Pool enclosures are a stylish and practical solution to increase the usability of your pool, creating a serene oasis for relaxation and recreation while offering protection from the elements. Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design’s Jessica Muller chats with Marcus Tame, the general manager at TPEC Pool Enclosures, about the growing popularity of pool enclosures, their benefits, design options and how they can transform your backyard into a year-round retreat. Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or considering a new installation, discover why a pool enclosure might just be the perfect addition to your home.
The sun-drenched days of Australian summers can make the allure of cooling off irresistible, which is why backyard pools are a quintessential feature in many homes. But the associated cleaning and maintenance requirements, as well as the cooler seasons throughout the year, can reduce the usability of pools. To address this, TPEC Pool Enclosures have crafted advanced pool enclosures to help homeowners get the most out of their pool.
“We introduced retractable pool enclosures to Australia and created the market which has steadily grown over the past 12 years,” Tame says. “Our enclosures have become the most awarded pool covering product in Australia through the completion of some amazing projects nationwide, revolutionising the way Australian’s use and manage their swimming pools and outdoor areas.”
THE BASICS
Whether its residential pools or commercial projects with a range including swim schools, retirement villages and holiday parks, TPEC Pool Enclosures has done it all. Every enclosure by TPEC Pool Enclosures are fully retractable, allowing an open pool during the warmer weather if desired. There are a few main types available – low, medium, high and lean-to enclosures, all of which are fully customisable.
The aim of pool enclosures is “covering the pool completely to protect it from leaves and debris, while insulating the pool to provide year-round usage out of harmful UV rays and inclement weather and wind,” Tame says. “This in turn will also reduce chemical usage, evaporation and running costs.”
THE BENEFITS
“A retractable pool enclosure provides the most wellrounded suite of benefits of any ancillary pool product in Australia,” Tame says. “The sentiment we receive we often is our enclosure has been the best investment the client has made on their property!’” The obvious benefit is a significant reduction in cleaning and maintenance, offering protection from leaves, debris and pesky insects. “There is no maintenance required other than occasional cleaning and keeping the tracks clean,” Tame assures. But the benefits extend far beyond this. Enclosures do wonders to extend the swimming season of your pool. “Enclosures form a seal to be more effective than an insulated pool cover.” Almost completely sealed from outside elements, the pool will benefit from evaporation reduction as well as a reduction in loss of heat. This means keeping your pool warm will cost less. They are also completely lockable, offering extra safety for children and pets, ensuringpeace of mind.
TAILORED AESTHETICS
“The aesthetic of a pool enclosure is always a priority, so we have many shapes, colours and sizes available to suit the property and the client preference down to the last detail,” Tame assures, “Every project is custom and made to measure.” With 26 different models to choose from and a vast array of design options, homeowners an enclosure are spoilt for choice when it comes to building their backyard oasis.
Beyond practicality, enclosures have the power to enhance an outdoor space with meticulous design. Tame explains that they can also be useful in instances when the pool is visible: “We can use frosted, tinted or opaque twin-wall polycarbonates to some privacy for homeowners.”
The ability to customise its designs means that TPEC Pool Enclosures are able to work with tricky pools. “It’s sad when we speak with a customer that has invested so much in the pool build and is super enthusiastic about an enclosure, but it’s not possible to install a pool enclosure because of poor pool design or non-practical features,” he shares. For this reason, simple pool design is a great idea to ensure your options remain open in the future, even if you can’t justify a pool enclosure at the start. “Luckily we have an amazing customisation capability, so we are able to help in most circumstances,” Tame reassures.
TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
“The last thing you want is a pool that is very costly to install, only to have a high maintenance, almost unusable pool in your yard,” Tame points out. He recommends investing in a pool enclosure, which will, in turn, invest in your health and lifestyle, your family’s enjoyment and the long-term usability of your pool. “It’ll be some of the best money you’ve ever spent,” he says.
If you’ve decided on a pool enclosure, “quality of materials and warranties are critical, so don’t cut corners or buy cheap copies, we’ve seen the result and it’s not a positive outcome for the customer, sometime resulting in us replacing it after only a short time.” Tame advises. “In the pool industry the quality products last a lifetime, even though they may seem costly at the outset. It’s an investment and it’s well worth it!”
In the simplest terms as put by Tame: “Go for it! You will never look back, and you will have a far more usable and positive pool experience over the long term.”
Images courtesy of TPEC Pool Enclosures
