Outdoor Screen – Pool Filter Cover

 

One of the first things you see when you pull up to our house is the pool filter… not exactly welcoming! We placed it with plans to one day build a garage/ pool house, but now after needing funds for our investment houses and getting laid off, that plan is on hold.  So, I knew I needed to do something with that pool filter.  I shopped all of the pre-made enclosures and screens, but I easily could have spent $150 just to shield off two sides.  So for less than $40 (woo hoo!) I was able to block off 3 sides! It was a quick fun project that is functional and impactful.  And the kids helped… bonus!

This enclosures measures 70″ across the front, 6′ on the sides, and is 52″ tall.  I used cedar fence pickets, which are 5 1/2 inches wide.  They are super cheap but also imperfect.  There are slight variations in width and some of the boards cup a bit.  If you’re looking for perfection, buy 1x6s.  I used pickets, because perfection just wasn’t important on this project (it rarely is to me!) and it helped the wallet!

Supplies:

2 2x4s @ 10′

21 cedar fence pickets – each is about  $1.50

2″ deck screws

1. I cut the dog ears off of the pickets, leaving each picket at 70″.  I cut each 2×4 into 2 pieces at 52″ for the posts.
2. I laid my 2x4s down and started with the top picket, overhanging the ends of the picket over the 2×4 by 5/8″ on each side.  To easily measure this, I used a scrap dog ear end I had cut.  Check for square, and screw in using the deck screws.
   
3. I then moved down to the next picket, leaving a 1″ gap.  This part moved very quickly, and before I knew it, my front panel was done.
4. For this next part, it’s way easier if you have a helper, preferably one older than 7 years old.  But I’m stubborn, it was right before the tax deadline when hubby was no where to be found, and I insisted on getting this done myself.  Here’s how I did it:
   
5. I flipped the front panel bottoms up, and laid down my top side picket on the ground.  I butted the end of the picket with the end of the top front picket, squared it up and screwed it in to the side of the front post.
6. Next, I stood up my next 2×4 post at the end of the side picket I just screwed in.  The picket should be flush to the sides and top of the 2×4.  I checked for square and screwed it in.
7. At this point, the panels will stand on their own.  I used clamps to hold up each picket and screw in until I’d finished the side.
8. I then completed the 2nd side panel as I did the 1st.
9. I gave the whole piece a quick sand just to help with the paint application.

After 2 quick coats of paint, I moved it into position.  Ahhhh… now I’m just waiting for my flowers to grow!