If you own an outdoor swimming pool, then a Pool Enclosure has now become a must have addition. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your pool as much as possible, whatever the weather, or time of year.

The types of Pool Enclosure

We’ve put four different types of Swimming Pool Enclosure, head to head, to see how they compare. And, although money is always a major consideration in any buying decision, there are still many more factors to consider in coming to the right decision for you.

In general, all the Swimming Pool Enclosure offer similar benefits in terms of heating your pool, reducing maintenance and energy costs, reducing heat and water evaporation. However they all work to different levels of effectiveness.

We’ve looked at four Swimming Pool Enclosure types, from four different suppliers:

Pool Igloo Enclosure
from Pool Igloo (http://www.pooligloo.com)

Bubble Dome Pool Enclosure
from Paul Hurd (http://www.pool-enclosures.co.uk)

Low Profile Swimming Pool Enclosure
from UK Pool Enclosures (http://www.ukpoolenclosures.co.uk)

Full Height Swimming Pool Enclosure
from Summit Lesure
(http://www.swimmingpoolenclosures.co.uk)

About Pool Igloo:
Pool Igloo is a different kind of Swimming Pool Enclosure. Because it is flexible, light, easily transported and very simple to store as it occupies very little space.

Pros: It has to be price. The Pool Igloo starts at under €2,000 Euros, and comes in a wide range of sizes. If you priorities are more about keeping all the debris out of your pool then this could be a good low cost option.

Cons: I’m not sure how good this Swimming Pool Enclosure would be in high winds, and also aesthetically, not particularly pleasing.

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: ****
Aesthetics: **
Ease of Use: ****
Energy Efficiency: **
Overall: **

Summary: Safety and security considerations aside, this Swimming Pool Enclosure could work well in warmer climates, such as southern Europe. Also the fact that it can be so easily put up, or taken down is a big plus in some locations.

How do air domes work?
Bubble Domes, Dome enclosures, or Air Domes, are all similar types of Swimming Pool Enclosure. They look like, and are like, big bubbles. There’s usually a small fan, which blows air in to the structure to keep it up. And it is then held in place either by a water bag which runs around the bottom of the pool enclosure, or it is bolted down to the ground around the enclosure by a cable. The fan uses very little power, and you get in and out of the enclosure via a zip door.

Pros: Again, this type of Swimming Pool Enclosure is very competitive in terms of pricing, with Dome Enclosures costing from around £2,500 upwards. Also there are a large range of sizes available.

Cons: In my view, the big down side of these Swimming Pool Enclosure is that they’re just ugly. Big, and ugly. And also I’d be rather worried if your swimming pool is in a more exposed area, as l could imagine a big gust of wind just taking your Bubble Dome and planting it in your neighbours garden!

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: ****
Aesthetics: ***
Ease of Use: ***
Energy Efficiency: ***
Overall: ***

Summary: If you’re not too worried about aesthetics, and your swimming pool is in a sheltered area, then this could be a good cost effective option.

Low Profile Swimming Pool Enclosure

These types of Swimming Pool Enclosure really seem to have changed the whole market in recent years. This is down to a number of reasons. However the big thing here is that these low profile Swimming Pool Enclosure combine all of the big benefits of the larger Swimming Pool Enclosure buildings, but with a smaller price tag. And also, to many people, an enhanced aesthetic.

Pros: Total value for money. These robust structures, are very easy to use and operate, and also very efficient in terms of heat retention and absorption. Prices start at just under £3,500, inclusive of VAT and delivery.

Cons: The fact that they are low profile, means you cannot walk around the pool edge when the enclosure is on.

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: ****
Aesthetics: ****
Ease of Use: *****
Energy Efficiency: *****
Overall: ****

Summary: The decision with the Low Profile Swimming Pool Enclosure seems to hinge on ‘Low Profile’ element. This combined with enhanced heat and energy performance, and price, is making these enclosure the pool enclosure of choice for many people.

High Sided Swimming Pool Enclosure

These come in many different shapes and designs, from 3, 5, 7 and even 9 sided. The materials used in these types of Swimming Pool Enclosure, is either Plexiglas/Polycarbonate combinations, or at the top end of the market, toughened glass is used. Consequently these are substantial structures, which need more careful planning and preparation prior to installation.

Pros: These Swimming Pool Enclosure are great if you want to turn your outdoor swimming pool, into an indoor pool. Or if you want space to walk around the pool, or relax within the pool enclosure itself.

Cons: As mentioned, these are substantial structures, which can have a big impact on your wallet, and possibly in terms of planning, and ground works required prior to installation. Another consideration is that aesthetically, these enclosures don’t look great and can have a major impact on the whole visual setting of your pool.

Ratings (5 star maximum):
Price: **
Aesthetics: ****
Ease of Use: ****
Energy Efficiency: ****
Overall: ***

Summary: Given the money, and the space, these enclosures can give you a complete new space in which to swim and relax. But with prices anywhere from £18,000-£35,000 it’s no easy decision.

So which is the Best Pool Enclosure?

Based on the above evaluation, the Low Profile enclosure comes out on top, in terms of value for money, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. However there are many factors to weigh up in coming to a decision on which Swimming Pool Enclosure is right for you. But if you take a look at the sites mentioned here, you’ll at least have a good view on what’s available.