Screen Enclosure Upgrades

Your pool enclosure doesn’t have to stay basic. Standard fiberglass screen works, but premium options offer better durability, visibility, wind resistance, and features. Whether you’re upgrading during a rescreening or enhancing an existing enclosure, the options available for Central Florida pool cages have expanded significantly.

Upgrade options

Super Screen (Phifer)

The most popular upgrade for Orlando pool cages. Super Screen is a woven vinyl-coated polyester that’s 3x stronger than standard fiberglass, with better UV resistance, better visibility (it’s darker, so you see through it more easily), and a longer lifespan.

Best for: Homeowners who want durability and don’t want to rescreen again for 15+ years. Also better for wind resistance during storm season.

Cost: 40-60% more than standard fiberglass. For a $4,000 rescreening job with standard screen, Super Screen bumps it to $5,600-$6,400.

Florida glass panels

Clear acrylic or polycarbonate panels that replace some or all screen panels. Florida glass provides:

• Wind protection — Blocks wind while maintaining the open feel
• Rain exclusion — Use your lanai or pool area even during rain
• Noise reduction — Reduces traffic and neighborhood noise
• Clear visibility — Better view than any screen type
• Longevity — 20+ year lifespan, no tearing

Best for: Lanais, entertainment areas, and enclosure sections facing prevailing wind. Many homeowners do Florida glass on the bottom half and screen on top for airflow.

Cost: $80-$150 per panel vs. $15-$30 for standard screen. Full enclosure conversion: $8,000-$20,000+.

Motorized retractable screens

Electric screens that roll up or down with a remote control or smart home integration. Perfect for lanais where you want the option of open-air or screened space.

Best for: Outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, and spaces where you don’t always want the screen down.

Cost: $5,000-$15,000 depending on the opening size and system quality.

Pet-resistant screen

Heavy-duty vinyl-coated polyester that resists claws and scratching. Similar to Super Screen but with a tighter weave for pet resistance.

Best for: Lower panels in homes with dogs or cats that scratch at or lean against the screen.

Cost: Similar to Super Screen — 40-60% premium over standard.

No-see-um mesh (20x20)

Tighter weave mesh that blocks tiny insects like no-see-ums and sand flies that pass through standard 18x14 screen.

Best for: Homes near lakes, wetlands, or areas with heavy no-see-um populations.

Cost: 15-25% more than standard fiberglass.

Partial vs. full upgrade

You don’t have to upgrade the entire enclosure at once. Common partial upgrade strategies:

• Roof panels in Super Screen, walls in standard — The roof takes the most sun and wind; upgrade where it matters most
• Lower panels in pet screen — Protect the panels within reach of dogs and cats
• Wind-facing walls in Florida glass — Block prevailing wind direction while keeping screen elsewhere
• Lanai section upgraded, pool section standard — Invest in the living space you use most

When to upgrade

The ideal time to upgrade is during a rescreening job. Since we’re removing all the old screen anyway, upgrading the mesh type adds minimal labor — you’re mostly paying the material difference. Upgrading outside of a rescreening (replacing good screen with premium) is possible but less cost-effective.

ROI considerations

Premium screen upgrades add value at resale. Florida buyers expect pool cages, and a recently rescreened enclosure with Super Screen or Florida glass is a selling point. The longer lifespan also means fewer maintenance cycles over the life of the home.