Cellular polycarbonate or compact polycarbonate: which material should you choose for your pool enclosure?
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When considering covering your swimming pool, the choice of material is crucial. Robustness, light transmission, insulation, price… everything counts to guarantee a durable, safe and pleasant shelter for everyday use.
Two options currently dominate the market:
cellular polycarbonate
compact polycarbonate
But which one is best suited for a Modern and efficient pool enclosure?
This article clearly explains the difference between the two, and why the honeycomb structure remains the preferred choice for the majority of residential shelters.
1. Cellular polycarbonate: the ideal solution for pool enclosures
Cellular polycarbonate is composed of several layers forming small air cells. This design gives it an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and, above all, superior thermal insulation.
Advantages of a pool enclosure
✔ Very lightweight , therefore perfect for telescopic shelters and mobile structures
✔ Insulation : the cells retain the water's heat for longer
✔ Shock resistant (hail, impacts, wind…)
✔ Bright but not dazzling
✔ Excellent value for money
✔ UV protected for a long lifespan
Thanks to these characteristics, it is widely used for:
— low and semi-flat shelters
— telescopic shelters
— lean-to shelters
— high-end shelters requiring insulation
For comfortable and economical family use, cellular polycarbonate is often the most logical choice.
2. Compact polycarbonate: maximum strength, but not always necessary
Compact polycarbonate resembles tempered glass, but in a much stronger version. It is perfectly clear and translucent, without any honeycomb structure, giving it a very premium aesthetic.
Benefits
✔ Total transparency, glass effect
✔ Extreme durability
✔ Premium finish for architectural projects
Disadvantages of a pool enclosure
Heavier
Less insulating than alveolar air
The compact camera is mainly used for:
— high-end glass-fronted shelters
— vertical walls
— projects where the aesthetics of the glass roof take precedence over comfort
3. So, which polycarbonate should you choose for your shelter?
For a residential pool enclosure, 90% of manufacturers prefer cellular polycarbonate, particularly in 10 mm, 16 mm or 32 mm depending on the range.
For what ?
Because it ticks all the essential boxes:
⭐ lightweight
⭐ insulating
⭐ bright
⭐ sustainable
⭐ economical
Compact polycarbonate remains an excellent material, but is more suited to specific needs, particularly aesthetic ones.
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