Can I Add an Automatic Pool Cover to My Existing Pool? A Retrofit Guide
The single most common myth in the South African pool cover market: 'automatic covers only work on new pool builds'. Wrong. After 4,500+ installations including hundreds of retrofits, we can confirm that 90% of existing pools are candidates for an automatic cover — sometimes with surprisingly little disruption.
Willem de Wet · Managing Director
NSPI Accredited Member · SABS SANS 10134:2016 Certified
Yes, You Almost Certainly Can
If your pool is rectangular, oval, Roman-end, or even moderately free-form, and you have at least 600mm of clear deck space at one end, you can have an automatic cover. The exceptions are extremely tight pool surrounds, vanishing-edge pools without a deck on the opposite side, and a handful of unusual shapes.
Rather than tell yourself 'no', book a free on-site assessment. We'll tell you definitively in 30 minutes.
Four Retrofit Options
Option 1 — Top Track System
Aluminium tracks mount on top of the existing pool coping. The cover runs in these tracks. Roller mechanism sits in an above-ground bench.
- Best for: 70% of retrofit situations.
- Disruption: minimal — typically 1–2 days installation.
- Cost: baseline pricing.
- Aesthetic: tracks are visible but discreet (typically 25–35mm profile).
Option 2 — Above-Ground Bench Mechanism
The roller and motor live in a poolside bench (typically 600mm tall). Bench can be specified to match deck materials.
- Best for: retrofits where the pool surround can accommodate a permanent bench.
- Disruption: minimal.
- Bonus: bench doubles as poolside seating.
Option 3 — Martini Bench Seat
The cover retracts into a bench seat WITHIN the pool itself.
- Best for: renovations where pool tiling is being redone anyway.
- Disruption: significant — requires draining the pool and tile work.
- Cost: 15–25% premium plus pool reconstruction costs.
Option 4 — Manual to Automatic Upgrade Path
If you currently have a Designer Pool Covers manual safety cover, the manual mechanism can be replaced with a hydraulic motor and power pack.
- Best for: existing Designer Pool Covers customers.
- Disruption: 1 day swap-out.
- Cost: savings of 40–50% vs starting fresh with automatic.
- Eligibility: only Designer Pool Covers manual systems are pre-engineered for this upgrade.
Feasibility Self-Check
Tick these boxes to confirm retrofit candidacy:
Pool is rectangular, oval, Roman-end, or moderately free-form
At least 600mm of unobstructed deck space at one end
Pool length under 15m
Pool depth allows for ledge support (most do)
Electrical infrastructure can be added (or already exists)
Property has access for installation team and equipment
If all six are yes, you're a candidate for at least one of the four retrofit options.
Before-and-After Process
- Day 1: our team arrives, prepares the pool surround, installs tracks and mechanism.
- Day 2: cover assembly, motor installation, electrical commissioning, first deployment, training.
- Pool downtime: typically 1–2 days. The pool can be in use immediately after our team leaves.
Structural Assessment — What We Look For
- Coping condition: we need a solid edge to mount tracks. Crumbling or loose coping must be repaired first.
- Deck level: the deck must be level along both long sides (within 5mm typically).
- Pool ledge depth: 100mm+ ledge required for slat support on PoolDeck systems.
- Electrical access: distance from the existing electrical board to the proposed mechanism location.
- Drainage: for vinyl systems, deck drainage to handle accumulated rain on the cover surface.
Cost Premium vs New-Build Installation
Retrofit installations typically cost 5–15% more than equivalent new-build installations, due to pre-fabrication adjustments, sometimes-needed coping or deck repair, and electrical infrastructure additions. However, this is FAR less than rebuilding the pool. Retrofits are almost always the right financial choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does retrofit installation take?
1–2 days for top-track and above-ground bench. 3–5 days for Martini Bench Seat. Same day for manual-to-automatic motor swap.
Will retrofit damage my pool?
No — properly installed top-track and above-ground bench systems require no pool modification.
Can you retrofit on a free-form pool?
Often yes — depends on the shape. Free assessment will give a definitive answer.
What about old pools (20+ years)?
Yes, provided coping is sound. Older pools sometimes need coping refurbishment first.
Can I retrofit on a fibreglass pool?
Yes — typically using top-track systems.
Book a Free Retrofit Assessment
Stop wondering whether your existing pool can have an automatic cover. Our free on-site assessment will tell you definitively, with options and pricing.