Mesh vs Solid Safety Covers:
Which one is right for your pool?
Both cover types carry Hydra’s 20-year warranty and ASTM F1346-91 certification.
Here’s how to choose with confidence.
30%
Less chemicals needed
95%
Less water evaporation
5-7
Months of liner UV protection
20yr
Warranty (1 full, 19 prorated)
ASTM F1346-91 certified
Compare a Mesh vs Solid Cover
Both options feature the same warranty and safety certification but offer different ways to protect your backyard pool.
Mesh Safety Covers
98.9%
SHADE
7.3 oz.
PER SQ YD
7 gpm
DRAINAGE RATE
Rain and snowmelt drain through automatically: no pump-off required after storms
Lightweight and easier to handle: one or two people can install and remove
98.9% shade factor: blocks nearly all UV and sunlight to prevent algae growth
Lower spring opening cost: pool water stays cleaner, so startup is faster
Certified to meet or exceed ASTM F1346-91 safety standard: holds weight, prevents submersion
Fine debris (pollen, dirt) can filter through the mesh: pool may need cleaning at opening
Solid Vinyl Cover
100%
SHADE
12 oz.
PER SQ YD
240 lb
BREAKING STRENGTH/SQ IN
100% shade: zero light penetration means zero algae potential during the off-season
12 oz/sq yd weight with 240 lb breaking strength: significantly heavier, more robust construction
Keeps pool water cleaner through spring: nothing gets in, period. Easiest possible opening
Ideal for wooded or high-debris yards: leaves, seeds, and pollen can’t filter through
Certified to meet or exceed ASTM F1346-91 safety standard: holds weight, prevents submersion
Standing water (rain, snowmelt) accumulates on top: requires a cover pump or drain panel to remove periodically
Specs at a Glance
DECISION GUIDE
Neither option is universally better.
That’s because the right pool safety cover depends on your yard, your habits, and how you want spring to feel.
You have young children or pets
Both pool safety covers are ASTM F1346-91 certified and will support weight without submersion. Neither compromises on safety — choose based on other factors below.
Either cover works
Your yard has lots of trees or heavy pollen
In that case, leaves, seeds, and fine pollen can filter through mesh fabric over a full winter. A Solid Vinyl Cover keeps everything out and means a faster, cleaner opening in spring.
Consider Solid Vinyl
You live in a rainy or snowy region
With a Solid Vinyl Cover, water ponds on top so you’ll need an automatic cover pump to remove it regularly. Therefore, an Ultra Mesh pool safety is a better choice because the cover drains water from the surface.
Consider Ultra Mesh
You want the easiest possible spring opening
The Solid Vinyl Cover seals out everything. That means there's no debris, no algae food source, no surprises. Water will be as close to closing condition as possible. Expect to remove standing water from the cover with a pump.
Consider Solid Vinyl
You want to minimize overall cost of ownership
Ultra Mesh pool safety cover typically costs less upfront and eliminates the need for a cover pump. Both covers cut chemical use by ~30%, but mesh’s automatic drainage removes a recurring equipment expense.
Consider Ultra Mesh
You want to forget about the pool all winter
If your yard is relatively clear and storms are frequent, Ultra Mesh is the set-it-and-forget-it choice because rain drains itself, nothing to monitor. If debris is the issue, a Solid Vinyl pool safety cover is the better option.
Ultra Mesh for most climates
Not sure which option fits your yard? Your local Hydra dealer can help you choose and custom fit the perfect pool safety cover.
COMMON QUESTIONS
FAQ
Answers to what most homeowners ask about choosing a mesh vs solid cover.
Is mesh really safe if water and fine debris can pass through?
Yes. ASTM F1346-91 certification tests load-bearing capacity and submersion prevention. The mesh is designed to hold significant weight without giving way. The certification means a child or pet who falls on the cover will not go under. Water passing through prevents dangerous accumulation on top of the cover.
Do both covers fit any pool shape?
Both the 98.9 Ultra Mesh and Solid Vinyl Cover are custom-fitted to your pool’s dimensions and shape by your Hydra dealer. They’re secured with TruSteel Springs anchored into the deck. Sizing and layout are handled when you order. There’s no standard size; every cover is built to spec.
How much does a cover pump cost and how often do I need to run it?
A submersible cover pump is included with the Hydra Solid Vinyl Covers. You’ll need to check after significant rainfall or snowmelt and run the pump to remove standing water. The frequency depends on your climate.
Will my pool still turn green in spring with a mesh cover?
It’s uncommon, but possible particularly if the pool is closed too early or opened too late. Properly closed pools under a 98.9 Ultra Mesh cover typically open clean.
What’s the 20-year warranty exactly?
Both covers carry a 20-year warranty: the first year is a full replacement warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Years 2 through 20 are pro-rated, with coverage declining on a sliding scale. Your Hydra dealer can walk you through the warranty terms in detail when you place your order.
Can I protect my liner better with one cover over the other?
Both mesh and solid safety covers help protect your liner during the off-season by reducing UV exposure and preventing up to 95% water evaporation. Solid vinyl blocks 100% of sunlight, while Hydra 98.9 Ultra Mesh blocks 98.9%. Solid offers the most UV protection, but both provide strong liner protection while the pool is closed.
Keep Building Your Pool
A safety cover is part of the bigger picture. Here’s where to go next.
Safety Covers Overview
See all Hydra safety cover options, color choices and how TruSteel Springs work to keep your cover locked in place.
Liner Patterns
Browse Hydra’s full liner pattern library by series and water color.
Pool Styles
Still configuring your pool? Safety covers are sized to your pool’s exact shape. Start with the pool that fits your yard, then build from there.
Get Inspired
See real Hydra pools, liner transformations and backyard ideas from homeowners and dealers across the country.