Solid or Mesh Pool Covers for your Inground Pool?

Solid and mesh pool covers provide a break from pool maintenance in the fall, winter and spring.  There are several big differences in the two styles. Find out the benefits and disadvantages of them here.

The advantages of solid pool covers are that they keep out all leaves and debris, they help to retain the chemical balance of the pool, and because they block 100% of UV light, they prevent algae from growing.  When it's time to open the pool, there will be less chemicals to add.

If you are looking for an inground swimming pool cover your options are:  

1. A mesh pool cover that allows water to drain into the pool

2. A solid cover with a pump

3. A solid cover with a drain

Some of them, if they meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) criteria, also provide protection. The disadvantages of the solid style is that:

√ They are much heavier than the mesh cover and more difficult to handle.

√ They become more brittle faster.

One of the pool contractors that provided us with an estimate stated that the constant exposure to sun and harsh weather can cause these covers to become brittle.

√ They cost more.

A solid cover will also cost a couple hundred dollars more than a mesh cover.

√ They require a swimming pool cover pump

If you choose a solid cover without a drain then you must have a pool cover pump. Melting snow and rain can accumulate on top of the cover making it a safety hazard. Removing standing water also helps to prevent this water from going into your pool and contaminating it by changing the chemical balance. The pump removes any water that collects on top of the cover.

These covers can be purchased on line and installed by the owner or they can be installed by a pool professional.

Mesh Pool Cover Advantages

Mesh pool covers offer some great features thanks to new UV light blocking technology.  These inground swimming pool covers allow water from rain or melting snow to drain through to the pool yet keep leaves and debris out. Here is why we chose this style for our inground pool cover:

1. Much Lighter

Mesh swimming pool covers can weigh 1/2 of what a solid cover weighs, making it easier to handle in the fall and spring.

2. Cost Less

They can cost several hundred dollars less than a solid pool cover making it more affordable.

3. New Tighter Weave

The tighter weave prevents even finer debris from getting into the pool. Even better, some offer over 95% UV block thanks to this new design. Blocking UV light prevents algae from growing so that when the cover is removed, your pool looks fresh and clean.

4.  No need for a swimming pool cover pump to remove accumulated standing water

Inground swimming pool covers typically measure 2 feet longer and wider than your pool size.

5.  Some are rated as safety covers

Standing water accumulates on the tops of pool covers which presents a safety hazard for children or small animals. I was surprised to find out that some mesh covers can also be considered a safety cover.

A safety cover allows the water to drain through to prevent standing water on top of the cover which prevents any drowning accidents.

Loop Loc Pool Cover

Loop Loc Pool Covers offer mesh swimming pool covers. In addition to their solid pool cover, they have mesh covers that are considered a pool safety cover. The covers not only meet, but they exceed the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards for Safety Swimming Pools Covers F 1346-91.

All LOOP-LOC covers have undergone extensive outside testing through Underwriters Laboratories (U.L.) and have earned the U.L. seal of approval for safety swimming pool covers.

Discount Mesh Pool Covers

If you have a standard size pool it is possible to purchase standard size pool covers that are ready made, in stock and ready to ship.

 Measure and order the cover from an online cover manufacturer and install the cover yourself.

Some links in the following sections are eBay or Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through them I receive a small commission. There is no extra cost to you. Find more details on this page.

This one by Yard Guard is made in the United States and offers a 15 year warranty.

If you own a rectangular shaped pool with centered end steps you can order and install your own pool cover.

You do need to do your own measuring and drill your own holes into the cement for the anchors.  All the straps and anchors come with your purchase.

Blue Mesh CES Rectangle Inground Safety Pool Cover - 15 Year Warranty - 16 ft x 32 ft In Ground Winter Cover with 4'x8' Center End Steps

Custom Mesh Pool Covers

Custom pool covers can be designed for any size or shape pool. Many people prefer to have a local company do this for them. However, it is possible to order your custom pool cover and install it yourself.

At first my husband was tempted to try this route, but then decided against it. Accurately measuring our free form pool would be a challenge in itself. He also was concerned about drilling holes into the cement. It's no big deal when a picture nail is put in the wrong spot on a wall - but making a mistake and drilling a hole in the wrong spot in cement - not a good idea.

We have had our mesh pool cover for over 10 years. We also winterized the pool and have the lines blown so we are pool maintenance free for several months and we are loving the break.

To see pictures of our inground pool cover install process go to:

Inground Swimming Pool Cover

Inground Pool Safety Cover Springs and Anchors

Our mesh pool cover uses double tension Inground Pool Safety Cover Springs - meaning two springs instead of one. 

The durable straps and springs keep the cover taught so it doesn't droop in the middle.

Anchors hold the straps taught.  The good news is that after a couple of years if you need replacements you can find them on line at Amazon here...
Pool Cover Anchors

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