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Evaporation causes up to 70% of outdoor pools’ energy losses, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. While you can’t completely prevent evaporation, different types of pool covers can help a lot. Pool enclosures, however, don’t do much to stop evaporation—and the cost to build a pool enclosure likely won’t tempt you to try.

When designing your dream pool, it's important to leave enough room for safe walkways, patios, and extras such as outdoor kitchens and fire pits. Your local building codes may specify the minimum space between your pool and your house, utility lines, and property line. In most cases, the area of the patio around the pool should be equal to or greater than the surface area of the pool.

Some but not all types of pool enclosures block ultraviolet (UV) rays. You can opt for specially coated glass for your enclosure that helps block the harmful UV rays from reaching you in the pool. To keep yourself safe from harmful UV rays while swimming, it’s best to routinely use waterproof sunblock. 

Depending on your budget, wants, and needs, a pool enclosure can be a worthwhile investment. It all comes down to how much you use your pool, and what it would mean to you to have year-round access to it.

If you know that you'll swim in your pool a lot, then having an enclosure means you don't have to worry about the weather. It's also a lot easier to maintain the water, because you don't have to deal with leaves falling into the pool, and the water's chemical levels tend to be more stable.