Options and Accessories | Swimming Pool Accessories
In a previous blog post covering various pool covers, we delved into the topic of automatic pool covers. However, the demand for these convenient covers has surged in recent years, prompting numerous inquiries from homeowners.
The rising demand for automatic pool covers stems from homeowners seeking easier pool maintenance and enhanced safety features. Additionally, the mechanical reliability of these products has significantly improved over the years, further boosting their popularity.
We have quite a bit of experience within the inground pool industry, particularly with fiberglass pools. And when it comes to automatic pool covers, we know a thing or two, but it's nice to lean on the experts. Our goal here is to connect you with as much information as possible so you can make the best decision for your inground pool project.
With the help of APC (Automatic Pool Covers, Inc.), we present the pros and cons of automatic pool covers.
Cost: $12,000 to $22,000
People often think their automatic pool cover will cost $5,000, but based on our conversations with installers throughout the inground pool industry, $12,000 and $22,000 appears to be a more realistic range. This range represents costs for small pools (10x20-ish) and large pools (16x40-ish).
If you are looking for a cover lid that matches your decking, definitely plan on costs at the high end of the range mentioned above or perhaps beyond.
If your pool is not a true rectangle, you will have tracks that mount on top of the decking of your pool. These tracks can be toe-stubbers (real term for the sake of this article) and are somewhat unsightly.
The more affordable automatic pool covers are typically mounted on top of the deck, making them less expensive than those integrated into the coping and deck.
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Consider a top-mount cover that can be operated with a simple cordless drill.
Pro: They will help heat your pool
Automatic pool covers are made of heavy vinyl, and it is not uncommon for them to raise the pool's temperature by 10 to 15 degrees.
If you have a heat pump, the cover will likely help keep costs down by preventing much of the heat from dissipating into the air and reducing evaporation.
$$ Savings Alert: You will likely experience savings on your maintenance bills by keeping your pool closed with the cover when it's not in use (Note the con for trapped chlorine below). The reduced evaporation will help save on water utilities, and by helping keep debris out, you may also experience savings on pool chemicals. The exact amount of savings will depend on a variety of things, but it's not uncommon for folks to report that they've saved $100s or even $1,000s each year.
Con: They will heat your pool too much sometimes
In some cases, the cover can do too good a job heating your pool. For many, this will lead to a less-than-refreshing swim experience—in other words, your pool may end up feeling more like bathwater.
If you, the homeowner, feel your pool is getting too warm, you can leave the cover open to help cool it off.
If you have a heater, we suggest you ensure it is off during peak temperature seasons. If you have a heat pump with a chiller, you can cool the pool with the chiller feature. It does raise the operational cost, though.
Pro: Keeps People Out
Automatic pool covers work well for keeping children (or adults) and animals out of the pool if you do not wish to have them in the pool.
You can even walk on the cover; it feels like walking on a water bed, though it is not recommended for safety reasons. (Do they still make water beds?)
Note: It is imperative to keep the water level half to two-thirds up on your skimmer plate. This ensures enough water to operate your pool AND provides enough support for your automatic cover to carry a person's weight if necessary. Speak to your independent installer and cover manufacturer for additional safety information.
Con: Keeps People Out
If you buy an automatic pool cover for your pool and plan to entertain on the weekend with a pool party, you may want to open your cover two to three days before and leave it open until after the party. If you try and the cover does not open, you will have time for someone to repair it before your party.
I can think of an instance where a homeowner went to open their cover during a cookout swim party, and the cover would not open. It being Saturday, there was no way they could get assistance in time, so they went without swimming.
Want to know how much your pool project might cost with an automatic cover, or any other options, accessories, and/or add-ons you might want? Try our Design and Price tool and get a general estimate with just a few clicks! It's free -- just click the button below:
Pro: Keeps Dirt Out
An automatic pool cover doesn't just keep people out, it also keeps out dust and debris making it easier to keep your pool clean which will also save you time when taking care of your pool.
Con: Keeps Chlorine In
Whether you utilize a salt generator or traditional chlorine, an automatic pool cover will retain the chlorine in your pool and likely prevent it from dissipating as it usually would.
To maintain optimal pool chemistry, it is advised to keep your chlorine levels at the minimum required when using an automatic pool cover. Additionally, open your cover one to two times per week to allow chlorine gases to escape. This practice will help you maintain your pool's chemistry.
Pro: May Replace a Fence
Some counties or building jurisdictions allow an automatic pool cover to take the place of a fence as a safety barrier, but not all. Be sure to check your local regulations or have your independent installer do so for you.
Con: Generally Costs Much More Than a Fence
You may be able to use the auto cover to replace a fence, but if you're choosing only one, a fence is often the cheaper option.
The Rest of the Story
While automatic pool covers can save you time and maintenance in some areas, it's advisable to budget about $1,000 a year for your automatic cover.
Why?
Based on our industry experience and our chat with APC, when you replace your cover (the vinyl material itself), usually in about 5 to 8 years, it will cost you close to $4,000 to $6,000 on average (*depending on where you are in the country and UV exposure). This does not take into account replacing the motor or pulleys and ropes if necessary.
And what about automatic pool covers during the winter? Automatic pool covers are strong enough to support the weight of several people (though it’s not recommended!). They can also handle a snow load.
BUT...There's always a 'but'...
Your pool must be full of water. The water will carry the weight of the snow, not the cover itself. If the water level is too low, the weight of the snow could put too much downward pressure on the cover and damage the cover, tracks, or, even worse, your pool. A heavy load of snow can pull the rope out of the tracks and sometimes even collapse the tracks.
Many homeowners consider purchasing a regular security cover for use during the winter months to prevent them from having to worry about opening their automatic pool cover due to snow.
So there you have it, the pros and the cons of owning an automatic pool cover.
Up Next:
How Late Can I Install a Pool Cover?
Automatic Pool Cover Winter Maintenance: Everything You Should Know
Editor's note: This article was originally written by Jason Hughes and was updated on November 7, 2024, with current information. River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced in a manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in manufacturing fiberglass pools, we have access to a network of installers with expertise relating to project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, considering installing a swimming pool in your backyard.