QUESTION: We have been thinking about putting a screen enclosure around our pool. What do we need to consider?ANSWER: Some structural issues are at the foundation of whether or not you can add an aluminum screen enclosure. First, what is the shape of the concrete decking around your pool, and is it secure enough to support such a structure?"An irregular or rounded-shape deck may require you to have additional concrete footings poured to 'square off' enough area to properly support the weight of the enclosure," said Mike DelaHoz, owner of Florida Pool Enclosures in Altamonte Springs, Fla.In some cases, the open areas between the footers and the existing deck are left as planters. Or the space can be filled with concrete to add decking.Will the enclosure be attached to the house or will it be free-standing? If the enclosure will be attached, the roof/soffit pitch must allow room for the enclosure to be bracketed or screwed in horizontally. Most enclosures attach to a special wide gutter that attaches to your fascia. If you already have a house gutter that will be removed, the contractor should also check for rotted wood, if applicable, in this area of your home.Enclosing the pool will help keep dirt and debris from getting into your pool, which in turn might save you time and money on cleaning and chemicals. Another advantage is that the structure will help keep out bugs and rodents.The screen enclosure will have a slight cooling effect on your pool's water temperature by diffusing the amount of available sunlight. So, if your pool is in a heavily shaded area, your swim season might be shorter. To compensate, you can add pool heating in the form or a heat pump or solar panels. Or you can purchase a solar blanket to lengthen your swim season.A state-licensed and insured aluminum contractor can pull the permit, making sure the project is properly engineered and installed to protect your investment from damaging high winds and storms. The municipal permit and inspections allow local building departments to assure you that all work is done to proper structural and electrical standards.Make sure every part of the work you want done is in writing and that there is an on-site evaluation to see what else might be needed before the project is given a "green light."Contact your insurance agent to add this improvement to your homeowners policy.Questions are answered by Paul Roth of Roll-A-Way Protective Pool Fence in Orlando. He is a member of the Florida Swimming Pool Association-Central Florida Chapter, an industry trade group. Address questions to In the Swim, Orlando Sentinel, MP-240, 633 N. Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32801 or send e-mail to Homes Editor Terri Winefordner at twinefordnerorlandosentinel.com. For a list of FSPA-member companies, call 800-416-6774.