They’ve Got You Covered

As pool covers have evolved to accentuate a pool’s style, conserve energy and keep swimmers safe, they have also become more sophisticated, and some might say, more complicated to install. That’s why many pool pros are turning to companies that specialize in pool cover installation.

“This is what they do day in and day out, so you’re going to get a perfect installation every time,” says David Burton, owner of Burton Pools & Spas. “They’re an extension of our company, which enhances our brand name and service.” 

The Arkansas-based pool builder began using Cover Care for its cover installation and service needs nearly four years ago and bills it as “one of the best decisions” the company made.

From an employee perspective

Pool builders and servicers are often stretched to perform duties outside their wheelhouse. From digging and plumbing to tiling and decking, there’s a lot they may be expected to tackle. Crossing cover installation off the list not only saves time but also precious labor expenses. 

“Most companies are not going to have enough employees to dedicate two or three people to do the cover system,” says Aaron Redford, director for Mizu Pool Covers based in Utah. He notes that it may be a relatively small part of the overall project, but it still requires someone specifically trained in cover installation or cross-training your existing crew — who are likely already learning several other specialized tasks.

Jacob Bloss, director of operations for Cover Care, says having over 40 locations nationwide allows them to handle a job no matter the circumstances, ensuring prompt project completion every time. 

“If a builder has one person who does their cover installs and that employee gets injured, or they get sick, or they get married and they’re out, then they’re in a bit of trouble as a company,” Bloss explains. “But if our person in that market gets hurt or sick or married, then we’ll bring somebody in from a different market to cover the project.” 

Cutting costs 

In addition to reducing labor and training costs, partnering for cover service may not only save money but also make money. 

Of course, there’s the markup that Redford notes can net builders anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000 per cover system. 

“We don’t tell them what to charge the homeowners, but it’s a product that they can make a lot of money on,” he points out. 

But it also decreases the margin for error in making sure the proper components and pieces are ordered for a project, Burton says. 

“If you have a $150,000 pool and you’ve got a problem early in the installation [with a misordered or delayed automatic cover], it could cost you thousands of dollars,” he says. “That first step in getting it ordered properly and getting it there when you need it is a big deal. It cuts out the mistakes, worries and concerns right up front.” 

And since the quality of each installation is handled by trained technicians, Bloss says there’s no need to worry about repeatedly returning to a job to address problems, thus losing money in service. 

“The builder can rest easy knowing the cover is installed properly and it’s going to work like it’s supposed to for that homeowner,” he says. 

The customer service aspect 

Perhaps no portion of the partnership is quite so valuable as the customer service, Redford says, as Mizu handles everything from yearly maintenance to warranty issues. He estimates some branches handle 50 to 75 cover service jobs a day in peak season — which is likely impractical for a builder or servicer. 

“As you build more pools in an area, and there’s more covers in the area, there’s a larger demand for service,” he says. “That’s something a lot of builders don’t want to hassle with or just don’t have the bandwidth for.” 

When it comes to warranty claims, Bloss says, dedicated cover companies can simply get the job done quicker for the homeowner. 

“We stand by any warranty-related issues, and that builder just makes a phone call and then we take care of the rest,” he says. “They don’t have to figure out how to get somebody out there to fix it or repair it.”

After 48 seasons in the industry, Burton insists outsourcing cover installations is the best approach.

“I have complete confidence that these guys are going to get the job done, and if there’s something that a customer has any issue with, they’re going to take care of it,” Burton says. “There’s a lot of value in peace of mind, not only for the customer but for us.”

Need a Cover Installer? Here’s Who to Call.

Looking to outsource your pool cover installs? These companies specialize in automatic and safety cover installation and service — helping pool pros across the U.S. save time, reduce errors and deliver reliable results.

Nationwide

Cover Care

• 40+ locations nationwide
• Installation, maintenance, warranty service
covercare.com

CoverSafe Automatic Pool Covers

• 20+ locations nationwide
• Specializes in new installations and maintenance
coversafe.com

West

Mizu Pool Covers

• Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
• Automatic and manual cover installation, maintenance, cleanings 
getmizu.com

South

Pool Cover Solutions of the Southeast

• South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Florida
• Full-service installations and repairs
poolcoversolutions.com

Don’t see someone in your area?

Many cover manufacturers partner with or recommend certified installers. Check with your cover brand or distributor for trusted regional options.