Swimming pool with terrace and automatic cover

Investment

How much does a pool cover cost?

No list prices, but a reliable order of magnitude: all the factors that determine the price — and what you get back over the asset’s useful life.

Guide·6 minutes’ reading time·ROLLO SOLAR editorial team

Let’s get the honest answer out of the way first: there is no list price. An automatic pool cover is a bespoke product — it’s built specifically for your pool, not taken off the shelf. What we can provide, however, is a reliable ballpark figure and a full list of the factors that determine the price.

Prices start at around €10,000. This figure refers to a fully automatic slatted cover, including a roller unit and drive system.

To keep things practical, we will assume a standard pool measuring 4 × 8 metres — the most common size for private use.

ab 10.000 €Entry level, fully automatic slatted cover
4 × 8 mStandard pool used for calculation
1,45 mmWall thickness — around 81 per cent more material than the standard 0.80 mm found on the market
4–6 weeksDelivery times for standard systems

What determines the price

1

Pool size and shape

The surface area determines the amount of material required. A 4 × 8 m pool is within the standard range. More important than the size itself is the shape: rectangular pools are the most cost-effective. Roman steps, kidney shapes, rounded corners or free-form designs require custom cutting and special construction.

2

Material of the slats

Polycarbonate (Design Cover PC) is of a higher quality than PVC: it retains its shape up to around 120 °C, has a very smooth surface, is easy to clean with water and is available in various metallic finishes and with solar slats. PVC (Design Cover PVC) is robust and opaque, but significantly more sensitive to temperature — it retains its shape only up to around 60 °C. The Mini Cover is also made of PVC and forms the entry-level range. A comparison of all three profiles.

3

Colour

We stock over ten standard colours. You can also order a RAL custom colour — this involves a dedicated production batch, which does, however, affect the price and delivery time.

Overview of the Design Cover PC standard colours
A selection of our standard colours for Design Cover PC.
4

Recessed or deck mounted — the largest single item

This decision has the greatest impact on the price.

deck mounted

The system is located at the edge of the pool. It can be retrofitted to almost any existing pool without the need for structural alterations. The more cost-effective option.

recessed

The system is concealed within a pit, for example a floor pit. When in operation, the technical components are completely out of sight. Visually, this is clearly the better solution — but it does require a pit, which must be included in the plans for a new build or constructed at a later date.

5

cladding

If the roller unit is clad — in wood, stainless steel or plastic — an additional position is added. In the case of deck mounted installations, it also acts as sun protection for the rolled-up cover.

6

Drive and control

Tubular motor or push-fit actuator, radio control, key switch, integration into the building services system. All actuators operate on 24-volt direct current — in wet areas, this offers a significant safety advantage over mains voltage.

How will my investment in a pool cover pay off?

A cover is not simply an expense. It brings with it savings over its entire useful life:

Heating energyThis is the biggest factor, because it slows down evaporation.
WaterIf it doesn’t evaporate, there’s no need to top it up.
ChemistryLess evaporation and less UV exposure mean less algae growth — and therefore less use of chemicals.
Cleaning effortIf something doesn’t end up in the pool, there’s no need to filter it out.

The exact amount you could save depends on the size of your pool, its location, your desired temperature and how often you use it. Our savings potential calculator will give you a rough idea of the figures involved.

Experience shows that the investment pays for itself much more quickly in commercially operated swimming pools, as the larger water surfaces there require more heating energy to maintain the temperature.

What should be included in the price

Don’t just compare quotes based on the final total. Ask about:

  • Wall thickness of the profiles. Ours are up to 1.45 mm — around 81 per cent more material than the standard 0.80 mm found on the market. That’s the difference you don’t see in the quote, but which you’ll notice after a few years.
  • Warranty period. With us: 5 years on Design Cover PC, 3 years on Design Cover PVC, 2 years on Mini Cover — Details.
  • Tested in accordance with standards. DIN EN 17645 environmental performance class A, hail classification HK 2–3 and many more.
  • Spare parts supply. Can individual slats be replaced, or does the entire cover need to be replaced? With our product, individual slats can be replaced using clips.
  • Who carries out the installation, and who will come out if you need assistance? Our multilingual service team is here to support you with servicing and maintenance.

Delivery time

For standard systems, around 4–6 weeks. Custom colours and sizes take longer. We will specify the confirmed delivery date in the quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a price list available to download?

No. As every pool is made to measure, a list would be misleading. You will receive a specific quote for your pool.

Is a large cover proportionally more expensive?

Not necessarily. Some of the costs — the drive system, control system and structural design — are incurred regardless of the surface area. Larger systems therefore tend to work out cheaper per square metre. There is no fixed upper limit: the largest cover we have built measures 22 × 50 metres.

Can I retrofit it later?

Yes. A deck mounted roller unit can be fitted to almost any existing pool. Only the recessed version requires a pit.

Next step

An offer for your pool

Dimensions, shape, installation situation — these factors are used to arrive at a specific figure. The configurator guides you through the details in just a few steps.