Automatic Inground Pool Covers: Safety, Savings & Simplicity

July 10, 2025 Written by: Nick Luisi

A Smarter, Safer Way to Protect Your Pool Year-Round

Owning an inground pool is one of life’s great luxuries, but it also comes with responsibilities. From safety to cleanliness to energy consumption, maintaining your pool requires regular attention. That’s where automatic pool covers come in.

At Sunset Pools & Spas, we build pools that last and work smarter. Adding an automatic pool cover is one of the best upgrades you can make. In this post, we’ll explore the many benefits of automatic covers and why they’re a smart investment for any pool owner.

1. Enhanced Safety

Protects Children and Pets

One of the most important reasons to invest in an automatic pool cover is safety. Accidental drownings are a serious concern for families, especially those with small children or pets.

Automatic covers create a solid barrier over the water when the pool is not in use, preventing unintentional access. Many models are strong enough to support the weight of a child or pet, giving you extra peace of mind.

Easy to Use

Unlike manual covers, which can be bulky and hard to manage, automatic covers open and close with the push of a button. This makes it easier to keep your pool safely covered whenever it’s not in use.

2. Lower Maintenance

Keeps Debris Out

Leaves, twigs, insects, and other debris can quickly dirty your pool. An automatic cover helps keep your water clean and clear, reducing the time and effort you spend skimming and vacuuming.

Reduces Algae Growth

Because the cover blocks out sunlight, it also reduces algae growth, which thrives in warm, sunny environments. Less algae means fewer chemicals and less frequent cleanings.

Protects Pool Equipment

By keeping your pool cleaner, automatic covers help protect your filtration and circulation systems from overwork and clogging.

3. Improved Energy Efficiency

Retains Heat

Whether you use a solar heater or traditional pool heater, an automatic cover helps trap heat in the water, keeping your pool warmer for longer. This is especially useful in cooler climates like Chicago’s.

Chicago Inground Pool Automatic Pool Cover

Cuts Down on Evaporation

Automatic covers reduce water evaporation by up to 90%, which means you’ll spend less on water and chemicals.

Saves on Heating and Chemical Costs

By minimizing heat loss and water evaporation, automatic covers lower your heating and chemical bills. The result? A more energy-efficient and budget-friendly pool.

4. Longer Swimming Season

Thanks to better heat retention, you can extend your swimming season by several weeks. Enjoy your pool earlier in the spring and later into the fall—without running up energy costs.

5. Cleaner Look and More Convenience

Sleek Design

Modern automatic covers are designed to blend seamlessly into your pool’s structure. They’re discreet and often available in colors that match your deck or pool trim.

Easy Operation

With the simple turn of a key or press of a button, you can open or close your pool in seconds. This added convenience encourages more consistent use, which means your pool stays cleaner and safer all season long.

6. Protection in the Off-Season

When summer ends, an automatic pool cover can help protect your investment during the colder months. It keeps out debris, animals, and snow while preventing unnecessary wear on your pool liner and components.

Is an Automatic Cover Right for You?

Automatic covers are an ideal addition for any homeowner with an inground pool—especially those with children, pets, or a desire for a low-maintenance, energy-efficient solution. While they do represent an upfront investment, the savings in time, chemicals, and energy costs add up quickly.

At Sunset Pools & Spas, we specialize in building custom inground pools that combine beauty, function, and peace of mind. We can incorporate an automatic cover into your pool design or add one to your existing pool.

Protect and Simplify Your Pool with Sunset Pools & Spas

Automatic pool covers do more than just look good—they provide safety, savings, and simplicity. Let us help you make pool ownership even more enjoyable.

Contact Sunset Pools & Spas today for a free consultation or quote. Our expert team will help you explore the best options for your custom pool and cover solution.