Styles

• Some winter pool covers rest on the water during the winter months. This type of pool cover often has weights filled with water to hold it in place, especially if the pool is in a windy area. Other pool covers extend onto the pool's deck and attach to hooks installed in the cement on the pool's deck. Pool technicians usually need to install this type of cover to get it stretched properly. When the cover comes off in the spring, the technicians slide the special hooks into the deck so they don't become a trip hazard.
  
  

Mesh Vs. Solid

• Both mesh and solid types of pool covers protect the pool. If you live in a state with more sun during the winter months, a solid cover may provide more protection for the pool's structure from ultraviolet rays from the sun. A solid cover also provides more cover, which translates to less chance of staining walls of pools made of gunite. Mesh winter pool covers primarily serve to keep debris out of the pool during the off season, but newer covers also offer ultraviolet protection as well.
  
  

Safety Concerns

• Some winter pool covers serve as both protection for the pool and a safety barrier to keep young children out of the swimming pool. Pools that attach to the deck are a safer choice if young children are present in the home. The only way a child can enter the pool with one of those covers in place is to physically release the tie-down straps. Floating pool covers do not provide any safety benefits at all.
  
  

Care

• To prolong the life of a winter pool cover, clean it in the spring when it comes off the pool. In most cases, a simple rinsing with water from a garden hose is all that is necessary. Before storing, leave the cover in the sunshine on the pool deck to dry. Fold it when it's dry, and hang it in a dry place during the summertime. Take care that no small creatures have access to it.