privacy.)
