Your pool cage screens are torn, faded, or full of holes. The question is: do you just need new screens, or is it time for a completely new enclosure?
This is one of the most common questions we get from homeowners across Southwest Florida. The answer depends on one critical factor: the condition of your aluminum frame.
The Simple Rule
Here’s how to think about it:
- Good frame + bad screens = Rescreening
- Bad frame + any screens = Replacement
Screens are the “skin” of your pool cage. The aluminum frame is the “skeleton.” If the skeleton is solid, we can give it new skin. If the skeleton is compromised, new skin won’t save it.
How to Assess Your Aluminum Frame
Walk around your pool cage and look for these warning signs:
Signs Your Frame Is Still Good
- Straight posts and beams – No visible bowing or bending
- Solid connections – Joints feel tight when you push on them
- Surface corrosion only – White oxidation on the surface is normal and cosmetic
- Stable footers – Posts are firmly set in concrete, no shifting
If this describes your enclosure, rescreening is likely the right choice.
Signs Your Frame Needs Replacement
- Bent or twisted members – Usually from storm damage or impact
- Deep corrosion – Pitting that goes beyond the surface, especially at joints
- Wobbly structure – The whole cage moves when you push on it
- Cracked or shifted footers – Foundation problems mean structural problems
- Visible rust – Aluminum doesn’t rust, but steel screws and inserts do—and that rust spreads
- Outdated design – Older cages may not meet current Florida Building Code
If you see multiple items from this list, you’re likely looking at replacement.
What’s Involved in Rescreening
Rescreening means removing all the old screen material and spline, then installing new screen on your existing aluminum frame.
The process:
- Remove old screen and spline from every panel
- Inspect frame for any needed repairs
- Install new screen material, panel by panel
- Install new spline to secure the screen
- Trim excess and clean up
What you get:
- Fresh, tight screens with no tears or sags
- Improved visibility (old screens get cloudy)
- Better bug protection
- Choice of screen type (standard, no-see-um, pet-resistant)
What rescreening doesn’t fix:
- Structural frame problems
- Foundation issues
- Outdated engineering
What’s Involved in Full Replacement
Full replacement means removing the entire existing structure—screens, frame, and footers—and building a new pool cage from scratch.
The process:
- Obtain permits from your county
- Remove and dispose of the old structure
- Pour new concrete footers
- Erect new aluminum frame
- Install new screen throughout
- Final inspection and approval
What you get:
- Completely new structure built to current code
- Modern engineering for better wind resistance
- Fresh warranty on everything
- Opportunity to change size, height, or design
- Updated features (better gutters, doors, etc.)
Cost Comparison
Here’s where the decision often gets real:
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Full rescreening | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Full replacement | $15,000 – $45,000+ |
Rescreening costs roughly 20-30% of what a full replacement costs. That’s a significant difference.
But here’s the catch: If you rescreen a failing frame, you’ll end up paying for replacement anyway—plus you wasted money on the rescreening.
When Rescreening Is the Right Call
Choose rescreening when:
- Your frame is structurally sound
- The cage is less than 15-20 years old
- No storm damage to the frame
- You just want fresh screens and better visibility
- Budget is a primary concern and frame is solid
When Replacement Is the Right Call
Choose replacement when:
- Frame shows structural damage or deep corrosion
- The cage is 20+ years old with multiple issues
- You want to resize or reconfigure the enclosure
- Previous repairs have been band-aids
- Insurance is covering storm damage anyway
- You’re selling and want to maximize value
The “Lipstick on a Pig” Mistake
We’ve seen homeowners spend $5,000 on rescreening a cage that needed replacement. Within two years, the frame fails and they’re facing a full replacement anyway.
That $5,000 is gone. They didn’t save money—they delayed the inevitable and lost $5,000 in the process.
If we inspect your cage and believe the frame won’t last another 5-10 years, we’ll tell you. Rescreening a bad frame isn’t a service—it’s a disservice.
The Honest Assessment
When we come out for an estimate, we’ll tell you straight:
- If rescreening makes sense, we’ll quote rescreening
- If replacement is needed, we’ll explain why
- If it’s borderline, we’ll give you both options with honest pros and cons
We’d rather lose a rescreening job today than have you call us in two years frustrated that you “just had this done.”
What About Partial Repairs?
Sometimes you don’t need full rescreening or full replacement. Options include:
- Panel replacement – Just the damaged sections
- Screen door replacement – Doors wear faster than fixed panels
- Spot repairs – Individual tears or small areas
These make sense for localized damage on an otherwise healthy cage.
How Long Does Each Option Last?
With proper maintenance:
- New screens – 10-15 years depending on screen type and conditions
- New aluminum frame – 25-40+ years
- Rescreening on good frame – 10-15 years for screens; frame continues its lifespan
Making Your Decision
Still not sure? Here’s a simple framework:
- Get an honest inspection – Not a sales pitch, an actual assessment
- Consider the frame’s age – How many more years of life does it realistically have?
- Factor in your plans – Staying 2 years vs. 20 years changes the calculus
- Don’t just chase the lowest number – The cheapest option isn’t always the smartest
Need help deciding? We offer free inspections and will give you an honest assessment of whether rescreening or replacement makes sense for your specific situation. Schedule an estimate and we’ll take a look.
