Outdoor Living Around Your Polk County Pool
The pool is the centerpiece, but the space around it is where people spend the evening. Shade, screening, seating, lighting and a place to cook make the backyard work.
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Making the whole backyard work
Many Polk County pools were built with a deck and maybe a screen enclosure, and little else. Outdoor living projects fill in the rest. That can mean rescreening or replacing a tired enclosure, extending a patio for a dining table, adding an outdoor kitchen next to the pool, or installing lighting so the space is usable after dark.
These projects often pair well with a pool remodel. If you are already redoing the deck, it is the right time to run gas, water or electrical lines for future features. Call 863-216-6735 to talk it through.
Screen enclosures and rescreening
Screen enclosures, often called pool cages, are a familiar part of Florida backyards. They keep out leaves and insects, add some shade and can help keep the pool cleaner. Screens wear out from sun, storms and wear. HomeGuide says pool cages typically go 10 to 20 years before they need rescreening, with small repairs costing about $200 to $600 and complete rescreening about $1,200 to $3,500.
| Enclosure work | Typical national cost |
|---|---|
| New screen enclosure | $5 – $15 per sq ft; about $4,000 – $14,000 total |
| Florida enclosure (HomeGuide estimate) | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Complete rescreen | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Small screen repairs | $200 – $600 |
Source: HomeGuide, pool enclosure cost (2026).
Polk County's Building Division FAQ says screening that requires structural or infill framing needs a permit, while replacing screening with like material on an existing structure does not. New enclosures must be designed for Florida wind loads, and many HOAs review them.
Patios, seating and shade
Extending the deck or adding a paver patio creates room for dining, lounging and a fire feature away from splash. Covered areas such as a pergola, a solid roof extension or shade sails make the space comfortable in midday heat. Roofed structures usually need permits and wind-load engineering, so plan them with a licensed contractor.
Outdoor kitchens by the pool
A grill island near the pool keeps the cook part of the party. Angi reports a national average of about $16,533 for outdoor kitchens, with a typical range of roughly $6,269 to $27,087. A simple grill island costs far less than a full kitchen with a sink, refrigerator and bar. Plan placement so smoke blows away from swimmers and seating, and keep cooking areas clear of the pool's wet traffic path.
Lighting, water and fire features
Angi's pool remodel guide lists typical costs for popular add-ons:
- Pool lighting: about $450 to $1,700
- Water features such as sheer descents and bubblers: about $450 to $5,000
- Fire bowls: about $4,000 to $8,000
- Adding a hot tub: about $17,000 on average
Low-voltage landscape and path lighting improve safety on steps and walkways. Any lighting or electrical work near a pool must follow electrical code and should be done by a licensed contractor.
Planning for Polk County weather
- Storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Ask how furniture, shades and covers should be secured, and make sure structures are designed for current wind requirements.
- Heat. Shade and light-colored surfaces make the space usable on summer afternoons.
- Rain and drainage. New patios and roofs change where water goes. Plan gutters, slopes and drains so water stays out of the pool and away from the house.
- Bugs. Screening or well-placed fans help on summer evenings.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Which parts of my project need permits or engineering, and who handles them?
- How will new features connect to existing gas, water and electrical service?
- Can the work be phased so I can add features later without tearing up the deck?
- What warranties apply to screens, structures and equipment?
- What license do you hold? Verify it with the DBPR license search.
Outdoor Living across Polk County
We connect homeowners with contractors for outdoor living throughout Polk County, including:
Lakeland · Winter Haven · Bartow · Auburndale · Haines City · Davenport · Lake Wales · Mulberry · Frostproof · Lake Alfred · Fort Meade · Eagle Lake · Dundee · Polk City · Lake Hamilton · Poinciana · Four Corners · Highland City · Lakeland Highlands · Kathleen · Babson Park · Cypress Gardens
See all service areas.
Related services
Pool projects often combine several improvements. Explore: Pool Resurfacing · Pool Deck Remodeling · Pool Tile Replacement · New Pool Construction · Pool Equipment.
Outdoor Living questions
Does rescreening a pool cage need a permit in Polk County?
According to Polk County's Building Division, replacing screening with like material on an existing structure does not need a construction permit, but screening that requires added structural or infill framing does. Cities may differ, so confirm for your address.
Can I add an outdoor kitchen inside my screen enclosure?
Often, with planning. Ventilation, clearances from screens and framing, utility connections and the enclosure's structure all need review.
What outdoor living upgrade adds the most use?
For many Florida backyards, shade does. A covered area or pergola makes the pool deck usable during more hours of the day.
Plan your outdoor living project
Tell us about your pool and a licensed local contractor can follow up when one is available for your area. No obligation.
No obligation. Phone answered 24/7.