What Are the Differences Among a Lanai vs Sunroom and Pool Enclosure?
If you have ever traveled to Central Florida, you will notice that almost everyone has a screened patio, a sunroom, or a pool enclosure. To better enjoy outdoor life, residents need to enclose their outdoor spaces to protect them from the effects of Florida's humid and hot weather, including rain and mosquito infestations.
So, if you intend to settle in Florida or invest in a Florida property, adding this outdoor space is essential. But do you understand the difference between lanai vs sunroom? What about a pool enclosure?
This article will define each term, so dive into the meanings and differences among them. Then, select the best solution for your investment in Florida outdoor space.
What Is a Lanai in Florida?
In Florida, a lanai, known as a screened patio or screened porch, is an enclosed and covered outdoor space located at the back of the house and connected to the entrance. As it is widespread in Florida, California, and Hawaii, the word "lanai" is most frequently used there.
Typically, it features a concrete or stone floor, an aluminum frame and screen, and an aluminum roof cover to keep insects, debris, leaves, and other unwelcome guests out of the yard.
The lanai may be big enough to accommodate a swimming pool, protecting the interior and exterior spaces. Moreover, it improves the "livable" area to some extent, giving you additional space to entertain and enjoy outdoor activities.
What Is a Sunroom? (Also Called Florida Room)
Given Florida's hot and humid weather, you may be looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors without hindrance. Maybe you found the sunroom, also regarded as the "Florida room."
In reality, they are all additions to the side or back of the house.
While a sunroom typically features large windows, in the Sunshine State, a sunroom resembles more of a covered screen room. The Florida screen room keeps mosquitoes, fruit flies, and horseflies out, making it the ideal Florida solution.
Are you considering the investment value of a Florida sunroom? According to SFGate, the average return for Florida homeowners who add a sunroom is 47%! Investing in a Florida sunroom might result in a return on investment of roughly half, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 on average.
Lanai Vs Sunroom
The main distinction between lanai vs sunroom is the structure.
A sunroom is an enclosed room that is a part of a home, equipped with heating and cooling systems. Compared to the lanai, sunroom offer pleasant climates and temperature control, but due to their complete enclosure, they lack the intimate connection to nature that the lanai provides.
Due to no insulation, the lanai is not a fully enclosed outdoor area. Although it is great to appreciate nature while remaining insect-free, the screen design does not give adequate defense from storms or harsh heat.
What Is a Pool Enclosure in Florida?
A pool enclosure in Florida is an outdoor structure made of an aluminum frame and polycarbonate board, specifically designed to cover swimming pools. For Florida families with pools, pool screen enclosures greatly improve the safety of backyard pools, keeping children and pets safe in the yard.
With pool maintenance in mind, pool screens also keep leaves and harmful debris out of your pool, reducing cleaning frequency.
With pool maintenance in mind, pool screens also keep leaves and harmful debris out of your pool, reducing cleaning frequency.
We guess you already understand why Florida pools have enclosures. In addition to giving more area for entertainment, a pool screen enclosure is also a worthwhile investment because it boosts the value of your property and improves your quality of life.
In Florida, potential buyers are inclined to purchase houses with pool screen enclosures because they offer safety, comfort, and enhanced convenience.
Sum Up Among Lanai Vs Sunroom, Pool Enclosure
After reading the preceding sections, you should have a clear understanding of lanais, sunrooms, and pool enclosures.
To grasp the points, here's a summary of their distinctions, including pros and cons, to help you make better Florida real estate investment decisions.
Lanais
Pros✅
- Outdoor area built on top of an existing patio or porch
- Allow airflow, no greenhouse effect
- Enough space for furniture and greenery, regarded as a holiday living room
Cons❌
- Unable to withstand stormy weather and extreme weather conditions
- Require clean screen regularly
- No insulation
- Construction costs can be high
Sunroom
Pros✅
- A true extension of the home
- Enclosed room with climate control system
- Natural light all year
Cons❌
- Need curtains for privacy
- Higher insurance and property taxes
Pool Screen Enclosure
Pros✅
- Provide extra safety for swimming pools and family
- Lower the maintenance cost of the pool
- Reduce sun exposure
Cons❌
- Need to clean enclosure every few weeks to prevent debris from piling
- Wrong design may cause claustrophobia for swimmers
Considerations for Adding One to Your Home
Installing a sunroom, lanai, or pool screen enclosure at home is never easy! Cost, your special needs and a fair return on investment will all factor into your selection.
Cost
When it comes to adding more property to your house, cost is the primary essential factor. We estimate the average installation cost for each property, so you may make an informed decision depending on your budget.
Lanai: $2,000 to $5,000;
Lanai construction involves a foundation, walls, and roof that connect to the rest of the house and is projected to cost at least $8 per square foot.
Sunroom: $20,000 – $80,000;
Sunrooms will be the most expensive owing to the increased power needed, the setup of heating and cooling systems, and full insulation.
Pool Enclosure: $4,000 – $14,000;
The cost of building a pool enclosure varies according to the size of the pool, materials used, and kind of door. The typical cost of a swimming pool screen enclosure is between $8 and $15.
It's important to note that the costs provided above are estimates and may vary based on factors such as size, materials, and location.
Special Needs
If you prefer a year-round, climate-controlled environment, the sunroom is the finest choice. While enjoying the panoramic view of the outside world, you may stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Lanais are an excellent option for folks who desire access to nature. It's ideal for those who favor spending time outside but fail to protect themselves from bad weather.
For Florida homeowners with a pool, a pool screen enclosure is an option that maximizes the use of your pool and is suitable for Florida weather. It provides a clean swimming environment, reduces pool maintenance costs, and protects from direct UV rays.
Unfortunately, you may not be able to enjoy the beautiful views that the lanai and sunroom offer.
Return on Investment
For Florida residents looking to transform their outdoor spaces, a property’s return on investment deserves careful consideration. A high ROI can significantly increase the value of your property when you decide to sell it. Here are the ROIs for three types of outdoor properties:
Lanai: 70%-84%
Sunroom: 47%
Pool screen enclosure: 15%–25%
Choose the right investment based on your personal budget and ROI. Actual ROI will vary depending on the source, market trends, location, and property characteristics
Interested in Installing a Pool Enclosure? Sheltent Here for You
If you have a swimming pool at home, would you like to install a pool screen enclosure to keep your pool clean? Apart from that, a pool screen enclosure can protect your family and children from accidentally entering the swimming pool and prevent them from pests and UV rays.
However, installing a pool enclosure should not be left to the homeowner. Experts with rich experience are required to do the work successfully.
At Sheltent, with almost 10 years of tent manufacturing experience, we're pleased to give free consultations to help you find cost-effective swimming pool screen enclosures that best meet your requirements.
Conclusion
Lanai vs sunroom and pool screen enclosure are all appropriate investment property options. Choose to modify your outside area based on your lifestyle, personal preferences, budget, and ROI!