How Do I Choose a Pool Safety Cover?

Picking the right safety cover comes down to a few practical choices: mesh vs. solid, your climate and debris load, your pool’s shape & anchors, and how much maintenance you want to do over winter. Here’s a clear, homeowner-friendly guide—based on Calm Water Pools’ offerings of custom Latham® safety covers—to help you decide. (Read more)

1) Mesh vs. Solid: Which style fits your winter?

Mesh safety covers

• Drain rain and snowmelt through the fabric, so puddles don’t form on top.
• Lighter to handle during seasonal on/off.
• May allow a trace of fine silt/light through, which some owners will vacuum out in spring. (Read more)

Solid safety covers

• Block 100% of sunlight, helping suppress algae growth.
• Keep out fine debris but require a cover pump to remove standing water. (Read more)

Quick chooser:

• Heavy rain/snow & you prefer low on-cover maintenance → Mesh.
• You want the cleanest possible water and don’t mind pumping the surface → Solid. (Read more)

2) Prioritize real safety (children, pets, and peace of mind)

A true safety cover is tensioned and anchored into the deck, designed to bear weight and prevent accidental entry. This is very different from a tarp held by water bags. If safety is your top goal, upgrade to a properly anchored safety cover. (Read more)

3) Expect a custom fit—because every pool is unique

The best covers are precision-measured to your pool’s exact shape, steps, rails, and water features. Calm Water Pools supplies custom Latham® covers in both mesh and solid constructions, built with long-lasting materials and heavy-duty hardware for a taught, safe fit. (Read more)

4) Think about anchors and your deck surface

Safety covers use flush deck anchors (typically brass) that sit neatly when not in use. The layout and anchor type vary with concrete, paver, or wood perimeters and with obstacles (diving boards/handrails). A precise measuring process ensures the straps avoid obstructions and maintain even tension. (Read more)

5) Plan for maintenance (now and later)

• Mesh: minimal surface upkeep in winter (no puddles to pump); spring may involve a quick vacuum if fine silt passed through.
• Solid: cleaner spring opening due to total light block; you’ll pump off water after storms to keep tension correct. (Read more)

6) Budget for longevity

With reasonable care, a quality winter safety cover typically lasts 10–15 years; lighter, entry-level options may have shorter lifespans. Storing the cover dry, brushing debris before removal, and protecting it from sharp edges all extend service life. (Read more)

7) Know the process with Calm Water Pools (no installations)

Calm Water Pools sells Latham winter safety covers but does not perform installations. Instead, Latham will arrange free pickup of your existing cover, measure it for accuracy, and provide an exact estimate before production—so you get a perfect replacement without scheduling an install visit. Many orders finish quickly once approved. (Read more)

8) Put it all together: Your quick decision checklist

• Safety first: Choose a true, anchored safety cover—not a tarp. (Read more)
• Climate & debris: Lots of rain/snow → mesh; want maximum algae suppression → solid. (Read more)
• Maintenance preference: Mesh = less surface pumping; Solid = cleaner spring, pump required. (Read more)
• Custom fit matters: Ensure professional measuring around steps, rails, waterfalls. (Read more)
• Longevity & value: Expect 10–15 years from a quality cover with proper care. (Read more)

Ready to choose?

Explore Calm Water Pools’ options and request your measured-to-fit quote here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)

Questions about mesh vs. solid, fit, or timing? We’re happy to help you match the right Latham® cover to your pool and your winter weather.