Standard 18/14 Fiberglass: The Default
Most pool enclosures in Pinellas County wear standard 18/14 fiberglass mesh — 18 strands by 14 strands per inch. It is the workhorse: affordable, good visibility, keeps out mosquitoes and most flies, and lasts 10 to 15 years in the Florida sun. For most panels on most cages, it is the right choice. Our rescreening service uses it as the baseline.
20/20 No-See-Um Mesh: For the Tiny Biters
Standard mesh stops mosquitoes but not no-see-ums — the tiny biting midges that swarm at dawn and dusk near the water. 20/20 mesh is woven tighter (20 by 20 strands per inch) and stops them. The trade-offs: it costs more, cuts airflow a bit, and slightly dims the view. It belongs on the panels near seating areas and anywhere no-see-ums ruin your evenings — not necessarily on the whole cage. See our no-see-um upgrade service.
Pet-Resistant Mesh: For Claws and Paws
Pet-resistant screen is vinyl-coated polyester — much thicker and tougher than fiberglass. Dogs scratching at the door, cats climbing the walls, kids leaning on panels: it takes abuse that would shred standard mesh. It is not chew-proof or tear-proof — nothing is — but it outlasts fiberglass by a wide margin where animals live. Best used on the lower panels and doors, not the whole cage. See our pet-resistant installation service.
Solar/Insect Screen: For Heat and Glare
Solar screen is a denser weave that blocks a share of the sun's heat and glare. On west-facing panels that bake in the afternoon, it can make the pool deck noticeably more comfortable. It darkens the view more than standard mesh, so most homeowners use it selectively — the hot side of the cage, not everywhere.
The Honest Comparison
- Cost. Standard fiberglass is the baseline. No-see-um and pet-resistant run noticeably more per roll; solar screen sits between.
- Visibility. Standard wins — the clearest view of the pool and yard. Every upgrade mesh trades some clarity for its benefit.
- Airflow. Tighter weaves move less air. In a Florida summer, that matters — do not put 20/20 on every panel unless the bugs demand it.
- Lifespan. Pet-resistant (vinyl-coated polyester) generally outlasts fiberglass. No-see-um mesh lasts about the same as standard.
Mixing Mesh on One Cage
The smartest cages mix: standard mesh up high and on the roof, no-see-um near the seating area, pet-resistant on the door and lower panels the dog hits. It looks fine — the weaves are close enough in appearance — and you pay the upgrade price only where it earns it.
Ask Us What Fits
Send us the form and tell us your situation — bugs, pets, glare, or just tired screens. We will spec the mesh mix that fits, in writing.