Actually, safety covers come in both mesh and solid. I prefer mesh. I find the amount of detritus accumulation in the spring isn't bad. I usually just run my robot vac 3 or 4 times and it's clear.

Personally, I think, from many years here, that PROPER fall preparation for closing and for the type of cover you are using is more important than the cover choice (or lack of cover). People here have success with no cover, a standard water-bag cover (IG), a standard AG cover, solid safety and mesh safety covers. And it all comes back to preparation and through-the-winter maintenance.