I have a solid cover and wish I had mesh. It easily weighs over 175 lbs and is just way too cumbersome. I've heard newer solid covers a a bit lighter but don't have experience with those. I have a nice coating on my pool deck and the solid cover actually is so heavy it has worn into the coating. Also if you go this route and use a pump I'd recommend removing the screen that is supposed to filter small debris as it clogs up too often. Never had much of a problem with the screen removed.

Good luck

Craig