A swimming pool is a great addition to any home, but it comes with responsibilities. Safety, maintenance, and efficiency are the biggest concerns for pool owners. That’s why at Hinkle Outdoor, we install automatic pool covers on nearly all of the fiberglass pools we install in Kansas City, about 98% to be exact. These covers provide superior convenience, reduce maintenance, and most importantly, give you peace of mind knowing your pool is safe and protected when not in use.
If you’re considering an automatic pool cover, here’s everything you need to know about why it’s a smart investment.
What is an Automatic Pool Cover?
An automatic pool cover is a motorized safety cover that retracts and extends with the turn of a key. Made from durable vinyl, it provides a strong barrier over your pool, keeping out debris, preventing evaporation, and—most importantly—protecting kids, pets, and unwanted visitors.
Unlike manual covers, which need to be rolled on and off, an automatic cover can be opened or closed in seconds, making it one of the most practical additions to any pool.
Key Benefits of Automatic Pool Covers
1. Unmatched Safety
Safety is the number one reason pool owners opt for an automatic cover. When closed and locked, these covers create a strong, secure barrier that keeps out pets, young children, and even uninvited guests. If you’re out of town, you don’t have to worry about someone jumping the fence and using your pool without permission.
2. Prevents Evaporation and Saves Water
Evaporation is a major issue, especially in hot weather. When water evaporates, you’re not just losing water—you’re also losing pool chemicals. An automatic cover prevents evaporation, helping your pool maintain proper chemical balance and reducing how often you need to add water.
3. Retains Heat and Reduces Energy Costs
If you use a pool heater, an automatic cover will significantly reduce heat loss when the pool isn’t in use. This means lower energy bills and a pool that stays warmer for longer without running your heater as often.
4. Reduces Maintenance and Chemical Use
Keeping your pool covered means less debris getting into the water, which in turn means less cleaning and fewer chemicals needed. A clean pool is a low-maintenance pool, and that’s what every pool owner wants.
5. Fast and Easy to Use
Manual covers require time and effort to put on and take off. With an automatic cover, you just turn a key and the pool is covered in seconds.
How Much Does an Automatic Pool Cover Cost?
Automatic pool covers are an investment. Here’s a breakdown of costs:
- Automatic pool covers typically cost between $15,000 and $20,000.
- Mesh covers range from $5,000 to $7,000.
- Coverstar, our preferred brand, states that the difference in cost is recovered within the first two years due to savings on maintenance, heat retention, and chemical use.
While the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings make it well worth it.
How Automatic Pool Covers Work
Using an automatic pool cover is as simple as turning a key. Here’s how it operates:
- Insert the key into the designated switch (it must be in sight of the pool, as required by municipal regulations in Kansas City and many other areas).
- Turn the key while visually monitoring the pool to ensure it’s safe to close.
- Lock the cover to prevent unauthorized access.
This simple operation ensures that your pool remains safe and protected when not in use.
Alternatives to Automatic Pool Covers
If an automatic pool cover isn’t the right fit for you, here are some alternatives:
- Mesh Safety Covers: These are typically used for off-season coverage and are manually installed and removed twice a year (when opening and closing the pool). They provide safety but require more effort to use.
- Solar Covers: These help retain heat but don’t offer the same level of safety or protection from evaporation and debris.
- Manual Vinyl Covers: These require physical effort to place over the pool but are more affordable.
In Summary
Automatic pool covers are a game-changer. They provide top-tier safety, reduce maintenance, save energy, and prevent water loss. While the initial investment is higher than traditional covers, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile purchase.
At Hinkle Outdoor Living, we specialize in installing high-quality Coverstar automatic pool covers to ensure your pool remains safe, clean, and efficient.
Ready to upgrade your pool with an automatic cover? Contact us today to discuss your options!
