I am looking to purchase a safety cover for my pool. I live in MD and will close the pool in late SEP / early OCT. I have received conflicting advice on the type of cover to purchase. The first person I spoke to suggested solid w/ mesh panels. The second person, who measured, suggested mesh due to the number of mature trees around my yard. Does anyone have any advice? I would like as little maintenance on opening and throughout the winter months as possible. Thanks!
Cover Advice: Mesh, Solid, or Solid w/ Mesh???
- Thread starter reinnov8r
- Start date
My opinion my be mildly biased but I've noticed many with mesh covers in my neck of the woods open green, while with mine, a solid and a single mesh square (to allow water through) always opened clean.
In theory, if you open and close while water is less than 60 degrees and with enough FC to last, you'd be fine either way.
But here in Michigan we can get wide temp swings in March, etc., and even November. I think that's why so many open green with mesh, even though light is not "supposed" to get through.
Pool techs like mesh because its lighter and easier to handle. I no longer close at all because I use a air supported done for winter operation, but I used to hire techs to close in years prior because I found the cover heavy to handle.
They'd wanted me to replace with mesh, but admitted more folks opened green
If I ever go back to closing for winter, I will replace my old cover with a new solid with mesh square because to me it was the best of both...never needed a cover pump, but never had much silt get in. If leaves are left to decompose on mesh, fine silt does seem to get in. With either type, its a good practice to blow or rake leaf debris off the cover.
Ymmv.
In theory, if you open and close while water is less than 60 degrees and with enough FC to last, you'd be fine either way.
But here in Michigan we can get wide temp swings in March, etc., and even November. I think that's why so many open green with mesh, even though light is not "supposed" to get through.
Pool techs like mesh because its lighter and easier to handle. I no longer close at all because I use a air supported done for winter operation, but I used to hire techs to close in years prior because I found the cover heavy to handle.
They'd wanted me to replace with mesh, but admitted more folks opened green
If I ever go back to closing for winter, I will replace my old cover with a new solid with mesh square because to me it was the best of both...never needed a cover pump, but never had much silt get in. If leaves are left to decompose on mesh, fine silt does seem to get in. With either type, its a good practice to blow or rake leaf debris off the cover.
Ymmv.
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,284
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Closing Oct 1 in Annapolis means closing when pool water is 70+ degrees based on my four years of experience in a slightly cooler suburb. If it is a requirement to close that early, it will mean you want to do everything possible to keep the water clear. I'd go with a solid cover (though really heavy) and bring it to shock level before closing. Then cross your fingers. I would highly recommend waiting 3 or 4 more weeks to close when the water is 60 degrees. Though that does mean dealing with leaf season. That's not insignificant but the trade off you need to decide on. There is no slam dunk process. My decision is easier though. I have an autocover so fall leaves are no issue. Then I close around Nov 1 and use a fine mesh cover.
And you want to open when the water is no more than 60 if you want clear water. That means late April +/-.
Green water isn't a disaster, bleach will clean it up. I just prefer to not have green water so I play by the "rules". Close after 60, open before 60. And surface water reaches 60 earlier than you'd think some years.
And you want to open when the water is no more than 60 if you want clear water. That means late April +/-.
Green water isn't a disaster, bleach will clean it up. I just prefer to not have green water so I play by the "rules". Close after 60, open before 60. And surface water reaches 60 earlier than you'd think some years.