A Guide to Pool Domes: Enhancing Year-Round Pool Enjoyment

Are you tired of having your pool season cut short due to changing weather conditions? A pool dome offers an excellent solution for extending the usability and enjoyment of your pool throughout the year. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what a pool dome is, how it works, and the numerous benefits it provides to pool owners.

What Is a Pool Dome?

A pool dome is a versatile structure made from durable materials like polycarbonate or PVC that encloses a swimming pool entirely or partially. Pool domes are designed to provide controlled environments around pools. They create a barrier against external elements such as rain, snow, wind, and debris, allowing you to enjoy the pool without worry. The dome also acts as a greenhouse, trapping heat from the sun to maintain a comfortable water temperature.

These enclosures are available in various styles, ranging from simple covers to retractable enclosures, providing flexibility for different needs and preferences. 

There are three main types of pool domes:

• Retractable – These enclosures can be opened and closed as needed, allowing you to enjoy an open-air pool on pleasant days and close it during adverse weather conditions.
• Telescopic – Telescopic domes offer partial enclosure, extending only over a specific section of the pool. They’re ideal for those looking to shield a particular area while still allowing ample natural ventilation.
• Fixed – As the name suggests, fixed pool domes provide a permanent enclosure. They’re durable, stable, and often used for public swimming pools.

Benefits of Using a Pool Dome

A pool dome can offer many benefits for pool owners, such as:

• Year-round pool enjoyment – With a pool dome, you can use your pool throughout the year, regardless of the season or weather conditions. 
• Extended swimming season – In colder regions, a pool dome significantly extends the swimming season, letting you take a dip even during chilly months.
• Cost savings – By reducing water evaporation and heat loss, pool domes cut down on maintenance costs and energy bills.
• Enhanced safety – A pool dome acts as a safety barrier, keeping children and pets away from the water when the pool isn’t in use.
• Minimal maintenance – Pool domes are designed for easy maintenance and are often resistant to mildew, mold, and UV rays.
• Reduced chemical usage – With a pool dome, you’ll experience reduced exposure to external contaminants, leading to less chemical usage.
• Customization options – Pool domes come in various sizes and styles, providing options for customization that complement your pool area’s aesthetics.

Inflatable Pool Domes

Inflatable pool domes are the cheapest and easiest option to enclose your pool. They’re made of air-filled plastic sheets that are held in place by water weights or cables. They can be ordered in different sizes and shapes to fit your pool and deck area. They also have zipper doors or airlocks to allow access to the pool.

Inflatable pool domes are not very durable, however. They need to be deflated during strong winds and heavy rain to avoid damage. They also require regular cleaning, drying, folding, and storing when not in use.

Tubular Frame Pool Domes

Tubular frame pool domes are more sturdy and stable than inflatable ones. They’re made of metal or plastic frames with fabric or vinyl sheets stretched over them. These pool domes are attached to base rails that run around the perimeters of pool decks. They can also have lighting, ventilation, or insulation features.

Tubular frame pool domes are more expensive than inflatable ones, but they can withstand harsh weather conditions better. They also offer more options for customization and design.

Custom Pool Domes

Custom pool domes are the most luxurious and elegant option to enclose pools. They’re built with permanent materials, such as wood, glass, or metal. They can have open walls with sliding doors or screens, or you can choose closed walls with windows. They can also have skylights, fans, heaters, or speakers.

Custom pool domes are the most costly option, but they offer the best quality and comfort. They can also match your home’s style and architecture perfectly, especially if you have a custom outdoor pool.

How to Choose a Pool Dome

When choosing a pool dome, you should consider several factors, such as:

• Your budget – How much are you willing to spend on a pool dome? Inflatable ones are the cheapest, tubular frame ones are mid-range, and custom ones are the most expensive.
• Your climate – What kind of weather do you have in your area? If you have mild winters and sunny summers, you may prefer an inflatable or tubular frame dome that can be removed easily. If you have cold winters and rainy summers, you may want a custom dome that can protect your pool year-round.
• Your pool size and shape – How big and what shape is your pool? You need to measure your pool and deck area accurately to order the right size and shape of dome. You also need to check if there are any obstacles or restrictions around your pool that may affect the installation of the dome.
• Your personal preference – What style and design do you like for your pool dome? You can choose from different colors, materials, and features for your dome. You can also browse online or visit local dealers to see examples of pool domes.

Installation Considerations

If you decide to add a dome to your pool, make sure to factor in these considerations before you have it installed:

• Location – Choose a suitable location for your pool dome, ensuring it complements the surrounding landscape and doesn’t obstruct any essential views.
• Building regulations – Check local building regulations and permits required for pool dome installation in your area.
• Professional installation – While some pool domes come with DIY installation options, hiring professionals ensures a secure and accurate setup.

A pool dome is a fantastic investment for any pool owner, offering year-round enjoyment, cost savings, safety, and a customizable swimming environment. With various types to choose from and easy installation, a pool dome can be the key to transforming your pool into an all-season oasis of fun and relaxation. 

If you haven’t built your pool yet but you’re ready to get started, reach out to the professionals at San Diego Pools, the experts in new swimming pool construction San Diego homeowners have trusted for more than four decades. Our number one priority is giving our customers nothing less than the highest quality in innovative design and outstanding craftsmanship. Call us today at 888-707-7781 so we can begin the process of creating the pool of your dreams.