Both mesh and solid safety covers provide excellent protection, but the best choice depends on your pool and maintenance preferences.

Mesh safety covers allow rainwater and snowmelt to drain through, eliminating standing water on the cover. This means no cover pump is required, making them lighter and easier to remove. However, fine silt and sunlight pass through, which can lead to spring algae growth.

Solid safety covers block 100% of sunlight, water, and debris. This keeps your pool water pristine and clear for an easy spring opening. However, water will pool on top, requiring an automatic cover pump, and the cover itself is heavier to handle. Many homeowners comparing inground pool safety covers choose mesh for easier maintenance and solid covers for maximum water protection.

Accurate measurements are crucial for custom and irregular pool safety covers. The best way to order a replacement safety cover depends on whether you already have an existing cover:

• Rectangular Pools: Basic length, width, and step dimensions are typically sufficient.
• Freeform or Irregular Pools: You must perform A-B triangulation measurements. This involves marking two reference points (A and B) along one side of the pool and measuring the distance from both points to various spots around the pool edge. Learn exactly how to do this in our DIY Guide to A-B Pool Cover Measurements.
• Downloadable form: You can download our print-ready Safety Cover A-B Measurement Form (PDF) to record your points.

All of our safety cover manufacturers (including GLI, Rayner, HPI, Coverlon, and Latham) offer replacement programs to make replacing an old cover quick and accurate:

• Provide the Serial Number: This is the easiest method. If your current cover has a tag sewn into it with a serial number, the manufacturer can pull up the original specifications and manufacture a brand-new replacement cover with matching strap layouts.
• Template Match Program: If the serial number is not available, they all provide a template match program. The manufacturer will issue a call tag to have your old cover shipped back to them, and they will make a perfect replacement using your original cover as a template to ensure the straps align with your existing deck anchors.

Safety covers rely on a secure anchoring system to stay taut and support weight:

• Brass Anchors: Installed directly into holes drilled in your concrete pool deck. During the off-season, they screw up to secure the straps. In the spring, they screw down flush with the deck to prevent stubbed toes.
• Tension Springs: Stainless steel springs connect the cover straps to the anchors, maintaining high tension to keep the cover suspended above the water.
• Specialty Anchors: Specialty brass anchors for wood decks, pavers anchors, and lawn stakes (pipe-in-lawn) are available for non-concrete decks to ensure code-compliant safety.

To be classified as a true safety cover, it must comply with ASTM F1346-91 standards:

• The cover must be able to support a minimum weight of 485 pounds, preventing kids, pets, or adults from falling through the cover if they step or fall onto it.
• It must prevent a test template representing an infant or small pet from sliding underneath the cover edge.
• All safety covers from GLI, HPI, Coverlon, and Rayner sold on our site are ASTM certified and feature heavy-duty reinforced straps on both the top and bottom.