Is Your Pool Enclosure Hurricane-Ready? What Every Orlando Homeowner Should Know This September

Hurricane season in Orlando is a reality that every homeowner must prepare for. And while most people think about boarding up windows or checking insurance policies, there’s one structure that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: the pool enclosure.

As September rolls in and tropical storm activity peaks, the question becomes more urgent: Is your pool cage built to withstand hurricane-force winds, or is it a storm away from costly damage?

Let’s break down what you should be looking for and what Florida Pool Enclosures recommends to ensure your screen enclosure is hurricane-ready.

Why Pool Enclosures Fail During Hurricanes

Even though Florida building codes have become stricter in recent years, not all enclosures are built equally. Older structures, in particular, often lack the reinforcements needed to survive 100+ mph wind gusts.

Typical failure points include:

• Rusting anchor points and loose bolts

• Weakened aluminum frames

• Aging screen mesh that tears under pressure

• Improperly sloped roofs that catch wind like sails

When these elements fail, entire sections of the structure can collapse, damaging your pool area, and worse, turning aluminum beams into flying projectiles.

What Makes a Pool Enclosure Hurricane-Resistant?

At Florida Pool Enclosures, we specialize in building and retrofitting cages that meet the latest Florida wind codes, especially for hurricane-prone zones like Central Florida. If you’re wondering whether yours is up to par, look for these key upgrades:

• Stronger beam-to-post connections (reduces sway and vibration)

• Wind bracing kits to add lateral support

• Impact-rated screen mesh designed for wind resistance

• Anchoring systems that meet updated Florida Building Code standards

Many modern enclosures also feature removable panels, allowing homeowners to reduce wind resistance during major storms.

Signs Your Current Enclosure Needs a Pre-Storm Inspection

If your pool enclosure is more than 10 years old or you’ve recently experienced a heavy storm, it’s worth having a professional assess it. Warning signs include:

• Loose or rattling frames during high wind

• Rust around the base brackets or anchor points

• Torn or sagging screens

• Any visible bending or warping in the beams

Even small issues today can lead to catastrophic failure during a Category 1 or 2 storm, let alone something stronger.

September’s The Time: Storm Activity Is Peaking

Historically, mid-August through mid-October is the most active period for hurricanes in Florida. In fact, September 10 is considered the statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, which means there’s no better time than now to prepare.

Your pool enclosure is exposed 24/7, it’s not just a backyard feature, it’s part of your home’s exterior shell. Treating it like a secondary structure could leave you exposed to major damage and expensive repairs.

What to Do Next: Hurricane-Proofing Your Enclosure

Our technicians evaluate your structure’s integrity, look for weak points, and recommend necessary upgrades. We also offer storm-rated aluminum frames and screen materials built specifically for Central Florida weather. And if you’re planning on replacing or installing a new enclosure this fall, now is the perfect time to schedule your design consultation.

Don't Wait Until the Storm Is On the Radar

When it comes to hurricane prep, a solid pool enclosure is a necessity. If your screen structure isn't ready, now is the time to act. Avoid the rush before the next big system is announced.

Call Florida Pool Enclosures today to schedule your hurricane-readiness check and protect your outdoor space before the next storm hits.

---

Florida Pool Enclosures Proudly Services the Following Areas:

Orange County, Seminole County, Lake County, Osceola County, Volusia County, and Broward County. Our team commonly operates in Metro West, Doctor Phillips, Windermere, Kissimmee, Winter Garden, Gotha, Oviedo, Oakland, Apopka, College Park, Winter Park, Sorrento, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Heathrow, & Sanford.