Are Mesh Pool Covers Good for Winter?

Short answer: yes—mesh pool covers are an excellent winter option for many backyards. They keep leaves and debris out, allow rain and snowmelt to drain through (so there’s no heavy water puddling on top), and they’re engineered as safety covers—tensioned and anchored to support weight when properly installed. Whether a mesh cover is the best choice for your pool depends on your climate, trees, and maintenance preferences. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense guide to help you decide.

What Mesh Covers Do Well in Winter

1) Safe, secure off-season protection
Quality safety covers are anchored to the deck and pulled taut, creating a sturdy barrier that helps protect kids and pets during the off-season. Mesh versions provide that same safety benefit without the hassle of pumping standing water off the cover. (Read more)

2) Built for rain, snow, and freeze–thaw
Because mesh allows water to pass through, winter storms don’t collect on top of the cover. That means less weight, less stress on hardware, and fewer mid-winter chores. Keeping a tight, custom-fit safety cover in place also supports the correct winter water level—part of smart freeze protection. (Read more)

3) Cleaner spring openings than a tarp
Compared with a simple tarp, a mesh safety cover blocks large debris, stays secured, and resists sagging—so you avoid the swampy mess and recontamination that can happen when you try to remove a water-logged tarp in spring. (Read more)

Where Mesh Isn’t Perfect (and How to Think About It)

Fine debris & light transmission
Most modern meshes stop leaves and larger particles but can let a bit of fine silt and some light through. That’s not a deal-breaker—many owners still open to clear water—but if spring algae risk is your top concern, a solid cover that blocks 100% of sunlight usually wins. (Plan on occasionally pumping water off a solid cover.) (Read more)

Some maintenance still required
Mesh cuts out the “pump the puddle” chore you get with solid covers, but you’ll still want to keep the cover clean of sticks and heavy debris, check anchor tension, and maintain your winter water level. (Read more)

Mesh vs. Solid: Which Should You Choose?

Choose mesh if you want:

• Minimal off-season chores (no standing-water pumping)
• Reliable drainage through heavy rain or snow
• A lighter cover that’s easier to handle and store (Read more)

Choose solid if you want:

• Maximum light blockage to minimize algae risk in spring
• The cleanest possible water at opening (at the cost of pumping surface water) (Read more)

Many homeowners in mixed climates pick mesh for simplicity through winter storms; those under dense trees or battling chronic spring algae often pick solid. Both are true safety covers when tensioned and anchored correctly. (Read more)

Why Calm Water Pools Recommends Latham® Safety Covers

• Custom fit: Every cover is precision-measured for your pool’s exact shape and features.
• Solid and mesh options: Match the cover to your climate and maintenance goals.
• Durable materials & hardware: Built for years of winter duty.
• Safety you can trust: Load-tested designs when properly installed. (Read more)

How ordering works (easy): Calm Water Pools sells the covers—we do not perform installations. Latham arranges free pickup of your existing cover, measures it for accuracy, and provides an exact estimate before your new cover is made. Many orders finish quickly once approved. (Read more)

Bottom Line

Are mesh pool covers good for winter?
Absolutely—mesh safety covers are a smart, low-maintenance way to secure your pool all winter. If you prefer the cleanest possible spring opening and don’t mind pumping off surface water, consider a solid cover. If your priority is simple winter care with built-in drainage, mesh is likely your best fit. (Read more)

Ready to protect your pool this off-season? Explore options and request your custom quote here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)

Questions? Call 240-372-4440 to get started.