Standard Screen vs. Super Screen
Standard fiberglass vs. Phifer Super Screen for pool enclosures. Durability, cost, visibility, and wind resistance compared.
At a glance
| Factor | Standard Fiberglass | Phifer Super Screen |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Woven fiberglass | Vinyl-coated polyester |
| Lifespan (FL) | 8-12 years | 12-18 years |
| Strength | Baseline | 3x stronger |
| UV resistance | Moderate | Superior |
| Visibility | Good | Better (darker = easier to see through) |
| Cost premium | — | 40-60% more |
| Wind resistance | Moderate | Significantly better |
Durability
Standard fiberglass degrades visibly after 7-8 years in Florida — fading, becoming brittle, and losing tensile strength. Super Screen maintains its integrity significantly longer due to the vinyl coating that protects the polyester core.
Hurricane consideration
In Central Florida, wind resistance matters. Super Screen handles 3x the wind load, which means it’s far less likely to blow out during tropical storms and summer thunderstorms. Given that hurricane repair costs $500-$5,000+, the upfront investment in Super Screen is practical insurance.
Cost analysis
For a $4,000 rescreening job with standard screen, upgrading to Super Screen adds approximately $1,600-$2,400. But if Super Screen lasts 15 years vs. 10 for standard, you save an entire rescreening cycle ($4,000+) over the life of the home.
Our recommendation
Super Screen is worth the 40-60% premium for most Orlando homeowners. The nearly doubled lifespan and superior wind resistance offset the higher upfront cost, especially in hurricane-prone Central Florida.
Not sure which is right for your pool cage? We'll tell you.
Send us photos and we'll recommend the best option for your enclosure, budget, and timeline.