How much does a pool cover cost? (Automatic vs. manual)
How much does a pool cover cost? (Automatic vs. manual)
$1,000 – $3,600 manual safety pool cover cost
$8,000 – $20,000 automatic pool cover cost
Pool cover cost
An automatic pool cover costs $8,000 to $20,000 on average. A pool safety cover costs $1,000 to $3,600. Swimming pool cover prices depend on the pool size and shape, if the pool is inground or above-ground, the cover type, and if it's retractable or not.
| Pool cover type | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Automatic | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Retractable (manual) | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Solid safety | $1,500 – $3,600 |
| Mesh safety | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Solar blanket with reel | $600 – $1,500 |
| Winter | $75 – $250 |
| Sliding deck | $25,000 – $150,000 |
| Custom | $1,500 – $6,000 |
A pool cover provides several benefits:
Saves on chemicals by reducing sunlight exposure and algae growth
Keeps leaves and debris out of the pool, decreasing sanitation costs
Retains heat, reducing pool heating costs by 50% to 70% or more
Reduces surface evaporation, reducing the amount of make-up pool water required by 30% to 50%
Adds safety, depending on the cover type
Average cost of pool cover installation
The following table shows the average cost to install a pool safety cover.
| National average cost | $2,300 |
| Minimum cost | $800 |
| Maximum cost | $4,500 |
| Average cost range | $1,000 to $3,600 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Pool cover costs by type
Pool cover costs range from as low as $75 for a basic winter cover to $20,000+ for an automatic cover.
Automatic pool cover cost
An automatic pool cover costs $8,000 to $20,000 with installation. An automatic pool cover is a fade-resistant, retractable cover that moves along a track mounted on or under the pool decking. An electric motor opens and closes the cover at the touch of a button.
Because of their convenience and the ease of opening and closing, Automatic pool covers are intended for daily use rather than seasonal use.
Retractable pool cover cost
A manual retractable pool cover costs $1,500 to $6,000, including installing a reel. An auto pool reel features a retractable cover with a mechanical roller to assist in deploying and retracting the pool cover. Retractable covers do not use tracks and a cable system like an automatic system.
Manual retractable pool covers typically do not qualify as safety covers because they are not tied down or held in place by a track system.
Pool safety cover cost
A solid pool safety cover costs $1,500 to $3,600 installed. A mesh pool safety cover costs $1,000 to $3,000 installed. Safety covers prevent accidents and keep out debris.
Pool safety covers are also called pin-down covers because they use anchors to secure the cover to the surrounding deck or concrete.
| Factor | Solid safety cover | Mesh safety cover |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $1,500 – $3,600 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
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Some states require inground pool owners to have a safety pool cover.
Winter pool cover cost
A winter pool cover costs $75 to $250 and is typically installed DIY. A winter pool cover is similar to a tarp and is held in place by water bags. Winter covers provide no safety benefits but keep leaves and debris out of the pool.
A solid safety cover can be used as a winter cover, but a winter cover cannot be used as a safety cover. A winter cover supports very little weight and creates a drowning hazard if children or pets fall onto the surface.
Solar pool cover cost
A solar pool cover costs $35 to $400, depending on the shape, size, and thickness. A solar blanket with a reel costs $600 to $1,500, including installation.
Solar covers provide no safety benefits but reduce evaporative heat loss, retaining heat generated by the pool heater during the day.
| Solar pool cover shape | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Round (10' – 21') | $35 – $180 |
| Round (22' – 30') | $125 – $350 |
| Oval | $70 – $400 |
| Rectangle | $100 – $400 |
Walk-on pool covers prices
Safety and automatic pool covers are designed to be walked on only in an emergency. Most safety covers can support the weight of 1 to 2+ adults in case a child or pet needs rescuing. The ASTM minimum standard for safety pool covers is 435 lbs.
Renting a walk-on platform pool cover costs $4.50 to $10.00 per square foot. Walk-on platform pool covers cover the pool temporarily to create more floor space for events.
Never walk on a winter cover or an above-ground pool cover. They're designed for protection from leaves, debris, and rainwater only and will not support a person's weight.
Sliding deck pool cover price
Sliding deck pool cover prices are $25,000 to $150,000+, depending on the size, material, and style. A sliding cover—also called a rolling deck pool cover—can support the weight of people and furniture and act as a traditional deck when it's covering the pool.
Custom pool covers cost
A custom pool cover costs $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the type, size, and shape. Pools with irregular shapes and multilevel features like waterfalls, spas, or stone border walls typically require a custom safety cover.
Pool cover price factors
Pool cover prices depend on the cover type, size, material, and level of automation.
| Factor | Automatic cover | Safety cover |
|---|---|---|
| New pool cover | $6,000 – $10,000 | $600 – $2,100 |
| Installation labor | $2,000 – $10,000 | $400 – $1,500 |
| Total price | $8,000 – $20,000 | $1,000 – $3,600 |
The following factors affect the cost of a pool cover:
Cover type – Automatic pool covers cost the most, while safety covers fall in the mid-range. Winter covers are the cheapest but provide the fewest benefits.
Pool size – Larger pool covers typically cost more due to the extra fabric needed.
Pool shape – A cover for a standard rectangular, oval, or Grecian pool costs less than a custom cover for a non-standard pool shape.
Automation – Automatic covers are more convenient but cost much more than manual covers
Track options – Automatic pool cover track options include deck-mounted top track, recessed top track, or recessed undertrack systems. Recessed tracks cost the most but are more visually appealing and don't create the tripping hazard of deck-mounted tracks.
Labor costs – Manual pool cover installation labor costs $400 to $1,500. Installing an automatic pool cover is more complex and labor-intensive and costs $2,000 to $10,000.
Electrical – Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour to install a new GFCI outlet for an automatic pool cover.
Rebates – Some local water departments offer rebates of $50 to $200, depending on location.
Pump – A pool cover pump costs $150 to $250 and is typically required for an automatic or solid safety cover.
Opening & closing – The cost to open or close a pool with a cover is $420 to $520.
Repairs – Automatic pool covers require annual maintenance to keep their mechanical parts working smoothly.
Above-ground vs. inground pool cover prices
An inground pool cover costs as little as $50 to over $10,000 for the unit alone, depending on if it's a standard winter tarp, safety cover, or fully automatic.
An above-ground pool cover costs $35 to $750, depending on the type and if it has a reel or ties down.
| Type | Above-ground* | Inground* |
|---|---|---|
| Safety cover | – | $600 – $2,100 |
| Winter cover | $50 – $200 | $75 – $250 |
| Solar cover | $35 – $400 | $70 – $400 |
| Solar cover with reel | $200 – $750 | $250 – $750 |
| Automatic | – | $6,000 – $10,000 |
*Not including installation.
Replacement pool cover costs by brand
Automatic pool covers by popular brands like Coverstar and Aquamatic cost $10,000 to $20,000 with installation, while safety covers made by Latham, LOOP-LOC, and Tara cost $1,500 to $3,600 installed.
| Pool cover brand | Total cost installed | Cover type |
|---|---|---|
| Aquamatic | $10,000 – $20,000 | Automatic |
| Coverstar | $10,000 – $20,000 | Automatic |
| GLI | $1,500 – $2,800 | Safety |
| Latham | $1,800 – $3,600 | Safety |
| LOOP-LOC | $1,600 – $3,600 | Safety |
| Tara | $1,500 – $3,400 | Safety |
Automatic pool cover replacement cost
Replacing an automatic pool cover costs $1,800 to $3,500, depending on the fabric type, size, and shape. Automatic pool cover fabric typically needs replacing every 4 to 6 years.
Pool cover motor cost
A pool cover motor costs $1,100 to $2,300 with installation or $1,000 to $2,100 for the unit alone. Exposure to harsh weather conditions or excessive dust and debris wears out the motor.
Protect the motor from the elements and perform routine maintenance every year to prolong its life.
Pool cover sizes and how to measure
Pool cover sizes range from 12' x 20' to 30' x 60'. Precise measurements of the entire perimeter are required for pools that are not a standard rectangular, oval, or Grecian shape.
To measure an inground pool for a safety cover, use the A-B triangulation method for the most accurate fit:
Using chalk, establish two points labeled A and B that form a straight line roughly 2/3 the length of the pool. Create the chalk line at least three feet from the pool's edge.
Make numbered chalk marks at three-foot intervals around the edge of the entire pool, moving in a clockwise direction.
Note all areas with obstructions or features, such as ladders, steps, raised walls, a diving board, slide, waterfall, or spa.
Attach a tape measure to point A. Pulling the tape tightly, measure the distance from point A to each numbered point around the pool. Write down each number and the corresponding measurement.
Repeat the process to measure the distance between point B and all the numbered points around the pool.
Measure diagonally from a numbered point on one end of the pool to the farthest point at the opposite end.
Measure three to four diagonal lines across the width of the pool. Be sure to note which numbered points mark the start and end of each line.
Sketch an outline of the pool, including any features.
Take photos of the pool from multiple angles with the A-B chalk line still in place to include with your sketch and measurements when ordering a cover.
Pool cover FAQs
What type of pool cover is best?
The best pool cover depends on your budget and needs.
Safety covers keep debris out of the pool and are ideal for homes with children or pets.
Automatic covers provide safety, debris protection, and convenience but are the most expensive.
Solar covers are cheaper and retain heat but don't add safety.
How long does a pool cover last?
An automatic pool cover lasts 4 to 6 years on average. Winter pool covers and solar blankets typically last only 1 to 3 years, while a safety cover lasts 7 to 15 years, depending on the type.
| Pool cover type | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Automatic | 4 to 6 years |
| Solid safety | 7 to 10 years |
| Mesh safety | 10 to 15 years |
| Solar | 1 to 3 years |
| Winter | 1 to 3 years |
| Sliding Deck | 15+ years |
To prolong the pool cover's life, clean it regularly to remove leaves and debris and inspect the fabric for tears. Patch any rips immediately to avoid compromising the cover's safety benefits.
Are automatic pool covers worth the money?
An automatic pool cover offers the same benefits as a manual pool cover but with the added convenience of opening and closing at the touch of a button. Automatic and manual pool covers add safety, reduce chemical costs and water loss, retain more heat, and reduce pool heating costs.
Homeowners without a pool heater will not realize most of the cost savings of an automatic pool cover.
Can you add an automatic pool cover to an existing pool?
You can add an automatic pool cover to an existing pool if there is a surrounding wood or concrete deck. Installing an automatic cover is easiest and least costly during the initial pool installation because the cover's track system and mechanism can be integrated into the pool's design.
When to install a pool cover
A pool cover can be installed at any time of the year, but installing it in the fall before or around the time you close the pool is best.
Install the cover before the leaves fall to avoid extra pool cleaning.
Remove the cover when temperatures are consistently above 70° F during the day.
Does a regular pool cover heat the water?
A pool cover does not heat the water but reduces overnight heat loss from the surface, keeping the pool warmer than it would be without a cover.
A pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 with installation, depending on the type and fuel source.
Finding and hiring a pool cover installer
Before hiring a pool installer near you, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed contractors with experience installing pool covers.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
When comparing quotes, confirm they include equipment of the same quality.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the installation starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How many pool covers have you installed?
Do you install more safety covers or automatic covers?
Which type of cover do you recommend for my pool, and why?
How long is the warranty, and what does it include?
How long will the installation take?
What additional costs can I expect that aren't in the estimate?
Will I need a pool cover pump?
What kind of maintenance will the pool cover require?
Do you offer an annual pool maintenance package? Does it include maintaining the cover?
Can you provide references with contact information?