Solid Loop-Loc. With or without center mesh

[CJDahl]

I was leaning toward solid or solid with center mesh vent because I was led to believe solid kept pool cleaner over winter than mesh which made for a much easier startup for following season (no green water) . Can you confirm? Also is a pump required to drain water during winter storms with a center mesh vent? thanks in advance for any insight.

[doggie]

I thought I read that you'll need a small pump on both the totally solid ones and also the solid with mesh center. You can find that out by surfing a few sites that sell them. It's been a while since I was looking, so I could be wrong on that.

As far as the solid ones keeping the water cleaner than the mesh, I'm sure that's true to a certain extent. But what we learned on our research when we were comparing the two, was that people that bought the solid ones still complained of having a slimey mess on top of the cover that had to be drained and cleaned off in the spring. That's exactly what we wanted to get away from. So we went with the mesh.

If you are considering the mesh, get some sort of black blanket to lay on top of the water. That will keep the sun from hitting the water. Waterwarehouse sells basic sizes here Or search google for Keeper Klean. That's another name for them.

We did end up green water anyway though. Let me explain why. I had ordered my black cover early in the spring and didn't get it out until the day we needed to lay it on the water during closing. I was very annoyed to find that it was cut crooked on one end and it didn't totally cover the water. It was short by 2' on one end. Also, we opened the pool later than normal in the spring, so the algae was allowed to sit there and thrive. Then when we finally did open it, the filter wasn't working properly. So our big green mess wasn't necessarily because of the mesh cover. It was because of the other things. Even so, I'm sure if I would have found this forum earlier, and simply used bleach, I would have had it cleared up in no time. It would have also helped to peel a couple corners back and add some polyquat in late April or early May, but I didn't think to do that. I will next year.

I'm not trying to talk you into the mesh one, I'm just trying to give a little insight and advice in case you do go that way.

[spudman]

Just my small two cents. Have a mesh loop loc for the last 4 years. Here in PA we get around 12" - 16" of water during the winter (rain and snow melt). Yes I do have some ice that forms above the cover, and it can drag it pretty low, but if an elephant can make it, so can the ice.

One benefit of the mesh cover is the addition of new water. I practically turn over 1/4 of the pool water each year this way, good method to reduce CYA and mineral build up. Lowered my CYA from above 400 to 40 in 4 years. Water is also expensive here, so not having to add 3 or 4 thousand gallons to raise the water level at opening is also a plus (saves over $100).

I'm not cheap, but I find the mesh cover to be a suitable balance. Yes sometimes there is green algea, nothing that $10 in bleach wont cure.

[KirstenHW]

We originally did the solid tarp w/ water bags. Time consuming, but always a clean pool in the spring. Then we went with a mesh LoopLoc. Piece of cake to install, but every spring there was a green sludgey mess waiting for us. We got a solid with mesh panel PlastiMayd 2 years ago. Weighs a TON - not a 1 person job. But, the only patch of sediment is directly under the mesh panel. The water drains into it in the spring. I have read that there are much tighter mesh weaves available now that still allow water through but limit the light and sediment allowed in. They are probably midway between the traditional mesh and solid in their ease of use and performance.

[waste]

Christopher, et al, I'll give you my take on the 2 covers. The solid ones, with the mesh 'drain, usually open clean with the exception of below the drain, which is a 4 x6' black patch, algae is usually at a bare minimum. The green mesh ones usually open with anywhere from a slight coating of algae to a fullblown bloom, complete with 'algae ropes' threading up through the water.
With that having been said, I'd still prefer the mesh cover. As Kirsten points out, the solid ones weigh as much as the elephant they're supposed to support . Taking care of the water with either cover is very easy, just use the tool they supply you with to uncover the corners and add a gal or 2 of bleach once a month when the water temp is above ~ 50 (I've also heard of folks adding bleach through the cover and then rinsing it - but I'm not sure I would do that) The difference between the water quality is easily overcome, but the extra work for the solid ones is (IMO) not worth it. Y'all have the advantage that my customers don't: you actually are willing to do a little work to maintain your pool .
Spudman, welcome to the forum! From your post here, I'll say that you will do very well on the forum!! - Again, a warm welcome - Waste

[MarkC]

Opening early and closing late is the key to avoiding the green pool syndrome with the mesh covers. Downside to the mesh is you have to periodically lower the water level during the winter.