If you’re a homeowner in Southwest Florida researching pool cage costs, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: prices are all over the place. One company quotes $15,000, another says $35,000 for what seems like the same job.
So what does a pool cage actually cost? And more importantly, how do you know if you’re getting a fair deal?
As licensed general contractors who’ve been building pool cages across Southwest Florida for years, we’re going to give you the straight answer—even if it’s not what you want to hear.
The Real Cost of a Pool Cage in 2026
Let’s cut to the chase. For a standard pool cage installation in Southwest Florida, you’re typically looking at:
- Small enclosures (under 800 sq ft): $12,000 – $18,000
- Medium enclosures (800-1,200 sq ft): $18,000 – $28,000
- Large enclosures (1,200+ sq ft): $28,000 – $45,000+
These ranges assume standard 18/14 screen mesh, a typical mansard or flat roof design, and all necessary permits and inspections.
Want a more specific estimate? Use our free cost estimator to get a ballpark budget based on your exact dimensions and options.
What Affects Your Pool Cage Price?
Every pool cage is custom-built to fit your specific space. Here’s what drives the final number:
1. Size and Dimensions
This is the biggest factor. We calculate based on total square footage—walls plus roof area. A taller cage (say, 12 feet vs 9 feet) uses more materials and requires more labor.
2. Screen Mesh Type
Not all screen is created equal:
- 18/14 Standard Mesh – The baseline. Good visibility, blocks most insects.
- 20/20 No-See-Um Mesh – Tighter weave for tiny bugs. Adds roughly $500.
- 16/14 Tuff Screen – Pet and impact resistant. Adds roughly $500.
- 17/20 Premium Mesh – Best of both worlds. Adds roughly $800.
Not sure which screen is right for you? Check out our screen types comparison guide for a detailed breakdown of each option.
3. Roof Style
Flat roofs are actually less expensive than mansard (angled) roofs because they require less aluminum framing.
4. Additional Features
- Super gutters (7” instead of 5”)
- Pet doors
- Premium fasteners (Nylo-Tec instead of standard)
- Extra screen doors
5. Site Conditions
Is your pool deck level? Do we need to work around landscaping or existing structures? Complicated installations take more time.
Why Material Costs Have Increased
If you got a quote five years ago and are shocked by today’s prices, you’re not alone. Here’s reality:
Aluminum prices have increased significantly since 2020. Screen material costs are up. And in Florida, demand for pool enclosures remains high, which affects availability.
We’re not padding prices—materials genuinely cost more than they used to. Any contractor giving you a 2019 price in 2026 is either cutting corners or won’t be around to finish your job.
The Hidden Danger of “Too Good” Prices
Here’s a story that happens more often than you’d think:
A homeowner in our area got three quotes for a pool cage. Two were in the $25,000-$28,000 range. The third was $16,000. Naturally, they went with the cheap option.
The “contractor” took the deposit, built the cage, and disappeared. A few weeks later, the county showed up. Turns out, the guy wasn’t licensed. No permits were pulled. The entire structure had to be torn down and rebuilt to code.
The homeowner ended up paying nearly $40,000 total—the original $16,000 (gone), plus a legitimate contractor to do it right.
Another common scenario: A customer pays a deposit for a great price, then waits… and waits… and waits. Months go by. The contractor is juggling too many jobs because they underbid everything. Or worse, they’ve already spent your deposit on another project.
What a Legitimate Quote Includes
When you get a quote from a licensed contractor, it should include:
- All permits and inspections – Charlotte, Lee, Sarasota, Collier, and Manatee counties all require permits for pool cage installation.
- Materials – Aluminum framing, screen mesh, hardware, concrete for footers.
- Labor – A typical installation takes 2-4 days with a professional crew.
- Cleanup – Removal of old materials and job site cleanup.
- Warranty – We offer a 1-year warranty on new installations.
If a quote seems vague or doesn’t mention permits, that’s a red flag.
How to Verify Your Contractor
Before signing anything:
- Check their license – In Florida, pool cage installation requires a licensed contractor. Look them up on the Florida DBPR website.
- Verify insurance – Ask for a certificate of insurance. Call the insurance company to confirm it’s current.
- Read reviews – Google, Facebook, and the BBB. Look for patterns, not just star ratings.
- Get it in writing – A detailed contract protects both of you.
Why We’re Not the Cheapest (And That’s Intentional)
We’re a family business. We started doing small screen repairs and grew from there, learning the trade hands-on. Today, we’re licensed general contractors (CGC) in Florida with full insurance coverage.
We don’t lowball quotes because we’ve seen what happens to companies that do—they go out of business, leaving customers stranded. Or they cut corners that create problems down the road.
Our prices reflect:
- Quality materials (not the cheapest aluminum from overseas)
- Skilled crews who show up on time
- Proper permits and inspections
- A 1-year warranty we actually honor
- Efficient communication throughout your project
We’d rather give you an honest price upfront than surprise you with “change orders” later.
Get Your Budget Estimate
Ready to get a realistic idea of what your pool cage will cost?
Our online cost estimator lets you input your dimensions and preferences to get an instant budget range. No commitment, no sales call required.
Or if you prefer, schedule a free on-site estimate and we’ll measure everything, discuss your options, and give you a detailed written quote.
Bottom line: A pool cage is a significant investment, but it’s one that adds value to your home and quality of life. Don’t let a too-good-to-be-true price cost you twice.
