But is it more of a question of what you will save by having a pool enclosure, not what they cost? When you consider it this way, then at least some products on the market can look exceptionally good value.

To get an idea of how this might work for you, you could have a look at doing some broad brush figures yourself. If you just approximate the following total costs over the course of a full year;

1. What is the current cost of heating your swimming pool per year?

2. What is the current cost of keeping your pool clean (this may involve labor costs, or include accessories such as filters)?

3. How much does it cost you per year in terms of chemicals?

4. Are there any other costs which you have to pay on a regular basis?

Now, if you multiply these costs by 10, as we will assume that for the purposes of this exercise, a swimming pool enclosure has a life span of ten years ? although most will last much longer, particularly if you avoid the really budget type bubble enclosures.

So if we're talking about a ten year period , how about some other areas of cost;

How much does your pool cost in terms of filters, pumps, bubble covers, liners, etc over a ten year period?

Probably by now you're feeling a bit queezy at the mounting costs. However the point being that if you could shave a relatively small percentage off this total figure, by installing a swimming pool enclosure, it would make great sense to buy one.

However the benefits of a swimming pool enclosure extend far beyond just costs savings. But we'll get to that further on, for now we're focusing on cost.

What about if you could buy a good quality swimming pool enclosure, for a 10 metre by 5 metre pool, for under ?6,500? I'd guess you'd probably go for it on savings alone. Actually, if your pool is smaller, you can even get one for under ?3,000!

But, as l mentioned, it's not just about costs. If you also consider, how much you actually use your pool in an average year? Are you steadily using it less each year? And also what about safety & security, don't forget it's your responsibility.

Therefore if we add in the fact that an enclosure will mean you can use your pool whatever the weather, it's always clean, you can open and close it in less time than it takes to roll up a bubble cover, and it's maintenance free, then it's probably looking like it's time to get yourself a swimming pool enclosure.

For many people, the decision to buy an swimming pool enclosure is usually driven by a single issue that needs to be overcome, rather than taking a broader analytical approach. The type issues that seem at the top of peoples mind's include;

"I have to reduce my pool heating bills?"

"I'm forever spending my weekends cleaning leaves out of the pool?"

"I want to use my pool, even if it is raining?"

"I want to make my pool more environmentally friendly?"

"With small children around, I need better security for my pool"

Where can l buy a swimming pool enclosure from?

Up until recently, swimming pool enclosures were in the region of ?20-30,000, and there was not much choice on the market. More recently, with the introduction of the new low profile enclosures, these prices have come down to more like ?12-15,000. But, like most things, the internet has now changed how you can buy more or less anything, including pool enclosures. The figure l mentioned above of ?6,500 is a reality. You can actually buy a really good quality telescopic, low profile pool enclosure for this price. No catches. The reason is that you can now buy directly from the manufacturers, and have it shipped direct to your home. This new direct to consumer approach has made having a pool enclosure affordable, and essential.