The average pool cover costs $1,780, but prices can range from an average of $829 to $2,731, depending on factors like type, size, and shape.
Whether your pine tree is constantly dropping needles or you want to winterize your pool for the season, a cover is a smart investment.
However, several factors affect the cost of a new pool cover. The type of cover you choose is the biggest cost factor, but your pool's type, size, and shape will also affect costs.
There are many different types of pool covers to choose from, ranging from basic solar covers and winter covers to glass covers and even automatic pool covers. But how much are pool covers, and what affects the cost?
The type you choose is one of the most significant cost factors. For instance, winter pool covers often only cost $75 to $250, while automatic pool covers can cost upward of $20,000.
| Pool Cover Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Automatic | $7,000 – $25,000 |
| Custom | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Manual | $500 – $5,000 |
| Net | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Safety (mesh) | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Safety (solid) | $1,800 – $3,600 |
| Solar | $30 – $150 |
| Walkable | $600 – $2,280 |
| Winter | $75 – $250 |
If you have a pool in a standard shape, such as an oval, square, or circle, you'll likely pay less for a pool cover than you would if your pool features a unique shape. That's because irregularly shaped pools require pool companies to cut a custom shape, whereas many companies will already have standard covers in stock for rectangular and circular pools. Customized covers will always cost more than standard ones for a given size and cover type.
Generally speaking, large pools cost more to cover than small pools, in part because large pools require more cover material. But they also usually take longer to install and need more anchor points, which drive up labor costs if you hire a local pool company to install it for you. On average, you can expect to spend around $4 per square foot for your pool cover.
Your cover cost will vary considerably based on the type of cover, but the table below includes some average prices for common pool cover sizes.
| Pool Size | Average Cover Cost |
|---|---|
| 6-by-8 ft. | $190 |
| 8-by-12 ft. | $380 |
| 8-by-20 ft. | $640 |
| 10-by-8 ft. | $320 |
| 12-by-20 ft. | $960 |
| 16-by-32 ft. | $2,050 |
| 18-by-36 ft. | $2,590 |
| 20-by-40 ft. | $3,200 |
You can expect to pay slightly more to cover an in-ground pool than an above-ground pool since in-ground covers typically require extra features and equipment for proper installation, like ground anchors set into your deck, patio, lawn, or pool coping.
Above-ground pool covers usually range from $35 to $1,000, while in-ground pool covers cost between $75 and $10,000 in most cases, depending on the type, size, and features.
| Type of Pool | Average Cover Cost |
|---|---|
| Above-ground | $35 – $1,000 |
| In-ground | $75 – $10,000 |
Some pool covers you can easily install yourself, like standard solar covers, which don't typically require the installation of permanent systems. However, pool covers with lots of moving parts or permanent anchors, such as automatic pool covers or safety pool covers, usually require a pro to install track systems.
If you opt for a pool cover that requires professional installation, you should factor labor costs into your budget. Labor for manual pool covers usually ranges from $400 to $1,500, while installing an automatic cover can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 in labor, depending on your pool's size, shape, and features.
Manual and automatic pool covers work using a track system. There are three main types of tracks:
Top systems: Top-track systems are usually the most affordable, but they're highly visible, and since they sit above the surface of your pool, deck, and patio, they can pose a trip hazard.
Recessed systems: Recessed track systems cost significantly more than top-track systems because they require more advanced technology and more labor to recess them under your patio or deck. However, they still cost less than undertrack systems. They're not as visible as top-track systems, but because they're installed into the pool deck, they're easiest to install during the same time you install the patio around your pool. Retroactive installations will push the costs higher because of the added labor required to pull up the patio and replace it after the installation.
Undertrack systems: Undertrack systems usually cost the most, but they're also virtually invisible when not in use, so they won't cramp your pool's style.
If you have a basic pool cover, like a winter or solar cover, you can often repair tears and holes yourself with a patch kit, which shouldn't cost you more than $10 to $20. Since these don’t act as safety covers, a DIY repair is perfectly fine.
However, manual and automatic pool covers have lots of moving parts and electrical components, so you'll likely need to hire a pro to make repairs at some point in the cover's life span.
The cost of pool repairs typically ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. Your total can range from around $100 for minor repairs to $1,000 or more for major repairs on a high-end pool cover. Contact a local pool cover repair company for a quote.
Most homeowners can save money on labor costs by installing simple pool covers that don’t have a track system—such as winter and solar covers—themselves. These covers typically only need to be laid across the pool and tied or weighed down. Some solar covers include a rolling mechanism that makes using the cover easier, but these usually sit above the ground, so you can assemble them yourself with relative ease.
On average, you can save between $50 and $200 by installing these covers yourself. The savings are minimal because most of the cost of simple covers goes toward materials rather than labor.
If you’re installing a pool cover with a track system or a safety cover, we recommend you defer to a local in-ground pool company. Track systems can get extremely complicated to install properly, and any mistakes you make when installing a safety cover yourself could compromise its effectiveness.
Pool covers can quickly get expensive, sometimes reaching up to $4,400 on the high end. Luckily, there are some things you can do to save money on your pool cover costs.
Be realistic about your needs. Some pool covers, like automatic track covers, can cost $20,000 or more, while a standard winter cover of the same size might only be a few hundred dollars. Households with young children and curious pets or homeowners who entertain a lot may require higher-end covers to keep everyone safe. But if you don’t need the added safety and can do without the convenience of a track system, choosing a more basic design is the best way to save.
Avoid custom shapes. Custom pool covers cost more to fabricate to your specifications. If you have a custom-shaped pool, you could save some money by installing a larger, mass-produced rectangular cover over it. You’ll lose some yard space, and it won’t look as high-end, but you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in some cases.
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The lifespan of your pool cover will heavily depend on the type of cover you buy. Low-cost vinyl solar covers that see a lot of UV exposure might only last for one to two years, while safety pool covers usually last seven to 10 years. However, higher-end pool covers that sit on track systems, such as manual and automatic covers, can last for 10 years or more.
You don't technically need a pool cover to have a working pool, but covers can make pool DIY pool maintenance and safety much easier. At minimum, pool covers can stop leaves and other debris from entering the pool, saving time on cleaning and skimming. Depending on the cover, they can also prevent evaporation from your pool, reducing water usage.
If you live with small children and pets, or children frequently come over, then it's always advisable to have a safety pool cover, which can protect little ones from falling into the pool.
The correct way to store your pool cover depends on the type of cover, but most manufacturers and installers can offer advice on the best way to store your particular cover. In general, it's usually best to let the cover fully dry before folding it up and putting it into an airtight storage bag. Then, hang it off the ground in a protected area where rodents and other pests can't easily access it.
