How Much Does a Pool Cover Cost?

Pool Cover Costs by Type

The figures below include the total cost of installation and materials. Many pool owners use custom pool covers that are more expensive than the typical figures above.

Auto Pool Cover Cost

The cost of automatic pool covers starts at $10,000 for most installations, but they provide unmatched convenience.

Retractable Pool Cover Cost

A retractable pool cover costs about $2,000, including the reel's cost. A manual reel price starts at $10, but can be as high as $250 for a crank-style reel. Mechanical reels range from $300 to $1,000 and may be embedded in the ground or installed above ground like crank-style reels.

Manual Pool Cover Costs

The price range for manual pool covers is between $500 and $5,000. These pool covers are an economical alternative to automatic models, which cost about twice as much. Manual pool covers often use a track system that eliminates the need for anchors, sandbags and straps.

Pool Safety Cover Cost

A mesh pool safety cover costs between $1,200 and $3,000, depending on your pool's size and shape. This is significantly less expensive than solid covers for both material and cost.

A solid pool safety cover costs between $1,800 and $3,600, which is about $600 more on average than a mesh cover.

The average cost of a LOOP-LOC pool cover is $1,800 to $7,800 for materials and labor, depending on the complexity and shape of the installation. The anchors for this type of cover are flush with the deck when the cover is off the pool.

Solar Pool Cover Cost

A solar pool cover costs between $30 and $150, depending on the material's thickness and quality. This type of pool cover's primary purpose is to slow your pool's loss of water through evaporation while it isn't in use. Solar pool covers fit loosely, so they offer few safety benefits for homeowners.

Pool Net Cover Cost

A net pool cover costs between $1,200 and $3,000 and is highly effective at keeping out leaves and other debris types. This type can support a considerable weight on top of it, which is especially important in areas that get snow during the winter. A net cover doesn't need a pump on top, since it doesn't keep water out.

Aquamatic Pool Cover Cost

The price range for an Aquamatic pool cover is between $1,500 and $6,000. This wide range is because Aquamatic offers many options on style, material and color. Aquamatic pool cover styles include the HydraLux and EZ Cover.

Walkable Pool Cover Cost

The cost of a walkable pool covers starts at $3 per square foot. This style is so-named because you can walk on top of it. A walkable cover is made from a mesh material and designed for in-ground pools.

Custom Pool Covers Cost

The costs of a custom pool cover typically range from $1,500 to $6,000. Many pools have a unique shape that requires them to be custom made. In addition to the shape, size is the primary cost factor for these types of pools.

Automatic Pool Cover Costs

The total cost of an automatic pool cover usually ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, which is part of the cost of building a pool. The most expensive parts for this type of pool cover include the motor and reel in addition to the cover itself. Automatic pool covers also require regular maintenance due to the large number of moving parts they contain. They provide many benefits, including convenience, safety, protection from weather and the conservation of heat.

Pool Cover Prices

The following table shows the typical price ranges for common types of pool covers without installation. While solar pool covers can cost as little as $30 for materials only, automatic pool covers can cost up to $10,000.

Automatic Pool Cover Replacement Costs

The cost of replacing automatic pool covers could start as high as $10,000. This price includes the cost of the new cover and the labor to install it. The cost of labor will usually be less than for installing a new cover, since the contractor won't need to perform much of the original installation work.

Above vs. Inground Pool Cover Costs

A basic pool cover costs $15 to $150 for an above-ground pool and $30 to $350 for an in-ground model. Mesh covers cost $50 to $250 for above-ground and $200 to $500 for inground pools. The prices for solar covers are $20 to $400 for an above-ground pool cost, while an in-ground swimming pool costs $40 to $500 for a solar cover.

The following table shows the typical cost of labor to install common types of pool covers:

*Note that installing a solar pool cover is a simple procedure that generally doesn't require paid labor.

DIY Swimming Pool Cover Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

You can put on a basic solar cover yourself since it doesn't require any special skills. Other types of covers require the permanent installation of equipment that a professional will need to perform. This is particularly true in the case of automatic pool covers that use tracks and have multiple moving parts. Swimming pool contractors in your area typically include installation in the sales of their pool covers.

FAQs

What is the best way to protect pool covers?

Pool covers are vulnerable to several sources of damage when they're not in use, including rodents, insects and algae. Protect pool covers during this period by storing them in a sealed container with water and algaecide. Replace this mixture at least once during the summer.

What are winter pool covers?

Winter pool covers primarily protect your pool from snow and ice. They also keep light out of your pool, which can allow algae and bacteria to grow. Winter pool covers are generally lightweight, making them easy for homeowners to install and remove.

How do pool covers help you save money on maintenance?

Pool covers help you save money in three distinct ways. These include reducing the loss of water through evaporation, reducing the loss of energy through evaporation and reducing the consumption of chemicals. Covering a pool while it isn't in use reduces these losses by about 60 percent.

What are cover reels?

Cover reels are mechanical devices that allow you to install and remove a pool cover more easily. The simplest ones may just be PVC pipes that serve as a spool for the cover. Automated cover systems use powered reels to move the cover with the touch of a button.

When should you install a pool cover?

You should install a pool cover as soon as you close your pool for the season. This is a great project to complete before the leaves start falling, saving you from removing leaves from the pool. In some cases, you may need to remove the cover during the winter for maintenance temporarily.

What's the difference between a mesh pool cover and a solid pool cover?

The main difference between these two types is that a mesh cover allows precipitation and some fine debris to enter the pool. Some UV light can also penetrate a mesh pool cover. A solid cover blocks all precipitation and debris.