IMO I think the black cover would increase getting algae earlier since it would attract heat and since it is surrounded top and bottom by water, this heat would go into the water, making the water warmer, allowing algae to set in earlier.
I never used a cover yet for the same reason as you, it makes closing easier, it makes opening easier, and as Poconos allready stated, you can deal with algae if you see it, compared to it being under a cover.
Covers are cumbersome, many keep putting off the opening task because of this so it's usually a green cesspool when the time comes.
I just throw my pump on the pool when it doesn't get cold anymore and turn it on when I feel is a good time.