Comparing Mesh Vs. Solid Swimming Pool Covers: Cost & More

Whether you’re a pool owner or pool dealer, there comes a time each year when the water fun must come to an end, and pool covers must be pulled out. The truth is that choosing a standard, tarp-style winter cover won’t cover your pool’s needs and could lead to further algae growth. When you’re ready for an upgrade, you’ll be faced with choosing a mesh versus a solid safety pool cover.

But how do you know which one to choose? Given that less durable tarp pool safety covers last about one to three years, you might be wondering questions such as, “How long does a mesh or a solid safety pool cover last? What are the pros and cons of each style of safety cover?”

We understand parsing apart the details isn’t always as straightforward as the fine print leads you to believe. That’s why we’re here.

For more than 20 years, we’ve been helping businesses and homeowners equip themselves with the right safety covers and pool products.

If you’re looking for an impartial analysis of mesh and solid pool covers, continue reading.

In this article, we’ll take a look at:

• The advantages and disadvantages of mesh safety covers
• The advantages and disadvantages of solid safety covers
• Hybrid pool safety covers
• Where you can find quality, long-lasting mesh and solid safety covers

Your pool cover options: mesh vs. solid covers

 

Mesh	Solid
Advantages: can be installed with one person, lasts longer than solid safety covers, and is less expensive than solid safety covers. Disadvantages: doesn’t keep sunlight out to the same extent as solid safety covers, may need more maintenance, and may see more algae growth than solid safety covers.	Advantages: Durable, doesn’t allow sunlight to penetrate through, cleaner water, and less pool water maintenance Disadvantages: more expensive, doesn’t last as long as mesh covers, more involved installation process, and uses a submersible top.

Comparing mesh vs. solid inground pool cover protection

 

Let’s start with mesh covers before turning to solid inground safety covers.

Mesh pool covers cost about $200 to $600 less than a solid vinyl pool cover. Mesh pool covers last about 10-15 years, and they don’t need a pump on top.

The great news is that they don’t need work during the off-season. The downside is that pool water can become dirty, and algae can grow in greater amounts than with a solid pool cover.

In contrast, solid pool covers last about seven to 11 years. While they may not last as long as mesh covers, they keep pool water cleaner, so less maintenance is required come springtime. The downside is that solid covers cost more than mesh covers, and solid covers come equipped with a pump.

 

About mesh inground pool covers

Nearly tied with chronic lower respiratory diseases for being one of the top 5 preventable causes of death, drowning is more common than you’d think (National Library of Medicine, 2014). As such, safety covers play a huge role in keeping poolside visitors safe.

Let’s take a look at mesh pool safety covers first.

 

Advantages of a mesh safety pool cover

Mesh covers tend to cost $200 to $600 less than a solid vinyl pool cover. They also tend to last longer than vinyl covers, lasting about 10-15 years in total.

Fortunately, mesh covers do not need a pump on top because the covers allow the pool water to pass through the cover. As there’s no pump needed, mesh covers don’t need much maintenance during the off-season.

With their lightweight material, in most cases, mesh covers can be taken on and off by one person, making them lighter and easier to handle than solid safety covers. The pool cover installation process is less cumbersome than with a solid safety cover.

 

Disadvantages of a mesh safety pool cover

The downside of mesh swimming pool covers is that the water that passes through the cover isn’t always clean. For instance, as leaves fall on mesh swimming pool safety covers during winter rain and snow, the leaves will cause the rainwater to become dirty.

Alas, with mesh covers, dirty water will pass right through to the pool water (yuck). Dirty water means more cleaning in spring when the time comes to reopen the pool. With mesh covers, you’ll need to vacuum, brush, and filter your pool area before your pool is ready for the new season.

What’s more, the mesh also allows some sunlight to pass through the cover, which can cause algae to grow. The result? More cleaning for you.

 

Solid pool covers for inground pools

Solid vinyl safety covers for inground pools are another option for those looking for stronger pool protection during the off-season. Let’s explore the pros and cons of solid safety pool covers together.

 

Advantages of a solid swimming pool safety cover

One of the greatest advantages of a durable solid vinyl pool safety cover is the fact that the cover doesn’t allow sunlight to penetrate through it. In the spring, when pool water begins warming up, algae can grow on pool walls, that is, if it has access to sunlight.

But, because solid safety pool covers don’t allow sunlight through, algae growth isn’t as much of a problem as it is with a mesh safety cover. Along with keeping sunlight out, solid vinyl covers keep water out of the pool and keep pool water clean.

Cleaner water means less brushing, vacuuming, and chemicals when the time comes to open the pool back up for swim season.

 

Disadvantages of a solid swimming pool safety cover

The main disadvantage of opting for a high-quality solid safety cover is the expense. Solid safety covers tend to cost about $200 to $600 more than mesh safety covers.

They also tend not to have as long a lifespan as mesh covers. Solid safety covers last seven to 11 years compared to a mesh cover’s 15-20 years.

Also, solid safety covers tend to be heavier than mesh covers. Two people are needed to help lift the cover on and off the pool.

What’s more, when using a submersible pump on top, the pumps last about two to four years before they need to be replaced. New pumps can cost anywhere from $200 to $250 per pump.

So while solid safety covers may be known for their durability and ability to protect against wet weather, they tend to be a more expensive financial investment than mesh covers.

 

Hybrid safety pool covers

Perhaps you want the best of both worlds. Why choose between solid or mesh when you can have both?

Cue hybrid safety pool covers.

Hybrid safety pool covers are just the way they sound: they’re winter pool covers that share some of the best features of both solid and mesh safety covers. With hybrid safety pool covers, pool covers can be fitted with a small mesh opening in the middle of the cover, while the rest of the cover is made of solid vinyl.

With a hybrid design, this winter pool cover helps prevent sunlight from penetrating pool water. A hybrid safety pool cover also doesn’t need a submersible pump on top of the pool.

If you’re looking for an excellent safety cover that offers convenience and the benefits of both mesh and safety covers, a hybrid safety pool cover may be exactly what you’re looking for.

 

Did you know?

Did you know that drownings are the number two cause of avoidable deaths in the United States?

To ensure the safety of your pool area this season, talk to your local pool service provider about a new Kayden safety cover. To discover more helpful pool care tips, check us out on our socials!

 

Mesh vs. solid pool safety covers: make the right choice with Kayden Manufacturing

Choosing between mesh and solid safety covers can be a daunting task. Mesh pool covers tend to last longer and are less of a challenge to maintain and install.

On the flip side, they tend not to protect against the elements as well as solid safety pool covers. Solid safety pool covers provide maximum protection against the elements, but they tend to be more expensive and challenging to maintain and install.

If you’re looking for a long-lasting, breathable safety barrier that won’t break the bank, check out our safety covers and pool products. We use locally sourced North American virgin vinyl which resists fading, weathering, and abrasion.

What’s more, we partner with a national network of pool dealers and vendors located in an area near you to provide more timely, accessible pool products. To learn more about our safety covers and pool offerings, give our friendly team a call at (201) 880-9898 or email us at sales@kaydenmfg.com.

Our safety cover specialists would be happy to help you make the right choice for your pool needs.

P.S. – So, you actually read through this whole blog. And, we must apologize profusely for how nonsensical it may have seemed at times. But, you’re actually amazing.

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