Most Tampa Bay pool decks sit under a screen enclosure. The cage keeps out leaves and bugs, but it also shades the deck, slows drying after rain, and drips grime from the screens. Pavers and travertine under a pool cage need slightly different care than an open patio.
Why Screened Decks Get Dirty Differently
- Shade and slow drying let mildew and algae grow, especially on the north side and under roof overhangs.
- Screen runoff carries dirt, pollen, and oxidized aluminum residue onto the deck along the edges.
- Splash from the pool stays put instead of being washed away by full rain.
- Less sun means sealer lasts longer than on an open driveway, but shaded areas stay damp.
Cleaning a Deck Under a Pool Cage
- Rinse the screens and frame first, top down, so dirt doesn't land on a clean deck.
- Treat mildew with a cleaner safe for the surface, stone-safe on travertine and marble. See mold, mildew, and algae on pavers.
- Surface clean at controlled pressure, keeping spray off screen panels and the screen door seals.
- Work carefully around posts and base plates. Sand washed out around anchors should be replaced.
- Rinse toward drains and away from the pool, then re-sand the joints once dry.
Sealing Under a Screen Enclosure
Sealer protects shaded decks from mildew taking hold in the pores and keeps joint sand in place where foot traffic is heaviest. On travertine, a breathable sealer lets moisture escape so shaded areas don't stay cloudy. The enclosure also helps the sealer cure without leaves and debris landing on it. See our patio and lanai sealing service.
Keeping It Clean Between Services
- Blow off or rinse the deck weekly in summer, when pollen and storms are heavy.
- Trim plants that keep the cage shaded and wet.
- Rinse the screens a couple of times a year.
- Rinse pool chemical splashes right away, especially on stone.
For stone decks, read how to clean a travertine pool deck. We clean and seal screened pool decks and lanais in Lithia, FishHawk, Gibsonton, and Tampa Bay, and our pool deck cleaning and sealing page covers the full process.
Have an outdoor kitchen on the lanai? Read outdoor kitchen stone care.
Sam and Steve were great. They explained the entire process. They were very reliable arriving when they said they would and completed the job in a timely matter. They put back the furniture and even washed the windows near where they worked. We HIGHLY recomment them.
Caring for Pavers and Stone Under a Screen Enclosure FAQs
Why do pavers under a pool cage get mildew?
The enclosure shades the deck and slows drying after rain, which gives mildew and algae time to grow.
Should I clean the screen enclosure before the pavers?
Yes. Rinse the screens and frame first, top down, so dirt doesn't land on a freshly cleaned deck.
Does sealer last longer under a screen enclosure?
Usually, since there's less direct sun. Shaded areas still stay damp, so mildew treatment and rinsing matter.
Can pressure washing damage a screen enclosure?
Yes. High pressure can tear screens and damage door seals, so we keep spray low and directed at the deck.
Do you seal travertine pool decks under pool cages?
Yes. We use a breathable sealer on travertine so shaded areas don't trap moisture.