Questions always asked about our swimming pool enclosures (relevant to UK mainly)

What does an enclosure cost?
The price depends on size. We cannot give a price per square metre, as an 8m long enclosure requires the same front and rear end as a 20m long enclosure. The price also depends on the model; low, standard or high profile, against the wall or with a central beam. The price is variable but the quality remains the same.

Are there standard dimensions?
Since computers have existed, there are no standard dimensions anymore. Before computers a full day was need to make up drawings and do the calculations. This can now be done in 10 minutes using a computer.
How long does it take for delivery? Providing planning is not an issue we try to maintain from deposit 5 - 7 weeks however that can change.

What is the best time for me to order an enclosure?
Today!! 

Is the delivery date respected?
Each order is scheduled and every effort is made to meet delivery dates and it is rare that they are not met, but these are sometimes affected by unforeseen circumstances when for example the client has problems with ground work preperation or we experience sickness, stock damage or staff holiday.

Is the price fixed until delivery?
Every order will be supplied at the agreed price in so far as delivery follows within 365 days of the date of order. This allows you to place an order at this year’s price and have it installed next year.

What about after sales service?
It is very unusual indeed if any is needed. If something should happen we would expect to have a fitter with you within a short period.

Do I need Planning Permission?
Unfortunately this has become more common if the property has not been extended  yo have up to 110 cubic metres of permitted development providing the enclosure is more than 5 metres from the property and 20 metres from a road, lane, track or bridal way and its footprint is less than 50% of the garden and less than 4 metres in height.

Planning is necessary if that criteria does not exist this we undertake on your behalf and should not be of general concern as it is normally just a procedure and permission is rarely not given. Planning permission would be required for any commercial use, or for a location in a sensitive area.

What sort of surround do I need?
A level paved area directly laid on a concrete bed at least 75mm - 100mm deep.

When can an enclosure be installed?
On an existing paved level surround or in the case of a new installation when the paving is completed.

What is the weight of an enclosure?
An 8m x 2.25m wide element weighs approximately 340kg. An 8m wide end weighs approximately 700kg.

What material is used to glaze the roof?
16mm walled ‘ No Drop’ polycarbonate. No Drop is a surface treatment which avoids water droplets forming on the underside. The poolycarbonate is also UVA stabalised and assists with that being reduced.

What type of glazing is used on the sides and ends?
6mm toughened glass to the sides with 6mm toughened glass to the ends with upper glazing 6mm float as this is cut to shape on site. All glazing complies with safety guidelines.

If you wish we can double glaze the enclosure with 16mm sealed units or use another glass not clear, tinted, patterned or self cleaning for example.

Do I have to bolt my enclosure to the ground after every use?
It is recommended that the enclosure be bolted down for the winter months but not otherwise. It is also recommended that the doors and closed and the enclosure in the event of exceptional winds.

Do I have to remove the snow from the roof?
No, this is due to the floor rails and the stainless steel reinforcement at the joints.

How do I maintain the enclosure?
By means of a high pressure water jet.

Do I need a floating cover?
This will reduce the condensation almost totally. Using a cover will also reduce the maintenance and heat loss inside the enclosure.

Does the enclosure have any guttering?
This is not possible as all the sections slide into one another. If possible it is better to slightly incline the paving away from the pool.

How is the enclosure built?
Manually on site around the swimming pool to ensure everything is to your satisfaction before our fitters leave the site. Every enclosure needs 3 - 5 days of assembly time to erect on site for an average enclosure longer for a large one. All this work is done by the same team so care is taken in at all times to avoid any problems on site.

What is the seal between the sections?
By means of a polypropylene brush held in a stainless steel profile for normal enclosures and by means of the brush and PVC seal for the half enclosures.

Can leaves and insects gain entry under an enclosure?
You will never completely keep out all insects or leaves etc. due to the nature of the enclosure. However due to having fly - screens and the floor rails that sit flush on the ground with the plinth profile seal running the whole length, we have tried to keep invasion to a minimum.

Do you make a site visit?
Yes we do and we can prepare plans and estimates for which we make no charge but this has to be for a serious enquiry.

What is the difference between an enclosure with or without a beam?
Each side of the beam can be opened independently, which makes it possible to be opened and closed by one person. This type of construction is more rigid and resistant to snow and wind loads.

Can an enclosure be mounted against the house?
Yes, if the pool is adjacent to the house. We can build one side or one end against the house.

How does the enclosure operate?
Each section is mounted on wheels and runs on a l3mm high track. The use of a rail decreases the mechanical resistance of the enclosure.

What colour can I have the enclosure?
All colours are possible without a price supplement. Extra is charged for more than one colour.

Can I slide all the sections one way and how long will it take?
With all the sections going one way it will be necessary to detach the front before being able to push the sections clear of the pool. It takes 10 minutes to detach the front and 2 minutes to slide all the sections forward and then 15 to 20 minutes to put the front back in position. We recommend the DIABOLO with 2 fixed ends as this offers a more practical enclosure as you do not loose as much height or width as you are able to push individual sections both ways it is easier to open and close and the fixed ends when open act as a wind break and with the fly-screens you can have doors open at both ends to disapate both heat and humidity without insects or the need to open.

Do I need as much time with a central opening or beam enclosure?
No, in this case you slide the sections each way from the centre which takes 2 minutes both for opening and closing.

Can I open my enclosure every day?
Certainly very easily with the central opening or beam model.

How many doors are there?
As standard, 2 sliding doors, one at each end this may be increased.

Can I have a side door?
This is possible with some models but the costs would be extra.

Can the doors be locked?
Every door has a child safety lock. The doors can be locked from the inside by a latch.

Can children slide the sections easily?
Thanks to our floor rails and our self-lubricating wheels, this is very easy.

We live near a farm and have problems with flies?
We can supply fly screens as an extra. This allows ventilation without trapping flies in the enclosure.

Will I be able to stand upright in my enclosure?
As all our enclosures are built to order we can guarantee whatever height you need.

What is the guarantee?
You have two. The first one is a 10 year guarantee on the polycarbonate roof and the  glazing. The second one is for 25 years on the metallic structure against storm winds up to 150 km/h and snow loading up to 120 kg/m2.

My automatic pool sweep needs replacing should I purchase a new one?
We think not as you will only need to sweep the pool 3 or 4 times a year.

What is the temperature in the enclosure?
We all know how the temperatures in our cars are raised when exposed to sunlight. Even on a bright day, without sun, the air temperature will rise as will the water temperature.

Does having an enclosure affect the water temperature?
At the beginning of the season, the water temperature will rise between 3° & 4° F (2°C) every day the sun is shining. 84°F (28°C) is the normally accepted water temperature for a pool with an enclosure.

Can I swim in the winter?
Yes, but you will need to heat the water.

How much fuel will I need to heat the pool in the winter?
To keep the pool at 84°F (28°C) the average pool will use between 450 gallons (2000 lts) and 650 gallons (3000 lts) depending on the severity of the winter.

Must the air be heated?
Not necessarily. The water will heat the air by radiation.

Is there condensation?
If the pool water temperature is higher than the air temperature there will be condensation.

Can I see an enclosure?
We have enclosures in different locations throughout the UK and visits can be arranged by appointment.

Will I have any regrets at having purchased an enclosure?
Yes - that you didn’t do it earlier!

Low Enclosures

These are comparable in cost to a fixed safety cover that can be walked upon and is held in a track to be opened and closed automatically that do not offer any further benefit as they do not reduce heating or maintenance cost and need to be drained when water sits on the surface as that could be a safety issue.

The advantage with the LOW ENCLOSURE is that in most instances the cost is less and there is no running cost or maintenance.

Other advantages are that the enclosure will allow all year use of the swimming pool, reduced heating cost, safety and security with less maintenance.

These enclosures are bespoke and can either have 2 fixed ends or 1 fixed end. The sections between will retract into one or each end. There are small door/window at one or both ends and can be supplied in any colour. Sizes up to 12.49 metre in width x any length. 6mm safety glass to the sides and ends except where the sections all retract into one fixed end then the smallest end will be 6mm clear polycarbonate as that end is removable in 2 or more sections. 16mm clear triple walled polycarbonate NON-DRIP polycarbonate for the roof. All sections that retract sit on a track that is advised although we can fit without the track is required but do not recommend this.

Standard Enclosures

DIABOLO

Most popular enclosure that we fit having 2 fixed ends with the sections between retracting into those fixed ends. Benefits are that we do not loose height or width.

These are bespoke and there are 2 standard heights available although we will increase the height if required at no extra cost if the circumstances are such that is necessary.

ATLAS

This is not a popular option due to one end having to be glazed with 6mm clear polycarbonate that is prone to condensation. Basically all the sections retract into one fixed ends. We have only fitted 4 in 3 years and have gone back to each to replace the polycarbonate with glass and change the set up so that is acts as the DIABOLO. We find that contrary to what may be believed people do not push every section back to one fixed end and prefer to open one or two sections from the centre.

One on the drawbacks of the ATLAS is that you have a reduced height and width also if on a track there will be more tracks in line than normal. Also we have top fix done each section so there will be bolts to remove to open the enclosure, whereas the DIABOLO does not have bolts holding down the retracting sections so it is so much easier.

Both enclosures can be fitted against buildings, chalets or walls etc. Also can incorporate part buildings or walls.

Bespoke Enclosures

There are a whole range of different styles available mainly there are the TITAN that is a registered European design having a central GLULAM Beam dividing the enclosure into two halves. Each half being independent of each other so various options are available to open and one person only need be required.

The TITAL can accommodate any width or length as the beams can be parallel and spanned with a lantern roof or similar.

The other main type is the RHODOS that again has a GLULAM beam that allows one side to be the enclosure whilst the other side can be a fixed section or roof glazed down to a wall or building.

We are able to use beams in various configurations that allows us to enclosure difficult shape pools are complicated sites.

Enjoy your swimming pool year-round without the problems associated with an outdoor pool, such as leaves, insects, wind, snow, rain and the cold. Save on chemicals and maintenance with a Pool Enclosure.

One question often asked in our Ask an Expert section is - can I house my pool, fitness room, Jacuzzi or spa within my conservatory?

The answer is of course, yes, although it may be that you will need some additional structural support - especially as the width of the structure increases. Generally speaking most conservatory roof systems will allow you to “span” up to five or six metres without the need for any special sub-structure support (tie bars would be used in roof area however). Unless your requirement is to house a small spa or exercise pool it’s unlikely that an enclosure (conservatory) of less than six metres will accommodate it.

Large span conservatory structures require a supporting sub-structure. The supporting sub structure is usually made out of structural grade aluminium although more traditional alternatives using timber are sometimes also used. The sub-structure needs to be specially secured to the surrounding ground. This supporting sub-structure also has to be verified by structural engineers and will represent a significant proportion of the over all cost of the project.

In recent years, with the growth in popularity of large span conservatory structures, some suppliers (notably Ultraframe) have developed somewhat less expensive MINI PORTAL structures that allow conservatory suppliers to span widths greater than six metres without the need for large PORTAL frames that may be required on larger commercial type enclosures. This has made large span conservatory structures more accessible for those who would like a LARGER than average conservatory enclosure.

Costs?

It is of course very difficult to predict the final cost for an enclosure. So much depends on the specification used. For sure it will be less expensive than an average conservatory - especially if a mini-portal or portal support frame structure is required. You also have to consider if dehumidifying equipment etc is going to be fitted. This again will add to your costs so an average conservatory say 6 metre x 12 metre free standing in UPVC with a polycarbonate roof is likely to cost £50,000.00 plus including groundwork. Then it is advisable to include climate control for the enviroment and that is another cost from approximately £7,000.00 and then you have that cost to run and maintain.

As a very rough guide it’s unlikely that any good-sized enclosure will cost less than £20,000 and many enclosures do cost in the £50,000 - £100,000 plus range by the time all the “peripherals” are added. Our enclosures do not require climate control as they are designed as a swimming pool building or extensive groundwork so should always be less expensive than another type of building.  and less problematic.

Do I need Planning Permission?
(This information applies to England and Wales only)

For a permanent large span conservatory it is quite likely you will need planning permission. It’s also likely that in all but the smallest enclosures building regulation approval may be required. In particular note that permission is required for commercial use.

Most specialist suppliers will include for obtaining the necessary permissions and permits in their work.

Please note that there are low level sliding enclosures and dome structures available, which sometimes do not require planning permission, as they may be considered “temporary” structures. These structures are not generally speaking as “Grand” or impressive looking as the enclosures we are featuring here. They are, however, worth consideration - especially if your budget is more limited.

Telescopic Pool Enclosures Ltd was established in 2002 as a sister company to Extensions in Glass Ltd that has traded successfully for many years as a specialist conservatory design and build company that has undertook to construct large conservatories in timber, aluminium and PVCu as swimming pool enclosures.

Telescopic Pool Enclosures build retractable or fixed buildings single or double glazed all bespoke and can encapsulate any area and include any wall, buildings or other that may be present and have been doing this type of work for over 25 years. All installations are carried out with their own fitters who are employed by the company and all installations are guaranteed. Recent applications include commercial and domestic schools, health clubs, hotels, caravan clubs and leisure areas.

Telescopic Pool Enclosures enable you to use your outdoor pool throughout the year at a fraction of the cost of a conventional pool. Our sturdy yet lightweight structures provide the best of both worlds.

We can enclose any size or shape of pool and specialise in “difficult” sites and access. Since each structure is custom-built, existing structures can usually be accommodated without difficulty.

Telescopic Pool Enclosures Ltd operates throughout the British Isles and North America. The enclosures are manufactured by ROLAL of Luxembourg and have been successfully installed throughout Europe for many years. We firmly believe that it is the best enclosure on the market in terms of quality, installation, after sales service and cost.

These enclosures are not temporary structures and will require planning permission in some instances and building regulations to be complaint in ALL instances. However Building Regulations as a grey area as there is not a defined specification for our type of enclosures. Some local authorities Building Control state not other state yes? We do not apply for Building Regulations for a domestic installation unless required by the client or local authority but always with a commercial installation and are compliant. Please note that a replacement building is classified as new build and subject to different Building Regulations especially with schedule L2 in relationship to heat lose. Providing the swimming pool water s heated alone schedule L2 will not apply if additonal heating is introduced than there is a need for discussion with Building Control as there could be an issue.

Both we will undertake on your behalf. The cost of Planning will be inclusive in the price excluding commercial appliaction the Building Regulations will be an extra cost for the application, structural calculations, aspects that a Building Inspector may require that are unknown at this time etc.

Our Enclosures are always supplied as a one off for a specific client. Therefore any size or colour can be supplied at no additional cost other than the listed price. All are glazed with 6mm Safety Glass and 16mm Clear triple walled polycarbonate treated with a chemical to make the interior NON-DROP so condensation does not form droplets that fall from the roof as rain.

We always fit a separate fly-screen with our sliding door to both ends to enable a through draught without most insects.