Automatic or Manual Pool Covers: Which is Best For Your Pool?
When investing in a swimming pool, whether it’s for recreational or professional use, your choice of cover is directly linked to its heating efficiency, safety, and lifespan. This is because properly fitted swimming pool covers help pools save energy, protect the pool from debris, improve pool lifespan, and add to the aesthetic of the pool.
UK pool owners and distributors can choose between manual and automatic pool covers. Each comes with pros and cons, which might change depending on the type of pool and its dimensions.
This article breaks down the main factors to consider when choosing a swimming pool cover, including which type of cover comes out on top in each case. We provide our expert opinion on each of these points so you can make an informed decision.
How Swimming Pool Covers Work
Automatic covers
As their name suggests, automatic pool covers open and close using motors and a control panel. These controls are often positioned near the pool, but not too close, so the operator can see when it has fully retracted or closed.
Powerful hydraulic motors are used to ensure automatic covers are effective on even the largest commercial pools. Automatic covers can be entirely fabric or moved along on slats for greater control. See how the Aquamatic Safety Cover glides open in less than 30 seconds.
Manual covers
Manual pool covers must be operated by a hand crank that brings the cover back and forth across the pool, depending on the direction it’s turned. Having a manual cover doesn’t mean you have to physically unfurl it yourself. Our above ground manual roller system allows you to move the pool cover with greatly reduced effort. It uses a lightweight aluminium roller tube, connected to an ABS locking device, which is in turn fixed to polished stainless steel legs.
Key Aspects of Automatic Pool Covers
1. Safety & Security
Covers of all kinds must be designed and installed to meet ASTM F1346 safety standards. This outlines the specifications and requirements for any cover for swimming pools, spas, or hot tubs.
Safety is often the number one reason to choose an automatic cover. When closed, they form a strong barrier that prevents accidental entry, which is essential for families with pets and children. Automatic pool covers can be deployed in seconds without the need for intervention. This greatly reduces the risk of accidentally falling around the pool, and it’s more likely to be in place when needed.
2. Convenience & Ease of Use
An automatic pool cover operates with the push of a button or turn of a key. This means no wrestling with heavy material or walking around the pool to fasten straps. Daily use becomes effortless, so the cover actually gets used, keeping water cleaner and reducing chemical loss.
3. Energy & Water Savings
By sealing the pool quickly and completely, automatic covers dramatically reduce heat loss, evaporation, and chemical consumption. In the UK, where maintaining water temperature is a year-round concern, this can significantly cut heating bills. The airtight seal also prevents wind-driven evaporation, which in turn reduces top-up water costs.
4. Durability & Lifespan
While the cover fabric itself is robust, often made from reinforced vinyl, the mechanical parts are more likely to require maintenance. Motors, pulleys, and cables can be impacted by UK weather, especially frost and heavy rain, which can accelerate wear if the system isn’t protected. That being said, modern system components are designed to be highly resistant to environmental conditions, and manufacturers often provide warranties to cover the cost of unexpected breakdowns.
5. Initial Cost
The cost of automatic pool covers is their largest barrier to entry. It’s a premium investment that typically costs several times the price of a manual cover due to precision components and installation requirements.
6. Aesthetics
Many automatic systems integrate into the swimming pool design, with hidden tracks and recessed rollers that don’t disrupt the style of the pool. When the cover is retracted, these elements remain virtually invisible, which leaves your pool looking sleek.
7. Installation Process
An automatic pool cover is a precision system. Tracks must be perfectly aligned, the motor wired and calibrated, and the safety stops tested. For new builds, it’s often integrated during construction. Retrofitting is possible for many pools but may require modification to coping stones, deck rails, or pool surrounds.
8. Speed of Operation
Automatic systems can close or open the pool reliably in under a minute. This is particularly appealing in countries with unpredictable weather, such as the UK, so the pool can be protected.
9. Maintenance Requirements
Automatic covers require regular servicing to keep the motor functioning optimally and the moving parts in top condition. This includes clearing racks of dirt and debris, along with cleaning the cover fabric to prevent degradation.
Key Aspects of Manual Pool Covers
1. Safety & Security
A manual safety cover can still meet safety requirements, but its protection depends on correct positioning and secure anchoring. A cover that isn’t pulled fully tight or isn’t clipped into all anchors leaves gaps that can be dangerous. You’re more reliant on the skill and expertise of your installer when using a manual cover.
2. Convenience & Ease of Use
Manual options require a degree of physical effort—rolling or folding the cover, ensuring even alignment, and securing all fixings. For smaller pools, this might not be a huge burden, but for anything larger, it can feel like a chore.
3. Energy & Water Savings
In theory, a manual thermal cover can match these efficiency levels, but only if used consistently after each swim. In practice, people will take time to relax and dry off after finishing a swim rather than reapplying the cover immediately. Of course, this is less likely to be an issue for smaller pools or hot tubs. If you need a cover for a spa pool, the Thermo Pool Blanket is a manual pool cover option that excels in heat retention.
4. Durability & Lifespan
The lack of motors and electrical components means that manual covers have fewer failure points. As long as they’re kept clean, stored properly, and not left to drag on abrasive surfaces, they can last for years.
5. Initial Cost
The most budget-friendly option. No specialist installation is usually required, and you can also benefit from lower running costs as manual covers don’t contribute to your energy bill.
6. Aesthetics
As these covers need to be retracted and stored manually, you can be left with rollers, straps, or anchor points which are always visible. While solutions can be installed to house these features neatly, it’ll never be as discreet as a built-in automatic system.
7. Installation Process
Manual covers installation is a relatively simple process. The main consideration is often securing the roller or fixing anchor points. Although DIY installation is possible with the right tools and patience, we’d still recommend getting professional help to avoid misalignment or lasting damage.
8. Speed of Operation
Manual systems will take longer to open and close than automatic ones. The exact time will also be influenced by the size of the pool and the person operating it.
9. Maintenance Requirements
Manual covers require lower maintenance due to the lack of mechanisms and electrical components. You’ll still need to inspect the cover for wear to ensure the roller operates smoothly. Manual covers can also still be damaged by improper handling or being dragged across rough surfaces.
Paramount Case Study
We previously installed an Aquamatic Safety Cover in Abu Dhabi to seal a large pool, preventing the entry of dirt and debris. The main features of the Aquamatic cover include:
- Dual hydraulic motors
- PVC reinforced fabric
- Marine-quality nylon chord
- Reinforced hydraulic hoses
- Travel limit system
- Rainwater removal system
- Digital keypad control
- Built-in compensator
- Multiple track style options
What’s more, the drive system came with a 20-year warranty to ensure the owner gets the most value for money from their cover. Our team has the industry knowledge and expertise to find a solution for your pool, regardless of size, shape, or style.
Choose a Reliable Swimming Pool Distributor
You need to protect your pool from day one, which means getting a swimming pool cover that fits your style and size of pool. Although, as we’ve discussed, pool covers are more than just a security feature. The right cover will reduce costs, improve thermal efficiency, and help maintain your pool for years to come.
Choosing between a manual and automatic pool covering isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Fortunately, we partner with leading manufacturers of pool equipment to provide modern options for both types of cover.
The Paramount Pools team has experience supplying products for projects of all sizes, and we’re always able to provide tailored recommendations. Contact us or use our dealer finder to get started.