For homeowners in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and the surrounding communities of Manatee and Sarasota Counties, a pool is part of the lifestyle. The warm climate, the proximity to the Gulf Coast, and the emphasis on outdoor living make pool ownership a natural fit. But the same conditions that make this region ideal for year-round swimming, the heat, humidity, insects, and storm seasons, also make protecting that pool a priority.
A pool screen enclosure is a custom-built aluminum and screen mesh structure designed to surround your pool and deck area, keeping insects, debris, and wildlife out while allowing full airflow and visibility. For Florida homeowners, it is one of the most effective ways to reduce pool maintenance, protect against UV exposure, and extend comfortable outdoor time throughout the year.
Commercial Residential Aluminum (CRA) has been designing, fabricating, and installing pool screen enclosures across Florida’s Gulf Coast since 1992. With a corporate office in North Venice and a team of over 200 licensed and insured professionals, CRA serves homeowners throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties with products backed by nine U.S. patents and Florida Product Approval testing. If you are evaluating pool enclosures in Florida for your Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch home, this guide covers what you need to know.
Is a Pool Screen Enclosure Worth the Investment?
The short answer is yes, and the case gets stronger the longer you own one. A pool screen enclosure addresses the specific challenges that come with owning a pool in Sarasota and Manatee Counties: persistent insects, intense UV, storm debris, and the ongoing cost of chemical treatment and cleaning. Here is how the investment breaks down.
Reduced Pool Maintenance
Without a pool cage, leaves, pollen, grass clippings, insects, and wildlife find their way into your pool daily. A screen enclosure intercepts that material before it reaches the water, reducing the time you spend skimming and vacuuming and lowering the frequency of chemical treatments. Less organic matter in the water also means less strain on your filtration system, which extends the life of your pool equipment and lowers maintenance costs over time.
Insect and Wildlife Control
Sarasota and Manatee Counties have active mosquito, no-see-um, and fly populations for much of the year. A properly installed aluminum pool enclosure wraps your pool deck in screen mesh, keeping these pests out of your outdoor space. It also creates a barrier against wildlife, including frogs, snakes, lizards, raccoons, and birds, that are common in Florida backyards.
UV Protection for Swimmers and Surfaces
Florida’s Gulf Coast receives intense sun exposure, and the Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch corridor is no exception. Pool enclosure screen mesh filters UV radiation while still allowing natural light and airflow into the space. Industry data indicates that quality pool enclosure screens can block up to 80 percent of harmful UV rays, making the enclosed area more comfortable during peak heat hours and reducing fading and wear on pool surfaces, furniture, and decking.
Safety for Families with Children and Pets
A pool screen enclosure adds a physical barrier around your pool area that helps prevent unsupervised access by young children and pets. In Florida, many municipalities allow a properly built pool enclosure to satisfy pool barrier requirements under local building codes. For families in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota’s family-oriented communities, this added layer of safety is a meaningful consideration.
Increased Property Value
Pool cages are a feature that Florida buyers actively look for. Research from the pool enclosure industry estimates that homeowners often see a 60 to 80 percent return on the installation cost at resale, and a well-installed aluminum enclosure can increase a home’s value by up to 20 percent. In Sarasota and Manatee Counties, where outdoor living space is central to the home’s appeal, a quality pool cage adds real value at listing time.
Year-Round Outdoor Use
A pool enclosure can extend comfortable pool use by an additional two to three months each year by maintaining water temperature and reducing wind exposure. Research also indicates that a pool enclosure can reduce pool heating costs by up to 70 percent by limiting evaporation and heat loss. In a region where outdoor entertaining is a year-round activity, that extended usability makes a tangible difference.
Why Aluminum Is the Right Material for Pool Screen Enclosures in This Region
When choosing a material for a pool enclosure in this part of Florida, the decision matters. Sarasota and Manatee Counties sit on the Gulf Coast, which means structures face salt air, high humidity, UV exposure, and the wind loads that come with tropical storms and hurricane season. Aluminum is the material best suited to handle all of it.
| Feature | Aluminum | Wood | Steel |
| Corrosion resistance | Naturally forms a protective oxide layer; does not rust | Absorbs moisture; prone to rot, warping, and termite damage | Rusts without regular treatment, especially in coastal areas |
| Maintenance requirements | Occasional rinsing; no painting or sealing required | Periodic sanding, painting, sealing, and termite inspection | Requires rust prevention treatment and ongoing upkeep |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | Strong and lightweight; ideal for large spans | Heavy; limited span capability | Strong but heavy; adds stress to foundations |
| Florida Building Code compliance | Engineered to meet strict wind-load requirements | Difficult to engineer to Florida’s coastal standards | Can be engineered but weight and corrosion are factors |
| Expected lifespan in coastal Florida | 15 to 20+ years with proper care | 10 to 15 years with regular maintenance | Variable; corrosion significantly shortens life near the coast |
Aluminum does not rust the way untreated steel does. It does not rot, warp, or attract termites the way wood does. A properly engineered aluminum pool enclosure can withstand the wind loads associated with tropical storms and hurricane season, making it the practical choice for homeowners across Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and surrounding Gulf Coast communities.
Commercial Residential Aluminum Serves Homes in Sarasota & Manatee Counties
Sarasota and Manatee Counties are home to some of the most sought-after residential communities on Florida’s Gulf Coast. From the waterfront properties along Longboat Key and Siesta Key to the master-planned neighborhoods of Lakewood Ranch and the established communities of Bradenton and Palmetto, homeowners in this region expect quality craftsmanship that matches the caliber of their homes. Commercial Residential Aluminum delivers that standard on every project.
CRA has been serving Gulf Coast homeowners since Perry Hickok joined founder Tom Teffenhart as partner in 1992. Today, with a corporate office at 156 Triple Diamond Blvd. in North Venice, CRA is one of Florida’s most recognized aluminum companies, with over 200 team members and more than 30,000 screening projects completed in the last five years alone. CRA is a Florida State Licensed Contractor (Lic. SCC056736, CGC058897), and President Tom Teffenhart holds a special Aluminum Structure license.
Every pool cage and screen enclosure CRA installs is custom-engineered for the specific home, taking into account the property’s surroundings, the local wind speed zone, and the homeowner’s design preferences. CRA’s proprietary ChannelLock Self-Mating Beam (SMB) is backed by nine U.S. patents and carries Florida Product Approval Designation FL#19700. This beam is 40 percent stronger than the typical industry beam, and it is available exclusively to CRA customers. All CRA products carry either a Florida Builders Approval Certification or a NOA (Miami/Dade) approval, meeting the highest performance standards for aluminum structures in the state.
CRA’s Residential Services for Sarasota and Manatee County
- Patio and pool enclosures, including custom pool cages.
- ScenicView Screen Enclosures for panoramic, unobstructed views spanning up to 40 feet.
- Entry and lanai enclosures.
- Screen replacement and repair using CRA Premium Screen, engineered to our specifications.
- Pool cage repair for storm damage, fading screens, and aging frames.
- Aluminum railings, fences, handrails, and cable railing.
- Seamless aluminum gutters, soffit and fascia, carports, foundations, and outdoor lighting.
CRA is an Accredited Member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, a member of the Florida Aluminum Association, and a member of the National Association of Homebuilders. The company also holds memberships with the Sarasota and Venice Chambers of Commerce and the Community Associations Institute. Most CRA pool screen enclosures are installed in as little as one day on site, with the team managing every step of the process from design and permitting through engineering, installation, and final inspection.
For homeowners in Sarasota, Venice, Longboat Key, North Port, Bradenton, Palmetto, Lakewood Ranch, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach, CRA’s local team is ready to help you choose the right enclosure for your home and your budget. Visit CRA’s full list of Florida service areas for more details.
Ready to Protect Your Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch Pool?
A pool screen enclosure is one of the most practical upgrades a Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch homeowner can make. It protects your pool, your family, and your outdoor investment while adding measurable value to your property. With the right material and the right contractor, it is a straightforward process that delivers lasting results.
Commercial Residential Aluminum has the patented technology, the licensed team, and the local expertise to build the enclosure that fits your home. Request a quote today or call CRA at 855-272-2243 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a permit for a pool screen enclosure in Sarasota or Manatee County?
Yes. Any new pool cage or screen enclosure in Florida is a structural installation that requires a building permit. Sarasota County and Manatee County each have their own permit forms, submittal requirements, and inspection scheduling processes. CRA manages all permitting, engineering approvals, and inspections required by the State of Florida and your local building department, so you do not have to navigate the process on your own.
2. How long does it take to install a pool screen enclosure with CRA?
Most CRA pool screen enclosures are installed in as little as one day on site. CRA pre-fabricates each enclosure in a controlled environment before delivering it to your property, which keeps the on-site work efficient and minimizes disruption to your home. The full project timeline, including permitting and fabrication, varies based on the complexity and size of the enclosure.
3. Will my HOA need to approve a pool screen enclosure in Lakewood Ranch or Sarasota?
In most cases, yes. Many communities in Lakewood Ranch, as well as homeowners associations throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, require advance approval of structural additions before permit applications can be submitted. CRA recommends starting the HOA review process early to avoid delays. Your CRA project team can help you prepare the design specifications needed for HOA submittal.
4. How often do pool enclosure screens need to be replaced?
Pool screens in Florida typically last between 6 and 12 years, depending on the quality of the screen material, storm activity, and sun exposure. The aluminum frame is the longest-lasting component and can last 15 to 20 years or more with proper care. CRA offers screen replacement and repair services for homeowners who need to refresh an older enclosure without replacing the entire structure.
5. Can CRA repair my existing pool cage instead of replacing it?
Yes. If your aluminum frame is structurally sound and only the screens are damaged, faded, or sagging, a rescreen is a cost-effective alternative to full replacement. CRA’s team can assess the condition of your existing enclosure and recommend the most practical solution, whether that is a targeted screen repair, a full rescreen, or a new installation. Enclosures that are over 23 years old may be candidates for a full structural assessment.
6. What specific areas in Sarasota and Manatee Counties does CRA serve?
CRA serves homeowners across Sarasota County (Sarasota, Venice, North Port, and Longboat Key) and Manatee County (Bradenton, Palmetto, Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach), as well as Lakewood Ranch and the wider Gulf Coast corridor. CRA’s corporate office is located in North Venice. Contact CRA at 855-272-2243 or visit craluminum.com/get-a-quote/ to confirm service availability for your specific location.
