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.