Pool covers are one of the best investments you can make for your swimming pool. Not only do they save you money on chemicals and heating, but they also extend the life of your pool by safeguarding it from leaves and debris. There are many different types of pool covers available on the market, and the cost of each one varies depending on the size, material, and features.
In this article, I will look at the different types of pool covers and their respective costs so you can decide which one is right for you.
Main Takeaways
- Pool covers can cost anywhere between $50 to over $100,000, depending on the type of pool cover you get.
- There are many different types of pool covers, including solar covers, winter covers, mesh safety covers, solid safety covers, automatic pool covers, and sliding deck pool covers.
- Typical factors that affect the overall cost of the pool cover include: pool cover type, the size of your pool, material, and installation.
- Inground pool covers tend to cost more than above ground pool covers.
Average Cost of Buying Pool Cover
Now that you’ve decided to purchase a pool cover, it’s time to choose which type is right for you. There are different types of pool covers available in the market. The cost of each type varies according to size and material. Each type has its own cost and unique benefits, so read on to learn more about each before making your final decision.
Pool Covers and Their Costs
| Pool Cover | Cost |
| Solar Covers | $70 – $400 |
| Winter Covers | $50 – $500 |
| Mesh Safety Covers | $800 – $2,000 |
| Solid Safety Covers | $1,000 – $3,600 |
| Automatic Pool Covers | $6,500 – $25,000 |
| Sliding Deck Pool Covers | $20,000 -$100,000+ |
Solar Covers
Solar covers are among the most popular pool covers because they help keep your pool warm and prevent water from evaporating. Solar covers work by trapping heat from the sun in the water, so you won’t have to use as much energy to heat your swimming pool. Solar covers are made of a clear, flexible material, with bubbles on one side that allows sunlight to pass through while trapping heat.
Solar covers come in various sizes and can be custom-made to fit your pool. Costs of solar covers vary depending on size and quality, but you can expect to spend between $70 and $400 for a solar cover.
If you need one, check out my recommendations for the best solar pool covers, and feel free to visit any of the articles below on solar pool covers and everything you need to know.
Winter Covers
Winter covers are designed to protect your pool from the cold weather and keep it clean during the off-season. Winter covers are made of a heavy-duty material placed over the pool and secured with weights, water bags, or a pool cover winch (for above-ground pools). The cost of a winter cover varies depending on the quality of the material and the size, but you can expect to pay between $50 and $500 for a winter cover. Find out how to maintain your pool cover by checking out my article on how to protect your winter pool cover.
Leaf Net Cover
A leaf net pool cover is a simple pool cover typically made of vinyl netting. This pool cover can be used with inground or above ground pools and is typically secured on the edges of the pool with weights or water bags. Leaf nets are NOT a safety cover, so they cannot hold a lot of weight. Leaf nets are designed to catch large debris, such as leaves, sticks, trash, etc., and prevent the debris from entering the pool.
Leaf net covers are very affordable, costing around $50 – $200.
Mesh Safety Covers
Mesh safety covers are another type of swimming pool cover that is stable and able to hold a lot of weight. This type of cover is similar to a leaf cover but can also protect pets and small children from falling into your pool. Mesh safety covers are made of a mesh material that allows water to pass through them. Mesh covers will come with specified straps for properly securing the cover. Water does not collect on top of these covers when it rains, so they tend to last longer than solid safety covers. The cost of a mesh cover varies depending on the measurements and material, but you can expect to spend between $800 and $3,000 for a mesh safety cover.
Solid Safety Covers
Solid safety covers are another type of pool cover designed to hold a lot of weight. Some high-end solid safety covers can hold over 1,000 pounds! These covers are made of durable vinyl, PVC, or polyethylene and are secured to the decking around your pool. These pool covers protect your water from debris, rain, and sunlight and ensure your small children and pets won’t fall into the water.
Solid safety covers can cost between $1,000 and $4,200.
Automatic Pool Covers
Automatic pool covers are also an increasingly popular option for pool owners. Automatic covers are made of a sturdy rigid material placed over the pool and operated with a remote control. The cost of an automatic cover varies depending on the pool size and material quality, but you can expect to pay between $6,500 and $25,000 for an automatic cover.
You will find a variety of automatic covers in the market. They come with different features you can choose from, so do your research before purchasing an automatic cover. If you need help, feel free to check out my automatic pool covers guide.
Sliding Deck Pool Covers
Sliding deck pool covers are automatic covers that are becoming increasingly popular. Sliding deck pool covers work by sliding over the pool when not used. The cost of a sliding deck cover varies depending on the size and quality. On average, you can expect to pay $20,000 to $100,000 or more for a sliding deck cover. These walk-on covers are also great for safety, as they prevent children and pets from entering the pool when it is not in use.
Typical Factors that Affect the Overall Cost of The Pool Cover
Pool Cover Type
The type of pool cover you choose will be the main factor affecting the cost. Solar, winter, and leaf covers are the most common pool covers, but automatic and sliding deck covers are also available. However, these types of covers tend to be more expensive.
Size of Your Pool
The size and shape of the pool is one of the main factors that will affect the pool cover cost. The larger the pool, the more expensive the cover will be. Most pool covers are available in various sizes to fit any size pool. You can also get custom-made covers for an extra cost.
Material
The material of the pool cover also plays a role in the cost. Pool covers are typically made from PVC, polyethylene, or mesh. More durable materials, such as PVC or polyethylene, will cost more than less durable materials, such as mesh.
Installation
If you choose to have your pool cover installed by a professional, you will need to add the cost of installation to the overall cost of the pool cover. This cost will generally be lumped together, so the total cost will be the cost of the cover + the fee for installing it.
Installation typically costs between $100 and $800 for manual pool covers and between $800 and $4,500 for automatic covers. If you choose to install a walk-on sliding deck pool cover, the installation itself can cost up to $20,000. If you DIY, you can save on the cost of installation. If you want to learn how to do it yourself, check out my article on how to install a pool cover.
Above Ground vs. Inground Pool Cover Prices
Above ground pool covers usually cost less than inground pool covers. This is because inground pools are more difficult to cover and typically require more material. Inground pool covers also tend to be more durable, as they need to withstand more weight and water pressure. Many pool owners with inground pools choose to install more expensive safety covers as inground pools put children and pets more of a risk, since the pool is at ground level.
You can expect to pay between $50 and $700 for an above-ground pool cover. For an inground pool cover, you can expect to pay between $200 and $15,000.
Average Pool Cover Replacement Costs for Popular Brands
After a while, you will need to replace your pool cover. The lifespan of a pool cover depends on the type of cover and the material. Solar covers typically last between 2 and 5 years, while winter covers last up to 10 years. Leaf covers, on the other hand, usually need to be replaced every year. Automatic covers have the longest lifespan and can last up to 15 years.
To give you an idea of how much it will cost to replace your pool cover, here are the average replacement costs for some of the most popular brands:
- Coverstar: $10,000 – $20,000
- Latham: $1,700 – $3,600
- Loop-Loc: $1,500 – $6,000
- Meyco: $550 – $7,000
- Intex: $20 – $150
Typical Maintenance and Repair Costs
Pool covers require some maintenance to keep them in good condition. The most common type of maintenance is cleaning the pool cover. Every few weeks, you should do this by removing dirt, leaves, and other debris. You can clean your pool cover with a hose, a brush, and mild soap. This will prevent the pool cover from becoming dirty and help your pool cover from sagging. If you have a pool cleaner, cleaning your pool cover is usually included in a routine maintenance package but check with your pool cleaner to double-check.
If your pool cover is damaged, you may need to repair or replace it. Automatic pool covers must be replaced every 5-10 years and repaired every 2-3 years, depending on the quality. You can usually repair small holes and tears with a patch kit, but if the damage is extensive, you may need to replace the entire cover.
The cost of maintaining and repairing your pool cover will depend on the type of cover and the extent of the damage. For example, a solar cover can cost between $30 and $100 to repair, while an automatic cover can cost up to $3,000 to repair!
Need Some Maintenance Help?
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Are Pool Covers Worth it?
Pool covers offer many benefits, including reducing evaporation, keeping debris out of the pool, and reducing your chemical usage. They also increase safety and can help extend the life of your pool. Pool covers are a rewarding investment for any pool owner. They can save you money on chemicals and heating and keep your pool clean and safe.
While pool covers have an initial cost, they can save you money in the long run by reducing your operating costs. In addition, many pool covers come with warranties that can save money if something goes wrong. Overall, pool covers are a wise investment for any swimming pool owner.
When you are ready to purchase a pool cover, be sure to shop around to compare prices and find the best deal. You can also check with your local pool store or search for discounts and deals online. By taking the time to shop around, you can get the best pool cover for your needs and budget.
If you would rather do it yourself, we have some great tips to get you on your way to building your own DIY pool cover!
If you need more help, let me know. I’m always happy to help!
