No pool is too big or too small
A retractable enclosure can fit around almost any type of existing pool, although in some cases, room to circulate between the pool and the enclosure wall can be limited.
For installation purposes, a platform is laid across the pool to support ladders and allow installers to work inside the enclosure without any danger. This platform can be moved quickly and easily and fits most situations.
First, each roof section is assembled on the ground. The sides in which the roof will sit are then assembled and set in the tracks. A hydraulic or manual lift is then used to help guide and set the top of each roof section into the wall.
If the enclosure is to be used year-round, some form of heat is required, not necessarily to keep the inside of the enclosure comfortable, but rather to raise the air temperature enough to prevent fog. Glazing materials such as light, twin-wall polycarbonate, which is 200 times stronger than glass, is used for some enclosure windows to capture solar energy from the sun while filtering out ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Heat is naturally generated and warms the enclosure’s interior quite efficiently, but natural condensation and fogging will occur due to indoor and outdoor temperature variances.
Small inexpensive heating devices can correct this. These structures do not need expensive dehumidifying equipment like a traditional indoor pool.
For comparison purposes, a regular indoor pool (with building) costs approximately $250,000, while a retractable enclosure, with pool and heater, can cost roughly $115,000 to $125,000 (exclusive of site considerations).
Gary Thibault is president of Vision Enclosures in Sutton West, Ont. The company specializes in retractable enclosure systems. Thibault has more than 25 years of experience in the residential, commercial and industrial enclosure and sunroom market. He can be reached via e-mail at garyt@visionenclosures.com.
