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

Swimming Pools Blog

Pool covers do a lot of good—safety, cleaner water, and lower energy costs—but they’re not perfect. If you’re weighing the downsides before you buy (or replace) a cover, here’s a clear, homeowner-friendly look at the most common negatives—plus practical ways to minimize them.

Short answer: the biggest drawbacks are added off-season chores, water pooling on solid covers, a bit of fine debris slipping through some mesh fabrics, potential wear to hardware and deck surfaces, and the need for accurate measuring and seasonal handling. Thoughtful choices and simple maintenance largely solve these issues. (Read more)

1) Extra Chores and Monitoring

Even the best safety cover adds a few tasks to your winter routine: tension checks, clearing debris, and periodic inspections for wear. Skip these and you’ll shorten the cover’s life or open to a mess in spring. The good news: with reasonable care, quality winter safety covers typically last 10–15 years. (Read more)

How to reduce the hassle

  • Set monthly reminders to check spring tension and look for frayed straps.
  • Brush off leaves before they decompose (that sludge stains and smells).
  • Store the cover dry and folded cleanly to avoid mildew and creases. (Read more)

2) Standing Water on Solid Covers

Solid safety covers block sunlight (great for slowing algae) but they collect rain and snowmelt on top. You’ll need a cover pump or drain feature to remove pooled water; leaving it can strain fabric and hardware. (Read more)

How to avoid it

  • Choose a solid cover with an integrated drain channel (e.g., Invis-A-Drain-style designs) or use a reliable cover pump throughout winter. (Read more)

3) Fine Silt and Light Through Some Mesh Covers

Mesh covers shed water and snow—which means less pumping—but very fine debris can still pass through certain meshes, and a tiny amount of light may promote a light spring cleanup. You’ll likely open to a clean pool with a modest vacuuming step rather than a full-on swamp, but it’s still a tradeoff. (Read more)

How to dial this in

  • Pick a high-shade, fine-weave mesh (up to ~99% light block) if you want drainage and minimal spring cleanup. (Read more)

4) Hardware & Deck Wear

Safety covers anchor into your deck. Over many seasons, straps, springs, and brass anchors can scuff coping or need replacement. Mis-tensioned straps are the usual culprit—not the concept of a safety cover itself. (Read more)

Protection tips

  • Use coping/anti-rub strips and keep straps evenly tensioned.
  • Replace worn springs or torn strap ends promptly; small fixes prevent big failures. (Read more)

5) Upfront Cost (vs. Tarps)

A true safety cover costs more than a throw-over tarp because it’s engineered to be anchored and load-bearing. You’re paying for safety, fit, and durability—things a tarp can’t provide. (Read more)

Make the investment count

  • Choose materials and warranty that match your climate and tree load.
  • Care and storage habits have an outsized impact on lifespan (and long-term cost). (Read more)

6) Measuring, Fit & Lead Times

Poor fit is the root of many complaints: gaps that invite debris, uneven tension, accelerated wear, and frustrating openings in spring. Accurate measurements and a precise template match are essential. (Read more)

How Calm Water Pools simplifies this

  • Calm Water Pools sells Latham® safety covers and streamlines the measuring process: mail in your old cover for a precise pattern, get an exact quote, then receive a custom-made replacement—installation not included. (Read more)

7) Misconceptions About “Maintenance-Free” Safety

Even automatic safety covers and robust winter safety covers aren’t “set-and-forget.” Snow loads, standing water, and debris should still be managed to protect the system and fabric. (Read more)

Reality check

  • Follow load and use guidelines, remove heavy accumulations promptly, and keep the mechanism or cover surface clean for longevity. (Read more)

Mesh vs. Solid: Choosing the “Least Negative” for You

  • Solid: Best for blocking sunlight and minimizing algae risk but requires pumping or a drain system to manage pooled water.
  • Mesh: Best for low-maintenance drainage and easier handling but may allow a trace of fine silt/light, meaning a light cleanup at opening. (Read more)

Bottom Line

A pool cover’s negatives are real—but manageable. With the right fabric, proper measuring, and simple upkeep, you’ll keep safety high and spring headaches low for a decade or more. If you’re ready to replace an aging cover (or want to switch from tarp to a true safety cover), explore Calm Water Pools’ custom-measured options here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)

Note: Calm Water Pools sells safety covers; installation is not included. (Read more)