What Are the Negatives of a Pool Cover? (And How to Minimize Them)

Pool covers do a lot of good—safety, cleanliness, winter protection—but they aren’t perfect. If you’re weighing the trade-offs, here are the most common downsides of pool covers, plus practical ways to soften each one.

1) Added chores and seasonal handling

Even the best cover introduces tasks: fall close-down, spring removal, mid-winter checks, and periodic inspections for wear. Expect to tighten straps, look for fraying, and clean the fabric so grit doesn’t abrade it in storage. A simple maintenance rhythm—inspect hardware, rinse the cover, and store it dry—keeps problems (and replacements) at bay. (Read more)

2) Water buildup on solid covers

Solid safety covers block light and debris, but they also collect rain and meltwater—water you’ll need to pump off so it doesn’t puddle or stress the fabric. If you like the “lowest-maintenance” winter, this is the big trade-off of solid vinyl. (Some solid systems integrate drain channels to help, but you’ll still monitor for standing water and debris.) (Read more)

3) Fine debris and light transmission with mesh

Mesh safety covers shed rain and snow—no surface pumping—but superfine particles (dust, silt, pollen) can slip through, and tiny amounts of light may get to the water, especially with standard-shade meshes. That can mean a little more cleanup and water balancing at spring opening versus an opaque solid cover. High-shade meshes greatly reduce this, but do not eliminate it entirely. (Read more)

4) Anchors and hardware in your deck

Safety covers work by tensioning straps into recessed brass anchors drilled into the deck. While these sit flush when closed and use low-profile springs, some owners dislike having hardware in the deck, and you’ll need to keep the sleeves clean so caps sit flush when the cover is off. Proper placement and periodic cleaning minimize the footprint and tripping concerns. (Read more)

5) Wear, tear, and eventual replacement

Covers are consumables. UV, wind, snow load, strap abrasion on coping, and repeated folding eventually age even premium fabrics. With reasonable care, a quality winter safety cover typically lasts about 10–15 years—shorter for entry-level options, longer for heavy-duty fabrics with reinforced seams and edges. Expect to budget for replacement over the life of your pool. (Read more)

6) Weight and storage space

Large solid covers can be heavy and awkward for one person to handle. Even mesh covers need a clean, dry, rodent-safe spot for off-season storage. Planning a clear fold-and-bin routine (and having a second set of hands) reduces the hassle. (Read more)

7) Aesthetics and backyard use in winter

Once the cover is on, your pool becomes a “don’t use” zone—by design. Some homeowners don’t love the look of webbing and anchor points across the water feature. If winter curb appeal matters, color and material choice can help the cover blend into the hardscape. (Read more)

8) Safety only if it’s a true safety cover (and used correctly)

Not all “covers” are equal. Tarps and water-bag winter blankets are not safety devices and can be dangerous for kids and pets; they can shift, collect water, and entrap a pet that ventures onto the surface. A properly tensioned safety cover is engineered to be load-bearing—use that, not a tarp, and keep it correctly tightened. (Read more)

9) Up-front cost and measuring

Quality safety covers and hardware cost more than tarps. They’re custom-measured to your pool’s exact shape and features, which is great for fit but adds steps to the ordering process. (The fit is worth it—you get better safety, cleaner lines, and less edge abrasion.) (Read more)

How to choose the “least-negative” cover for you

• Prioritize low winter maintenance? Consider high-shade mesh to shed precipitation without pumping, then plan for a little extra spring cleanup. (Read more)
• Prioritize the cleanest spring opening? Choose a solid cover that blocks 100% of sunlight; add a reliable cover pump and stay on top of surface water. (Read more)
• Worried about lifespan? Look for reinforced seams/edges, heavy-duty hardware, and UV-/chemical-resistant thread—small build details that add years. (Read more)

A simple way to get a precision-fit safety cover

Calm Water Pools offers premium Latham® winter safety covers, custom-measured for your pool’s exact shape and features. They provide an easy upgrade path from a worn or ill-fitting cover so you gain safety and a cleaner opening—without the guesswork. (Calm Water Pools sells covers; installation is not included.) (Read more)

👉 Learn more or start your quote with Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)

Quick FAQ

Do I really need a cover in winter?
Covering protects from debris, harsh weather, and accidental access—especially important for families with kids or pets. Leaving a pool uncovered through winter usually means more spring work and higher chemical costs. (Read more)

How long will a quality cover last?
With reasonable care: roughly 10–15 years (often longer for premium fabrics). Routine inspections and proper storage make the biggest difference. (Read more)

Mesh vs. solid—what’s the trade-off in one line?
Mesh = less winter upkeep (no pumping), more spring cleanup; Solid = more winter upkeep (pumping), cleaner spring opening. (Read more)

If you’re ready to reduce the negatives—and keep the benefits—choose the construction that matches your priorities and get a cover measured to fit your pool precisely. Then the only “downside” left is deciding when to reopen.