shock level with solid cover when closing?

[CarlD]

Watermom is a better source than I am because she regularly closes an uncovered pool. I, instead, use a safety mesh, but not this year as I'm in re-build mode.

[rajung]

thanks folks for the replies.
Starting to feel a little more comfortable about attempting the no cover winterization.
so what is the main reason for using a solid or mesh cover? leaves?
If I have no trees close, and do remove any leaves that get in there up until the water freezes that would be so great compared to what I have been doing as far as scooping snow out and having a fairly tight cover around perimeter.

[CarlD]

I use a safety cover to prevent living creatures, especially human, from falling in to icy water, which can be deadly. I use a safety mesh to (hopefully) keep water from collecting on the cover to be pumped off.

[JimK]

A solid cover will help block dirt from accumulating for an easier spring cleanup. It will also completely block out light, allowing you to close the pool when you want rather than having to waiting until water temp stays below 60 degrees, or in spring, open once water temp reaches 60 degrees. If you tend to get a lot of rain over the winter (we do) and have to keep an eye on water level (pumping water out as needed), it will also prevent the chems in the pool from being diluted.

As Carl mentioned though, a mesh safety cover is the only true safety cover.

[CarlD]

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.

[JimK]

You're right, proper prep and maint is key.

My point about safety covers was since solid "safety covers", unlike mesh safety covers, accumulate water on top, they're not a "true" safety cover. Now of course if you are diligent about removing accumulate water, the both offer far more safety than a traditional water bag tarp style cover which can be a death trap.

I should note that there are also "solid" safety covers with a mesh panel in the center that helps prevent water from accumulating on top.

[CarlD]

A safety cover differs in that it can support a great deal of weight, though mine hit its failure point when the ice and snow melted and re-froze to the ice in the pool. The cover itself didn't tear or fail, but it tore down several copings that hold the liner, stretched many clips that hook to the retaining pegs, and even broke a couple. Still, if someone had fallen in, the cover almost certainly would have supported them, and, I'll be able to repair it for next season's closing by replacing clips.