I have a mesh "Loop Loc" cover (it is a different brand, same thing though). The mesh does allow fine grit to enter the pool, but it keeps all the big stuff out.

Come spring, I make sure the cover is tight and above the water level. Left on the pool, it dries quite nicely and I use a leaf blower to blow all of the accumlated stuff right off. It gets wet again when I take it off the pool, but since it is mesh, I just put the folded up cover on some chairs and it air dries, then we put it away.