Pool Installation and Safety- Automatic Cover vs. Fence?
We are having a inground pool installed. Everything is going well. However, our contractor highly recommends installing an automatic pool cover. This would reduce cost of heating, cleaning, maintenance, chemicals, need to adjust settings & we are able to walk on it. But he is adamant that the automatic pool cover would replace the need for a safety fence, and meets the ASTM 1346-91 standards.
We have a toddler. While this would be safe when only our toddler and the family is outside (the cover would be closed until we are ready to swim). I am highly concerned for when we have a party and there are a lot of kids running around. We would have to keep the cover closed for the entire party. I feel it is an unsafe situation an open pool despite adults in the pool. I likely already know the answer but would we have to get both? Just the safety fence and forgo the automatic pool cover despite the benefits. Does anyone have an automatic cover and it is not worth it? Any suggestions?