Installing an automatic pool cover can cost up to $20,000 – so it’s only natural to wonder: is it worth the investment?
The answer is YES! These covers do more than just keep the water clean. They can slash water consumption by up to 90% and save you nearly 50% on energy bills – possibly covering the cost of installation within just three years.
In this guide, we’ll break down the benefits, downsides, and maintenance essentials of automatic pool covers, helping you decide if the savings and convenience are worth the upfront cost.
Benefits of Automatic Pool Covers
Here are 7 ways automatic pool covers can make pool experiences safer, more efficient, and cost-effective.
- Protects kids and pets from accidental falls
Automatic pool covers act as secure barriers, preventing accidental falls by transforming the pool into an inaccessible area when not in use. While pool fences are often required by law, they can be bypassed if the gate is left open or unlocked. An automatic cover offers more reliable safety – providing peace of mind that the pool remains secure, even without constant supervision.
- Prevents debris from entering the pool
These covers create a tight seal across the water, keeping out leaves, dirt, and other debris. This significantly reduces cleaning needs, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the pool instead of maintaining it.
- Conserves water and chemicals
Since automatic pool covers sit directly on the water’s surface, they block evaporation – saving up to 90% of the water typically lost. This also preserves chemicals that would otherwise escape through evaporating water, reducing chemical and water replenishment costs.
- Shields Pool from UV Damage and Algae Growth
Automatic covers minimize exposure to UV rays, which are notorious for degrading chlorine. With fewer UV rays reaching the water, chemical levels stay intact, and algae growth slows, keeping the water cleaner for longer. This means less chlorine is needed to fight algae and other organic growth, thus saving time and money on maintenance.
- Maintains Ideal Pool Temperature
Acting as insulators, automatic covers retain the pool’s heat while preventing overheating. They can boost the water temperature by 10-15°F, making them ideal for extending your swimming season without relying heavily on heat pumps. This energy efficiency can lead to significant savings, often enough to offset the cover’s initial cost within a few years.
- Cuts energy consumption
By reducing heat loss and evaporation, pool covers minimize the need for frequent heating cycles. Plus, with less debris entering the pool, you won’t have to run the pump as often – which reduces strain on your filtration system. This translates to lower electricity consumption and savings of up to 50% on bills.
- Convenient to use and operate
Automatic covers are a game-changer compared to manual alternatives, which often require multiple people to operate. With a motorized system controlled by a switch or keypad, one person can easily cover or uncover the pool in seconds. Whether you’re closing it for the night or the entire off-season, the convenience makes pool management much easier.
Potential Downsides of An Automatic Pool Cover
While the benefits of automatic pool covers are compelling, it’s important to consider these 3 potential drawbacks as well to make an informed decision.
- High upfront investment
Automatic pool covers can cost up to $20,000, making them way more expensive than manual covers. While they offer savings in electricity, water, and chemical bills over time, the initial cost can be a problem for many homeowners.
- Power dependent operation
Most automatic covers rely on electricity, which can be an issue during power outages unless the system includes a manual override or uses a hydraulic motor.
- Limited fit for irregular pool shapes
Automatic covers work best on rectangular pools. For other shapes, the tracks often need to sit on top of the deck, which can be unsightly or create tripping hazards.
Automatic Pool Covers for Winters
Automatic pool covers can handle snow, but only if the pool is filled to its proper water level. This is because the water bears the weight and not the cover. So, if the water level is too low, snow buildup can strain the cover, pull the rope from its tracks, or damage the cover structure.
For heavy snow regions, some pool owners prefer switching to a traditional winter security cover. This avoids the hassle of managing snow loads on the automatic cover and prevents unnecessary wear and tear during harsh weather.
How to Make Your Automatic Pool Cover Last Long?
These 7 simple tips will help you make the most out of your investment:
- Keep the cover clean
To extend your pool cover’s lifespan, regularly clear away leaves, dirt, and debris using a skimmer net or leaf blower. For persistent grime, rinse the cover with a garden hose and gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush. If needed, apply a mild detergent while ensuring to rinse it thoroughly afterward to avoid residue buildup.
Such regular cleaning not only keeps the cover functional for longer but also minimizes damage that could result from dirt accumulating over time.
- Use Water Tubes to Anchor Pool Cover Edges
Wind can cause pool covers to flap, risking tears and letting debris enter the water. Placing water tubes along the edges stabilizes the cover, preventing movement and minimizing damage. While safety covers attach directly to the pool’s edges, water tubes are essential for non-safety covers.
- Maintain a chemical balance in water
The cover minimizes water exposure to sunlight and air and chlorine doesn’t dissipate as it typically would. As a result, chemical concentrations may rise, particularly chlorine, which can lead to over-chlorination. This buildup can degrade the cover’s material, especially vinyl components, causing it to deteriorate more quickly. Hence, regular chlorine level checks are crucial.
Especially for pools with automatic chlorinators, you should gradually reduce the output to match the reduced chemical demand. Start by lowering the setting by about 20-40% and monitor the chlorine levels over the week.
If levels remain high, continue reducing the chlorinator’s run time or output in small increments until chlorine stabilizes between 1-3 ppm.
- Regularly lubricate the pool cover machinery
The tracks and motors of pool covers need regular lubrication to prevent rust, friction-led wear and tear and ensure smooth operation. You can use PTFE or silicone-based lubricants for electronic parts and manufacturer-recommended hydraulic fluids for hydraulic systems. This routine lubrication extends the life of the components and avoids costly repairs.
- DIY small tears immediately
Timely repairs are crucial for maintaining the longevity of your pool cover. Nowadays, most pool covers are designed to withstand wear; punctures may occur but won’t cause immediate fraying. Still, addressing any damage quickly with a DIY patching solution or a specialized patch kit is essential to prevent further deterioration.
- Maintain an optimal water level
Keeping the water level midway up the skimmer is essential to prevent damage to your automatic pool cover. With low water levels, your cover will have less support from underneath, which can sag and strain the tracks or fabric, increasing the risk of tears and mechanical issues.
Additionally, the water supports the cover when heavy debris or snow accumulates on top. Without sufficient water, the cover may pull free from its tracks or collapse under pressure, leading to costly repairs.
- Do not walk on your pool cover
While it can be tempting to walk on your pool cover, especially knowing that it can withstand up to 200 kg of weight, it’s best not to make it a habit when you need access. This is because regular foot traffic can lead to wear and tear, resulting in punctures or fraying, which compromises the cover’s effectiveness as a safety barrier.
So think of your pool cover as a protective shield. Treating it with care will ensure it remains a reliable safeguard.
Takeaways
Automatic pool covers offer safety, savings, and convenience by reducing water loss, chemical use, and energy bills while keeping kids and pets safe.
Regular upkeep – like cleaning, balancing chemicals, lubricating parts, and patching small tears ensures they last longer. Moreover, maintaining the right water level is crucial, especially during winter, to avoid damage from snow loads.
While the upfront cost may be steep, the long-term benefits quickly outweigh the investment, simplifying pool maintenance and cutting expenses for years to come.