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

In 2026, the national average cost for a pool cover is $1,825, based on 230 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $865 and $2,836, with the spread driven by cover type, pool size, and shape. For example, a basic solar pool cover costs $30 to $150, while an automatic pool cover that opens and retracts with the push of a button averages around $15,000.

Pool Cover Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

While cover type is the primary cost driver for a new pool cover, overall pricing is also shaped by your pool’s size, shape, and structure (inground vs. above-ground).

Cover Type

The type of pool cover is the most significant cost factor, with prices ranging from $75 to $250 for a basic winter cover up to $20,000 or more for an automatic pool cover. Here’s a breakdown of average costs by pool cover type:

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 custom shapes, whereas many companies 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

Pool cover costs average $4 per square foot, making pool size a direct driver of your total budget. Larger pools require more cover material, take longer to install, and need more anchor points—all of which increase labor costs if you hire a local pool company to handle the job. Costs also vary considerably based on the type of pool cover you choose, so the figures below reflect averages across common pool sizes:

Pool Type

In-ground pool covers cost between $75 to $10,000, while above-ground pool covers typically range from $35 to $1,000, making pool type a meaningful factor in your budget. In-ground covers cost more because they require extra equipment for proper installation, such as ground anchors set into your deck, patio, lawn, or pool coping. The right cover type, size, and features will determine where your project falls within these ranges.

Installation Costs

Professional pool cover installation labor ranges from $400 to $1,500 for manual covers and $2,000 to $10,000 for automatic covers, depending on your pool's size, shape, and features. Simple covers like standard solar covers are easy to install yourself since they don't require permanent systems. Covers with moving parts or permanent anchors—such as automatic or safety covers—typically require a pro to install the track system correctly.

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 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 labor to recess them beneath 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 increase costs due to the additional labor required to pull up the patio and replace it afterward.

• 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

Pool cover repair costs range from $10 to $20 for a basic DIY patch kit up to $1,000 or more for major professional repairs on a high-end cover. Basic winter or solar covers can often be patched at home since they don't serve as safety covers, but manual and automatic covers have moving parts and electrical components that require a pro. Professional repair labor from a local pool cover repair company runs $50 to $100 per hour, with minor repairs starting around $100—so contact a pro for a quote based on your specific cover and issue.

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 $4,600 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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