Auto Covers vs Manual Winter Covers: Cost Comparison, Pros and Cons of Pool Covers

Inground swimming pools are a massive investment. Taking care of the pool so you get the longest and best return on your investment is easier with some sort of cover on the pool. There are two primary types of pool covers: automatic pool covers and manual winter covers. Both serve the purpose of protecting your pool, but they differ in price, convenience, durability, function, and efficiency. 

For those of us in the Midwest, the winter season brings about a great sadness: it’s time to close the pool. Of course, you need some sort of cover to protect your pool and pool water from the winter elements. You’ve read all about winter safety covers and recognize their function, but you also really love the convenience of auto covers. Tough decision, I know. 

At Royal Pools G2 Landscaping, we install vinyl liner and fiberglass pools, which can be outfitted with either an auto cover or a solid winter cover. There are a few things to take into consideration when choosing your type of cover, such as maintenance, efficiency, cost, etc. This article will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.

Cost Comparison of Pool Covers

When weighing the pros and cons of any product or product, cost plays a huge role. If you’ve ever seen an automatic pool cover in use or perhaps operated one yourself, you can probably (correctly) assume that they are on the higher-priced side as far as pool covers go. Solid winter covers, while not as versatile and convenient to use as auto covers, are significantly cheaper. 

On average, including installation, auto covers cost about $13,500, (they can range anywhere between $12,000 to $22,000) whereas winter covers typically fall between $2,500 and $5,000. Both auto cover material and winter covers need to be replaced every 6-9 years.

Auto Cover Pros

1. Convenience:
   • With the push of a button, an automatic cover opens or closes, making it easy to use.
   • Reduces the time and effort required compared to manual covers.
2. Enhanced Safety:
   • Many automatic covers are strong enough to support weight, providing added protection against accidental falls, especially for children and pets.
   • This safety feature allows the auto cover to replace the need for a fence around the pool if local regulations require a fence or some sort of safety cover. 
3. Energy and Cost Efficiency:
   • Reduces heat loss, which can lower energy costs for heated pools.
   • Minimizes water evaporation, reducing the need for frequent refills.
   • Keeps out debris, reducing the need for pool chemicals and maintenance.
4. Durability:
   • Typically made from high-quality materials designed to last for years with proper care.
   • Can be used year-round, offering protection in all seasons.

Auto Cover Cons

1. High Initial Cost:
   • Installation costs range from $12,000 to $22,000, depending on the pool size and system type.
2. Maintenance and Repairs:
   • Mechanical and electrical components require upkeep and can be expensive to repair if they malfunction.
   • Material Cleaning – You should deep clean and condition your auto cover at least once a year with a UVA/UVB protectant.
   • Rope/Cable Adjustments – Auto covers operate off a motor, ropes or cables, and a pulley system.  As the ropes stretch from the weight on the cover, you will need to have them adjusted so the cover material continues to come out flush with the shallow end of the pool. Similarly, the cables can bunch up and become too tight over time, requiring an adjustment.
   • Material Replacement – Every 6-9 years the cover material itself will have to be replaced, similar to a pool liner, being that they are both made out of vinyl. As the material ages,  it begins to become brittle and dry rot. Over time, the material will fray, rip, and holes will appear, resulting in a replacement.
3. Not Ideal for Harsh Winters:
   • Auto covers are not technically winter covers, although they can function as winter covers, as long as you remove snow and water from atop the cover throughout the winter season using a cover pump.
   • Heavy snowfall or ice can damage the cover, requiring additional precautions. It is recommended to utilize a winter cover over the top of your auto cover in the winter for maximum protection of both the pool and the auto cover. 

Winter Cover Pros

1. Affordability:
   • Cheaper upfront than automatic covers, with prices ranging from $2,500 and $5,000.
2. Effective for Winter Protection:
   • Designed to handle snow, ice, and harsh winter elements, making them ideal for the snowy season.

Winter Cover Cons

1. Time-Consuming to Install and Remove:
   • Requires effort to properly secure and remove, often needing multiple people. Typic
2. Less Convenient:
   • Unlike automatic covers, manual winter covers cannot be easily opened and closed for daily use. This can limit your swim time during the pool season if you keep your pool closed regularly. 
3. Limited Lifespan:
   • Can wear out faster than automatic covers, especially if not maintained properly.
4. Do Not Double As Safety Covers:
   • Winter covers are designed primarily for temperature control and keeping debris out of the pool during the winter. They do not provide the added safety precautions that you would find with typical solid or mesh safety covers. 
5. Pool Remains Exposed During Swim Season
   • Unless you purchase an additional safety cover for the swim season, having just a winter cover will leave your pool exposed to the elements during the swim season. Rainwater and debris will be able to easily enter the pool, which can change water chemistry and damage equipment if the pool is not routinely cleaned and chemically balanced. 

Conclusion on Pool Covers

There you have it, folks! Now that you know a little bit about the differences between these two covers, it’s time to make your decision. If convenience, safety, and energy efficiency are your top priorities and budget is not a major concern, an automatic pool cover may be the best option. However, if you’re looking for an affordable way to protect your pool during winter and don’t mind the extra effort, a manual winter cover is a practical choice. We cannot decide for you, we can only educate you on your options. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs, budget, and climate conditions. For more educational articles and videos on all things pools and landscaping, check out our learning hub above or get started with a few articles and videos below. Happy hunting!

Automatic Pool Covers: How Do They Handle the Winter?

How Much Does An Automatic Pool Cover Cost?

Uncovering the Nine Hidden Costs of Purchasing an Inground Swimming Pool