How to replace a screen panel on a pool enclosure
A guide to fixing your pool screen
*You can also fix your lanai or patio screen this way
1. First of all you have to replace the torn or worn out screen. To do that you need to remove the spline that is holding it in place. You can use a number of tools to remove the spline and we think you will find that a flathead screwdriver will work well. Once you have one end released from the channel holding it in. you can grab it with a pair of pliers, or possibly your fingers, and pull out the entire spline.
2. Now, pull out the old piece of screen and now you will have hold in your pool cage where the old panel used to be.
3. Next you want to make sure that all of the channels where you removed the splines are free of dirt and debris. Panels tend to get brittle when they get old, so in addition to dirt you will also want to remove small broken pieces from the old screen. We recommend that you use a stiff-bristled brush to clean the channel and prepare it for the new screen and spline.
4. Once the spline channels are clean, you are going to want to measure the panel opening on your pool enclosure. To do this, you want to measure from the outside edge of one channel to the outside edge of the opposite channel. Do this for both the length and width of the opening and then add two inches to each measurement when cutting the new screen panel.
5. Find a flat surface and then roll your screen out onto that surface. The flatter the surface the more accurate your cuts will be. Now, measure and mark your new panel and then place a piece of scrap lumber underneath where your cuts need to be to prevent damage to any surfaces underneath and it preserves the life of the knife blade.
6. To cut, hold the top of the screen straight where you start your cut. This will help you make a straight cut and will prevent any bunching in the screen if your knife happens to “catch”.
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7. Next, you are going to return to the place in the pool cage where you have your opening. Place the screen over the opening and make sure there is at least one inch of overlap on all four sides. It will help to have someone assisting you as they can hold the opposite side of the screen tight while you do your work.
8. Unroll enough spline so that you have enough for at least two of the edges. If you are working on wall panels or slanted panels, make sure you start with the top edge. If it is a ceiling panel, feel free to start with whichever side you please.
9. Starting with the channel nearest to you, press the end of the spline into the corner of the channel with your finger.
10. Now, keep the screen under moderate to light tension in the direction you are going to roll. Then insert the end of the roller into the channel and apply plenty of pressure as your roll to the other end of the channel.
11. Cut the end of the spline with a utility knife as close as possible to the end of the channel. Make sure to do so carefully so you don’t damage your new screen.
12. Now you are going to start the next piece of spline in the corner that you just finished. Repeat steps ten and eleven to finish laying the second spline.
13. After laying the second spline, move to the corner diagonal from the corner that has two secured edges. Then, pull the screen flat against the pool cage and make sure there isn’t any warping or folds in it. If you run into any of these issues, remove the second spline and try it again remember to use light tension as you are replacing the spline.
14. Next, start your third spline where your second one ended remember to keep light tension as you install it into the channel.
15. Once the third spline is complete, hold light tension on the fourth edge of the screen panel as you follow the previous instruction on installing spline.
16. Using your utility knife, trim off any excess screen on the outside of all four splines. Make sure not to nick or cut the spline itself.
17. If you want to rescreen the entire pool cage, you repeat those same steps for all of the other panels.
To install new screen panels on a pool enclosure or rescreen an entire pool cage with a high level of skill it takes years of experience so that your screen looks tight and professionally installed. Many people often choose to have a professional do the job for them. We would be happy to give you a quote on any screen repair or complete rescreening of any screen enclosures, including lanais and patios. Just give us a call.