Project Details Location: Des Moines, Iowa Industry: Residential Roof System: CabrioEnclosure Wall System:Sliding Door System Dimensions: Not specified
Project Overview
Located in Des Moines, Iowa, this backyard pool was designed to be a place for relaxation, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. However, like many outdoor pools in the Midwest, seasonal weather limited how often the space could truly be enjoyed.
Cold winters, wind, and debris often shortened the swimming season and made the pool area difficult to use comfortably. The homeowners wanted a way to protect the pool while still preserving the open, outdoor feel of their backyard retreat.
Their goal was to create a flexible space that could adapt to changing weather conditions while allowing the pool to remain a central gathering place throughout the year.
Cabrio Solution
Cabrio Structures designed and installed a custom CabrioEnclosure that transforms the pool area into a bright, protected environment while maintaining the connection to the outdoors.
Des Moines uses:
CabrioEnclosure roof system
Single-peak enclosure design
Clear acrylic wall panels
Sliding door access points
The clear panels allow natural light to fill the space while protecting the pool from wind, rain, and debris. Sliding doors provide ventilation and easy access when the weather is warm, allowing the space to feel open and connected to the backyard.
Result
Extended Swimming Season
The enclosure allows the homeowners to enjoy their pool far beyond the traditional summer months, creating more opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Comfortable Entertaining Space
Friends and family can gather around the pool in a sheltered environment that protects guests from changing weather conditions.
Protection from the Elements
The structure shields the pool area from wind, rain, and debris, helping keep the water cleaner and reducing maintenance.
A Year-Round Backyard Retreat
By enclosing the pool area, the homeowners transformed their backyard into a versatile space that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Enclosures in Des Moines
Des Moines winters regularly bring sub-zero temperatures, heavy snow, and ice storms. Cabrio Structures’ enclosures are built with weather-rated steel frames and impact-resistant glazing panels that handle significant snow loads without buckling. The peaked roof design helps shed snow naturally, and the sealed panel system keeps freezing wind out of the pool area. Homeowners in central Iowa have used these structures to maintain comfortable poolside temperatures even when it’s well below freezing outside.
Yes. The retractable roof panels operate on a track system designed for Midwest conditions. The tracks are engineered to resist ice buildup, and the panels glide independently of each other, so a single stuck panel won’t prevent the rest from moving. During milder winter days (common in Des Moines between cold snaps), you can partially or fully open the roof to let in fresh air, then close it again before the next freeze rolls in.
It is, with the right setup. A retractable pool enclosure paired with a standard pool heater makes 12-month swimming a realistic option in central Iowa. The enclosure traps solar heat during the day (clear panels act like a greenhouse) and blocks wind chill, which is the biggest factor in heat loss. Many Des Moines pool owners report swimming comfortably from November through March, something that would be impossible with an open-air pool in this region.
Pool owners in the Midwest typically see noticeable drops in both heating and chemical costs after installing an enclosure. By blocking wind (the primary driver of evaporation and heat loss), the structure reduces the workload on your pool heater significantly. Less evaporation also means fewer chemical top-ups. On top of that, keeping leaves, debris, and snow out of the water cuts down on skimmer cleaning and filter replacements. For Des Moines homeowners running a heated pool through the winter, these savings add up fast over the course of a full year.
In most cases, yes. The City of Des Moines treats permanent or semi-permanent pool enclosures as accessory structures, which typically require a building permit and must meet local setback requirements. Cabrio Structures works with homeowners and local contractors throughout the permitting process, providing the engineering specs and structural documentation that Des Moines building officials need for approval. It’s one of the first steps we address during the design consultation.
