Automatic Pool Cover vs. Winter Safety Cover: Do You Need Both?
In a climate with snow, you generally need both. Latham says that if you have an automatic pool cover, you will also need a winter pool cover when you close the pool for the season, because automatic covers are not made to support the weight of heavy snow. In areas that do not have four seasons, Latham says an automatic cover can be used year-round. The Mid-Atlantic has four seasons, so plan on a winter safety cover.
By the Calm Water Pools Team | Last verified: September 28, 2026
What each cover is for
| Automatic safety cover | Winter safety cover | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A motorized cover that rolls across the pool on tracks when you turn a switch | A mesh or solid cover tensioned with springs and straps to anchors in the deck |
| Best at | Daily and in-season protection, and convenience | Closing the pool for the off-season and supporting snow and weight |
| Operation | Key switch or button | Installed once in fall, removed in spring |
| Snow load | Not made for heavy snow accumulation, per Latham | Designed to support that weight |
| Installation | Professional installation, with a licensed electrician for the wiring, per Latham | Anchors and tension set by you or a pool professional you hire |
| Code status | Powered covers meeting ASTM F1346 can be treated as a barrier in some jurisdictions, but not everywhere | Not listed as a barrier substitute in the codes we reviewed |
Latham describes its automatic cover as a motor that turns on when the switch is activated, rolling the cover across the pool along two tracks. Track choices include under-track, standard top-track and recessed top-track systems. Latham also says an automatic cover requires professional installation so that it works properly and conforms to local building codes, and that a licensed electrician should run the wires (Latham, automatic safety covers).
Why you still need a winter cover
Latham’s guidance is that heavy snow can damage an automatic cover’s mechanics, while a winter cover can support snow weight and protect both the pool and the automatic cover (Latham, Which Cover is Right For Your Pool?). Your automatic cover’s owner’s guide may set its own winter rules, so read it before you decide. The winter cover goes on when you close the pool, and the automatic cover goes back to work in spring.
Ready to compare winter cover types? See our mesh vs. solid guide and the quick picker.
Neither one is a fence
An automatic cover that meets ASTM F1346 may count as a barrier in some jurisdictions, but the rules vary and are changing. Maryland, for example, now requires pools with a powered cover to meet the barrier sections as well. Read can a pool safety cover replace a fence before you rely on a cover for your barrier.
About Coverstar automatic covers
Coverstar is Latham’s automatic cover brand. Our automatic safety covers page describes the line. Calm Water Pools sells the winter cover you order through us; installation is not included.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a winter cover if I have an automatic cover?
In a snowy climate, yes. Latham says you will also need a winter pool cover when you close the pool, because automatic covers are not made to support the weight of heavy snow accumulation.
Can I use my automatic cover all winter?
Latham says an automatic cover can be used year-round in areas that do not have four seasons. In the Mid-Atlantic, follow your automatic cover’s owner’s guide and plan for a winter cover.
Does an automatic cover replace a pool fence?
Not everywhere. Some codes exempt a pool with a powered cover that meets ASTM F1346 from the barrier rules, but Maryland’s state rule now requires the barrier as well. Ask your county building office.
Who installs an automatic cover?
Latham says an automatic cover requires professional installation, with a licensed electrician to run the wires and make the connections to the breaker box.
Does Calm Water Pools install winter covers?
No. We sell the cover and installation is not included. The cover ships with an anchor template and hardware, and you or a pool professional you hire sets the anchors and tensions it.
Sources: Latham, Which Cover is Right For Your Pool? (May 2025); Latham, automatic safety covers. Follow the owner’s guide for your specific cover.