What are the negatives of a pool cover?
Pool covers do a lot of good—safety, cleaner water, energy savings—but they’re not perfect. If you’re weighing the pros and cons, here are the common drawbacks to plan around (and how Calm Water Pools helps you minimize them).
1) Extra maintenance and chores
Even with a cover on, you’ll still need to do a bit of work before and after the season. That means skimming, brushing walls/floors, and balancing chemistry before closing so you don’t trap problems under the cover—and carefully cleaning and removing the cover at opening time. (Read more)
2) Solid covers collect water (and need pumping)
Solid safety covers block sunlight well, which helps curb algae—but they accumulate rain and meltwater that must be pumped off so the weight doesn’t stress fabric and hardware. That’s an extra task (and sometimes an extra tool) in your routine. (Read more)
3) Mesh covers can let in fine debris/light
Mesh safety covers are lighter and drain on their own, but they can let a bit of fine silt and some light through—meaning you may see more cleanup and potential early-spring algae if water chemistry wasn’t balanced at closing. (Solid covers reduce light; mesh favors drainage.) (Read more)
4) Hardware and fit matter (or they become headaches)
Covers rely on anchors, straps, and tension. If a cover is worn, loose, or improperly secured, wind can lift it, and edges can chafe, shortening lifespan. Regular inspections, proper tightening, and timely repairs are part of owning a cover. (Read More)
5) Up-front cost and occasional replacement
Quality safety covers are an investment, and fabric plus hardware wears over time. The good news: Calm Water Pools offers an efficient replacement flow—mail in your old cover to get a precision-measured Latham® replacement and a firm quote—so you’re not guessing on fit or price. (Read More)
6) On/off time and storage space
Even with a dialed-in system, covers take time to put on and take off, and you’ll need clean, dry storage to prevent mold and premature wear when they’re off the pool. (Read More)
7) Not a “set it and forget it” solution
A cover helps—but it isn’t a substitute for good water care. You’ll still test and balance, especially at close and open, to prevent stains, scale, and algae. (Covers can help reduce staining risk, but chemistry still counts.) (Read More)
Quick ways to reduce the downsides
- Choose the right style for your climate & habits. Prefer minimal winter tasks? Mesh drains itself. Want the cleanest spring water? Solid blocks 100% sunlight—just plan on pumping off rain. (Read More)
- Close the pool the right way. Skim/brush, balance water, and secure the cover at proper tension. Your spring will be easier. (Read More)
- Inspect and clean the cover. Clear debris, check straps/anchors, and dry before storage to extend lifespan. (Read More)
- Replace aging covers precisely. Calm Water Pools can arrange old-cover mail-in measuring for a perfect-fit Latham® safety cover and straightforward turnaround. (Read more)
Want the benefits without the headaches? Explore Calm Water Pools’ Winter Safety Covers to see solid and mesh options custom-measured for your pool, with guidance on setup and upkeep. (We carry Latham® safety covers and outline easy steps for accurate measurement and replacement.) (Read more)