When you're planning a fiberglass pool project, one of the biggest decisions (after choosing the shape and size) is whether to include an automatic pool cover. It's a major line item in your budget, and naturally, a lot of homeowners ask us:
"Is an automatic pool cover really worth it?"
Short answer? Yes, absolutely.
Long answer? Keep reading, because we're going to walk you through exactly how automatic pool covers save you time, money, and stress, especially here in Minnesota and across the Northern Midwest.
Safety First: Protecting Kids, Pets, and Peace of Mind
Let’s start with the top reason most families choose an automatic pool cover: safety.
If you have kids, pets, or a lot of foot traffic around your pool, an auto cover acts like a security blanket. With the touch of a button, you can open or close the cover in seconds. When properly installed and maintained, the cover is capable of supporting thousands of pounds which can help prevent accidental slips into the pool.
Note: an automatic cover is not designed for regular walking and should only be stepped on in emergency situations.
It’s one of the biggest peace-of-mind upgrades you can invest in. We’ve seen it make a huge difference for homeowners here in Minneapolis who want to enjoy their pool with less worry of accidents.
In many areas, including parts of the Midwest, auto covers can even meet local safety code requirements as a replacement for fencing. This is especially helpful if your yard layout makes fencing tricky. Though we always recommend letting your local builder help guide you in this and checking local codes before making that decision.
Cleaner Pools with Less Work
One of the most unexpected perks of an auto cover? How much it can help keep your pool clean.
When the pool is covered, leaves, bugs, and debris have a harder time getting in. That translates into far less skimming, vacuuming, and babysitting your filter system.
A lot of our pool owners just leaf-blow the top of the cover before opening it. It’s that easy.
And when you have less organic material entering the water, you also cut down on chemical demand.
UV Protection: Save Chlorine, Save Money
Here’s a bonus benefit most folks don’t realize: auto covers protect your pool water from harmful UV rays.
Sunlight, especially midday sun, breaks down chlorine quickly. When your pool is covered, your chlorine lasts longer, and your water chemistry stays more stable.
That means:
- Fewer chemical adjustments
- Less money spent on chlorine
- Less time worrying about water balance
Protecting your water from UV also extends the life of your pool's finish, tile, and interior gelcoat. Win-win-win.
Just a heads-up: to keep your cover in top condition, open it at least once a week and maintain proper water chemistry. This simple routine prevents buildup underneath the cover and protects your investment.
Energy Efficiency and Extended Swim Season
If you’re installing a fiberglass pool in the northern Midwest, chances are you’re also planning to use a heater. And that’s where an auto cover really shines.
A closed auto cover traps heat inside your pool like a lid on a pot. That means:
- Your water stays warmer overnight
- Your heater runs less often
- You save significantly on energy costs
But the best part? You can extend your swim season by several weeks, or even months, on both ends of summer.
A vast majority of pools installed up here in Minnesota and Wisconsin get a heater and an auto cover. That combo lets families start swimming earlier in spring and keep going well into the fall.
Sleek Look, Zero Clutter
Forget visible tracks and large spools on top of the deck. Today’s auto covers are:
- Built into a recessed track
- Hidden beneath the patio
- Out of sight when not in use
They maintain the clean aesthetic of your backyard, no trip hazards, no storage mess, and no eyesores. Just crisp lines and a polished look.
Even the control box plays its part. Compact and easy to use, tucked off to the side where it's handy when you need it and barely noticeable when you don’t. It blends in seamlessly, just like the cover itself.
It’s one of those upgrades that just elevates the whole backyard.
Ideal for Midwest Winters and Seasonal Closures
In cold-climate areas, pools are usually closed down for the colder months. When prepping for winter, an automatic cover plays an important role in winter pool care and cover maintenance by:
- Keeping the pool clean longer into fall
- Reducing debris before winterizing
- Adding an extra layer of winter protection
However, when it’s time to fully close your pool for the season, we don’t recommend using your automatic cover all winter long. In regions that experience heavy snow and ice, the weight load can be too much, risking damage to the cover, its tracks, and even the pool shell itself.
That’s where winter safety covers come in. These heavy-duty covers are designed specifically for off-season protection. Made of reinforced mesh or solid material, they anchor securely around the pool and can handle snow load without strain.
Bottom line? Use your auto cover to stretch the swim season and keep things tidy into the fall, but make the switch to a winter safety cover when it’s time to hibernate your pool. And when spring comes, your pool is in better shape for faster, easier opening.
Yes, It’s an Investment, But It Pays Off
We won’t sugarcoat it, at anywhere from $12,000 -$22,000, automatic covers are a significant upfront cost. But when you consider the long-term benefits that many homeowners report, such as safety, energy savings, chemical savings, and reduced maintenance, it truly is an investment.
You’re protecting your pool, your time, and your peace of mind.
Still on the Fence About an Auto Cover?
Whether you’re just starting your research or already mapping out your dream backyard, an automatic pool cover is one upgrade that pays off when safety matters and seasonal changes can be unpredictable.
Across the country, more and more fiberglass pool owners are choosing auto covers to cut down on maintenance, reduce energy costs, and protect their investment.
If you’re exploring options and wondering if an auto cover makes sense for your pool, we’re here to help. No pressure, just expert guidance to help you make the best decision for your home and family.
Meet the Author: Drew Boster, River Pools® Red Wing
Hi, I’m Drew Boster, Lead Installer and Marketing Manager at River Pools Red Wing. I’ve been working with fiberglass pools for the past four years, helping homeowners build outdoor spaces that are as durable as they are enjoyable.
I wrote this article because one of the most common questions we get is about automatic pool covers, and whether they’re really worth the cost. In my experience, the answer is a clear yes. They’re a bigger investment up front, but they save homeowners time, money, and stress in the long run. Honestly, we’ve never had a single customer regret getting one.
If you're building a pool in a seasonal climate, I highly recommend considering an auto cover. It’s a decision that pays off every time.
Takeaway: An automatic pool cover is a smart, long-term investment that makes pool ownership safer, easier, and less stressful.
Read more about Drew and his company here.
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
Automatic pool covers are one of the most valuable upgrades you can add to a fiberglass pool, offering safety, efficiency, and long-term protection for your investment. At River Pools, we design many of our pools with cover integration in mind. Our products are available through independent installers across the country who can help you explore whether an automatic cover is the right fit for a fiberglass pool in your backyard.
Let’s connect you with an expert in your area to guide you through the next steps.
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