Automatic Pool Cover Costs: Everything You Need to Know [2024 Data]
Normal range: $7,000 - $25,000
Electric pool covers typically cost $15,000, but expect to pay anywhere from $7,000 to $25,000, depending on the pool cover's size, control, tracks, and material.
Swimming is the fun part of having a pool—but maintaining it, not so much. Make your life easier by considering electric pool cover costs, ranging from $7,000 to $25,000, with an average cost of $15,000. Although it requires a considerable up-front investment, an automatic pool cover can be worthwhile for increasing safety and decreasing maintenance needs. Here are some cost factors to consider, like track types, pool size, and more.
- Average
- $15,000
- Low end
- $7,000
- high end
- $25,000
Automatic Pool Cover Cost Factors
Do you have your mind set on an electric pool cover? Depending on your needs, wants, and budget, you’re likely to find the right fit for you by considering these factors.
Track Type
The biggest factor impacting electric pool cover costs is the track type you choose. Not all types are available for existing pools, so if you’re considering building a pool from start to finish, now’s a good time to consider all the options.
On-Deck Tracks
The on-deck tracks are the most affordable type available, costing around $7,000 to $8,000 to install. The tracks sit on top of the deck, and the cover retracts into housing on one side of the pool.
Because the tracks and housing are all above ground and visible, it’s not necessarily an aesthetically pleasing option. However, it’s a good choice for people who already have a pool and want to upgrade their pool cover. You may have the option to customize the bench with natural elements like wood to help it blend into your deck.
Recessed Tracks
Electric pool covers with recessed tracks cost $19,000 to $25,000. These tracks are partially underground and lie flush with the deck. It’s best to install recessed tracks when pouring concrete for a new pool. However, if you can cut into the deck, this might be an option if you have an existing pool.
If the housing is flush with the deck, there’s usually a lid that you flip open and shut to access the housing. The lid can be custom-made with concrete, stone, or wood to blend into the deck.
Undertracks
Undertracks offer a seamless pool cover that’s hidden when not in use. The tracks are located out of sight and embedded in the pool wall, and the housing is underground. This is an excellent choice for a sleek, modern look for your pool.
A disadvantage is that, unlike other track types, you can’t add undertracks to existing pools. You can expect automatic pool covers with undertracks to run you $20,000 to $25,000 or more.
Size
Besides the track type, your pool size has the biggest influence on your pool cover cost. Here are the general costs you can expect depending on your pool size. Undertracks cost at least as much as the higher price point of recessed tracks.
| Pool Size | Top Tracks | Recessed Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 10’ x 20’–16’ x 32’ | $7,000–$7,400 | $19,000–$20,000 |
| 16’ x 36’–18’ x 40’ | $7,500–$7,700 | $21,000–$22,000 |
| 20’ x 40’–20’ x 44’ | $7,800–$8,000 | $22,000–$23,000 |
| 24’ x 44’–24’ x 50’ | $8,100+ | $23,000–$25,000 |
Although most pools are rectangular, you may have an unusually shaped pool. The custom shape will increase the cost because the manufacturer will need to custom-make your pool cover and tracks.
Controls
The basic control type is a key switch that you turn to open and close the cover. If you’d prefer something more secure (and doesn’t require you to keep up with yet another key), consider upgrading to a touchpad for your safety pool cover.
Basic touchpads are $500 to $600 and allow you to program multiple codes for multiple users. Even more advanced options like touch-screen controls sync to a phone app. These connect to Wi-Fi and send phone alerts when the cover is left open unintentionally. These smart controls cost about $900.
Fabric
Most pool cover companies offer the choice of eight to 10 different fabrics without an additional cost. These covers come in neutral colors like brown, black, gray, and blue tones. Many manufacturers offer proprietary fabrics for their pool covers, special blends, coatings, insulation capabilities, and more. Replacement fabric costs between $1,500 and $3,500 but can cost up to $5,000, depending on the size and material.
Labor
The labor for electric pool cover installation costs $2,000 to $10,000 on average. Keep in mind that if you’re building a new pool, you can expect the construction to take an extra one to two days to install the pool cover.
Ongoing Expenses of Electric Pool Cover Installation
If an electric pool cover seems like a great addition to your pool, consider these additional costs before taking the plunge. From maintenance needs, repair costs, and more, here are common expenses you can expect over the years.
| Automatic Pool Cover Ongoing Expenses | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | $150–$200 (1–3 times a year) |
| Replacing fabric | $2,000–$5,000 (every 5–6 years) |
| Labor (for repairs) | $75–$100 per hour (not including parts) |
| Replacement ropes, pulleys, and sliders | $100–$500 (every 3–5 years) |
| Motor replacement | $450 plus labor (every 5–10 years) |
Maintenance
Investing in swimming pool maintenance costs is vital for keeping everything in tip-top shape, and your electric pool cover is no exception. You should schedule a service for your electric cover at least one to three times a year, depending on how much you use it. Expect to spend about $150 to $200 for this service.
During maintenance, a tech will clean the tracks and grease the rope reels and slide chains. They’ll also check the sliders and tracks to ensure they’re in proper alignment.
Additionally, you should plan to replace the pool cover fabric every five to six years, which costs $2,000 to $5,000. Replacing the fabric cover is a must because it will get weaker from UV exposure and the chemicals in the pool water.
Operating Costs
The operating costs of an electric pool cover are negligible. However, it’s worth noting that your electric pool cover can save you money. Using a cover can potentially reduce your pool heating costs by 50% to 70% by keeping in heat. Also, the cover prevents evaporation, reducing the pool water you have to replenish by about 30% to 50%.
Don’t forget the savings on chemicals. When using a pool cover, you reduce the chemicals you need to add to your water. You may see a reduction of up to 70%.
Repair
If your automatic pool cover stops working, you’ll need to hire a pool cover repair pro near you. The labor cost is $75 to $100 per hour, plus the cost of any necessary parts.
You can expect to pay for new ropes, pulleys, and sliders every three to five years; this repair costs $100 to $500. You’ll also likely need a replacement motor around the five- to 10-year mark, which costs $450 plus labor.
Cost to Install an Electric Pool Cover Yourself
Although some projects are definitely DIY-able, this one is not. Installing an electric pool cover is labor-intensive and complex. If you’re looking for a DIY project, you might consider other types of pool covers. If you’re still itching to take on a pool-related project, you can consider building a DIY pool enclosure or redoing the pool deck.
Cost of Common Electric Pool Cover Add-Ons
In addition to investing in an electric pool cover, you may want to take extra measures to protect the cover itself and make it easier to use.
| Automatic Pool Cover Add-Ons | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cover cleaner | $20–$45 per bottle |
| Basic touchpad | $480–$700 |
| Smart touchpad | $900+ |
Cover Cleaner
Spray-on pool cover cleaners can protect the surface of the pool cover and remove any dirt. Pool cover cleaners will prevent oxidation and fading and can extend the life of the pool cover while maintaining its appearance. A bottle of cover cleaner typically costs between $20 and $45.
Touchpad Installation
A touchpad allows you to open and close the automatic pool cover using a code rather than a key. Adding a touchpad to your electric pool cover costs can make using the pool more convenient. A basic touchpad costs between $480 and $700 on average, while a smart touchpad can cost $900 or more.
How You Can Save Money on Electric Pool Covers
One way you can save money on an electric pool cover is by looking for sales in the off-season. Shop around and get at least three estimates to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Another way you can save money is by simply conducting proper maintenance to increase the life span of your cover and the time between major repairs. To prepare for simple pool repair costs, you can purchase a patch for your cover for around $8. You’ll also need to buy glue for around $13 per tube. If you hire a pool service to do other maintenance tasks, you can have peace of mind without doing all the hard work yourself.
Mizuki Hisaka contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although an electric pool cover's up-front and ongoing costs can be high, many benefits make it a great investment. Manually cranking a cover open and shut can become time-consuming and kind of a chore. An automatic cover makes this process a cinch.
And besides saving on heating and chemical costs, these covers offer increased safety and can protect children and guests from falling into the pool. They can also help keep unwanted animals out of the pool. Additionally, the cover keeps debris out of the water, so you can spend less time cleaning.
Yes, you can add an automatic pool cover to an existing pool; however, your options are more limited. The easiest option is an on-deck track, which you can add to any existing pool. You might be able to install a recessed track pool cover, but that'll require breaking ground since the track sits flush with the deck. On the other hand, you can’t install an undertrack system on an existing pool.
You can have an automatic pool cover with a saltwater pool, but it’s important to know that the small levels of salt in your pool can eventually corrode the metal parts of the pool cover. This means you’ll have to keep your unit clean, especially the reels, pulleys, and tracks. As with any other pool cover, test your chlorine levels weekly and keep them on the lower end of the threshold.