I went with mesh. What I like about mesh is no pumps or drains, and a lot lighter to handle.

The other good thing about mesh is that after the snow melts the water level in the pool is usually back up to where it should be, saving me form having to refill in the spring.

The downside of mesh is that you can open your pool to a green swamp. The way I have found to avoid this is to open the pool early. As soon as the weather allows I open, and find very little, if any algea. The water temp is usually under 50 when I open so you don't seem to get algae growth at such a low temperature. Works for me, anyway.

Hope this helps

Zane