Here's my experience:
On my pool I have an HPI (Hinspergers Poly Industries - sold by SPP) sold safety cover. It's the standard safety cover with nylon straps, anchors, springs, etc. etc.. The cover has a mesh panel in the center that allows rain to drain into the pool.
My sister-in-law's pool (which I open and close myself just as I open and close my own pool) has a Loop-Loc brand mesh safety cover.
Here are my observed pros and cons for each:
Solid Cover Pros:
- Solid Cover blocks 99% of light
Blocking the light can allow an earlier close and later opening
Solid covers only allow 'silt' in at the opening
Stops virtually all algae growth (in a properly closed pool)
Solid Cover Cons:
- Solid Covers are HEAVY
Solid Covers are more difficult to put on at closing time
Solid Covers are more difficult to take off in the spring
Slightly more expensive
Snow weighs the cover down
More tension needed on springs
More difficult to fold and store
Need to clean and dry thouroughly in spring to ensure long life
Now the Mesh Covers:
Mesh cover Pros:
- Very light and easy to put on at closing time
Easy to remove in the spring due to low weight
Easier to rinse clean before storing for summer
Slightly lower initial cost
Mesh cover Cons:
- Mesh covers let in MUCH MORE light
More light means more algae
Silt that comes through is on entire pool (not just one spot)
Wind can lift the lighter cover letting in more debri over winter
Now - this list is not complete, but these have been my observations. After 5 seasons (2 of which I took care of my sister-in-law's pool) I have come to the following conclusion. The extra care (cleaning) and extra effort (from heavy weight and awkwardness) make the solid cover more trouble than it's worth.
The ease of handling the mesh cover, along with lower cost seem to make it be best overall choice for most owners. The amount of light doesn't seem to be terribly relevant in my climate (Kentucky) as long as the pool is closed when the water temp is close to 60 degrees F. My sister-in-law's pool opened this year with virtually clear water (just like my pool) and hers was closed 4 weeks earlier, and opened 4 weeks later. We rinsed her cover and let it dry (10 minutes work) and stored it away. I had to wash my cover and systematically dry the cover by turning it several times on the driveway before storing it away (2 hours work). I can lift her cover with one hand, my cover weighs nearly 120lbs, and is so awkward after folding it up that it takes two people to properly handle it.
When my solid cover wears out I will replace it with a mesh cover, but at $750 I hope it lasts at least 5 more seasons
edit: Forgot to mention - regardless of which cover you choose, you will mostly likely need a sump pump to remove water a few times over the winter. On average I have to pull back a corner of the cover and pump water off about 3 times each winter. Last winter I pumped about 26 inches of water off total. I close with the water just under the returns, then after closing maintain it just under the skimmers when pumping. If you don't mind having to store the pump inside when not in use, any standard sump pump will work. I have the cheapest model Little Giant brand I could find at Wal-Mart. If you want one that you can just leave in with a water hose connected, you will need to get a freeze tolerant pump.