What is a retractable enclosure?
Just imagine a sunroom or solarium on wheels! Like a sunroom, retractable enclosures provide an indoor setting with an outdoor view. However, unlike sunrooms or indoor pools, retractable enclosures can be opened up to the outdoors. You get the best of both worlds!
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What are retractable enclosures used for?
Typically, retractable enclosures are used for swimming pools, spa pools and hot tubs. However, retractable enclosures can also be used for other purposes such as roofs (roof enclosure), indoor pool for hotels, covering patios or decks just like a sunroom or solarium. By connecting the enclosure to your home, you can create an extension of your current living space.
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What are the advantages of having an enclosure?
Retractable pool and spa pool enclosures provide the benefit of extending the life and usage of pools and spa pools while reducing maintenance time and costs. A retractable enclosure will also do the following:
- Extend your living space
- Provide exposure to the warmth of the sun without the harmful effects of UV rays
- Provide protection from bugs and insects such as mosquitoes and wasps, similar to a screen pool enclosure but better
- And there are even more benefits !
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How does retractable enclosures work?
Retractable enclosures are composed of individual bays or sections. The sections are telescopic so they retract, one inside the other. Each bay has it's own set of wheels which are mounted on a track system, guiding each section as it opens and closes. The enclosure can be opened fully or partially. An automated drive system handles the physical movement of the enclosure with the simple push of a button.
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Can pool enclosures be used all year round?
Yes! Even on cloudy days, the enclosure will trap solar energy. Just like sunrooms the enclosure can increase air temperature by 10-20°C/18-36°F when fully closed. If you have a heated pool or spa pool, the heated water will also provide an additional source of heat. In most cases, the heat from the sun and the water will keep the enclosure at a comfortable temperature. In colder climates, it may be necessary to provide an additional heat source.
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Can I connect the enclosure to my house?
Yes! By connecting the enclosure to an existing house or building, you can extend your available living space. No special attachments are usually required.
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Can debris get into my swimming pool?
No. When completely closed, there are seals along the bottom and between the bays which will prevent dirt, leaves and other debris from collecting inside the enclosure. As such, enclosures installed over pools and spa pools will significantly reduce maintenance time and cost.
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How do I open the retractable pool enclosure?
Our enclosures are built with an automated drive system. Simply push a button and the enclosure will open easily! A large enclosure will fully open within minutes.
This is an extremely unique and beneficial feature, particularly for large enclosures. No manual pushing is required and only one person is needed to open or close the enclosure. Only COVERS in Play offers this unique feature!
Watch it open!
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What maintenance is required?
Occasional cleaning is the only maintenance requirement. Simply use a high pressure washer or a soft brush or cloth with some mild soap.
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Do I need to remove snow?
The enclosure is designed to withstand specific snow loads. As such, snow removal is not required.
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What about condensation and water runoff?
An enclosure, unlike a house, is not a fully insulated environment. As such, when internal temperatures exceed external temperatures, you will begin to see condensation form on the inside of the panels, particularly if the enclosure is covering a swimming pool or spa pool.
No action is required to address condensation as it will not do any harm to the enclosure. When condensation forms, the enclosure is specially designed to handle the excess moisture. The panels are designed at such an angle as to ensure water will run down and collect in the gutters. The gutters are designed to collect and redirect water out of the enclosure. Seals are also installed between each bay of the enclosure and all enclosure parts are specifically chosen for their ability to withstand a wet environment without rusting.
Should you wish to do so, condensation can be minimized or eliminated by one or more of the following options:
- Using a solar pool cover with your pool or spa pool
- Venting the enclosure by opening doors, windows and/or the enclosure itself
- Installing a dehumidifier
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Can retractable pool enclosures go over an existing swimming pool or patio?
Yes, you can almost always put an enclosure over an existing inground swimming pool/(ground swimming pool or patio. Please contact us to discuss the details for your site.
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What about high winds?
The enclosure is designed to withstand winds up to 100mph. No tie downs are necessary. However, it is recommended that the enclosure be fully closed in high wind situations.
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What is the maximum size of an enclosure?
An enclosure can be custom designed to almost any size.
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How are the tracks installed?
Tracks can be installed on top of existing surfaces such as a pool deck provided there is sufficient foundation to meet code requirements. If preferred, a groove can be created for the track so that it is flush with the surrounding surface.
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What kind of site preparation is required?
Enclosures require a relatively smooth and level surface on which to be installed. The surface must also be capable of supporting the weight of the enclosure. For more information about surface requirements, please contact us.
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Do I need a permit?
The enclosure is designed to meet local building codes.
Since the enclosure is considered a temporary, removable structure, a permit may not be necessary in some locations. You will need to contact your municipality to determine if a permit is needed. If required, COVERS in Play will assist you in providing any needed documentation or drawings.
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How long does it take to order and install an enclosure?
This will depend primarily on the size of the enclosure. As a general guideline, it will take approximately 8-12 weeks from the time the order is placed until your enclosure is installed and operational. The installation itself represents approximately 4-6 days of this time period.
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When can an enclosure be installed?
Enclosures can be installed at almost any time during the year.
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Can I install the enclosure myself?
Yes. The enclosure was specifically designed with a minimal number of components and is already partially assembled when delivered. With a basic understanding of construction and the required equipment, two people can build the enclosure. We do recommend that one of our trained staff is on hand to provide assistance.
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What is the cost of a retractable pool enclosures?
The cost of an enclosure will depend on many factors such as enclosure size and style. Please contact us to arrange for a site visit and we would be happy to provide you with an estimate.
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How do I get more information?
If you have questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Why choose an enclosure by COVERS in Play?
There are several factors which make COVERS in Play unique in the industry ...
- Our automated drive system which eliminates the need to manually push the enclosure when opening or closing
- Standard features such as 2 sliding doors, your choice of colour for the frame/panels and 7' wall height
- Innovative design
We also meet or exceed the competition with regard to ...
- Customer service
- Quality
- Engineering expertise
- Warranty
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