A vinyl pool cover has often been referred to as an in-ground pool cover. In-ground pool covers have been in use for many decades. They provide a wide range of benefits and can be quite easy to remove and replace, depending on the style chosen. The advantages of such pool covers include safety, reduced need for maintenance, protection from leaves and debris, and energy savings. However, the drawbacks to these pool covers are that they can be more expensive than other covers and that they are not feasible in all applications.

In-ground pool covers offer a variety of choices. The in-ground pool cover choices include automatic, semi-automatic, manual, and snap-down pool covers. The automatic in-ground pool cover is operated automatically by a motor, and it runs on two parallel tracks. This variety of pool covers is the easiest to use; however, it is also the most expensive. The semi-automatic vinyl pool cover is also closed via a motor and runs on two parallel tracks; however, the cover has to be opened manually. This type of cover is also quite easy to use, and it costs less than a fully automatic cover. The manual in-ground pool cover does not run on a motor at all. A roller with a crank is used to open and close the cover. The manual in-ground pool cover can be made to run on tracks or snap down around its perimeter. The chief benefit of a snap-down cover is that the pool cover can be the same shape as the pool, even if irregular. Snap-down covers do not run on tracks.

The automatic function seems to be the most desirable feature of a vinyl pool cover. The covers also insulate the pool and help it retain the heat absorbed during the day. The automatic vinyl pool cover comes in an array of colors to harmonize with, or accent, the decor of the exterior and landscape. In comparison with its non-automatic version, the key advantage is that the shape of the cover does not need to be rectangular, thus allowing the cover to be used on a greater variety of pool shapes.

If it is a pool cover that operates with the turn of a key that you want, then vinyl pool covers are the best choice. In terms of cost, vinyl pool covers usually pay for themselves over several years in energy savings.