Affordable DIY Curtains for Pool Privacy on a Budget
Summertime is when most homeowners want to enjoy their backyard pools without worrying about prying eyes from neighbors or passersby. But installing permanent structures like fences or enclosed patios can be prohibitively expensive. That's where affordable DIY pool enclosure privacy curtains can help provide adjustable seclusion at a fraction of the cost.
With just a trip to the hardware store and some simple installation, you can quickly transform your exposed pool into a private backyard oasis using DIY curtains. Let's look at how these budget-friendly curtains can provide some much-needed privacy.
Block Unwanted Views Without Breaking the Bank
For homeowners hoping to swim nude or topless without offending neighbors, privacy curtains are an easy, customizable solution. The opaque fabric panels prevent peeping toms from catching an eyeful, allowing you to lounge poolside comfortably. Retractable curtains give you control over the level of privacy and openness you desire.
Constructing new permanent walls or fencing can cost tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size and type of materials. But quality DIY curtains typically cost a fraction of that price. And unlike fixed structures, you can roll up or remove the curtains to reveal open views when entertaining or to catch the sun.
Choose the Right High-Performance Fabrics
When selecting curtain fabric, look for durable, weatherproof materials like Sunbrella that resist moisture, fading, and UV rays. Mesh screens can provide sun protection too, but won't stop prying eyes from peering through.
Measure the entire inner perimeter of your pool enclosure to determine how much fabric you need. Allow for some overlap in the panels and extra material that will bunch up when drawn. Consider the maximum height needed to block sight lines from surrounding fences, homes, or buildings.
Install Sliding Curtain Tracks for Adjustability
One of the advantages of curtains over fixed walls is the ability to open or close them as needed. Sliding curtain track hardware mounted to the top edges of your enclosure make raising and lowering the panels quick and easy.
Position the tracks or rods just under the enclosure roof for full coverage. Then hang the curtain segments to slide smoothly over the tracks using integrated grommets or hooks. Leave enough overlap for the panels to seal when fully drawn.
Weigh Down the Bottom Edge
Use weights or magnets along the bottom edge of the curtains to keep them taut and prevent blowing in the wind. Some homeowners also install a second lower track to hold the base of the panels in place while open.
Hem the fabric edges and secure them to the curtain hardware for a clean look. For a more polished finish, consider adding decorative trim pieces along the seams.
Automate for Convenient Control
Tired of getting up to manually adjust curtains all day? Treat yourself to automated curtain systems for the ultimate backyard experience. These motorized curtains connect to smart home technology so you can control them with the tap of a smartphone or voice command.
Set custom schedules to open the enclosures at sunrise and draw the curtains closed at night. Control individual panels to reveal as much or little of the outdoors as you like. While pricier than manual curtains, automated systems save labor and provide privacy around the clock.
An added benefit of enclosure curtains is their ability to help cut heating and cooling costs. Curtains made with insulated fabrics add a buffer between your pool area and the outside temperatures.
Close them to trap heat in winter and keep cool air inside during summer months. This reduces the energy demand from your pool heater or surrounding HVAC system. invest in energy-efficient curtains to save money while gaining privacy.
You can install pool enclosure privacy curtains on a modest budget with some simple do-it-yourself skills. Enjoy your backyard leisure time knowing your pool oasis is safe from prying eyes.