How much does a pool safety cover cost in Virginia?

There is no single price, so none is quoted here. What a safety cover costs depends on the type of cover, the shape of your pool, what the deck is made of and who installs it. The way to a real number is two or three itemized written quotes for your pool.

What decides the price

Mesh or solid. Safety covers come in mesh and solid fabrics, and they are tensioned differently. Tara Safety Covers says springs should be compressed about 50 percent on a mesh cover and 60 to 75 percent on a solid one.^[4] The two behave differently on the pool, so ask which one a quote covers and why it was chosen.

Manual or powered. A powered safety cover that meets ASTM F1346 can serve as the barrier for a pool in Roanoke County's rules, and Chesterfield County allows one in place of a fence-style barrier.^[3][1] A powered cover includes motors and controls, so it is a different product from a manual cover, and it needs wiring.

Pool shape and obstacles. A plain rectangle is the simple case. Tara's manual treats free-form pools separately from rectangular ones, and special installations such as a dive stand less than 30 inches from the pool edge, steps and raised walls call for extras like a center harness strap or a step kit.^[4] A raised wall higher than 24 inches has to be approved by the manufacturer before the cover is made.^[4] Every cut-out, extra strap or step kit adds to the order.

Deck and anchors. The cover is held by anchors set into the deck. For a concrete deck, Tara's instructions call for a hammer drill and a three-quarter-inch carbide or diamond-tipped bit, and wood decks use a different anchor fastened with screws.^[4] The number of anchors goes up with the size and complexity of the pool.

Installation. Tara's manual says the initial installation of pool safety covers should only be performed by qualified pool professionals, and that improper installation can result in the warranty being voided.^[4] Plan on paying for the installation, and ask whether it is included in the cover price.

Permits and inspection. If the cover will serve as your barrier, your locality may treat it as part of the pool permit. Chesterfield County lists a barrier permit among the permits for a pool, and says fee information is subject to annual change.^[1] Ask the building department for the current fee rather than relying on an old number.

What a good quote should list

Ask every company to write down the same things, so the quotes can be compared line by line:

• Mesh or solid, and powered or manual.
• The pool size and shape the cover is made for, with the overlap and any cut-outs.
• The number and type of anchors, and whether they go into concrete, wood or pavers.
• Installation, removal at the end of the season and any storage bag included.
• The warranty, and what voids it. Tara's manual says the warranty is voided if the water level is not kept between 15 and 18 inches below the cover.^[4]
• Who pulls any permit, and who pays for it.

The Virginia Board for Contractors advises getting at least three written bids or estimates using identical plans and specifications so you can compare prices and contractors.^[2] It also says to contact the Board to make sure a contractor is properly licensed to perform the work you want.^[2]

Compare more than the number

A cheaper quote that leaves out the anchors, the installation or the cut-outs is not cheaper. A safety cover is also an ongoing job: Tara tells owners to inspect the cover annually and not to use it if it is damaged.^[4] Ask what a repair costs and who does it. Our guide to putting on a pool safety cover shows how much care the cover needs each season.

Stop and call a pro if

• You are about to drill anchors yourself. Tara's manual leaves the initial installation to qualified pool professionals.^[4]
• The cover is meant to replace your fence. Whether a cover counts as the barrier is a question for your locality. Read whether Virginia requires a fence or barrier around a pool.
• The cover is damaged. Tara says not to use a damaged cover.^[4]
• A powered cover needs new wiring. Ask your building department about an electrical permit. Chesterfield County encourages homeowners to have a licensed electrical contractor apply for the electrical permit.^[1]

Getting help in Virginia

For the rest of pool costs, see what opening and closing a pool costs in Virginia and browse more pool and spa answers. You can also look at local pool pros.

When you are ready, describe the job and local pool pros can quote it in writing.