One thing I’ve noticed looking at real estate listings is that virtually all the pools in SW FL seem to be caged, while many in SE FL are not. Is there that big of a difference in the bug situation, or what is the reason for this?
Because SE FL had Hurricane Wilma in 2004, which, only a cat1 but it destroyed a lot of cages (which, btw, having lived here since 1982 I never heard that term until this forum, was always a "screened-in-pool" to us).
Around that time, insurers changed to require an add on or something, and no longer include it by default. And I think the only paid if you replaced/repaired, you can't just take the money and tear it down.
Also, code changes require a deep perimeter of concrete, not just at the posts, making it far more expensive to add new. + impacts your square footage if you want to maximize your pool space due to offset code requirements.
We added a pool in 2020, didn't "cage" it. I did have to take out our massive bamboo last year as was a constant shedder, but other than that I maintain our pool with no issues. If you travel a lot you get a pool maintenance person and they come by weekly.
Bugs are a thing, mosquitoes, etc., but some people don't get eaten as much as others. I often spend evenings outside, and a little bug spray works well.