The leaf ones are a much looser weave than a true mesh cover - i used a leaf one last year & will use it again. They are best deployed on top of the solid cover. I don’t even use the rope with it, just used binder clips to keep it in place on top of the solid cover. After the major leaf drop I easily dumped it myself & then put it back& dump it again after the whirlybirds & seed pods dump in early spring. Much easier than trying to continuously scoop the leaves out & kept my cover pump from getting so clogged. I tried it alone before closing & it kinda just trapped the leaves & created a tea bag effect with them