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HURRICANE TIPS FOR SCREEN ENCLOSURES

Protect your screen enclosure with these easy tips.

Hurricane Tips

This should be done when you are certain the storm is going to strike you. If you do this before you are certain it could cost yourself money. Note: Do not go out in a storm.
1. Get a utility knife.
2. Cut an X in the screen panels on two facing sides of the enclosure. This will allow air to pass through and help protect your screen enclosure.

Hurricane Tips for Screen Enclosures on the Treasure Coast

When preparing for a hurricane the question always come up, what should we do with our scree/pool enclosure? Preparing for hurricane can be a stressful and daunting process for every homeowner, from shopping for supplies to putting up hurricane shutters you should also consider preparing your screen/pool enclosure!

A screen/pool enclosure is susceptible to the wind of a hurricane because it acts like a sail, more so when the screen is wet. Damage is caused to the enclosure due to the screen putting so much pressure on the structure during the storm. The cost of the structure far exceeds the cost of the screening so we recommend cutting the screens to prevent damage to the structure. Cutting the screens is not a science it’s a pretty simple process…

We suggest cutting only wall screens and cutting enough screens to allow airflow to pass through your enclosure. On a small enclosure cut 1-2 on each side and 1-2 on the back wall, If you have a larger enclosure cut 3-4 screens on each side and 3-4 on the back wall. We recommend the main screen panels above the chair rail, these are typically the biggest panels and will allow the most air to pass through.
We do have customers call and ask if taking their doors off is sufficient enough for their screen rooms. If you have a small enclosure, have the ability and the time then taking the doors off is not a bad idea.
Keep in mind we do recommend watching the hurricane forecast and waiting until you are sure the storm is actually going to track in your direction before you cut your screens.

7 Ways to Prepare Your Pool and Screen Enclosure for a Hurricane

do you know how to protect your pool and screen enclosure during a storm? As it turns out, a lot of people do not know how to do this.
Below, we outline the seven steps you should take to protect your pool, pool equipment, and screen enclosure, during a hurricane.
Trim the branches of nearby trees and look over bushes to remove dead limbs and branches that could get airborne and become projectiles.
They could easily damage your pool, pool equipment, screen enclosure, home, and nearby properties.

1. Do not drain the pool
This is going to be the first thing your instincts tell you to do, but don’t do it. The reason you shouldn’t drain the pool is to prevent damage due to hydrostatic pressure from beneath the pool. 

What does that mean? During a hurricane and the resulting flood, the ground is going to become soaked in water and the groundwater level is going to rise. If the groundwater level rises to the level of your pool, it could cause it to float or pop out of the ground, if it is empty.

2. Power down your pool equipment
All electrical equipment associated with the pool – pumps, chlorinators, heaters, lighting, etc – should be completely powered down. And the circuit-breakers that feed them turned off. This will prevent any damage that could result from electrical surges. If possible, manually disconnect power to equipment or unplug them.

3. Protect your pool equipment
After you turn off the pool equipment, you should cover any equipment that could be exposed to water. Using tarps and heavy plastic sheets, wrap the equipment securely. Apply several layers of plastic and hold them in place with duct tape and rope.
You should do this until you are sure that the wrapping is strong enough to withstand hurricane-force winds. You may also go as far as sandbagging the area around the equipment to provide a barricade against the direct force of the wind.

4. Store loose furniture and other items
Remove all unsecured items – poolside furniture & accessories or patio furniture – and stow them away. Items like umbrellas, grills, canvas awnings, or toys, can become dangerous projectiles during a storm. Remove them and store them indoors; if an object is not bolted down, it should be moved inside.
Resist the temptation to dump items in the pool, not even waterproof pool furniture (they could damage the pool’s finish). The most common pool damage that occurs during storms is filter damage.
If there is a chance that the pump motor is going to be submerged during the storm, it should be disconnected and taken inside. Items that can be stored indoors do not include propane tanks. Using a chain, anchor your gas tanks to a secure object away from the home, making sure to keep them in an upright position.

5. Do not cover your pool
This sounds wrong, but it is not. The reason you may feel like covering your pool is to prevent debris from piling into it. But the cost of cleaning out a pool after a storm is far less than the cost of replacing a pool cover.
That is because during a hurricane, all kinds of flying debris – tree branches, yard debris, and an assortment of items from people’s homes – can land on your pool cover and pierce it. The only time you may leave the pool covered is if you have assessed the durability of the cover versus the strength of the storm, and you think the cover can handle the onslaught.

6. Shock your pool
During a storm, all kinds of contaminants will be carried into your pool. These can range from acid rain to storm water, dirt, leaves, twigs, and bugs. Adding extra chlorine to the pool before the storm will help keep the water clean. In addition to chlorine, also add algae ide to prevent an algae bloom. Afterward, run the pump for a few hours to help circulate the chemicals

7. Protect your screen enclosure
The best way to keep your screen enclosure from being damaged is to create a path for airflow during the storm. You can do this by removing the screen or both doors. This will prevent the screen from straining and tearing under the force of the wind. To prevent damage to the cage, pull the spline at the bottom of each panel.

Our team is ready to help you before and after the hurricane!

2H Rescreening

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pool enclosure & pavers

How to clean a pool screen enclosure?

Pool screen enclosures are excellent at keeping leaves and insects away while people enjoy a pool day and a nice breeze without worrying about them. But, if you have a pool enclosure for a while, you know that it can get pretty dirty right. Let’s talk about how to clean a pool screen enclosure properly.

Keeping screen enclosures clean is important to avoid mold, fungus, lichen, algae, and such. Those things can lead to respiratory problems, allergies, and even more serious health issues.

If you have no idea how to clean a pool screen enclosure and need tips on how to do it properly and without causing any damages, this is the right article for you.

How to clean a pool screen enclosure?

Just like any kind of surface, pool enclosures must be regularly cleaned and maintained, because that ensures years of use and function. Fortunately, there are some ways and products to clean your pool screen enclosure.

With a brush and dish soap

The first step is to start cleaning your enclosure by removing the screen and brushing to remove loose leaves and debris. Make sure to use a soft brush to not damage the enclosure and you can use a blower to clean the roof of your screen enclosure and remove leaves and dead insects.

Next, you have to clean the stains. First, soak the screen and frames using a water hose and then gently scrub it with warm water mixed with dish soap. Be careful to not rip the screen panel while you scrub. After that, let it air dry or wipe it with a cloth.

With a pressure washer

You can use a pressure washer to clean it for areas where the stubborn dirt and stains are hard to reach.

Hot water at a high pressure can eliminate most of the mold and grime on the screen, you just need to be really careful with the pressure, so start with low pressure ensuring your screens won’t get damaged.

With a bleach solution

It is really common for mold to grow on areas around the pool because of the humidity and moisture in the area, and sometimes, brushing or using a pressure washer is not enough to remove them. Bleach solution is a stronger product so you have to careful with it. 

For the bleach solution you’re gonna need 1 gallon of water and 3 quarts of bleach, that solution will kill all the mold. The solution can also eradicate the algae, moss, and mildew that has set up residence on your patio paver deck. After finishing, give the enclosure a good rinse with water.

Remember to be careful with the bleach, use gloves to avoid contact with your skin, and don’t forget to water plants close to the screen enclosure to avoid it from getting contaminated.

With vinegar + water solution

Vinegar is very effective against mold and mildew and an option for people who don’t want to use bleach or any strong substance.

For the solution, you’re gonna need a spray bottle with half vinegar and half warm water. And with a brush or sponge, spray the vinegar solution and clean away visible dirt carefully.

A good thing about the vinegar solution is that you can leave the solution to air dry because the residual vinegar creates an acidic environment that prevents mold growth and keeps your enclosure clean for a little longer.

Hire a professional

Cleaning your pool screen enclosure can be difficult, if you don’t have the time or the skills to it or even if you tried to clean it yourself and it didn’t work, hiring a contractor will make your life easier.

If you choose to clean on your own, you always have to be careful because there is a risk of damaging the screens or frames, especially if you use a pressure washer or if you scrub too hard with the wrong tools. Also, there is always a risk of injury when cleaning the high-up places.

To avoid all those risks, hiring an expert with the experience and proper tools to get the job done correctly and quickly is the best choice. 

Why you should clean your screen enclosure regularly

Just like any surface, pool enclosures must be regularly cleaned and properly maintained. Doing so ensures years of use and function. 

Pool enclosures last around 15 years depending on the type and quality of the enclosure materials, as well as the climate and amount of maintenance. The lack of maintenance and cleaning of pool enclosures or any kind of property structures can quickly cause these structures to fall into disrepair and reduce the lifetime of your enclosure.

Improper pool maintenance can often compromise no only cleanliness and integrity of the structure, but also your health, mold in excess can cause a lot of complications, from respiratory problems to serious allergies.

Consider replacement

Sometimes even with proper cleaning and maintenance, the sun beating non-stop down on your screen enclosure can deteriorate it over time, especially if the material is not that durable.

If any of these scenarios is your case, consider replacing your pool screen enclosure for a new one, with better materials that will last longer and keep your pool out of bugs and leaves.

2H Rescreening has more than 17 years of pool screen installation and cleaning experience; We know exactly how to do it, providing a complete level of satisfaction and affordable prices.

For a free estimate, please make sure you leave us a message or give us a call, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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algae cleaned from pool screen near pool

How To Remove Algae From The Pool Screen Easy And Simple

It’s very frustrating when you see algae growing by your pool. But after all, it’s the price you pay for having such convenience, isn’t it? However, what if we told you there is an easy method to remove algae from the pool screen?

Having a pool at home is probably one of the best investments you have ever made. Don’t let algae be a problem. In this article, we will show you that dealing with this situation can be easier than you imagined.

What’s The Best Way To Remove Algae From The Pool Screen

Depending on how severe is the pool screen decay level, cleaning may be easier or more difficult. However, in general, vinegar is the best option for this task.

Besides, the substance is not as strong as chlorine bleach, which means less chance of damaging the screen.

To clean the pool screen, first, it’s necessary to dilute vinegar in water. Ideally, the correct proportion is fifty-fifty. Mix the solution, then use a sponge or scrub brush to clean the pool enclosure gently until you remove all algae.

Instead of vinegar, it’s also possible to use dish soap. This substance, like vinegar, is milder and the risks of damaging the pool screen (particularly the paint) are smaller. 

How To Do It

Below you can see the necessary steps to clean the pool screen:

  1. Prepare the solution (mentioned earlier) in a bucket;
  2. Use a brush with soft bristles, soak it in the solution, and gently scrub the surface;
  3. Rinse the pool screen with your garden hose and allow it to air dry;

Repeat the process if you are unable to remove all algae on the first try.

Another great tip is to do the job one frame at a time. Also, remember that the solution must be warm to help remove the algae more easily.

Can You Pressure Wash The Pool Screen

Using a pressure washer is also a popular method of removing algae from the pool screen. But for this to work, some steps and security measures are necessary. 

Most importantly, the water pressure must not be too abrasive; otherwise, it will damage the screen. Furthermore, pressured water alone will not bring a satisfactory result.

To make cleaning with a pressure washer possible, you must first soak a water solution with some product (such as bleach) and let it act on the surface for a few minutes.

However, we don’t recommend this method for a few reasons. First, as we will see below, bleach is a substance that requires care. Second, using the pressure washer badly can damage the pool screen and remove its paint.

Therefore, continue with this method only if you are sure of what you are doing.

Can You Use Bleach?

Another very potent algae removing substance is bleach. However, you should only use the product in those situations where it’s not possible to remove algae conventionally.

When using bleach, it’s crucial to be careful. Always apply the substance in low proportions. Ideally, we recommend using only about one part bleach to 40 parts water.

To clean the pool screen using the bleach+water solution, follow these steps:

  1. Sprinkle the bleach mixture;
  2. Let the solution sit for a minute or two and then rinse it off;

Don’t allow the mix to rest on the surface for longer than 15 minutes; otherwise, it can damage the paint.

Also, remember to wear safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles. Bleach is a potent chemical substance with corrosive properties that can cause serious injury to the skin and eyes.

poolcage_rescreening_2hrescreening
Your Pool Cage Can Be Beautiful Like This One

Is It Worth To Remove The Algae Yourself?

Cleaning your pool screen can be a bit of a challenge; You must handle the surface with care. Sometimes doing it yourself is not worth the hustle, as it’s hard to even get to some places you want to clean.

Besides, pool screens can sustain damage if you clean them the wrong way. If you’re in a hurry, maybe cleaning a pool screen is not the right task for you.

 The amount you’re going to spend on products, safety equipment, and others ends up stacking up. So, it becomes cheaper to hire a company to do the job.

At 2H Rescreening have more than 17 years of pool screen installation and cleaning experience; We know exactly how to do it, providing a complete level of satisfaction and affordable prices.

Nothing motivates us more than our desire to do every job right the first time.

For a free estimate, please make sure you leave us a message or give us a call, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Paint Pool Cage

How To Repair The Top Of The Pool Screen Enclosure

Whenever you invest in something, it’s only natural that you want to protect your assets. A pool enclosure, for instance, serves that purpose. But the product is always subject to damage, and if that happens, it’s necessary to fix it. But how to repair the top of the pool screen enclosure? Is that even an option?

Though some damage is irreparable and will require replacement of the panels, it’s possible to fix it in some cases. In today’s article, we will help you identify what kind of loss is repairable and how you can proceed.

How To Repair The Top Of Pool Screen Enclosure: Step-By-Step

In some cases, it’s possible to repair the top of the pool screen enclosure; Especially, if the wear down is due to one of the following:

  • Sun degradation (warping, faded paint)
  • Holes caused by pests, squirrels, and other creatures
  • Corrosion generated by birds sitting on the screen roof, or by proximity to the ocean (salt and sand)
  • Mold on fixtures and casings

In this first part, we will guide you on how to proceed in each possible situation.

How To Mitigate Sun Degradation On Top Of The Pool Screen Enclosure

Painting your pool enclosure is an excellent alternative to mitigate sun degradation. With this process, you can give back its original luster using direct-to-metal paints.

Not only is it cost-effective, but also environmentally friendly, as you will be recycling your old enclosure to last more.

For this task, you will need the following essential equipment:

  • Ladder
  • Direct-to-metal paint
  • Safety equipment (like gloves and goggles)
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Brush or paint roller
  • Paint tray

The process itself is quite simple:

  1. Place the plastic sheets to protect the floor;
  2. Put on the safety equipment;
  3. Prepare the paint inside the tray;
  4. Position the ladder wherever you want to start;
  5. Start painting using the brush or paint roller.

How To Fix Holes At The Top Of Pool Screen Enclosure

If the holes are not too big, here’s what you need to do. Starting with the equipment, you will need:

  • Screen repair kit patches
  • A cutting device, like scissors
  • Clear silicone caulking
  • A pole patio porch screen (choose the color closest to the one you’re patching)
  • Paper towel or old rag

And below is how you’ll proceed:

  1. Make sure the screen you’re repairing is dry (otherwise, the silicone caulking won’t stick);
  2. Cut a little patch of porch screen, big enough to cover the hole;
  3. Put silicone caulking all around the edges;
  4. Take the patch and put it over the hole;
  5. Use the paper towel or old rag to clean the silicone caulking that comes off the edges.

How Can You Remove Corrosion And Mold From The Pool Screen Enclosure

There are two ways to remove corrosion and mold from your pool screen enclosure.

The first is using a pressure washer, with an extension wand, to be able to reach the top beams of your screen frames. Be sure NOT to spray the screen itself. Most pressure washers might blow holes in the pool screen.

A safer alternative is to get spray bottles or a bug sprayer and fill it with bleach or chlorine that you buy at a pool supply company or your local hardware store.

How To Determine If The Damage Is Reparable

Let’s begin by telling you that damage caused by bad weather (like hurricanes and storms) is usually irreversible. In most cases, in which screens are pulled out or torn apart, the best alternative is to change them.

Moreover, the damages listed in the previous section are repairable, as long as within reasonable limits. For example, small holes, the size of marbles, can be fixed. But, fissures caused by falling from a tree branch or by a stone will be challenging.

You can still fix the holes, but it will be a visible patch (and an ugly one, probably).

Likewise, when corrosion reaches a level that is dismantling the pool screen enclosure’s surface, it will be better to change it.

Is It Worth To Repair The Top Of The Pool Screen Enclosure?

In some situations, yes, especially if the damage is not as visible and drastic. But, depending on the screen’s wear level, repairs may not be sufficient.

Ideally, examine and evaluate how degraded the top of the pool screen enclosure is. The greater the defects, the harder it will be to get around without making it look visibly bad.

In many cases, it will be better to simply replace the screens.

A nice looking enclosure after a fresh coat of paint by 2h Rescreening.

Can You Do It Yourself?

Much of what has been explained here is relatively straightforward, so you may be able to do it. Still, the lack of experience, especially working at heights, can be a drawback.

Accidents can happen, even with trained, experienced people and with the right equipment. 

If you have questions or doubts, we will be glad to help you any way we can.

The technicians at 2H Rescreening have more than 17 years of construction experience, and we know what it takes to keep your enclosure bug free while providing you with a complete level of satisfaction.

Nothing motivates us more than our desire to do every job right the first time.

For a free estimate, please make sure you leave us a message or give us a call, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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how to repair pool panel

How To Replace A Pool Screen Panel

If you live in Florida or another state that’s blessed with nice warm summers, then you definitely know how valuable a screened cage is for a pool owner. You will want to be outdoors, you will want to be inside a pool, but hanging around with mosquitoes and other flying pests might not be your definition of a perfect pool day.

While screening your pool area is the best way of ensuring your in-home outings will be pleasant, it all goes south when you’ve got a damaged pool screen panel. You will need to replace it.

mosquito screen teared

Replacing a Damaged Pool Screen Panel

Whatever kind of damage we’re talking about here (sagging, tears, etc.), if it’s not structural, you can always solve it by replacing the screen of that panel’s section. What we will be doing is: removing the rubber spline that holds the damaged screening in place from its seating, throwing it all away, and fixating a new screen with a new spline as well.

It sure sounds simple, but it will require some skill and the proper set of tools.

You will need:

  • The new screen (sized appropriately)
  • The new spline (sized appropriately)
  • A spline roller
  • A small screwdriver
  • A needle nose plier
  • A stiff-bristle nylon brush
  • A measuring tape
  • A utility knife

You should be able to find all of those things at your local hardware store, but in case they are not, you can always buy them online.

How To Replace A Pool Screen Panel: Step-by-Step

Truth be told, you can use these steps to replace any screen panel, not just a pool one. Nevertheless, let’s keep to the theme here.

Remove the damaged screen and its rubber spline

To remove the old screening, you will need to start by removing the rubber spline that’s keeping it in place. You should be able to do that by pulling from the damaged area or inserting the end of a flat-blade screwdriver into the corner of the panel to lift out the end of the spline.

Use the needle nose plier to pull and altogether remove all the rubber spline holding the screen on the panel. There should be nothing stopping you from throwing the old screen and spline on the trash right now.
Check for leftover thread and clean the spline channel

Check for leftover thread and clean the spline channel

Examine what you’ve done and make sure there are no leftovers on the spline channel, removing any found piece of thread with the nose plier.

Now clean the channel with a stiff-bristle nylon brush, scrubbing lightly until the whole spline track is free of any foreign material.

Prepare the new screen and spline

Cut enough screen to cover the whole area you’re rescreening while allowing at least two inches extra material to both the length and the width.

Pull the new rubber spline from corner to corner along its seating channel and cut appropriately so that there is no excess material.

Fit the new screen

Position the new screen in place, allowing at least one inch of excess material over all four frame edges. Now a helper will be required to help you keep it in place and add tension as you start fixating it with the spline.

Starting at the top edge and using the roller, start inserting the spline on its channel, applying firm pressure, and rolling towards the opposite side.

Now do the same thing to a side edge, then to its opposite, and then to the last edge.

As you roll the spline into its track, make sure your helper is applying pressure to ensure the screen is installed stretched like a trampoline. If necessary, remove the splines and do it again. You don’t want your screen to be sagging. There should be no wrinkles as well.
pool panel screen being repaired

Cut the excess screen

With the utility knife, cut all excess material from all sides of the panel. You should cut it along the outside edge of the spline channel, taking a lot of caution not to cut the spline itself.

If you’ve done it right, then you’re finished.

The secret for a perfect installation

We could share no trick or technique to ensure you will end up with a perfect pool screen panel. The secret is experience, if you don’t have it, it will take 2 or 3 tries before you do it correctly. 

If you want quality, we recommend you count on the help of professionals such as ourselves. We will not only ensure a perfect installation with a 3-year warranty, but we will also help you select the best material and make sure your structure is in good shape.

In the end, it might be cheaper to count on the pros. We offer free estimates, so if you live in Florida in Sarasota or Manatee County, don’t think twice before you call our number.

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