https://www.houzz.com/photos/exterior-pocket-door-phbr0lbl-bl~l_38225

Opening to outside was the thought I had before getting half way through. Retro fiiting a pocket door isn't simple but can certainly be done. Why don't you contact some door manufactures about this to see what they offer as well as reccomending an installer.

How about a door that opens out and a screen like in the link?Screens

@pallmpsest... that is exactly what I need. I emailed the designer but was hoping to get the actual information.

@handymac, unfortunately, i need a security screen that can remain locked when we're not in the house.

@klem1, do you know what door mfr I should contact? Or should I contact a window mfr?

So it looks like ETO Doors has a pocket kit that works with any exterior door. I've emailed them for more information. Finger's crossed that my contractor will approve this solution. :-)

How can their be such a thing as a "security screen"? Screens aren't secure under any circumstances.

Anyway, I just got off the phone with ETO doors who is all over the thread linked above by palimsest. They were very unhelpful in how to weather proof their pocket door. I was hoping that if they were linking to their product on multiple occasions they would have an expert in house who could assist me with the weatherproofing for exterior use. They just said to ask my contractor. Maybe the designer of that project will be more helpful.

Yea quite a question how to weatherproof a pocket door. Most likely why the GC recommends against it. Note the houzz inspiration pics are in san fran... you wouldnt find these in cold climates. The inspiration pics look nice but are they practical? Do they leak air or water? We dont know.

Perhaps a large sweep meant for garage door bottoms. Wont look nice though. Maybe if they install it under the jamb? A real pain to maintain though.

When they say they have a kit that works with exterior doors, I am guessing that means it will accept a door that used to be an exterior door, not that it is meant to be installed on an exterior wall.

Implementing this idea will not be cheap that is for certain. An outswing door is more practical as others have mentioned. Perhaps a pocket screen door on the inside with the outswing door.

hmm.. that is an interesting idea but I'm not sure how secure a pocket screen door would be? the intention is to be able to lock the screen door when we're gone for short jaunts to the grocery store or shopping but still have the house secure.

BTW, I'm in San Diego just a couple of miles from the beach, so neither cold nor water nor even heat are a big issue here.

After much discussion with our contractor, who is actually a friend that is in the door and window business... we decided to just put in a 72" patio slider from Home Depot. He's going to bury the stationary side in the wall so the only opening will be the slider part. Turns out this is the most economical way to achieve what I want.

Now we have to make sure no one uses long nails or screws on that wall.

I'll post pictures when it's done.