Does Water Go Through a Pool Safety Cover?

Swimming Pools Blog

Short answer: it depends on the type of safety cover you choose. Mesh safety covers are designed to let rain and melted snow pass through into the pool, while solid safety covers block water from passing through and require you to remove puddled water from the top. (Read more)

Mesh vs. Solid: How They Handle Water

Mesh safety covers

  • Water permeability: Mesh fabric allows rain and snowmelt to drain through the cover, so you won’t see standing water on top after storms. This makes off-season maintenance simpler in wet or snowy climates.
  • Debris control: Mesh blocks leaves, twigs, and most debris, though ultra-fine particles can still filter through and settle to the floor (normal for mesh). You’ll vacuum that out at spring opening. (Read more)

Solid safety covers

  • Water barrier: Solid covers do not allow water to pass through. By blocking water and 100% of sunlight, they help suppress algae growth during the off-season.
  • Pumping required: Because water can’t drain through, you’ll need to pump off rainwater and snowmelt that collects on top to keep the cover taut and safe. (Read more)

Which Option Is Better for You?

Choose mesh if you want:

  • Hands-off drainage with no standing water on top after storms
  • A lighter cover that’s easier to handle season to season (Read more)

Choose solid if you want:

  • Maximum debris and sunlight blockage for a cleaner spring opening
  • The tradeoff of occasionally pumping off the cover after heavy rain or thaw events (Read more)

Either way, both are true safety covers—engineered to be anchored, tensioned, and strong enough to support weight when properly installed and maintained. (Read more)

How Calm Water Pools Helps

Calm Water Pools offers premium Latham® mesh and solid winter safety covers, custom-measured for a precise fit. While we don’t perform installations, Latham will arrange free pickup of your existing cover, measure it for accuracy, and provide an exact estimate before your new cover is made. (Read more)

Want to compare options or get a tailored quote? Explore our Winter Safety Covers page to get started.

Quick FAQ

Does water go through a pool safety cover?

  • Mesh: Yes—rain and snowmelt drain through.
  • Solid: No—use a cover pump to remove puddles. (Read more)

Which keeps the pool cleanest?

  • Solid blocks water and sunlight entirely, reducing algae growth; mesh is lower-maintenance for drainage but can allow fine silt that you’ll vacuum at opening. (Read more)

Are safety covers actually “safe”?

  • Yes—true safety covers are anchored and load-rated to support weight when tensioned properly, adding an important layer of protection for kids and pets. (Read more)

Ready for a Custom-Fit Cover?

Protect your pool this winter with a solid or mesh Latham® safety cover, measured for your pool’s exact shape and features. Start here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)