Well, one of my first pool improvements was a solar water heater, which extends my season a bit, and makes for more comfortable swimming mid-season. Next was PV solar, which together with the solar heater allows me to heat my pool virtually for free. Plus, the pool's water temp tracks pretty closely to my "mood" for swimming. I don't much like getting in when it's cool out. When the air temp is warm enough for me to want to swim, so is the water temp. Which is why a cover wouldn't be of much use to me. No debris issues here, either. The landscaping seems to cooperate with my pool and its cleaner. I just kinda lucked out with my setup. But I am "caught." I do tend to project what works for me onto others. It's a good reminder: everybody's pool environment is unique, and they have to find what works for them...