Seeking Enclosure
By Ronnie Rittenberry
Keep adverse weather at bay and bask in the year-round enjoyment enclosures provide.
Whether you have an idyllic spot for a custom sunroom, a dead space over in the corner of your lot that would be perfect for a conservatory, or a backyard pool or hot tub you would like to use year-round, there is an enclosure to fit your needs. The variety and styles of enclosures that can enhance your home’s utility and architectural appeal, as well as your lifestyle, is limited only by your imagination, yard size, and pocketbook.
Depending on your needs and the surface and space available, enclosures can be erected as freestanding or attached structures, or in “lean-to” designs adjacent to the house.
“The construction and installation of an enclosure may sound like a long process,” says Cynthia Caldwell of Garden Prairie Pool & Spa Enclosures, Manufactured by CCSI International, Inc. “But to make sure the installation is completed as efficiently as possible, Garden Prairie manufactures all materials in-house and preassembles them in large pieces before arriving to the site.”
The types of construction materials used will depend on your local climate and the building’s function. For example, western red cedar—known for its resistance to bacteria, fungi, and bugs—is the industry standard when it comes to enclosures for spas, hot tubs, and similar facilities with high humidity. Larger structures, such as swimming pool enclosures, are made of stainless steel or aluminum frames and polycarbonate or tempered glass panels. Many include walls or ceilings that slide open or retract completely, which allows for outdoor swimming when the weather is nice and indoor swimming when it’s not.
“By opening the roof panels and sliding glass doors, air is pulled through the enclosure and out through the open roof, providing a chimney effect. This air circulation encourages ventilation throughout the unit,” says Caldwell. “When the enclosure is closed, there is the advantage of passive solar energy/heating through the light-transmitting polycarbonate panels, which reduces heating costs—an important factor in being green.”
For most pool and spa enthusiasts, it’s simply a case of maximizing their investments. In cooler or wetter climates, access to the water can be limited by the weather. “Enclosures make weather a non-issue,” says Robert Thompson, president and CEO of Carolina Solar Structures in Arden, N.C. “Customers want an enclosure primarily for the advantage of year-round swimming.”
Enclosures give users the benefit of being protected from the elements while still having the option to open doors and roof panels. Indoors or out, how you enjoy your pool is up to you.
5 Things to Know Before You Buy
Size Matters. People often undersize and regret it later. Use stakes and a string line to lay out your available space.
Usage Does, Too. Many people tend to create more than one room when it may not be necessary. One open space can serve multiple functions.
Think Like a Designer. Consider the elements of your house and where the enclosure will sit; this will help you and your designer in selecting wall height, siding styles, siding and trim colors, shingle type, window and door style, and other architectural concerns.
Know the Codes. Depending on regional building codes, adding an enclosure can raise property taxes. It can also increase property value, offsetting the costs when it comes time to sell.
Budget. Don’t forget to factor in long-term costs of heating, cooling, dehumidification, and upkeep.
Photo courtesy of Garden Prairie Pool & Spa Enclosures, Manufactured by CCSI International, Inc.