Solid Loop-Loc. With or without center mesh

[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.