Pool Cover: Low, Medium, or High? How to Choose (2026)

Pool Cover: low, medium, or high? How to choose + 6 models (2026)

Pool Cover is divided into three height zones: low-profile (35–100 cm), medium (100–150 cm), and high walk-in (180–230 cm). The choice does not depend on taste — it depends on three things: whether you want to swim under the cover, whether the pool is to be a meeting area, and how large the property is. A low pool cover protects the water and blends into the garden. A medium cover allows for free swimming. A high cover turns the pool into a garden lounge used from March to November.

Three types of pool covers — the difference in one paragraph

Industry division into low, medium, and high pool covers is not arbitrary. Each of these zones is a different product, different budget, and different usage scenario. A low-profile structure protects the water and blends into the garden. A medium cover allows swimming under a closed roof. A high cover creates a fully functional garden room.

Low

35–100 cm

You don’t stand under it and generally don’t swim. Purpose: water protection, discreet appearance, lower cost.

Medium

100–150 cm

You swim freely, but you can’t comfortably walk around the edges of the pool. The most popular compromise in Poland.

High (walk-in)

180–230 cm

Full freedom of movement. Standing, you go down the steps, set up a lounge chair, drink coffee by the pool in March.

Practical ruleTo swim comfortably under a closed pool cover, you need a minimum of 1.2 m height between the water surface and the inside of the roof. For this reason, customers looking for specific swimming under a cover most often head straight to the medium or high zone.

Low pool cover — for whom and when it makes sense

A low-profile pool cover is a favorite solution for owners of smaller properties, gardens designed with attention to lines, and those for whom water protection is a priority rather than swimming under a roof.

  • The house is close to the pool — just a few steps to the patio doors, you don’t want to obstruct the view
  • The garden is small or maintained in a modern style — a tall structure would dominate the layout
  • The primary goal = protecting the water: less evaporation, fewer leaves and insects, less chemistry to add
  • The starting budget is lower — in this height range, most offers on the market begin
  • You want to extend the swimming season without building an additional room in the garden

In the System Covers offer in the low range, there are two models available: Santorini (premium, minimalist arch) and Bali (transitional — low, but with an interior that in selected configurations allows for swimming).

Low pool cover Santorini

Santorini — low-profile pool cover (40–60 cm). The structure does not obstruct the garden.

Medium pool cover — a compromise for those who want to swim

This is the most popular height range in Poland — and not without reason. Medium pool cover addresses a specific dilemma: you want to swim under a roof, but you do not plan to host guests inside the structure. It’s a compromise between functionality and the shape in the garden.

  • You treat the pool for training or recreational purposes — you want to swim regardless of the weather and the season
  • The plot is of medium size — a high cover would be excessive
  • The climate is variable — in spring and autumn, you want to enter the pool when the outside temperature is 10–15 °C
  • You have children — a key-locked door is a real safety barrier
  • Region with snowfall — the arched structure handles snow loads better than flat structures

In the System Covers offer, the medium range is served by three models: Dominicana (bestseller — arched, 60/80 cm variant), Rodos (classic, snow-resistant) and Maledives (panoramic, economical).

The bestseller in PolandDominicana is the model that indecisive customers most often choose. The arched structure ensures durability against snow loads, and the height allows swimming outside the summer season — from March to November with proper water heating.

High pool enclosure (walk-in) — when it’s worth investing

High pool enclosure, also called walk-in, is a different product category than low or medium. It is not a pool cover — it is an external room, the central element of which is the pool.

High pool enclosure Tenerife walk-in

Tenerife — high walk-in pool enclosure (180–230 cm). Full height movement, space for sun loungers.
  • The plot is large, the garden planned for years, the pool is to be the center of the recreational area
  • The pool is to be a meeting and relaxation zone, not just a place to swim
  • You want to use the pool from March to November regardless of the weather
  • You have children — a locked door is an additional layer of safety over the water
  • The budget allows for a more expensive purchase — high enclosures clearly cost more than low or medium ones

In the System Covers offer, the walk-in range is served by Tenerife — top premium, arched structure, solid polycarbonate panels up to 4 mm thick.

No building permit requiredA high pool cover, regardless of the zone, is not considered a building structure under construction law — a sliding structure does not require a permit or notification.

Comparison side by side — 8 features in three zones

Feature Low Medium High (walk-in)
Height 35–100 cm 100–150 cm 180–230 cm
Swimming under cover Difficult Comfortable Comfortable
Standing and walking inside Impossible Partial Full freedom
Relaxation area (sun loungers, table) None None Yes
Impact on garden view Minimal Moderate Significant
Initial cost Lower Medium Higher
Extension of the swimming season Yes Yes (larger) Yes (largest)
Building permit Not required Not required Not required

6 System Covers models — which one for which height zone

Model Zone Height Features For whom
Santorini Low 40–60 cm Premium, minimal arch Modern gardens, small plots
Bali Low / transitional up to approx. 100 cm Low profile + swimming option Client seeking balance
Dominicana Medium 60 / 80 cm Arched, bestseller in Poland Undecided client — compromise
Rodos Average up to approx. 150 cm Classic, snow-resistant Regions with snowfall
Maledives Average up to approx. 150 cm Panoramic, economical Budget-conscious client wanting to swim
Tenerife High (walk-in) 180–230 cm Top premium, 4 mm polycarbonate Large plot, indoor pool

All six models are made from aluminium 6060, laser-welded profiles (no twisting, no play after years), covered with solid 3 mm polycarbonate with double-sided UV filter. Total price — RAL color package and home delivery are included in the price.

Decision framework — 4 questions before ordering

  1. Are you planning to swim under a closed cover? If yes — low is out. You go for average or high.
  2. How large is the plot and how close is the pool to the house? Small plot + house close = low. Large + pool far = high.
  3. Will the pool be a family gathering area? Evenings with guests, morning coffee by the pool = walk-in. Just the pool = average is enough.
  4. What is the budget? A high pool cover for dimensions 6×3 m costs significantly more than low or average. If the budget is tight — Dominicana or Maledives in the average range offer the best price-to-functionality ratio.
Most common mistakeThe client chooses Tenerife (walk-in) for a 3×6 m pool on a 600 m² plot. After two years, it turns out that the structure of the cover dominates the entire garden. On the other hand: the client chooses Santorini (low) with plans to swim in March — and realizes that under 40 cm height, it is physically impossible to do so. The area is chosen according to the usage scenario, not to catalog aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which pool cover to choose — low, medium, or high? +

Choose low if your goal is to protect the water and maintain an open view of the garden. Medium — if you want to swim under the cover for most of the year. High (walk-in) — if the pool is to be part of a garden meeting area where you also eat and drink coffee.

Does a pool cover require a building permit in Poland? +

No. A sliding structure is not considered a building object under construction law — it does not require a permit or notification. This applies to all three height zones: low, medium, and high.

Can you swim under a low pool cover? +

In models below 60 cm in height — generally no, the water surface is too close to the ceiling. In transitional structures like Bali (up to about 100 cm), swimming is possible, but in a semi-reclined position. Comfortable swimming under a cover starts from the medium zone (from about 120 cm height inside).

What are System Covers pool covers made of? +

Structure: aluminum 6060, profiles 40×50 mm as standard and 80×50 mm in the reinforced version, laser welded. Powder coating in any RAL color. Covering: solid polycarbonate 3 mm (4 mm optional) with a double-sided UV filter. EPDM seals resistant to chlorinated water and UV radiation.

How long does it take to install a pool cover? +

About 6 hours with two people. Most of our customers install it themselves according to the instructions — it does not require specialized tools. Upon request, we can organize an installation team.

What is the order fulfillment time? +

Off-season (October–February) fulfillment usually takes 1–4 weeks. During peak season (April–July), it takes 4–8 weeks. The price includes transport to the specified address in Poland — with no additional delivery charges.

What is the warranty on the cover? +

2 years on the entire structure and covering. After the warranty period, all original parts (seals, wheels, guides, handles) are available immediately in the System Covers post-warranty shop.

Not sure which zone to choose for your pool?

The quote takes up to 24 hours, is free, and includes model selection, RAL color, and transport to your home — with no hidden costs. Our specialists will help match the height zone to the dimensions of your plot and the pool usage scenario.

Order a free quote →