For sure...gate is going to be put in. We are in the process of teaching our 3 year old how to swim, our 7 and 6 year olds are good to go.
The main thing for a cover is to protect from fire ash.
I agree, you need one more than I would. Ask your pool builder for different options. There are a few people on this forum that have those automated covers and swear by them. The one we were quoted had a canvas covering -- Not sure how that'd hold up to hot ash. Would it spark? I'd prefer the cleats and rope taunt covering -- I have nightmares of one of our dogs jumping in the pool and getting caught under the canvas and drowning.