The Hidden Costs of Not Installing an Automatic Pool Cover

“What is this going to cost right now?” We all do the fast math of checking a price tag and cross-referencing our bank accounts, whether it’s a grocery store run, a new pair of boots, or even scrolling through housing listings. 

Of course, how much something costs today is only a fraction of the big picture when it comes to an investment. The obvious hidden costs can seep into everything — even that pair of boots that seemed like a deal but need to be replaced every season. 

Beyond the price tag

When shopping in the automatic pool cover space, remember it’s not as simple as looking at the price tag — you have to consider the hidden costs of not installing an auto cover. 

It’s a concept Pool Patrol owner Allan Horwood has been mulling over recently.

“It’s about the net cost,” Allan explains. “When you add a pool cover to your pool build, you’re also removing so many little things that you may not have realised.”

Automatic pool covers eliminate the need for many common pool additions, such as a winter cover to close the pool, a solar cover to regulate pool temperature, liner tracking to hold the liners in place, and more. 

Automatic pool cover specialists like Pool Patrol install reusable aluminum pool coping, eliminating the need to purchase additional coping forms. 

“We have a reusable aluminum coping form, which does a tremendously nice job. It's fast, clean, reusable, and when you strip that form, you're left with a beautiful concrete edge,” Allan explains. 

“You can’t use those particular forms without an automatic pool cover. You’ll have to use a styrofoam form that doesn't produce nearly as nice a result, and it will be thrown away eventually.”

Your auto cover will also include a pool liner, eliminating the need for a line receiver channel. 

Another huge bonus to opting for an auto cover is avoiding the need to drill unsightly holes into your deck. These holes are used to anchor trampoline-style covers in place and can be a real eyesore. 

 “Who wants to drill holes into a brand new deck? It’s never beautiful,” Allan explains.

When you go for an automatic pool cover, you’ll notice that other needs are reduced. All of these bits and pieces add up, altering the net cost of the automatic pool cover. Remember, when shopping around the pool cover space — it’s not as simple as looking at the price tag.

Immediate cost reductions

In brief, when you invest in automatic pool cover, some of the costs you won’t have to incur include:

• A winter cover

• A solar cover

• Mesh cover

• Wasteful styrofoam coping forms

• Additional deck holes to secure various covers

• Line receiver channel

Long term savings 

Those are just some of the quick wins when it comes to cost and automatic pool covers. In the long term, your investment will just keep giving and giving. After the initial investment, a quality automatic pool cover will continue to save you money over time through lower utility bills, chemical use, and maintenance time. 

The long-term savings of a pool cover are multifaceted, spanning from tangible dollar amounts to the less easily tracked savings in your time — the most valuable currency of all. 

Maintenance: A pool cover dramatically reduces maintenance, including cleaning time, by keeping dirt, leaves, and debris from ever entering the water. An auto cover is a must if you have trees in your backyard, especially near the pool. You’ll save hours and hours of cleaning time that you can spend actually enjoying your pool. 

Energy efficiency: Operating costs are immediately lowered thanks to the energy efficiency of a pool cover. That’s because when the pool is covered, you’ll lose less heat and have less water evaporation, reducing utility bills. An auto cover saves roughly 70% of heating costs for your pool!

Reduced chemical use: With less water loss and a more hygienic pool, you’ll also use fewer chemicals to maintain water chemistry. Reduced chemical use means less spending on pool chemicals and time saved in maintenance. 

Four-season protection: Automatic pool covers can double as winter covers with proper preparation. 

Safety

“You really can’t put a price on peace of mind,” says Allan. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. 

Pool Patrol was started out of a desire to create a world where families don’t have to worry about their loved one’s safety by the pool. 

Where the stress of concern for pool accidents, cleaning, cost, and maintenance in your backyard is replaced with an anxiety-free oasis to gather safely and have a good time.

Safety is the number one defining feature of automatic pool covers. When a properly maintained and installed auto cover is closed, it’s strong enough to support a bear or a golf cart! Closing the cover is as simple as pushing a button or flipping a switch. So, it can definitely protect your family from terrifying accidents. 

Get all the benefits

When installing a new pool, opting for an automatic pool cover is the best choice for your family’s safety, your wallet, and your time. Here’s a quick round-up of all the benefits of an automatic pool cover with Pool Patrol:

• Unparalleled safety

• Cleaner pool

• Reduced chemical use

• Reduced energy use

• Local BC pool cover company

• Keeps your backyard looking great

• More attractive for short and long-term property rentals

• Long-term cost savings and quality of life

• 70% reduced heating costs

Take the plunge

When shopping around the pool cover space, remember it’s not as simple as looking at the price tag. Take your time to consider the full picture of what an investment like an automatic pool cover can save you in the long term. When you’re ready to take the plunge, contact Pool Patrol to get started. 

Pool Patrol has kept families in British Columbia safe with quality automatic pool covers since 1995. If you’re curious about a pool cover installation in your backyard, contact Pool Patrol today.