I installed an automatic cover on my own 16x36 in-ground pool three years ago and have spent the last year researching replacement options and helping a neighbor install a second system. For this guide I evaluated five major systems on safety certification, motor durability, fabric life, and total install cost.
Automatic covers are the single best investment for residential pool safety and energy savings. They cut chemical use, reduce evaporation, and stop kids and pets from falling in. The catch is the price tag, which crossescurrent pricing for many installs.
Top picks at a glance
| System | Best for | Drive | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverstar Eclipse | Overall pick | Hydraulic | 5 yr fabric, 3 yr motor |
| Latham PoolGuard | Retrofit installs | Electric | 5 yr fabric, 5 yr motor |
| Cover-Pools Save-T | Small residential pools | Electric | 5 yr fabric, 3 yr motor |
| AquaShield 9000 | New construction | Hydraulic | 7 yr fabric, 5 yr motor |
| Pool Boy Cover Pump | Cover pump only | n/a | 3 yr |
Coverstar Eclipse: my overall pick
The Eclipse is the system most builders recommend for a reason. The hydraulic drive is quiet and pulls evenly, which is the failure mode of cheaper electric systems that drag on one side. The fabric is rated for over 4,000 pounds across the pool, which is well past the ASTM safety standard. My neighbor’s install has 18 months on it with zero issues and the fabric still looks new. Installation is dealer-only, which adds cost but ensures the rope and tracks are set correctly.
Latham PoolGuard: best for retrofits
PoolGuard is the system to look at if your pool was not built with cover tracks. The deck-mounted track design works on existing pools without major reconstruction, and the electric drive is reliable for the price. My install had to use this approach and three years in the motor still operates daily without service. The fabric shows minor sun fade at the leading edge but no functional issues.
Cover-Pools Save-T: best for small pools
For pools under 16x32, the Save-T system delivers most of the safety and savings of larger systems at a lower cost. The electric drive is sized appropriately and parts are widely available. I helped install one on a friend’s 14x28 pool and the entire job came in including the track recess.
AquaShield 9000: best for new construction
If you are planning a new pool, the AquaShield 9000 designed-in track system is worth the conversation. The cover housing hides inside a recessed bench, which looks much better than a surface-mounted housing. The 7-year fabric warranty is the longest in the category. This is not a retrofit option, since the tracks have to be cast into the deck.
Pool Boy Cover Pump: best companion pump
Whatever cover you buy, you need a pump to clear standing water before retracting. The Pool Boy automatic cover pump turns on at 1.25 inches of water and clears my cover in about 30 minutes. Three years of weekly use and zero failures. It saves the cover from sagging under pooled rain.
How to choose an automatic pool cover
Start with the ASTM F1346 certification. Anything not certified is a solar cover, not a safety cover, and should not be sold as one. Choose between hydraulic and electric drives based on pool size: under 35 feet long, electric is fine; over that, hydraulic handles the load better. Check the warranty on fabric and motor separately, since fabric is the part that wears out first. Finally, plan for a cover pump in your budget. Standing water shortens fabric life faster than UV does.
Frequently asked questions
Are automatic pool covers safe enough to walk on?+
ASTM F1346-certified covers support over 400 pounds per 5 square feet, which means an adult can walk across them safely. Always check the certification before relying on it.
How long do automatic pool covers last?+
The fabric typically lasts 7 to 10 years and the motor 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance and chemistry balance.