Down here in the South, a pool isn’t just a luxury, it’s part of the lifestyle. Warm weather, wide porches, family cookouts, and yes… the occasional surprise guest from the pasture. After living with a fiberglass pool and an automatic cover, I’ve realized something: this one upgrade changed everything.
It’s not just about keeping the water clean, it’s about safety, simplicity, and more time enjoying what matters. Whether you’re in Savannah or somewhere else with sun, pollen, and pets, check out the six reasons why this one upgrade has earned a permanent spot on my must-have list.
1. It's the Ultimate Safety Net
As a grandparent, safety is always top of mind, especially when the grandkids are around the pool. There’s a comfort that comes with knowing the water is sealed off and secure when the cover is closed. I don’t have to hover or second-guess every moment they’re in the yard.
With one button, the pool becomes off-limits. It’s not a substitute for supervision, of course, but it adds an added layer of safety that’s hard to put a price on. The automatic cover gives us confidence during everyday moments, backyard barbecues, quick visits, or even just letting the kids run and play, without the constant stress of open water nearby.
It’s reliable, strong, and always there when we need it. That makes it more than just a convenience, it’s one of the best safety features we’ve invested in.
2. It Keeps the Dogs (and Other Curious Critters) High and Dry
Our dog Belle loves the water. If the pool’s open, she’s in, no invitation needed. That used to
mean soggy paw prints, soaked towels, and one very wet dog multiple times a day.
But since adding the automatic cover, the pool stays off-limits unless we say otherwise. Belle might not love the new rule, but I definitely do.
And it’s not just Belle. The cover helps keep out all kinds of unexpected backyard visitors, raccoons, deer, ducks, frogs… you name it. With the cover closed, the water stays protected from curious paws, claws, wings, and anything else that might wander too close for comfort.
3. It's a Pollen Shield for Your Pool
If you live in the South, you know the drill, pollen season doesn’t arrive quietly. It shows up overnight and coats everything in sight with a thick yellow dust.
Before we had an automatic cover, our pool would be covered in it by mid-morning. Now? The pollen lands on the cover, not the water. I just spray it off with a hose, no daily skimming, no extra vacuuming, and less gunk clogging up the filter.
Sure, the pollen’s still in the air (unfortunately for our sinuses), but at least it’s not floating around in the pool.
4. Less Cleaning, More Swimming
Between dogs, kids, wind, and whatever the trees decide to drop that day, keeping a pool clean can feel like a constant task. Before we had an automatic cover, it seemed like every time we glanced outside, something new had made its way into the water; leaves, bugs, pollen, you name it.
Now, with the cover in place, it’s a lot harder for all that debris to find its way in. Leaves tend to land on top instead of swirling into the deep end, and you’re less likely to find bugs and bits of yard waste clogging the skimmer.
It doesn’t eliminate maintenance altogether, of course, but it definitely lightens the load. I spend less time skimming and vacuuming, and more time actually relaxing in the water. And that’s exactly how it should be.
5. It Saves on Energy and Water
Here’s a practical bonus that homeowners love: an automatic cover helps lock in heat and minimize evaporation, which means your pool stays warmer for longer, and your water level and chemical balance stay more stable.
When the cover’s closed, it acts like a lid on a pot, trapping warmth inside. That can speed up heating time, cut down on how often your heater runs, and significantly reduce your energy bills. And because less water evaporates, you’ll need fewer top-offs, use fewer chemicals, and spend less time adjusting your water chemistry.
It’s a win for your wallet and the environment.
With that being said, it works so well that sometimes your pool can actually get too warm, especially during heat waves. If that happens, just open the cover during cooler hours (like early morning or evening) to let some of that heat escape and bring the water back to a more comfortable temp.
A little balance goes a long way.
6. It's Seriously Strong
When we talk about safety features, the strength of an automatic pool cover is one of its most impressive qualities. These covers are engineered to support significant weight when properly installed and maintained, strong enough to hold a person, a pet, or even a small unexpected visitor from the barnyard.
Not that we recommend testing the limits. While they aren't designed to support a full-grown cow, they can handle smaller animals and the kinds of real-world surprises you might actually face. Case in point: a few months ago, Scarlett the cow, still young and small, escaped a pasture break and wandered into our backyard with a couple of her buddies. Thankfully, the pool was covered. We weren’t worried about anyone falling in, because the automatic cover was in place and built to hold up under pressure.
It’s not something you plan for, but when the unexpected happens, whether it’s a toddler, a loose pet, curious wildlife, or yes, the occasional miniature farm animal, it’s reassuring to know your pool cover provides a solid, reliable barrier.
More Than a Pool Cover, It’s Peace of Mind
So yes, I’ll say it again, I genuinely love our automatic pool cover. It’s not just a piece of pool equipment; it’s a safety net, a barrier for curious pets, a pollen blocker, and even tough enough to stand up to a small, wandering cow. It’s one of those rare upgrades that’s practical, reliable, and takes the hassle out of having a backyard pool.
If you’re in the Savannah area, or anywhere with a pool and a few unpredictable variables, I can’t recommend it enough. For us, it’s been one of the smartest investments we’ve made in our home and how we enjoy it.
Thinking About a Pool Cover for Your Home?
Whether you live in the coastal South, the Midwest, or anywhere in between, an automatic pool cover can save you time, energy, and stress, and make your pool a lot more enjoyable to own.
If you’re planning a fiberglass pool or upgrading your current one, reach out to your local River Pools installer. We’re always happy to talk through your options and share what works best in your area.
Meet the Author: Becky Jacobs, Co-Owner, River Pools® Savannah
Hi, I’m Becky Jacobs, Co-Owner of River Pools Savannah. My husband and I started this journey in 2022, not as lifelong pool pros, but as homeowners who genuinely love our own pool and want to help others make smart, confident decisions as they plan theirs.
We know how overwhelming the process can feel. There’s so much to consider when building a pool, and it’s easy to get lost in the details. That’s why I wrote this article, not as a technical breakdown, but as a real-life look at why our automatic pool cover has been such a surprisingly valuable part of our backyard experience.
I was watching my grandkids play near the pool cover, and it hit me: this one upgrade has made a difference in so many small, meaningful ways. It’s not just about convenience, it’s about safety, clean water, dry dogs, fewer headaches, and one less thing to worry about.
Here's the big takeaway: An automatic pool cover checks far more boxes than you'd expect, and once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Read more about Becky and the River Pools Savannah team here
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
When the heat, humidity, pollen, pets, and everything in between show up, an automatic cover helps make that experience smoother, safer, and a whole lot more enjoyable. At River Pools, our products are available through independent installers across the country who want to help you make confident, informed decisions around the backyard pool you've always wanted.
If you're exploring your options, we’d love to help you find the right solution for your space and lifestyle.
Ready to start the conversation?
