Florida's pool cages and screen enclosures are one of the state's most distinctive architectural features — and one of the most maintenance-intensive. In Daytona Beach's humid climate, screen enclosures accumulate algae, mold, oxidation, and general grime at a remarkable rate. A pool cage that looked clean six months ago can look dingy and neglected today.

The good news: professional soft washing restores screen enclosures to like-new condition quickly and safely. Here's everything you need to know.

Why Daytona Beach Pool Cages Get Dirty So Fast

Screen enclosures in Daytona Beach face a specific set of challenges:

Algae and mold: Florida's heat and humidity create ideal conditions for biological growth on screen mesh, aluminum frames, and concrete pool decks. Green algae is the most common culprit, but black mold and mildew are also common.

Oxidation: Aluminum frames develop a white, chalky oxidation layer over time. This is a natural process that's accelerated by Florida's UV exposure and salt air in coastal areas.

Pollen and organic debris: Daytona Beach's spring pollen season coats screen enclosures in a thick yellow film. Organic debris from nearby trees accumulates in corners and on horizontal surfaces.

Salt deposits: Properties near the coast accumulate salt deposits on frames and mesh that trap moisture and accelerate corrosion.

Most Daytona Beach pool cages need cleaning every 1–2 years. Properties surrounded by trees or near the coast may need more frequent attention.

Why You Must Use Soft Washing on Screen Enclosures

This is the most important thing to understand about pool cage cleaning: high-pressure washing will damage your screen enclosure.

Screen mesh is designed to keep insects out, not to withstand high-pressure water jets. High-pressure washing:

• Tears screen mesh: Even small tears create entry points for insects and require expensive re-screening
• Bends and distorts frames: Aluminum frames are not designed to withstand high-pressure water impact
• Forces water into sealed joints: High pressure can break the sealant bonds at frame joints, creating leak pathways
• Damages screen spline: The rubber spline that holds screen mesh in the frame can be dislodged by high pressure

The correct method is soft washing — low pressure (under 500 PSI) combined with a professional cleaning solution that kills algae and mold at the cellular level. The solution does the work; the water pressure just applies and rinses it.

The Pool Cage Cleaning Process

Here's what professional pool cage cleaning looks like:

1. Pre-Inspection

We inspect the enclosure for damaged screens, bent frames, and failing sealant before cleaning. We'll note any issues that need repair and can advise on whether to address them before or after cleaning.

2. Wet Down

We wet the entire enclosure with low-pressure water to prepare the surface for cleaning solution application.

3. Cleaning Solution Application

We apply a professional-grade cleaning solution to all surfaces — screen mesh, aluminum frames, and the concrete or paver pool deck. The solution contains sodium hypochlorite and surfactants that penetrate and kill biological growth.

4. Dwell Time

The solution dwells on the surface for 10–20 minutes, killing algae, mold, and mildew at the root.

5. Low-Pressure Rinse

We rinse all surfaces with low-pressure water, removing the dead organic matter and cleaning solution. The result is a clean, bright enclosure with no damage to screens or frames.

6. Pool Deck Cleaning

We clean the pool deck surface using medium-pressure washing appropriate for concrete or pavers. This removes algae, mold, and general grime that make pool decks slippery and unsightly.

Oxidation Treatment

If your aluminum frames have significant oxidation (the white, chalky buildup), standard soft washing may not fully restore them. Oxidation requires a specialized treatment — an aluminum brightener that chemically removes the oxidation layer and restores the original finish.

We assess oxidation levels during our pre-inspection and include brightener treatment when needed.

Pool Cage Cleaning Pricing in Daytona Beach

Pricing depends on the size of your enclosure and the level of buildup:

• Small enclosure (under 500 sq ft): $150–$250
• Medium enclosure (500–1,000 sq ft): $200–$350
• Large enclosure (1,000+ sq ft): $300–$500
• Oxidation treatment: Additional $75–$150 depending on severity
• Pool deck included: Most packages include the pool deck at no additional charge

Call (386) 564-6700 or request a free quote online. We serve Daytona Beach and all of Volusia and Flagler counties.