A kidney-shaped pool cover typically costs $800-$6,000, with many custom safety-cover installations landing near $2,600. Price depends most on cover type, pool dimensions, anchoring and deck condition; the curved outline usually requires custom measuring rather than a standard rectangular cover.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom winter cover | $300 | $750 | $1,500 | Cover only; anchoring may cost extra |
| Mesh safety cover installed | $1,500 | $2,600 | $4,500 | Custom fit with anchors and installation |
| Solid safety cover installed | $2,000 | $3,400 | $6,000 | Custom fit; pump or drainage options affect price |
What a custom kidney-shaped pool cover usually costs
A fitted mesh safety cover for a typical 16-by-32-foot kidney-shaped pool often totals $1,800-$3,800 installed. A solid safety cover for similar dimensions commonly costs $2,500-$4,800. Larger pools, premium materials and difficult deck work can push the quote higher.
Basic winter covers cost less, often $300-$1,500 for the cover, but may not provide the same safety protection or fit as a professionally anchored safety cover. Custom cover pricing is generally quoted by pool dimensions and shape, not by a simple square-foot rate. As a rough comparison, custom safety-cover materials may run $4-$10 per pool square foot before installation.
For a typical kidney-shaped pool, budget about $2,000-$4,000 for an installed safety cover. Assumptions: 450-600 square feet of water surface, standard materials, sound concrete deck and average U.S. labor rates.
How cover material, anchors and labor appear on a quote
Quotes can bundle materials and labor, so buyers should check whether measuring, anchors, delivery and removal are included. The ranges below are common components, not guaranteed add-ons; contractors may price a complete package instead.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh or solid cover | $900-$3,500 | Size, fabric grade and shape complexity |
| Brass or stainless anchors | $150-$500 | Anchor count and deck material |
| Measuring and installation labor | $300-$900 | Access, drilling and crew time |
| Removal and disposal | $75-$300 | Old cover condition and haul-away distance |
| Drainage pump or cover accessories | $75-$400 | Solid-cover drainage needs and included equipment |
Installation labor may represent 4-8 hours for a straightforward replacement, with labor rates commonly around $60-$120 per hour depending on the market and contractor.
A line-item quote makes it easier to compare the cover itself with installation and deck work.
Pool dimensions and deck material can shift the price
Kidney-shaped pools have inward curves and uneven widths, which require accurate templates and careful anchor placement. A 12-by-24-foot pool may need fewer materials than a 20-by-40-foot pool, but neither dimensions nor surface area alone capture the cost of the curved perimeter.
For many custom safety covers, quotes increase noticeably above roughly 600 square feet of pool surface or when the perimeter requires extra straps and anchors. Concrete decks are typically simpler to drill than pavers, wood or narrow coping. Loose pavers, cracked concrete or limited anchor spacing can add $200-$1,000 for repairs or alternate hardware.
Confirm the measured waterline and deck layout before approving a custom order. A measurement error can cause fit problems, and custom covers may not be returnable once manufactured.
Mesh versus solid covers for a curved pool
Mesh safety covers generally cost less and allow rainwater to drain through, reducing the need to pump standing water. They can let fine debris and some sunlight reach the pool, so opening-season cleaning may be greater. Solid safety covers block more sunlight and debris, but may require a pump or drainage system to prevent water buildup.
For the same kidney-shaped pool, a solid option may cost about $400-$1,200 more than a comparable mesh cover, depending on fabric and drainage design. A basic winter tarp can be the lowest-cost choice, but it is not equivalent to a safety cover unless the product is specifically rated and installed for that purpose.
Compare safety ratings and installation details, not just the cover fabric price.
Installation hours and deck repairs add to the total
A replacement cover with usable, correctly spaced anchors may take a two-person crew about 3-5 hours. A first-time installation often takes 5-8 hours because the crew must lay out the pattern, drill anchor holes and test the fit. Paver decks, uneven coping and restricted access can extend the visit or require specialized anchors.
Ask whether the estimate includes drilling, anchor sleeves, tension adjustment and a return visit if the fit needs correction. If anchors must be moved or deck material repaired, obtain a separate price before work begins.
Existing anchors in good condition can reduce labor, but should be checked for spacing and security.
Regional labor rates create different installed prices
Custom cover prices vary by contractor availability, shipping and regional labor. In lower-cost rural markets, a standard installation may be 5%-15% below the national midpoint. Large metro areas in the Northeast, West Coast and parts of the Sun Belt can run 10%-25% higher, especially during busy pool-closing periods.
These are broad planning differences rather than fixed regional tariffs. A local quote may differ based on travel distance, deck type, seasonal demand and whether the cover is made by a nearby supplier. Delivery for a custom order is often included, but remote service calls may add $50-$200.
Compare at least two local, measured quotes with the same cover type and installation scope.
When removal, repairs or upgrades change the budget
Replacing only worn straps or a few anchors may cost $150-$600 when the cover fabric remains sound and compatible parts are available. A full custom replacement is more likely when the cover has torn panels, stretched webbing or a poor fit. Older anchor systems can also require replacement, adding several hundred dollars.
Optional upgrades such as stronger fabric, additional reinforcement or a pump can improve durability or drainage, but they should address a specific site need. Check the warranty term, exclusions and whether labor is covered; a longer fabric warranty does not necessarily cover installation or deck damage.
Request a repair price alongside replacement pricing when damage is limited to hardware or straps.
Lower the kidney-pool cover price without risking fit
Schedule measuring before the autumn rush when possible, and provide clear deck access so installers do not spend time moving furniture or equipment. Keep the existing anchors only if the contractor confirms they match the new cover layout and remain secure. Avoid paying for accessories that are not required by the cover design or local safety rules.
Ask each bidder to quote the same dimensions, fabric type, anchor count, removal terms and warranty. A lower cover-only price may exclude installation or drainage equipment, while a bundled quote may include them. For an older pool, compare the cost of a basic winter cover with a properly installed safety cover based on the needed protection, not price alone.
The most reliable savings come from matching cover type to actual use and avoiding unnecessary deck changes.