PoolTux King Light Weight Solid Safety Cover 18 x 36

What exactly is a safety pool cover?

A safety pool cover is a sturdy, tightly secured cover designed specifically for inground pools (and some above-ground pools with sufficient decking) to prevent accidental drownings by supporting a minimum of 485lbs at its center without failure or allowing water to pool to an unsafe depth according to ASTM F1346 safety standards. Made from durable materials like reinforced polypropylene mesh or solid vinyl, it's anchored to the pool deck with brass anchors, stainless steel springs, and stout thick flat webbing straps, creating a taut barrier that prevents children, pets, or adults from falling into the water. Unlike regular winter pool covers, which mainly keep out debris, safety covers are engineered for protection, but adequately do the same task as winter covers to block debris, reduce algae growth by limiting sunlight, and maintain water quality during the off-season. They come in mesh (allows water to pass through, lighter) or solid (blocks all debris and light, may require a pump or a built in drain panel) varieties. They can be custom-fitted for nearly any pool shape. A safety cover may be critical investment if you have kids or pets, offering peace of mind and reducing maintenance.
(Answered by our BackyardCityPools.com Experts)

What is the difference between a mesh and a solid safety cover?

• Mesh Safety Covers: Mesh covers are lighter and made of a finely woven material that allows water to pass through. This is a major advantage as it drains rain and snowmelt off the cover quickly reducing the weight fatique to the cover and eliminates the need to pump water off the cover, making it a low-maintenance option. However, because they are porous, some very fine dirt and silt may get into the pool which just needs to be vacuumed when cover is removed for opening. They also let some sunlight through, which can increase the chance of algae growth if pool chemistry isn't properly maintained. Especially in mid to late spring.
• Solid Safety Covers: These covers are made from a non-permeable material that blocks all sunlight, water, and debris. The key benefit is that they provide the cleanest possible pool opening in the spring, as virtually no water or debris enters the pool. However, because they don't drain, rain and snowmelt will collect on top. To prevent strain on the cover, you'll need either a built-in drain panel or a small cover pump to remove the water. These covers are usually 25-40% heavier than a mesh cover.

Will the straps on the replacement safety cover line up with my current anchors in the pool deck?

Most likely no! The typical 5x5 feet strap grids on stock size safety covers shift up to 2ft in all directions. They are not made the same way each time, not even from the same manufacturer. This is done to save on fabric waste. If you stood at the end of the manufacturing line and collected 10 of the same size covers for the same standard sized pool, 2 maybe 3 might have strap grids that align with each other. If the grid pattern is off by over 4" from your anchor pattern, you will need to install new anchors in your swimming pool or you can have a custom cover made to match your existing installed anchors.
(Answered by our BackyardCityPools.com Experts)