Does Water Go Through a Pool Safety Cover?

Short answer:

• Mesh safety covers: Yes—by design, rain and snowmelt pass through the woven fabric so water can drain into the pool while leaves and larger debris stay out. (Read more)
• Solid safety covers: No—the vinyl is an impermeable barrier that blocks water and sunlight. Any rain or melt that lands on top must be removed with a pump, unless the cover includes a built-in drain panel. (Read more)

How Mesh Covers Handle Water

Mesh covers are engineered to let water through. That’s what makes them so low-maintenance in winter—no standing puddles to manage, and they shed rain and snow quickly. Expect a cleaner, safer deck area and easier mid-winter checks. (Read more)

A trade-off: the weave can allow very fine silt to pass, which you’ll vacuum out at spring opening. Most owners find the winter convenience worth it. (Read more)

How Solid Covers Handle Water

Solid vinyl safety covers do not allow water to pass. They’re ideal if you want to minimize light and organic load to help suppress algae during the off-season. However, because they’re watertight, rain and snowmelt will collect on top. Plan to use a cover pump (or opt for a model with a drain panel) to remove that surface water through winter. (Read more)

Which Option Is Better for You?

Choose mesh if you want:

• A lighter cover that’s easier to handle and stores compactly
• Faster drainage with little to no pumping needed through winter (Read more)

Choose solid if you want:

• Maximum light blocking to help keep water clearer for spring
• An impermeable barrier (with a pump or drain panel to manage rainfall) (Read more)

Either way, a quality winter safety cover is securely anchored and load-tested for child and pet safety when installed correctly—and it keeps big debris out so opening day is simpler.

Calm Water Pools: Solid & Mesh Latham® Covers

Calm Water Pools offers premium, custom-measured Latham® winter safety covers in both solid and mesh. We sell the covers only (installation isn’t included). Latham arranges free pickup of your existing cover, measures it for accuracy, and provides a precise quote before your new cover is made. Most orders are completed quickly, with timing varying seasonally.
Explore options and request a quote here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)

Quick FAQs

Does water ever go through a solid safety cover?
No—the material is impermeable. Water only passes if your solid cover is built with a drain panel; otherwise, you’ll use a cover pump to remove pooled water from the surface. (Read more)

Does water quality differ between mesh and solid by spring?
Typically, solid covers deliver the clearest water thanks to their light-blocking design. Mesh covers keep out debris and let precipitation drain, but you may see a bit more fine silt to vacuum. (Read more)

Will a safety cover protect kids and pets?
Yes—properly anchored safety covers are load-rated and designed for security during the off-season. (Always follow manufacturer guidelines and keep the surface free of standing water.) (Read more)

Bottom Line

• Mesh = water goes through (by design).
• Solid = water does not go through (use a pump or drain panel).

Whichever style fits your priorities, a professionally measured Latham® safety cover from Calm Water Pools keeps your pool protected all winter—and your spring opening on track. See your options and request your custom quote: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)