“How much does an inground pool cover cost?” sounds like a simple question, but once you start digging, the answers are all over the place.
That’s because “pool cover” can mean anything from a basic winter cover to a fully integrated automatic system, and the price difference between those options is pretty big.
Pool covers also do more than just sit on your pool. They help keep debris out, reduce maintenance, retain heat, and add an extra layer of safety for children and pets.
The prices you’ll see in this guide are general ranges, not exact quotes. Your actual cost will depend on factors like your pool’s size and shape, materials, and installation details.
If you’re trying to make sense of the numbers, this breakdown will walk you through the typical costs of inground pool covers so you know what to expect.
Pool Cover Prices
| Pool Cover Type | Pool Cover Cost |
| Sliding Deck | $30,000 - $100,000 |
| Automatic | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Solid Security | $1,500 - $4,500 |
| Mesh Security | $1,500 and $3,000+ |
| Solar | $300 - $1,500+ |
| Winter | $75 - $250 |
How much does a rolling deck pool cover cost?
A rolling deck pool cover (also known as a sliding deck pool cover) is one of the most expensive and luxurious inground pool cover options available. Many homeowners today are seeing quotes start close to $40,000 and climb well beyond $100,000 for larger or more complex designs.
Because these covers are built to support the weight of people and outdoor furniture, they require strong structural engineering, which is a big reason for the higher cost. In return, they offer a durable, customizable solution that can also create additional usable space in your backyard when the pool is covered.
Many rolling deck pool covers (though not all) are motorized, allowing them to function similarly to automatic covers while also helping keep debris out and adding a layer of safety around the pool.
Note: Some covers may look like a rolling deck pool cover but aren’t actually designed to be walked on. These are typically more affordable, but they don’t offer the same structural support and are often custom-built for appearance rather than functionality.
Benefits of a Rolling Deck Pool Cover
Rolling deck pool covers are on the pricey side, but they come with a few cool benefits, including:
- Durable
- Customizable
- Convenient
- More usable space
- Keeps unwanted debris and guests out of the pool
How much does an automatic pool cover cost?
The average automatic pool cover might cost between $15,000 and $30,000 or more with the installation. While it might be a hefty investment, automatic pool covers have a couple of key benefits including:
- Effective at keeping out dirt and debris
- Convenient to use during the swim season and the offseason
- Provides an added layer of safety for children and pets
- More durable than other options
Automatic pool cover maintenance can also come with higher repair costs. For example, if a tree branch damages the cover fabric and it needs to be replaced, you’re typically looking at a minimum of around $2,500 today. More commonly, most homeowners can expect replacement costs to fall between $3,500 and $6,500, depending on the size of the cover and material.
Read more: Automatic Pool Covers Pros and Cons
Note: Pool cover pumps generally cost between $250 and $450 on average, depending on the brand and features.
How much does a safety pool cover cost?
Safety pool covers (security covers) usually cost between $1,500 and $4,500 on average, but the ultimate price of your safety pool cover will depend on the type of material and size. Safety covers aren't as easy to remove and replace as automatic pool covers or motorized rolling pool decks, but they are effective in keeping children and pets out of the water.
Overall, there are two main types of safety pool covers:
- Mesh security pool covers
- Solid security pool covers
Mesh Security Cover Cost
Mesh security covers generally start around $1,500, with most homeowners paying between $1,500 and $3,000+ for an inground pool. Larger pools, custom shapes, or premium materials can push costs higher.
Here's a quick recap of the benefits of mesh security covers:
- Keeps out leaves and debris
- Good at supporting a lot of weight including snow
- No cover pump required
- Can last 10-15 years
Solid Security Cover Cost
Solid security covers generally start around $1,500, with most homeowners paying between $2,000 and $4,500+ for an inground pool. Higher-end models (especially those with reinforced materials or custom fits) can cost even more.
Solid security covers differ from mesh covers and offer a few important benefits, including:
- Keeps leaves and debris out and does not allow water to pass through
- Keeps water clearer than a mesh security cover
- Effective at keeping unwanted guests out of the pool
- Can last around 6-10 years
Read more: Solid Vinyl vs. Mesh Inground Winter Pool Covers: Which is Better?
How much does a solar pool cover cost?
Solar pool covers for inground pools typically cost between $300 and $700+ for the cover itself, depending on thickness, size, and quality.
If you add a reel system, most homeowners can expect:
- Reel: $300 to $800+
- Total (cover + reel): $700 to $1,500+
Above-ground round and oval solar pool covers are more affordable, usually ranging from $50 to $200+, depending on size and thickness. Keep in mind that the price of a solar pool cover can vary based on thickness, shape, material quality, and manufacturer.
With the cover, reel, and any installation costs combined, many homeowners end up spending around $900 to $1,500+ for a complete setup.
Note: Many solar covers come with a warranty of around 3 to 7 years.
How much does a winter pool cover cost?
Winter pool covers are among the least expensive inground pool covers and cost around $75 to $250 on average. That price can easily increase to more than $300 for thicker, more durable covers with longer-lasting warranties.
Essentially, a winter pool cover is a fancy tarp, but it will do the job of keeping out unwanted debris and deterring wandering guests from entering your pool.
Read more: Attention Fiberglass Pool Owners: Keep Your Solid Winter Cover Drained!
How long do pool covers last?
The cost of swimming pool covers can add up over time with regular upkeep and replacements. If you're concerned about the long-term costs of owning an inground pool cover, here's what you can expect.
| Pool Cover Type | Pool Cover Lifespan |
| Sliding Deck | 15 years or more |
| Automatic | 3 years* |
| Solid Security | 6 to 10 years |
| Mesh Security | 10 to 15 years |
| Solar | 2 to 5 years |
| Winter | 1 to 3 years |
*After about three years, you may need to start replacing the vinyl and possibly other parts.
When can I install my pool cover?
You can install your pool cover any time during or after the construction of your pool and throughout the year. This is especially true for winter covers, safety covers, and solar covers, which are typically added after the pool is already in place.
However, if you’re planning to install an automatic pool cover with hidden tracks, timing matters. These systems are built into the structure of the pool, so you'll want to make sure that it's installed when your pool is being built.
With multiple sizes and features to choose from, pricing can vary. Want a clearer idea of what your pool might cost? Try our Design and Price tool below.
Final Thought: What should I expect to pay for a pool cover?
As you’ve seen, inground pool cover costs can vary quite a bit, from under $100 for a basic winter cover to well over $100,000 for a high-end sliding deck system.
The key takeaway is that pool cover pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. The total cost depends heavily on the type of cover, your pool’s size and shape, and whether you’re prioritizing simplicity or convenience.
By understanding these price ranges upfront, you can set realistic expectations and avoid surprises as you plan your pool and overall backyard budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an inground pool cover cost?
Most inground pool covers cost between $300 and $30,000+, depending on the type.
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Solar covers: $300–$1,500+
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Safety covers: $1,500–$4,500+
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Automatic covers: $15,000–$30,000+
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Sliding deck covers: $30,000–$100,000+
What is the cheapest pool cover for an inground pool?
They help keep debris out during the offseason but don’t offer the same convenience or safety features as higher-end covers.
What’s the difference between mesh and solid safety covers?
Both types of safety covers help protect your pool, but they function differently. Mesh covers allow water to drain through and require less maintenance and usually cost between $1,500–$3,000+. Solid covers block water and sunlight, helping keep the pool cleaner but often require a pump. They range from about $2,000–$4,500+.
How long do inground pool covers last?
Lifespan depends on the type of cover and proper maintenance and climate can impact how long your cover lasts.
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Automatic covers: ~5–10 years (fabric may need replacement sooner)
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Mesh safety covers: 10–15 years
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Solid safety covers: 6–10 years
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Solar covers: 2–5 years
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Winter covers: 1–3 years
About the Author
Pool covers are one of those things most homeowners don’t think much about, until they realize how much they impact safety, maintenance, and even monthly costs.
I’m Jason Hughes, a partner at River Pools Virginia and a fiberglass pool installer with over 25 years of hands-on experience. I’ve had countless conversations with homeowners who were surprised by the wide range of pool cover options and pricing, especially when trying to balance convenience, durability, and budget.
I wrote this article to lay everything out as clearly as possible, from the most basic winter covers to high-end automatic systems, so you can see what each option really costs and what you’re getting for it. My goal is to help you avoid surprises and feel confident choosing a pool cover that fits both your backyard and the way your family plans to use it.
From the Manufacturer
At River Pools, we’ve worked with homeowners across the country who are trying to understand what it really costs to own and maintain a backyard pool, and pool covers are a big part of that conversation. Pricing can vary widely depending on the type of cover, and it’s not always easy to compare options at a glance.
Through our experience with independently owned and operated installers, we’ve seen how different cover choices can impact both upfront costs and long-term ownership. Our goal with this guide is to give you a clear, honest breakdown of those costs so you can make a confident decision for your backyard.
When you’re ready, the next step is connecting with a trusted independent installer in your area to explore your options.
Ready to start the conversation?
