How Much Does a Pool Cover Cost? [2026 Data]

Pool covers can cost anywhere from $149 to $4,500 or more, depending on the type of cover, as well as the cover's shape and size. For instance, a basic solar pool cover, which will help keep debris out of your pool and warm the water naturally, typically costs $30 to $150, whereas an automatic pool cover that opens and retracts with the push of a button costs an average of $15,000.

Pool Cover Cost Factors

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. 

Cover Type

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 Shape

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.

Pool Size

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 Type

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. 

Installation Costs

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.

Track System

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.

Repairs 

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. 

Why You Should Hire a Pool Cover Pro

Manual and automatic pool covers require precise measurements, anchoring, and alignment to work properly, while larger or custom-shaped pools can take additional planning. The type of cover and the complexity of design or track system will influence the cost, so comparing estimates from pool cover installers near you and ensuring the job is done correctly is essential.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a pool cover installation pro

A pro has the know-how to make a pool cover function reliably and safely:

• Pool cover installers measure and fit the cover accurately so it opens, closes, and seals as intended.

• Installers know how to place anchors, track systems, and hardware securely around the pool’s edge.

• An installation company will account for custom shapes, changes in elevation, or unique pool layouts that affect installation.

• They'll make sure the cover material is tensioned correctly to avoid sagging, wrinkling, or uneven wear.

• Experienced installers can set up manual and automatic systems so the cover's mechanisms run smoothly.

• They troubleshoot alignment issues and make on-the-spot adjustments that are difficult for homeowners to spot.

• Many pool companies offer warranties or service support after installation.

If you want to DIY a pool cover installation

If you’re installing a basic non-mechanized cover, there are some easy tasks you can take on.

• Clear leaves, debris, or poolside furniture so the installer can access the perimeter easily.

• Check that the surrounding deck or patio is ready for anchor placement if you’re using a safety or winter cover.

• Lay out the cover to confirm size, shape, and orientation before the pro arrives.

• Assemble any simple accessories that the cover may come with.

• Once the installation is complete, cleanup and reorganize the pool area.

Ways to Save Money on Pool Cover Costs

Pool covers can quickly get expensive, sometimes reaching up to $4,500 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.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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