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.