A poolside entertaining space should make it easy to enjoy the outdoors. But when insects, glare, and wind start getting in the way, an open-air space can become less comfortable than expected.
That was the challenge for one homeowner near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Their poolside living area was designed for relaxing and entertaining, with a wide opening overlooking the pool, comfortable seating, and a table for poolside dining. The only thing missing was a way to close off the space when needed.
The homeowners turned to 501 Exteriors, an Aristocrat Awnings dealer serving the Myrtle Beach area, to install a motorized retractable screen across the large opening. Now, they can enjoy the space completely open or lower the screen at the touch of a button when they want more protection from insects, sun, and wind.
The Challenge: An Open Space Without a Way to Close It Off
The poolside living area was built to take advantage of the outdoors. A wide opening connected the space directly to the pool deck, while the wood-planked ceiling and comfortable seating created an inviting place to spend time with family and friends.
But an opening this large can also leave an outdoor living area exposed. As the sun went down, insects became a problem. During the day, the afternoon sun could create glare across the seating area and make it difficult to enjoy the space. Wind could also bring pollen and other debris into the space.
The homeowners didn’t want to install permanent walls or doors that would take away from the open feel of the space. Instead, they wanted a flexible solution that could provide protection when needed and disappear when it wasn’t needed.
The Solution: Motorized Pool Screens
501 Exteriors installed an Aristocrat motorized retractable screen custom-sized to fit the full opening. The screen rolls neatly into a housing above the opening and travels along side tracks when extended. With the push of a button, the screen lowers into place, creating a more comfortable barrier between the outdoor living area and the surrounding environment. When the screen isn’t needed, it retracts into its housing, leaving the opening completely unobstructed. Most importantly, the homeowners don’t have to choose between an open space and a screened space. They can change the room to suit the time of day, the weather, or whatever they’re doing.
A Precise Installation for a Large Opening
Large motorized pool screens require careful installation to operate smoothly and maintain a clean appearance. The 501 Exteriors team carefully measured and prepared the opening before installing the screen housing and side tracks. The components were positioned to work with the existing siding and trim while maintaining the clean appearance of the poolside living area.
Once installed, the motorized screen was tested through its full range of motion to make sure it moved smoothly and seated properly within the tracks. The result is a screen that looks at home within the existing structure while providing the flexibility the homeowners wanted.
The Result: Outdoor Comfort When You Want It
With the screen lowered, the poolside space becomes a more comfortable retreat for spending time outside. Insects are kept at bay, glare is reduced, and the space has another layer of protection from wind and airborne debris. Just as importantly, the view remains part of the experience. The mesh screen allows the homeowners to continue seeing the pool and surrounding yard rather than replacing the open view with a solid wall.
And when they want the completely open-air experience, the screen retracts into its housing. That flexibility is what makes motorized pool screens such a practical addition to outdoor living spaces. The homeowners aren’t permanently closing off their poolside room. They’re simply adding options for how they use it.
Convenience at the Touch of a Button
One of the biggest advantages of motorized pool screens is how easy they are to operate. Rather than manually moving a screen into position, the homeowners can lower it with a remote or wall switch. In just seconds, the large opening can be screened in for an evening outdoors. When the screen is no longer needed, it can be retracted just as easily.
That convenience encourages homeowners to use their outdoor spaces more often. A screen that takes only seconds to operate can quickly become part of the normal routine. Lowering it in the evening when glare or insects become a problem or raising it when the family wants a completely open view of the pool.
Designed to Complement the Space
Along with convenience and flexibility, the motorized pool screen also offers a clean appearance whether it is raised or lowered. When retracted, the screen housing stays neatly positioned above the opening without interfering with the view. When extended, the uniform mesh creates a finished appearance while blending into the existing structure.
For homeowners investing in a carefully designed outdoor living area, those details matter. The goal isn’t simply to add a screen. It’s to create a solution that works with the architecture and allows the space to remain attractive and functional throughout the day.
About 501 Exteriors
501 Exteriors is an outdoor living company serving homeowners in Myrtle Beach, Conway, and surrounding South Carolina communities. The company designs and installs a variety of outdoor living products, including motorized and retractable screens and four-track window systems.
As an Aristocrat Awnings dealer, 501 Exteriors combines local installation expertise with professionally engineered outdoor living products to help homeowners create spaces that are more comfortable, functional, and enjoyable.
Make More of Your Outdoor Living Space
An open poolside space doesn’t have to stay completely open all the time. With motorized pool screens, homeowners can add protection from insects and sun while keeping the flexibility to enjoy an unobstructed outdoor view whenever they choose.
If you’re looking for a way to make your patio, porch, or poolside living area more comfortable, contact your local Aristocrat Awnings dealer to learn more about motorized screens, available fabrics, and options for your space.
