Choosing pool screen material in Florida means finding a screen that can handle intense sunlight, frequent rain, strong winds, and insects that standard mesh may not keep out. Whether you are replacing damaged panels or screening a new outdoor space, the right material makes a difference in durability, visibility, and everyday comfort. Metro Screenworks offers a variety of pool and patio screen options for everything from large pool cages to smaller lanais and porches.

With over 40 years of experience supplying screening materials and manufacturing screens in the United States, Metro Screenworks helps homeowners and contractors find materials that fit their projects. This guide compares the most common pool enclosure screen types, explains which materials work best for Florida conditions, and covers what to consider before rescreening. For new enclosures, you can also explore our porch screening systems to find an installation solution.

What Florida Does to Screen Mesh

Florida’s climate creates challenges for outdoor screening that homeowners in milder climates may not experience. Understanding how sunlight, insects, storms, and moisture affect your enclosure can help you choose a material that holds up to everyday use.

Sun and UV

Florida’s year-round sunlight can gradually weaken untreated screen material, causing it to become brittle and more susceptible to tearing. This is especially noticeable on pool cages and patios that receive direct sunlight throughout the day.

Metro Screenworks’ Pool & Patio fiberglass mesh includes a protective UV coating that helps slow deterioration. For enclosures with significant sun exposure, choosing UV-resistant material can help reduce premature screen damage.

No-See-Ums and Other Tiny Insects

Mosquitoes are not the only insects Florida homeowners need to consider. No-see-ums, also called biting midges, are small enough to pass through many standard insect screens, making them particularly frustrating around pools, patios, and lanais.

According to the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), several Florida biting midge species breed in coastal environments such as marshes, swamps, and mangroves. Their activity is especially noticeable during October and November and again in April and May.

If tiny biting insects are a regular problem, consider no see um screen with a tighter weave rather than standard pool mesh.

Storms and Wind

Florida’s Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring in early to mid-September, according to NOAA.

While stronger screening materials may resist everyday wear and weather damage, the mesh also affects how wind passes through an enclosure. A tighter weave can change the wind loads placed on the structure, so screen selection should account for the engineering of the existing pool cage.

Salt Air and Humidity

Humidity and coastal conditions are another consideration when selecting screen material. Standard fiberglass screening will not rust or corrode, making it a practical option for humid environments.

Aluminum screening is also available with protective finishes designed to resist rust and corrosion. Homeowners near the coast should compare the specifications of each product rather than assuming one material is unsuitable for salt-air environments.

Pool Screen Types Explained: What the Mesh Numbers Mean

When comparing pool screen types, you will frequently see measurements such as 18x14, 17x14, and 20x20. These numbers describe the number of screen strands running vertically and horizontally within one square inch of mesh.

For example, 20x20 mesh has 20 strands in each direction, creating smaller openings than a typical 18x14 screen. Generally, a higher mesh count means a tighter weave, which can provide better protection against tiny insects but may affect airflow and visibility.

The best mesh count depends on what you want to keep out and how you use your outdoor space. For a more detailed breakdown, see our guide to screen mesh sizes.

Best Pool Screen Material for Florida, by Mesh

The best pool screen material for a Florida home depends on whether your priorities are insect protection, durability, privacy, visibility, or cost. Below are the most common options for pool cage screen material and where each works best.

18x14 Pool and Patio Screen

Standard 18x14 fiberglass is one of the most practical and economical choices for large pool and patio enclosures. It provides insect protection while maintaining comfortable airflow and outward visibility.

Metro’s Pool & Patio Screening features a protective UV coating and a .013-inch strand diameter. Available in charcoal and roll widths up to 108 inches, it meets applicable Florida building code requirements and carries GREENGUARD Gold certification.

For homeowners replacing standard pool cage panels without needing specialized insect protection, 18x14 is an excellent starting point. However, it does not offer the same tear resistance as heavy-duty options such as Super Screen.

Super Screen (17x14, 20x17, 20x20)

For homeowners comparing Super Screen vs regular screen, the biggest difference is durability. Super Screen uses a vinyl-coated material with three times the tear strength of standard fiberglass screening.

It is designed to resist damage from pets, hail, and UV exposure, making it a strong choice for frequently used pool and patio enclosures. Metro offers Super Screen in 17x14, 20x17, and 20x20 mesh counts, with widths available up to 156 inches.

The 17x14 version prioritizes airflow and visibility, while tighter weaves offer additional protection against smaller insects. 20x20 Super Screen combines durability with tiny-insect protection.

Super Screen also meets Florida building code requirements and comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Its higher initial price is the main trade-off compared with standard fiberglass.

20x20 No-See-Um Screen Mesh

For Florida properties near marshes, mangroves, or other areas with biting midges, no see um screen mesh can make a noticeable difference in outdoor comfort.

A 20x20 mesh has smaller openings than standard 18x14 screening, helping prevent no-see-ums, gnats, and other tiny insects from entering the enclosure. Metro’s vinyl-coated fiberglass tiny mesh is resistant to rust and corrosion and comes in widths up to 108 inches.

The tighter weave can affect airflow compared with more open screening, although Metro’s 20x20 mesh is designed to provide excellent ventilation. Before replacing an entire pool cage with denser mesh, confirm that the existing enclosure can accommodate the change in wind load.

Explore Metro’s No-See-Um Screen options or read more about no-see-um screen vs regular screen.

Florida Glass for Kick Panels and Privacy

Florida Glass is a laminated fiberglass screen designed for areas where privacy and debris protection matter more than airflow.

Unlike conventional insect mesh, Florida Glass has 0% openness. It is commonly installed along the bottom panels of pool enclosures to keep grass clippings, dirt, and sprinkler water from entering the pool area.

Metro offers Florida Glass Screen in charcoal, with widths up to 72 inches. It can also serve as a privacy screen for pool cage sections near neighboring properties.

Because the material does not allow air to pass through, it is best suited to designated lower panels rather than entire enclosure walls. Florida Glass should not be installed on pool cage roofs.

Solar Screen for West-Facing Lanais

West-facing Florida lanais can experience intense afternoon sunlight, making solar screening a practical option for managing heat and glare.

Metro offers solar screen products with different levels of sun protection, ranging from 65% to 95%, along with multiple color options. Solar screens can also help reduce UV exposure in outdoor living areas.

For homeowners dealing with both strong sun and tiny insects, Metro also offers 20x30 solar tiny mesh. The trade-off is reduced outward visibility, particularly with denser solar fabrics.

BetterVue for Lanai Views

If your lanai overlooks the water, a golf course, or a landscaped backyard, you may prefer screening that preserves the view.

BetterVue is a high-visibility insect screen designed to be less noticeable than conventional mesh. Often called an “invisible screen,” its fine construction allows homeowners to enjoy their surroundings while maintaining insect protection.

It is a good option for covered patios and lanais where visibility matters more than maximum tear resistance. Explore Metro’s BetterVue screen rolls when comparing high-visibility materials.

Pet Screen and Other Options

Not every enclosure needs the same type of protection. Metro Screenworks also offers specialty screening for specific household needs:

• Pet-resistant screen: A durable option for households with cats or dogs, with material rated seven times stronger than standard fiberglass screening.
• Allergy Guard: Designed to filter airborne particles, including allergens, pollution, and other debris.
• SeeVue Stainless Insect Screen: A high-visibility stainless steel option for homeowners who want a less obstructed view. It is not compatible with every porch screening system.

Fiberglass vs Aluminum Screen in Florida

When comparing fiberglass vs aluminum screen for a Florida enclosure, consider the size of the panels, your preferred level of durability, and the screening’s exposure to humidity and everyday wear.

Fiberglass is a common choice for pool and patio enclosures because it is flexible, noncombustible, and resistant to rust, corrosion, and staining. Metro’s fiberglass screen options include wide rolls suited to large pool cage openings.

Aluminum screening provides greater rigidity and can offer more resistance to certain types of everyday wear. Metro’s aluminum screen features an 18x16 weave with a .011-inch strand diameter and comes in silver, black, and charcoal finishes.

However, standard aluminum screen rolls are available in widths up to 72 inches, while Metro’s Pool & Patio fiberglass reaches 108 inches and Super Screen reaches 156 inches.

For wide enclosure panels, fiberglass or Super Screen may be the more practical choice. Aluminum is worth considering when a firmer, corrosion-resistant metal mesh suits the opening and installation requirements.

Comparison Table: Pool Cage Screen Material at a Glance

Use this comparison to narrow down the right pool enclosure screen material for your Florida property.

When choosing mesh for an existing enclosure, measure the panel openings and confirm that your selected material is compatible with the structure.

Lanai Screen Material and Hurricane Prep

Choosing lanai screen material in Florida is not just about insect protection. The type of mesh installed can also affect the wind load on your enclosure.

Florida pool cages are engineered for specific screening conditions. For example, engineered enclosure plans filed in Collier County identify 18x14 screening as a standard specification unless otherwise noted and calculate separate wind loads for 20x20 mesh.

This is why homeowners should consult their enclosure contractor or local building department before changing an entire pool cage from standard screening to a tighter weave.

Florida’s building rules also address screen enclosures designed with removable, retractable, or designated cut-out panels. Under Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G20-1.002, certain qualifying enclosures incorporate panels designed to be removed or cut when forecast wind speeds exceed 75 mph. Those provisions apply to specifically designed systems, not every existing enclosure.

If you are researching hurricane screen for lanai applications, remember that insect screening is not a substitute for hurricane shutters or other approved storm protection. Even highly durable mesh should not be assumed to provide hurricane protection.

For large openings requiring flexible access, Metro also carries retractable screening options. Always follow the approved engineering plans and applicable local requirements when preparing your enclosure for storms.

Cost to Rescreen a Pool Cage: What Drives the Price

The cost to rescreen a pool cage depends on more than the price of the mesh itself. Your enclosure’s dimensions, material selection, and installation requirements can all affect the final project cost.

The main factors to consider include:

• Square footage: Larger enclosures require more screening material, especially when multiple walls and roof panels need replacement.
• Mesh selection: Standard fiberglass is generally more economical than specialty materials such as Super Screen or high-density no-see-um mesh.
• Panel width: Wide enclosure openings may require wider rolls to minimize seams and accommodate the existing framing.
• Labor and accessibility: Tall pool cages, roof panels, and difficult-to-reach sections can require additional installation time.
• Installation supplies: Replacement spline, including flat spline, may be necessary depending on the enclosure design.

For a material-price comparison, a 72-inch by 100-foot roll of Metro Pool & Patio Screen was listed at $160.70 on sale as of October 18, 2026, compared with $350.72 for a 72-inch by 100-foot Super Screen roll. These are material prices, not installed project estimates, and are subject to change.

For an accurate estimate, measure your enclosure, identify the mesh you need, and request a quote based on your project specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Screen Material

Can you tan through a pool screen?

Yes, you can still tan through many pool enclosure screens because standard insect mesh does not block all sunlight or UV radiation. The amount of exposure depends on the mesh material and density. Solar screening blocks more sunlight than regular pool mesh, but you should still use appropriate sun protection while spending time outdoors.

Will no-see-um screen reduce airflow on my lanai?

A tighter mesh has smaller openings, which can reduce airflow compared with a more open weave. However, Metro’s 20x20 no-see-um screen is designed to maintain excellent ventilation while keeping out tiny insects. UF/IFAS also recommends using fans as an additional measure to help discourage biting midges around screened pool areas.

Is Super Screen worth it over regular screen?

Super Screen may be worth the additional cost if durability is a priority. Its tear strength is three times greater than standard fiberglass screening, and it comes with a 10-year manufacturer warranty. For homeowners with pets, frequent screen damage, or large enclosure panels, the added strength can make it a practical investment.

Can I put 20x20 mesh on my existing pool cage?

Possibly, but you should confirm that your enclosure was engineered to support the tighter mesh. Because 20x20 screening changes how wind passes through the panels, it can affect the wind loads on the structure. Consult your enclosure contractor or local building department before replacing an entire pool cage with a denser screen.

Find the Right Pool and Patio Screen Material at Metro Screenworks

Florida homeowners need screening that fits their enclosure and the conditions it faces throughout the year. Whether you prefer affordable fiberglass, durable Super Screen, tiny-insect protection, or Florida Glass privacy panels, Metro Screenworks can help you compare options, maintain your pool cage screen, and select the right material. Request a free mesh sample to compare products firsthand, or request a quote for your next screening project; financing options are also available through Affirm.