The base system of track, mechanism, fabric, and lid is what makes an auto cover work. The add-ons are what make it fit your pool. Some automatic pool cover upgrades are about looks. Others protect the system from salt, water features, or sheer weight. A few have to be decided before the pool is built, so it pays to know them early.
Here are the five worth knowing about, and who each one is for.
Automatic Pool Cover Upgrades at a Glance
| Upgrade | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden Leading Edge Bar | Tucks the bar under the lid when the cover is open | Under track pools with walk-on stone lids |
| Water Feature Shut-Off Controller | Turns off water features when the cover closes | Spillover spas and other water features |
| Extruded Roll-Up Tube | Corrosion-resistant anodized tube | Salt chlorine generator pools |
| Brick Trays | Lets brick or pavers be mortared onto the lid | Brick and paver decks |
| Hydraulic Power | Hydraulic pump and motor drive | Large, heavy covers |
The Five Automatic Pool Cover Upgrades Explained
1. Hidden Leading Edge Bar
The Hidden Leading Edge Bar hides the cover’s leading edge when the cover is open. It uses extended brackets and wider lid material so the walk-on stone lid reaches past the leading edge bar in its retracted position. With the cover open, you see coping and water, not a metal bar across the end of the pool.
This one has to be designed in. The setup requires a notched, lowered end wall so the leading edge bar fits under the lid. Skimmers and interior spa walls must also be lowered for extra clearance. It pairs with walk-on stone lids, which we cover in our guide to under track automatic pool covers.
2. Water Feature Shut-Off Controller
Water features can pump pool water onto the top of a closed cover, which can damage the cover system. A shut-off controller uses a limit switch so that never happens.
The Low Voltage Rotary Limit is the component that controls the relays to your water feature pumps and valves. When the cover closes, the features turn off. It’s recommended for raised spas that spill into the pool. See our post on automatic pool covers with spas for layouts where it matters most.
3. Extruded Roll-Up Tube
The roll-up tube is the drum the cover winds onto. It’s in constant contact with the cover and with water from the pool. The extruded anodized roll-up tube offers the best corrosion resistance and is the one recommended for salt chlorine generator pools.
It’s available in two sizes, 6 inch and 4 1/2 inch. If your pool runs on a salt system, this is the upgrade to ask about first.
4. Brick Trays
Walk-on stone lids use a bracket system to support coping or deck material over the cover box. That works well for stone slabs, but brick and pavers are small pieces that need a base.
Brick trays provide a surface that a mason can mortar bricks or pavers to. That allows brick and paver decking to be used with the walk-on lid bracket system, so the lid matches the rest of the deck and the cover box nearly disappears.
5. Hydraulic Power
Large, heavy covers or other design considerations may require a hydraulic pump and motor to drive the mechanism. Most residential pools won’t need it. When a cover is unusually big, it’s the option that gives the system the power to move it reliably.
For standard-size pools, compare the electric mechanisms in our automatic pool cover mechanism guide.
Other Options to Ask About
- Leading edge style. Covers come with a loop leading edge or a rope leading edge. Your installer can explain which suits your track and lid.
- Touch screen control. A passcode touch screen can run one cover from several locations and send safety alerts by text or email over home Wi-Fi.
- Fabric color. Ten standard colors let you match the cover to your coping and deck.
Which Upgrades Have to Be Decided Early?
Timing is the most important thing to know about upgrades.
- Before construction: the Hidden Leading Edge Bar (lowered end wall, skimmers, and spa walls) and brick trays (deck design).
- During design: hydraulic power and the shut-off controller wiring.
- When the cover is ordered: the roll-up tube, fabric color, and control type.
If you’re building new in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, bring this list to your first design meeting. Upgrades that touch the pool structure are far easier to build in than to add later. On an existing system, some parts can be addressed during pool cover repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hidden leading edge bar?
It’s an upgrade that uses extended brackets and wider lid material so the walk-on stone lid covers the leading edge bar when the cover is open. It requires a notched, lowered end wall.
What roll-up tube is best for a salt water pool?
The extruded anodized roll-up tube. It offers the best corrosion resistance and is recommended for salt chlorine generator pools.
Why do I need a water feature shut-off for my pool cover?
Water features can pump water onto a closed cover and damage the system. A shut-off controller turns them off when the cover closes.
Can a walk-on pool cover lid be made of brick?
Yes, with brick trays. They give a mason a surface to mortar bricks or pavers to for use with the walk-on lid bracket system.
When does an automatic pool cover need hydraulic power?
Large, heavy covers or other special design considerations may require a hydraulic pump and motor to drive the mechanism.
