What pool cover is best for the price?

[AndrewO]

We need to order a new pool cover this year. Over the years we have had a mesh loop-loc before, as well as a plain cover with water bags but we are leaning towards a loop loc solid cover with drain panels and a pump but they are quite pricey. Is there another brand that is good quality and would last a while?
What covers do you all recommend?
Thanks

 

[PoolStored]

I think all the covers can work. It depends on what you want to deal with.

Solid covers: I've seen many members that love them. A number that have shifting of the weight bags an hate them, and the need to put the pump in the right place to get them to work.

Solid with drain: I've seen the drain panels clog twice so far in threads, it was from excessive amounts of pollen that laid on the cover like cotton; but the member brushed the panels and it drained. Also when installing the ultra-loc you must have slight dip towards the mesh panels to allow the water to pool towards the panels so it drains. Adjusting to get the drainage can be a pain.

Disclaimer: I am a mesh cover owner and user. I have not had a solid or solid with drain.

Mesh: I love my mesh. I'm in Ohio, so I close late (Oct. 31.) and soft open early (pump and chemicals April 15, drop the dolphin in, cover off May 15). Follow the closing guide to a T. Always have a clear pool and 2-2.5FC on April 15.)

What is your closing and opening timing in NC...might be different?

Closing an In Ground Pool

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www.troublefreepool.com

 

[jark87]

This is the brand we have - still going after 17 years! We only have the mesh leaf cover, not the one that can support a person. It’s a little pricey, but given how long it has lasted, it has been a great investment.

Pool Covers Product Summary

Pool Covers Pool Covers Product Summary Fittings Gallery Katchaleaf Pool Covers: Product Summary Quality Craftsmanship The Katchaleaf pool cover has over

katchakid.com

It will support ducks, though!

 

[Bill1974]

I only have one season on my HPI Yard Guard Bloc Mesh 99 safety cover so far. I did the install and can put it on and take it off myself (two people make it a lot easier). For a 20 x 40 with all the hardware is was about $1600. I have not tested it myself, but my cats can walk across it. I have a friend that does pool maintenance and he said it looked good and was the very similar to the big name brands. This cover seems to block most of the light, water was clear when the pool was opened. There was a little debris in the pool, about the same or less than what gets in with a tarp type cover if it's not perfectly clean.

 

[Scout101]

I got a Merlin mesh cover last fall, and so far it’s been great. Got whatever the fancy 100% UV blocking one was, and it’s nicer than the old loop loc it replaced. Price was very reasonable, especially since my pool is big and a weird shape. I’d use them again.