Inground Pool Cover Recommendations?

[jevincent1]

I have been using a mesh safety cover for 17 years with my inground pool. I believe the cover is on its last legs (mice even chewed some holes in it), so I am looking for recommendations to replace it.

The pool is 20x40 IG, 27.5K, and a roman design on the deep end. We live by Cleveland Ohio, so crazy winters.

I've read some posts where folks are going away from the mesh covers, which then requires pumping water off the solid covers throughout the Winter.

In talking with Pool Companies, they said that mesh covers are still the ones normally ordered, and that the higher quality covers now have a much tighter weave so no sun, and much less debris get through.

Would love to hear your thoughts on the best way to go. With the roman end, the cover will most likely be custom for me, which I understand will be move expensive than normal.

Joe

[CarlD]

Some of the companies sell patch kits for mesh safety covers so you can get some more years out of it.

[jevincent1]

Thanks, I'll check into it. There are about 5 holes though, and unfortunately they are pretty large from the mice.

[Watermom]

Another option is to not cover the pool. I never cover mine and have no issues at all.

[jevincent1]

Interesting thought Watermom. The only drawback I would see are leaves which hit in the fall - it would be a real mess for us. I may be able to just cover during the leaves, then remove for the winter though.

No detriments to the liner being exposed to the sun all year versus the normal 7 months with a mesh cover?

[Watermom]

I live in WV where we have lots of trees and I have a really big one right beside my pool. I am just diligent about keeping leaves removed in the fall and then once they have all fallen, we are good to go. I open my pool pretty early each year since we go from winter to summer temps pretty quick most years. I always open to clear water although there will be a little dirt on the bottom. That is no big deal; a quick vacuum easily takes care of it. There have been no issues at all for us without using a pool cover. Haven't used one in years. (Another former moderator who lives in NE Pennsylvania also never covered his pool in the winter without issue.)

Just something to think about. In my opinion, winter covers are a big PITA!