Estimates for pool cage work use a vocabulary that is not always consistent from one contractor to the next. This glossary explains what each term means when we use it, and what problem each service actually solves.
Pool Cage Painting
Preparing and recoating the aluminum frame: washing, mechanical oxidation removal, rust treatment at fasteners, stainless hardware where screws have corroded, adhesion primer and a sprayed exterior aluminum coating. Fixes chalk, fading, peeling and rust streaks on a structurally sound frame. See pool cage painting.
Pool Cage Restoration
Painting plus the structural and hardware work that must come first: inspection, correction of bent members, replacement of brackets, cables and anchors, stainless hardware throughout, then coating and new screen. Fixes a cage that has aged or been storm-damaged across the board. See pool cage restoration.
Rescreening
Removing old screen and spline and installing new mesh with correctly sized spline. A full rescreen covers every panel; a roof rescreen covers the roof only. Fixes faded, brittle, sagging or torn screen. See pool cage rescreening.
Screen Repair
Replacing one or a few damaged panels on screen that is otherwise in good condition. See pool screen repair.
Screen Types
- 18/14 fiberglass: the standard charcoal mesh.
- 20/20 no-see-um: finer weave that stops midges; usually on walls near water.
- Pet screen: heavy vinyl-coated polyester for the bottom row and door area.
- Privacy (Florida Glass style): laminated screen that blocks sightlines and rain on a wall.
- Solar screen: reduces glare and heat on a west-facing wall.
Picture-Window / Clear-View Conversion
Rebuilding the wall facing the view with fewer horizontal bars and larger panels. A frame modification, most economical during a repaint. See clear view screen and picture window.
Other Terms You Will See
- Spline: the rubber cord that holds screen in the frame channel.
- Chair rail: the horizontal bar at waist height, often with a plastic cap that cracks in the sun.
- Super gutter: the structural gutter where the cage meets the house.
- Cable braces: diagonal stainless cables that stiffen the walls.
- Chalking: oxidized coating that comes off as powder; the main sign a finish is done.
- Stainless hardware: replacement screws that do not rust or streak the frame.
If an estimate uses a term not listed here, ask what it includes. A good estimate itemizes painting, restoration and screen work so you can see what each line covers.
