Pool cages provide more than safety. Homeowners across Florida enjoy pool cages because they block debris and pests from reaching the pool, reduce overall pool cleaning and maintenance demands, and offer a greater degree of privacy. Pool cages can even create a bit of shade in the summer and help heated pool areas stay toasty during the winter. But if your home has an older pool cage, worries about aesthetics, growing repair needs, and outdated features or hardware might be starting to drown out the benefits. At Absolute Aluminum, we offer budget-friendly solutions to local Florida residents with outdated pool cages who want something new—without the cost of a full pool cage replacement.
Signs Your Cage Is Outdated
An outdated pool cage isn’t necessarily a matter of style. While you might be looking forward to newer framing details and chic designs that give your home more curb appeal, many of the signs of an outdated cage focus on wear and tear.
See if your current pool cage checks any of these boxes:
- The screens show deterioration and damage, including rips, tears, rust, and sagging mesh.
- Some of the structural components are rusted through, bent, or missing.
- The finish on your cage may be partially peeled off or the color might be faded and patchy.
- The damage to the screens and structure might be letting more pests and debris into the pool area.
- The cage doesn’t meet modern building code requirements, and it’s not giving you as much peace of mind as it should.
Retrofit Options by Budget
The most affordable way to upgrade or update your pool cage in Florida to make it look like new is by retrofitting, not ripping out the old one and replacing it with a brand new cage. However, it is important to understand the difference between a remodel and a retrofit.
A remodel involves services like rescreening and replacing corroded fasteners. A true retrofit is a structural upgrade where we turn at least one wall of a standard cage into an Absoview (also known as a picture window or openview design). This eliminates vertical posts to maximize your view.
Consider these different options for updating your pool cage in Florida:
- Pool Cage Remodeling (Restoration): If you’re worried about disrepair and damage, we offer budget-friendly services that include basic repairs, rescreening the entire cage, and replacing corroded components with modern fasteners.
- Absoview Retrofitting: If you want to modernize your pool cage, this is the right option. We turn at least one wall into a “picture window” by removing obstructive vertical posts and chair rails. When we do a retro, we recommend rescreening the entire cage and replacing all fasteners at once. This ensures all materials are the same age, will wear at the same rate, and gives your cage a complete “tune-up” with fresh engineering.
- Premium Add-ons: While not part of the base retrofit or remodel, you can further enhance your space with additional services like Nebula lighting, pergolas, or new gutters. We recommend these as additional components to complete your backyard transformation.
Visual Improvements
Retrofitting isn’t just about safety and structural stability. It’s also about aesthetics. At Absolute Aluminum, our designers and technicians can help you elevate your existing pool grade with new features and sleekly designed panels. Explore pergolas for more rain protection, smart lighting for entertaining and relaxation, and metal finishes that align with your backyard style.
ROI of Retrofitting vs. Replacement
Both replacement and retrofitting can upgrade your backyard, boost your home’s curb appeal, and provide more security. But one costs more than the other without any guarantee of lasting longer. If your current pool cage still has a strong foundation, you can update your pool cage in Florida and enjoy just as many years of poolside relaxation as with a brand new cage. Our technicians can provide you with a detailed estimate of your pool cage retrofit cost so you can calculate the immediate price difference, the break-even point for either project, and the better ROI that retrofitting offers.
Florida Climate Considerations
Florida is home to hot, balmy summers and heavy winds and rain all through hurricane season. By retrofitting with an Absoview design and replacing old fasteners, you get the benefit of modern engineering and materials that are built to withstand these elements. Absolute Aluminum can retrofit older pool cages with damage-resistant materials that outlast Florida weather—we can also improve older structures so they comply with modern building codes.
Get a Retrofit Estimate to Improve Your Pool Cage Without Full Replacement Costs
Want to learn more as you’re deciding between a retrofit and a replacement? Contact us today to schedule an assessment and get a retrofit estimate so you can calculate the ROI for yourself. Our team is standing by to answer your questions.