Merlin vs LoopLoc vs ??? Safety Cover

[sagosto]

My solid LoopLoc is 18 years old and it's really loose (e.g. stretched) so it's sinking in the middle. I started to get quotes for a replacement. LoopLoc is popular and on the pricier side ($5000 vs 6. Is Merlin comparable? I am looking to switch to mesh/semi solid to get more life out of it. If so, would I need to use a cover pump? Is there anything specific I need to ask for given I already have predrilled anchors in the deck for existing cover.

For example,

- New Loop-Loc 26'6" x 46'6" - Approx. 1,269 sq. ft. Safety Cover- Ultra-Loc Solid- No Drain Panels w/pump, Green, 3'x3' spacing- Raised Wall- Cable-Loc Safety Barrier- D-Ring Treatment- Price includes Installation and Hardwar

 

[PoolStored]

Sorry you haven't gotten a response...maybe a bump will help...

 

[Newdude]

Merlin and Looploc are both premium brands. I would happily use either for covers or liners.

If it's not solid then you don't drain the cover, you'll drain occasionally below instead. It takes 10 mins to setup, walk away while it drains, and 10 mins to put away. Whether it's 2 or maybe 3 times on a really wet year, you will lose an hour of your time total. Boohoo.

 

[Scout101]

I’ve got a Merlin mesh cover I got last year to replace a loop loc, and like it so far. Got whatever the premium 100% UV blocking one is, but it’s been good so far. Was much cheaper and quality seems same, so I’d happily get one again when needed.

 

[sagosto]

Thanks for the help. I was able to find the original LoopLoc order on the 18 year old cover so I am sticking with that to avoid issues with measurement and redrilling. Oddly (perhaps not), I got quotes from $4700-$10K for a LoopLoc Aqua Mesh. Am I able to see beneath the cover to see if it needs to be drained? If so, do I just remove one of the anchors, drain the water, and reinstall? What's the process look like?

 

[wireform]

Yes, you'd unhook as many as you need to get a pump under the cover like on the step. You also wand to tether the pump cord so it doesn't fall to a lower spot and drain off more then you want. I use an automatic pool cover pump tethered as mentioned and keep it powered untill the deep freeze hits so it keeps the water level at bay and then I'm usually good all through the winter. If it's an exceptionally wet winter I let it work again when the need arises.