There are a lot of options when it comes to covering your swimming pool. Read on to find out how the Oasis Pool Enclosures compare to each type of alternative pool enclosure or cover.
Oasis Pool Enclosure vs flat vinyl
If your purpose is just to keep debris out of the pool between swims you might be happy with a cover. Pool covers simply cover the water in the pool. They can automatically or manually be put in place. But they also can rip, they can get water and snow pooled on top when there is moisture in the air. And bottom line, you can’t swim when the pool is covered.
Oasis Pool Enclosure vs. low profile plastic dome
Low-profile domes certainly have an advantage over flat covers. The domes are retractable/telescopic so they don’t take up much room. Since it isn’t flat the dome is easier to put into place. And, the low-profile dome is curved so moisture is less likely to pool over the top.
The downside is that the domes aren’t made to withstand the elements. They are made from clear polycarbonate (plastic) panels which don’t include allowable deflection[note]Allowable deflection: is the amount that a structural member deflects when all of the above loads are applied to the structure at the same time. And, the member will return to its original shape when the loads are removed. In other words: NO DAMAGE[/note]. In fact, there are cases where the domes have collapsed under just a few inches of snow.
Of course, you can’t be doing anything more than swimming in the pool under the low-profile dome. No room to stand up.
Oasis Pool Enclosure vs Open roof environment
This is a unique idea, the pool is fully enclosed except for up to three-quarters of the roof. The roof opening is either hand-cranked open or has an automated switch. While this may seem like a good idea, there are problems.
First, this type of pool enclosure generally uses single pane glass or polycarbonate so there are significant issues with condensation. Unless, of course, you leave the roof open.
And when the roof is open, the heat from the pool and the room is lost out the top so you won’t be saving any money on heating costs. Not to mention that direct sunlight will not save you any costs in chemicals.
Finally, the roof works on tracks, so when you get dirt or debris in the tracks the roof won’t open or close smoothly. There are even troubles with the roof not shutting completely over time.
Oasis Pool Enclosure vs. standard retractable cover
One of the most popular pool enclosure solutions is a full-size retractable cover. They come in many styles and they look simply effortless to put in place, offering enjoyment no matter what the weather. Unfortunately, there are drawbacks because enclosed swimming pools generate a tremendous amount of condensation.
When you have a structure that large covering water completely, it’s like those terrariums you might have made in grade school. The water evaporates from the pool up to the top of the room then droplets form on surfaces including the ceiling. Whenever you open the door, the wind shakes the pool enclosure, or the wall is bumped, and the droplets fall like rain all over the inside of the pool enclosure.
In fact, the manufacturers of retractable pool cover even recommend using a pool cover and/ or a dehumidifier to reduce condensation – so you’ll have to buy more than just the retractable cover.
Taken from a popular retractable pool cover website
And the covers operate on tracks with either a manual open/close or an automatic switch. Imagine what happens when your sliding glass door track gets extra dirt/sand in the track. Now think of that on a much larger scale.
What is an Oasis Pool Enclosure?
Our enclosures are considered permanent building that features a multitude of insulated glazing options. Our buildings come with a certified engineering report that addresses the amount of weight the building can handle (you would be surprised how much snow can weigh!) and the amount of wind the building can withstand. These are called live loads.[note]the weight of snow that could accumulate in your area[/note]
There is also the issue of what happens AFTER the wind blows and snow melts. Will your pool enclosure be able to handle the stress and “bounce back,” showing no signs of damage? In industry terms, it’s called allowable deflection. [note]Allowable deflection: the amount that a structural member deflects when all of the above loads are applied to the structure at the same time. And, the member will return to its original shape when the loads are removed. In other words: NO DAMAGE[/note]
Most other “pool enclosure” companies do not (and cannot) supply this type of commercial-grade engineering report because the structures they sell don’t qualify as actual buildings. They aren’t permanent and aren’t made from the same type of materials.
The only way to have a comfortable area to swim, entertain and enjoy family is to build a well-insulated building from the start. With the Oasis Pool Enclosure, you’ll have a structure that is well built and able to handle the differences in climates from inside to outside.
