What to Use Instead of a Pool Cover? (Smart, Safe Options That Actually Work)

Swimming Pools Blog

If you’re wondering what to use instead of a basic tarp-style pool cover, here’s the short answer: swap “tarps and water bags” for engineered safety solutions that protect people and your water. The two best options are winter safety covers (mesh or solid) for the off-season and automatic safety covers for the swimming season. Below, we break down when to use each, why they’re safer and cleaner, and how Calm Water Pools can help.

1) For the Off-Season: Choose a Winter Safety Cover

A true winter safety cover anchors to your deck and is load-tested for child and pet safety, while keeping out debris. You can pick mesh (drains water, lighter to handle) or solid (blocks sunlight to minimize algae). Both are custom-measured for a snug fit, so you reopen faster in spring with far less cleanup. (Read more)

👉 Learn more or get started here: Winter Safety Covers. (Read more)

Why safety covers beat tarps

  • Real safety: Properly anchored, they create a barrier over the water (unlike tarps). (Read more)
  • Cleaner water: Solid covers block sunlight to reduce algae; mesh covers let rain/snow drain through while keeping debris out. (Read more)
  • Less hassle: No water bags to roll, fewer mid-winter emergencies, and easier spring openings than tarps. (Read more)

How Calm Water Pools makes it easy

Calm Water Pools offers premium Latham® safety covers and a streamlined process: free pickup of your existing cover, professional measuring for a perfect fit, and an exact quote before production. Note: We don’t perform installations; Latham coordinates the pickup/measuring and fulfills your custom cover. (Read more)

2) For the Swim Season: Consider an Automatic Safety Cover

If you want daily convenience while the pool is open, an automatic safety cover closes at the turn of a switch to create a sturdy safety barrier. It also cuts evaporation and keeps out leaves between swims. Use it during the season, then switch to a winter safety cover for heavy snow/ice loads. (Read more)

3) Helpful “Companions,” Not Replacements

These items can help, but they don’t replace a safety-rated cover:

  • Leaf nets: Great for fall cleanup on top of a safety cover—but not a standalone safety solution. (Read more)
  • Chemical programs: Balanced winter chemistry reduces staining and algae but won’t stop debris or provide safety. (Read more)
  • Good drainage around the pool: Protects decking and equipment but doesn’t cover the water. (Read more)

Mesh vs. Solid: Which Off-Season Cover Should I Use?

  • Mesh: Lighter, allows rain/snowmelt to drain; minimal pumping. Expect a little fine dust in spring that the filter handles quickly. (Read more)
  • Solid: Blocks 100% of sunlight for the cleanest spring water; you’ll pump off surface water as needed. (Read more)

FAQ

What if I really don’t want a cover?
For winter, there’s no true substitute for a safety-rated cover if you want safety + clean water. Tarps invite maintenance headaches, safety risks, and spring algae. A winter safety cover is the smarter “instead of” choice. (Read more)

Do you install covers?
No. Calm Water Pools sells the covers; Latham handles the free pickup of your old cover for measuring and provides the exact quote before your new custom cover is made. (Read more)

How quickly can I get one?
Turnaround varies by season, but the process is designed to be fast once measurements are confirmed. (Read more)

Next Step: Get the Right “Instead Of”

Skip the tarp. Protect your pool with a custom, safety-rated solution:

Questions or a quote? Call 240-372-4440 and we’ll help you choose the best option for your pool and climate. (Read more)