What to Use Instead of a Pool “Cover”? Smarter, Safer Options That Actually Work
If by “pool cover” you mean a loose winter tarp with water bags, there’s a much better route—use a safety cover. Safety covers are engineered systems that anchor into your deck, keep debris out, and—most importantly—help protect kids, pets, and wildlife. At Calm Water Pools, we recommend Latham® mesh or solid safety covers as the modern replacement for old-school tarps or flimsy blankets. (Read more)
The #1 Upgrade: a Winter Safety Cover (Mesh or Solid)
- Purpose-built safety: A safety cover is tensioned across your pool and secured to deck anchors—so it stays put through wind, rain, and snow. That’s a huge step up from tarps that can sag or blow off. (Read more)
- Cleaner water by spring: Choose solid to block sunlight and help curb algae, or mesh to let water drain while stopping leaves and debris. Either way, you open to a cleaner pool. (Read more)
- Hassle-free sizing: With Calm Water Pools you can mail in your old cover; Latham will measure it for accuracy and give you an exact quote before making your new one—often with quick turnaround. (We sell the covers; installation isn’t included.) (Read more)
👉 Ready to swap the tarp for something that actually protects? Explore our Winter Safety Covers.
Mesh vs. Solid: Which Should You Choose?
- Mesh safety covers: Allow rain/snow melt to pass through, so there’s no need to pump off standing water. They’re lighter and easier to handle. (Read more)
- Solid safety covers: Block sunlight to help reduce algae growth and keep fine silt out; spring openings are often crystal-clear with minimal cleanup. Many solid covers include a drain panel. (Read more)
If you’re in a rainy or snowy climate, mesh is popular for its easy drainage. If you prioritize the cleanest spring opening, solid is tough to beat. (Read more)
Considering “Alternatives” to a Cover? Here’s How They Stack Up
When people ask what to use instead of a pool cover, they’re usually looking for something safer and more dependable than a tarp—not to skip covering altogether. Here are the main choices:
- Automatic Safety Covers
A motorized cover that slides on and off your pool for daily use—great for in-season safety and debris control. Latham’s Coverstar systems are built for strength and child/pet safety. (Note: automatic covers complement, not replace, proper winterization in very cold climates.) (Read more) - Winter Safety Cover (Seasonal “set it and forget it”)
Your best alternative to a simple tarp for the off-season. It’s the standard for winter protection, with mesh and solid options custom-fit to your pool. (Read more) - Tarps/Water-Bag Covers (Not Recommended as a Replacement)
They’re inexpensive, but they trap water on top, blow around, and don’t provide the same safety performance as a true safety cover. Upgrading is a smarter long-term investment. (Read more)
Why Pool Owners Are Upgrading
- Real safety vs. a loose sheet of material. (Read more)
- Less winter stress: no standing water to pump (mesh), fewer algae issues (solid). (Read more)
- Custom fit & durability: built for your exact shape and anchored with heavy-duty hardware. (Read more)
How to Replace Your Old Cover—The Easy Way
- Request pickup of your current cover (no charge).
- Professional measuring for a precise fit.
- Exact quote before production.
- Quick turnaround after approval.
Calm Water Pools supplies the covers; installation is not included. (Read more)
Bottom Line
If you’re asking what to use instead of a pool cover, the clear answer is a safety cover—mesh or solid for winter, or an automatic safety cover for daily convenience. You’ll get stronger safety, cleaner openings, and gear that actually lasts. Start here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)
Questions about fit, mesh vs. solid, or timing? I can help you pick the right setup and get your old cover measured for a perfect replacement.