Our 'mansard' style pool cage is about 16 years old and the Phifer 18x14 screen has held up well for the most part. Can't complain after getting 16 years considering the FL sun and annual pressure washes. Now we have about 14 panels that should be replaced due to silvering, small tears and fraying at edges - since more will likely follow soon we are considering rescreening the whole cage.
Bugs have not been a huge issue with the 18X14 screen. We do get some (well the spiders and lizards get them mostly) but with conservation in the back, the screen door in use, the drain channel open on both ends (would love to screen that in) and some potted plants inside the cage, there will always be bug instrusions. Thankfully the noseeums are not a real issue where we live.
We love our view and the 18X14 screen helps that view, but there are some downsides. We have pine trees in the conservation behind our home and those needles always find their way through the roof screen. Also, in the rainy season, we will get clusters of bugs (ants or thrips - not sure) clinging for life on the surface (Dawn mixture is not their friend). Sharing those concerns with a few screen installers brought up the option of the Phifer 20X20 noseeum screen on the roof. Perhaps getting 20X20 screen on the 1200 sqft. roof might help with those issues - not eliminate them of course.
However, I understand there are downsides to 20X20 screen. Airflow is somewhat reduced - the walls would still be 18X14 so that should help with airflow. Apparently it is common to mix screen sizes or thickness based on needs. Another issue is the shading effect - not sure how much solar radiation is reduced but I understand that 20X20 screen will drop the pool temperature by a few degrees compared to 18X14. That might shorten the swimming season or increase the demand on the heater. I am also concerned that if it takes longer for the lania to dry out after a rain then it will lead to increased mildew growth. I realize that additional shading can be a benefit too - there are always tradeoffs.
Has anyone made the switch from 18X14 to 20X20? What was your before and after comparison? Any pros or cons that I missed?
Bugs have not been a huge issue with the 18X14 screen. We do get some (well the spiders and lizards get them mostly) but with conservation in the back, the screen door in use, the drain channel open on both ends (would love to screen that in) and some potted plants inside the cage, there will always be bug instrusions. Thankfully the noseeums are not a real issue where we live.
We love our view and the 18X14 screen helps that view, but there are some downsides. We have pine trees in the conservation behind our home and those needles always find their way through the roof screen. Also, in the rainy season, we will get clusters of bugs (ants or thrips - not sure) clinging for life on the surface (Dawn mixture is not their friend). Sharing those concerns with a few screen installers brought up the option of the Phifer 20X20 noseeum screen on the roof. Perhaps getting 20X20 screen on the 1200 sqft. roof might help with those issues - not eliminate them of course.
However, I understand there are downsides to 20X20 screen. Airflow is somewhat reduced - the walls would still be 18X14 so that should help with airflow. Apparently it is common to mix screen sizes or thickness based on needs. Another issue is the shading effect - not sure how much solar radiation is reduced but I understand that 20X20 screen will drop the pool temperature by a few degrees compared to 18X14. That might shorten the swimming season or increase the demand on the heater. I am also concerned that if it takes longer for the lania to dry out after a rain then it will lead to increased mildew growth. I realize that additional shading can be a benefit too - there are always tradeoffs.
Has anyone made the switch from 18X14 to 20X20? What was your before and after comparison? Any pros or cons that I missed?
