Buying an Enclosure for Your Pool or Spa

Pool and spa covers let you splash around all year

By Sabah Karimi

Photo by iStockphoto.com

To protect your indoor pool, above-ground pool or spa investment, build a pool enclosure around the water feature. The right type of enclosure will add a level of privacy to your pool or spa, and also prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the water's surface. Choose from several styles and designs of pool covers based on your budget, practical needs and personal tastes. Spa covers, for instance, range from simple plastic domes to elaborate cabins.

• What You Need to Know
• Take accurate measurements of your pool or spa's dimensions so that you can select the right cover size.
• Be prepared to hire a professional pool installation specialist or contractor if you don't have the tools and equipment to install the pool or spa enclosure safely yourself.
• Set a budget range for your purchase so you can make the best decision when comparing features and attributes of brands.

Step 1:

Select the enclosure's location. Decide if the pool or spa enclosure will be installed very close to the perimeter of the pool to act as a basic cover, or if it will extend out several feet to serve as a gazebo or relaxation cabin. Consider how many people will be using the pool or spa at any given time, and if you need space for storage, benches, a refrigerator and other accessories that may enhance the pool or spa experience.

Step 2:

Investigate local zoning requirements. Some types of freestanding pool and spa enclosures may require a building permit. Check with your local government office about zoning laws and building requirements for your pool or spa enclosure so you can plan accordingly.

Step 3:

Consider the style of your pool or spa enclosure. Pool and spa enclosures can range from simple plastic dome covers to gazebo or shed-like wooden structures. Choose a pool enclosure that enhances the landscaping and also serves its practical purpose.

Step 4:

Review material options based on your climate. Premium-grade woods and wood laminates can be used to build a pool or spa enclosure that complements the style and theme of your home. Choose from wood fiber siding that can be painted in a variety of colors, stone or brick, or vinyl and plastic sheets depending on the climate.

Step 5:

Look at options in pool- and spa-building kits. If you're on a tight budget or just want to save on the costs of installing a pool or spa enclosure, consider turning this into a DIY project. Complete building kits can be purchased from pool designers and contractors, or from a home goods store. They typically take several hours to put together.

Step 6:

Review warranty information. Make sure you are aware of the type of warranty coverage against defects on any materials so that you don't have to pay for the replacement of woods, fabrics or plastic that become warped, shrink or deteriorate quickly.

Step 7:

Factor in the costs of a professional installation. If you are not performing the installation yourself, calculate the labor costs of the installation to determine your bottom-line price. Choose a pool or spa enclosure that meets your budget and needs after computing all labor costs.

• Tips & Warnings
• You may need to hire an electrician or general contractor to perform lighting work for some types of pool and spa enclosures.
• Expect to pay a premium price for custom-designed pool covers.
• Some materials can help increase the temperature of the water in your pool or spa, reducing energy and heating costs.