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Did you know the wrong pool cover can cost you extra hours of cleaning and hundreds in maintenance? Without proper protection, your pool could become a magnet for algae, debris, and costly chemical imbalances.
So, should you go with a mesh or a solid pool cover? The climate you live in, pool cleanliness, maintenance, durability, and long-term costs, all contribute to the final choice.
Here, we’ll break down the key differences between mesh vs solid pool cover to help you choose the one for your needs!
Each cover type has its own advantages and trade-offs, affecting maintenance, durability, water cleanliness, and overall cost. Here’s a detailed breakdown to determine which pool cover best suits your needs.
A mesh pool cover features a tightly woven material that allows water to pass through while blocking leaves and large debris. Available in various colors and styles, it blends well with pool surroundings and gives a clean, structured look when installed.
Pool Guard’s mesh pool covers are designed for maximum filtration, minimal maintenance, and a perfect fit- no matter your pool’s shape or size. Whether your pool is rectangular, freeform, or kidney-shaped, we’ve got you covered, literally.
And the best part? You get to choose from a variety of colors to complement your pool area’s aesthetics. Protection doesn’t have to come at the cost of style.
Mesh covers are much lighter than solid covers, making the installation process much easier. It’s typically a DIY-friendly option or a single-person job. There’s no need for special equipment to install or remove the safety cover.
The initial installation is pretty straightforward– the cover is anchored to the pool deck with heavy-duty straps for a secure fit. The only problem here is the drilling part. You’ll have to drill the pool decking and insert the hardware. There’s not much to do if the hardware is already in place.
Just pull the cover over the pool, pull the straps that are on top of the cover to the hardware, and hook them. Once done, the mesh pool cover should be tight enough to prevent sagging or movement, ensuring a secure and effective barrier against debris and accidental falls.
Mesh covers are ideal for pool owners who prefer low-maintenance options. These safety covers are made from vinyl fibers making them lighter than solid covers. Because of this, they can be installed or removed by one person.
More than that, they eliminate the need for a cover pump. Mesh pool covers are woven to create many tiny holes so that rainwater and melted snow can naturally filter through the mesh, preventing puddles from forming on the surface.
Mesh covers block about 99% of UV exposure, allowing a small amount of sunlight to reach the water. While this is still effective at reducing algae growth, the 1% UV exposure can still encourage algae to develop, especially in warmer climates. While mesh covers are designed for water to pass through, they may not do a great job of keeping small particles from getting into the water.
One of the many benefits pool covers offers is reduced chemical consumption by 35%-60%. However, since mesh covers allow UV rays to pass through, chlorine breaks down faster, meaning you may need to adjust chemical levels more frequently at the end of the pool season.
Mesh pool covers are designed with safety in mind, providing a strong, supportive barrier that can hold the weight of children, pets, and even adults, preventing accidental falls into the pool. Unlike solid covers, mesh covers allow water to drain through, eliminating the risk of standing water accumulation.
For added peace of mind, Pool Guard’s mesh pool covers are built to meet ASTM safety standards, ensuring reliable protection, durability, and compliance with industry safety regulations. With a secure fit and strong anchoring system, you can trust that your pool remains protected all winter long. More importantly, when installed, they cover the entire pool securely enough so no child can slip underneath.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and easy to install | Allows fine debris and dirt in the pool |
| Affordable | More chlorine needed due to 99% UV exposure |
| No need for a pump | More cleaning required in spring |
| Lasts 10-15 with proper maintenance |
A solid pool cover is made of vinyl or reinforced PVC and completely blocks water, sunlight, and debris. These pool cover types resist cracking and tearing making them last through multiple seasons. Not only that, but it gives pools a sleek, uniform appearance and ensures a clean, enclosed environment, especially throughout the winter.
Pool Guard’s solid pool covers are built for durability and all-season protection, making them the perfect winter cover for your pool. Made from reinforced PVC and vinyl, these solid pool covers are anti-UV, reducing material degradation by prolonged sun exposure. With a Pool Guard solid pool cover, you won’t need anything else, as it’s the ultimate solution for pool protection.
While the installation process doesn’t differ as much from the installation process of mesh pool covers, solid pool covers are heavier, requiring at least two people for installation and removal. The added weight ensures maximum protection, but it also means that proper handling is essential to keep the cover secure and effective.
Although the installation process may take a little more effort, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial setup. By sealing off the pool completely, a solid cover prevents debris buildup, chemical loss, and algae growth, making spring pool openings faster and easier.
Solid pool covers are a game-changer for pool maintenance during the off-season. By completely blocking debris, dust, and UV rays, they preserve water quality and eliminate the risk of algae growth, ensuring your pool stays crystal clear until it’s time to reopen.
Since solid covers don’t allow water to drain through, they do require a submersible pump to remove excess water from rain or melting snow. However, with proper monitoring and occasional maintenance, this small task is a worthwhile trade-off for the superior protection, cleanliness, and long-term water preservation that a solid pool cover provides.
Unlike mesh covers, which allow small particles and sunlight to pass through, solid covers fully seal off the pool, meaning less chemical balancing, fewer contaminants, and a much easier pool opening process in the spring.
Solid covers block 100% of UV exposure, preventing algae growth and reducing chlorine loss. When opening the pool in spring, less shock treatment and chemical balancing are required, saving both time and money.
Solid pool covers are built for strength and security, providing a sturdy barrier that can support the weight of children, pets, and even adults, preventing accidental falls into the pool. However, they may not be as load-bearing as mesh pool covers, but can still handle several inches of snow or rain.
For maximum security, our solid pool covers can support up to 485 lbs per 5 sq ft while staying compliant with ASTM F1346 safety standards.
| Pros | Cons |
| Block 100% of UV rays | Heavier and harder to install |
| Keeps debris and dirt out completely | Requires a pump to remove water |
| Better chlorine retention | Shorter lifespan (7-11 years) |
| Easier spring pool opening |
When it comes to pool winterization, the goal is simple- keep your water clean, balanced, and protected until spring.
While mesh pool covers offer convenience by allowing rain and snow to pass through, they can still let in fine debris and sunlight, two things that can lead to algae growth and chemical imbalance. That’s why many pool owners turn to solid pool covers as a more reliable solution during the off-season. By completely blocking out debris, contaminants, and UV rays, a solid cover ensures your pool stays sealed and stabilized all winter long.
Specifically, by blocking 100% of UV rays, a solid pool cover helps prevent chlorine and water evaporation and stops algae growth. The result? Less cleanup, fewer chemical adjustments, and a quicker start to the swimming season.
When it comes to pool winterization, the goal is simple: keep your pool water clean, balanced, and protected until spring. While solid pool covers provide total protection from debris, UV rays, and chemicals, they require more maintenance, such as needing a submersible pump to remove excess water. More than that, solid pool covers cannot In contrast, mesh pool covers offer a practical solution for winter by allowing rain and snow to pass through, which prevents standing water accumulation—something that solid covers struggle with.
Mesh covers are especially great for those who want a low-maintenance, hassle-free winterization solution. They block most debris and 99% of UV rays, helping to reduce algae growth and minimize chemical imbalance during the off-season. Without the need for a pump, mesh covers also reduce potential water hazards and provide a safer, more secure solution compared to solid covers.
With mesh pool covers, you get the best of both worlds: strong protection without the added hassle, ensuring that your pool stays clean, balanced, and easy to reopen in the spring. Mesh covers are ideal for owners who value convenience without compromising on pool care.
Mesh covers generally have a lower upfront cost, ranging between $1,200 and $3,000, while solid covers tend to cost more, with prices between $1,800 and $3,600.
When it comes to installation, mesh covers are easier to install and often DIY-friendly, while solid covers may require professional installation, adding to the initial expense.
Ongoing maintenance costs are also something to consider. While mesh covers require between $100 and $300 annually, solid covers tend to have lower yearly maintenance costs, averaging $50 to $200, primarily due to the reduced need for chemical adjustments.
However, lifespan also plays a role in long-term affordability. Mesh covers last between 10 to 15 years, while solid covers typically last between 7 to 11 years. Over a 10-year period, total costs for a mesh cover range from $2,500 to $4,500, whereas solid covers cost around $3,500 to $6,500.
Ultimately, while solid covers have higher upfront costs, they can save money on chemicals and maintenance over time. Mesh covers, on the other hand, last longer and require less frequent replacement, making them a cost-effective option for many pool owners.
Both covers prevent accidental falls, but they function differently. Mesh covers allow water to drain through, preventing standing water hazards. Solid covers completely block water, requiring a submersible pump to prevent puddling, which can pose a drowning risk if not managed properly.
Mesh covers last 10–15 years, while solid covers typically last 7–11 years. Mesh is UV-resistant and handles weather better, while solid covers can become brittle over time without proper care.
Mesh covers require less winter upkeep but more spring cleaning due to small debris passing through. Solid covers, on the other hand, keep pools cleaner all year round but require a pump to prevent standing water.
Yes, prolonged UV exposure can cause cracking and fading. However, high-quality solid covers are designed to resist sun damage with proper care, lasting multiple seasons.
Choosing between a mesh vs. solid pool cover comes down to your priorities, climate, and maintenance preferences.
If you want a low-maintenance, budget-friendly cover that allows rain and melted snow to drain naturally, a mesh pool cover is a great option. It requires less winter upkeep but may need more cleaning in the spring due to fine debris and UV exposure.
On the other hand, if you prefer maximum pool protection with no debris, better chlorine retention, and less spring cleaning, a solid pool cover is the better choice. It blocks 100% of sunlight, preventing algae growth and keeping your pool crystal clear all winter—but it does require a submersible pump to remove standing water.
Invest in the right pool cover today and enjoy a hassle-free pool opening next season!
Pool Guard USA is a US-based pool safety equipment manufacturer specializing in pool fences, pool covers, pool safety nets along with installation services throughout the United States.
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