Pool cage cleaning typically costs $150-$600, with many standard residential jobs averaging about $300. Screened area, roof height, algae buildup, access, and whether screens need careful hand-cleaning or pressure washing have the biggest effect on the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic pool cage wash | $150 | $300 | $600 | Typical single-family enclosure |
| Price per screened sq ft | $0.10 | $0.20 | $0.40 | Estimate based on accessible surfaces |
| Small lanai or cage | $100 | $200 | $350 | Limited roof area and light soil |
| Large or heavily soiled cage | $400 | $700 | $1,200 | May include extra labor or treatment |
Pool Cage Cleaning Prices for Common Home Sizes
A small enclosure attached to a lanai may cost $100-$350. A typical cage around a 400-700-square-foot pool often runs $200-$500, while a large enclosure with a tall or complex roof can reach $500-$1,200. These totals generally cover washing the frame, screens, and accessible roof surfaces, not screen repair or repainting.
A useful starting estimate is $0.10-$0.40 per screened square foot. Contractors may instead quote a flat minimum, commonly $150-$250, because setup and travel take time even on small jobs. Assumptions: residential enclosure, standard cleaning, normal access, and no extensive repairs.
What Screen, Frame, and Roof Washing Add to a Quote
The quote usually combines labor, cleaning supplies, equipment, and travel or setup. Some companies include the full enclosure wash in one flat rate; others price roof sections or heavy algae separately. The ranges below are typical allowances, not charges that necessarily appear as separate line items.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor for screen and frame wash | $100 | $225 | $500 |
| Roof and upper-frame cleaning | $40 | $125 | $300 |
| Cleaning solution and rinse water | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Equipment, setup, and travel | $20 | $50 | $125 |
| Algae or mildew treatment | $25 | $75 | $200 |
Labor and access usually account for most of the total. A quote may increase if technicians need extension equipment, extra protection around landscaping, or time to remove stubborn organic growth. A two-person crew working 2-4 hours at a combined $75-$150 per hour represents roughly $150-$600 in labor.
Which Screen Area, Roof Height, and Algae Levels Raise Prices
Size is a primary driver: increasing the screened surface from 500 to 1,000 square feet can add roughly $100-$400 at common per-square-foot rates. Roof height and shape matter too. A flat, reachable roof is generally less labor-intensive than a high mansard roof or a steep, multi-angle design.
Heavy algae, mildew, and mineral deposits can add $50-$200 or more. Light surface dirt may rinse away, but growth embedded around screen splines or on shaded roof panels can require slower low-pressure work and repeated treatment. Damaged or brittle screens may also limit washing pressure; cleaning does not include replacing torn mesh.
Access can change the method and price. A cage with tight side-yard access, dense landscaping, or no safe ladder placement may need more setup time. Quotes can also vary if the customer requests separate cleaning of gutters, pool decks, windows, or exterior walls.
How to Reduce the Pool Cage Cleaning Bill
Ask for a quote that separates the enclosure wash from optional roof, gutter, deck, or algae-treatment work. If the cage is only lightly soiled, a standard rinse may be enough; paying for a specialty treatment on every visit may not be necessary. Removing patio furniture and clearing access before the crew arrives can reduce setup delays.
Compare the same scope, not just the lowest total. Confirm whether the price includes roof panels, inside and outside screen surfaces, frame rinsing, and cleanup. For a very large cage, ask whether the company charges by area or by labor hours, and request a written cap before extra work begins.
Why Florida and Gulf Coast Quotes Can Differ
In Florida and other warm, humid areas, algae and mildew can return quickly, and demand for pool-cage services is high. Quotes in busy coastal or metro markets may run 10%-25% above less competitive inland or rural areas. A $300 standard wash could therefore be closer to $330-$375 in a high-demand market, before unusual access or heavy buildup.
Regional differences reflect labor availability, travel, and cleaning frequency. In lower-cost markets, a comparable job may land 10%-15% below the broad national estimate. Local climate also affects how much treatment is needed: shaded, damp cages often require more work than sunny, well-ventilated enclosures.
How Long a Two-Person Crew Needs on a Screen Enclosure
A small, accessible lanai may take 1-2 hours for a two-person crew. A standard pool cage commonly takes 2-4 hours, while a large or heavily stained enclosure can take 4-8 hours. Height, roof design, buildup, and the number of surfaces included influence the schedule as much as square footage.
Longer jobs can cost more when the contractor bills hourly. Ask whether the estimate is flat-rate or time-based, and whether a second visit is included if treatment needs to dwell or stubborn growth remains. Companies may have a minimum service charge even when the work takes less than an hour.
When Add-On Treatments and Screen Repairs Change the Total
Algae or mildew treatment commonly adds $25-$200, depending on severity and enclosure size. Gutter cleaning may add $50-$200, while pool deck washing may add $75-$250. These services are often quoted separately because they require different equipment or more labor.
Screen repair is a separate expense from washing. Replacing one small screen panel may cost roughly $50-$150, while several panels or a full rescreen can cost hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on mesh, frame condition, and enclosure size. A cleaner should identify fragile mesh before washing rather than treating repair as part of a standard cleaning price.
DIY Washing Versus Hiring a Pool Cage Cleaner
DIY cleaning may cost $20-$80 for a soft brush, hose attachments, and mild cleaner, assuming the homeowner already has a ladder and does not need specialized equipment. It can make sense for reachable lower frames, but roof work carries fall risks and high-pressure washing can tear screens or loosen spline.
Hiring a professional is more predictable for tall roofs or fragile screens. Before choosing a low-pressure or pressure-washing service, ask how the company protects mesh and nearby pool equipment. A careful DIY rinse can reduce visible dirt between professional cleanings, but it does not replace safe access or repair work.