Manual or Motorised Pool Enclosure: Which Should You Choose?
There's something rather satisfying about pressing a button and watching your pool enclosure slide open while you stand there with a cup of tea. But is a motorised pool enclosure really worth the extra money, or is opening it by hand the smarter choice?
It's one of the questions we're asked most once someone has picked a model. So here's our honest take, including a couple of points the glossy brochures tend to skip.
How Does a Manual Pool Enclosure Open?
Our made-to-measure enclosures are telescopic. The enclosure is made up of segments, and each one slides over (or under) the next, so the whole thing stacks neatly at one end of the pool when it's open.
On a manual enclosure, you do the sliding. Because our enclosures run on tracks, each segment glides along smoothly and stays aligned as it moves, so opening the pool is a quick push rather than a wrestling match. When you want it closed again, you slide the segments back and lock them in place.
Some models make the manual routine even easier. The Tropea Neo, for example, has a raised locking system (called EASY UP) so you can secure the segments without bending down.
How Does a Motorised Pool Enclosure Work?
With motorised operation, a motor moves the segments along the tracks for you. Instead of walking the length of the pool and pushing, you press a button and let the enclosure do the work.
The Oceanic Low product page sums up the appeal nicely: push-button open and close control, so you can have the enclosure fully open or shut "without breaking a sweat - or even putting your tea down."
It's the same enclosure, the same tracks and the same made-to-measure build. The main difference is who (or what) is doing the pushing.
There's one other thing to know about, though. With the motorised option, the enclosure only opens in one direction, with the motor moving the segments towards the same end of the pool every time. That means you can't open it from the middle, or send some segments one way and the rest the other, so it's worth thinking about where you'd like the enclosure to stack before you decide.
Is a Motorised Pool Enclosure Faster Than Opening It by Hand?
This is where we like to be upfront, because it surprises a lot of people.
In our experience, motorised opening is a lot slower than opening the enclosure by hand, especially on a track system. A good track lets the segments glide so easily that most people can open the pool faster themselves than a motor will do it for them.
Think about a typical sunny Saturday. You wander out, unlock the enclosure, slide the segments back and you're in the water. With a motor, you press the button and wait while the segments make their way along the tracks at their own steady pace. Neither is a hardship, but only one of them gets you swimming sooner.
So if your main reason for going motorised is to save time, it probably isn't the right choice. If your reason is that you'd simply rather not do the pushing, that's a different story, and we'll come to it in a moment.
How Much Does Motorised Operation Cost?
We'll be straight with you: motorised operation is very expensive. It's an optional extra on the models that offer it, and it adds considerably to the price of the enclosure.
Because every enclosure is made to measure, we price the motor as part of your quote rather than as a fixed add-on. How much the motor adds depends on the model and the size of your pool, so there isn't a single figure we can give you here.
If budget matters (and for most of us it does), it's worth asking for a quote both with and without the motor so you can see the difference in black and white.
Which Pool Enclosures Offer Motorised Opening?
Not every model can be motorised. Here's what our live product pages say at the time of writing.
Models With a Motorised Option
- Azure Low: manual sliding sections or motorised operation
- Terra (ultra-low): motorised option available
- Parade Low: motorised option available
- Oceanic Low: motorised option available, with push-button open and close
- Tropea Neo (medium height): motorised option available
- Ravena (high): motorised option available
- Style (wall-mounted, high): motorised option available
Models Without a Motorised Option
- Orient Dome: the Orient Dome circular enclosure opens with a sliding section that uncovers more than a quarter of the pool, and motorised operation isn't available on this model
- Orlando and Sunhouse spa domes: our hot tub enclosures are manual only
What About Budget DIY Kits?
The Palram-Canopia Majorca self-assembly kits we list are opened by hand. They're designed so one person can operate them, running on wheels rather than tracks. They're a sensible budget option if you're happy with a fixed size and a bit of DIY.
Who Is a Motorised Pool Enclosure Best For?
Since a motor won't save you time and it will cost you a fair bit, the decision really comes down to how you'll live with the enclosure day to day.
When Does Manual Make More Sense?
A manual enclosure is likely to suit you if:
- You're happy to spend a few seconds or so sliding the segments back
- You want the quickest way to open the pool on a sunny morning
- You'd rather put your budget towards other options, such as a taller enclosure, smoked panels or a particular frame finish
- You like keeping things simple, with fewer parts that could ever need attention
For most of our customers, manual is the natural choice. The track system does most of the hard work anyway.
When Is Motorised Worth Paying For?
A motorised pool enclosure is likely to suit you if:
- Pushing and locking segments is something you'd rather not do, whether that's down to mobility, a bad back or simply preference
- Different people in your household open the pool, and you'd like it to be equally easy for everyone
- You love a bit of garden tech and want the "wow" factor when guests come round
- You've got the budget and see it as a luxury that makes life slightly easier
Let's be honest, it's cool. Pressing a button and watching the enclosure slide open never really gets old. Just go in knowing that you're paying for convenience and a bit of theatre, not for speed.
What Else Should You Ask Before Choosing?
Whichever way you're leaning, a few practical questions are worth raising before you order.
Is there power near the pool? A motor needs an electricity supply at the enclosure, so it's worth talking to a qualified electrician about getting power to the right spot.
What happens if the power goes off? Ask how the enclosure can be opened and closed during a power cut. Our guide to common pool enclosure buying mistakes suggests asking this for any motorised model, and it's a sensible question.
Can a motor be added later? Every enclosure is made to order, so it's easiest to decide before manufacturing. If you're undecided, tell us at the quote stage and we'll talk you through it.
What about servicing? Ask what maintenance the motor needs over time, and remember our team is on hand for aftercare support whichever option you choose.
So, Should You Go Manual or Motorised?
If you want the quickest, simplest and most cost-effective way to open your pool, go manual. On our track-based enclosures it's easy, smooth and genuinely fast.
If you'd love push-button convenience, you have the budget, and you're relaxed about it being slower than doing it yourself and only opening in one direction, a motorised pool enclosure is a lovely luxury to have.
Either way, you get the same made-to-measure build, fitted after a site survey and professionally installed by our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a motorised pool enclosure quicker to open?
Usually not. In our experience, opening by hand is a lot quicker, especially on a track system, because the segments glide so easily. A motor is about convenience rather than speed.
Is a manual pool enclosure hard to open?
On a track system, no. The segments glide smoothly along their tracks and are designed to be opened by hand. Features like the Tropea Neo's raised locking system also mean less bending.
Do all pool enclosures offer motorised opening?
No. According to our product pages, it's available on models such as the Azure Low, Terra, Parade Low, Oceanic Low, Tropea Neo, Ravena and Style, but not on the Orient Dome or our Orlando and Sunhouse spa domes.
How much extra does a motor cost?
It depends on the model and the size of your pool, so we include it in your made-to-measure quote. It's a significant extra, so ask for prices with and without it.
Can a motorised pool enclosure open from the middle?
No. With the motorised option, the enclosure only opens in one direction, so all the segments move towards the same end of the pool. You can't open it from the middle or send some segments one way and the rest the other.
Ready to Find the Right Enclosure for Your Pool?
Not sure whether manual or motorised is right for you? Get in touch with your pool's size and how you'd like to use it, or call us free on 0800 8611 679. We'll give you an honest view and arrange your site survey.