A pool safety cover is a custom-made mesh or solid cover that anchors into your deck and holds weight, unlike a tarp that floats on the water. Limitless Pools measures inground pools across Kingston, Napanee and Quinte for free, quotes a fixed installed price, and fits the cover at your fall closing.
Mesh vs solid safety covers
Mesh safety covers drain rain and snowmelt through the cover, so they need no pump and weigh less, but fine debris and sunlight get through. Solid safety covers block light and debris for the cleanest spring opening, but need a pump or drain panel to clear standing water. Both meet the same safety standard.
| Feature | Mesh cover | Solid cover |
|---|---|---|
| Water on top | Drains through | Needs a cover pump or drain panel |
| Spring water clarity | Good; some fine debris and algae risk | Best; blocks sunlight |
| Weight to handle | Lighter | Heavier, especially wet |
| Winter checks | Few needed | Check for pooled water after thaws |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Best for | Cottages, low-maintenance owners | Pools under maples and oaks |
Mesh or solid? Answer three questions
What safety cover installation includes
- Free on-site measure, including steps, benches, rocks and raised walls
- Fixed quote for the cover, anchors and installation
- Custom manufacturing, usually a few weeks, so measure by early September for a fall install
- Drill and set brass anchors, or replace seized and broken ones
- Fit and tension the straps at your closing visit, and show you how the springs should sit
Already have a safety cover? Removal, cleaning and storage are part of every pool opening, and installation is a set add-on to every pool closing.
Are safety covers safe for kids and pets?
A properly installed safety cover is built to hold a person or pet who walks onto it, so they are not trapped in the water. Most manufacturers certify to the ASTM F1346 safety cover standard. It only works when every strap is tight and every anchor is sound, so we check both at each closing.
A safety cover does not replace your pool fence or gate. For backyard pool safety advice, see the Lifesaving Society backyard pool safety tips.
Anchor replacement and cover repairs
Seized or snapped brass anchors are the most common safety cover problem we see. We remove them from the deck and set new ones, and we can replace worn straps and springs. Covers with large tears or sun-rotted mesh are usually better replaced than patched. Planning a new pool liner? Measure for the cover at the same visit.
Pool safety cover questions
How much does a pool safety cover cost?
Price depends on pool size and shape, mesh or solid, and how many anchors are needed. Rectangles cost less than freeform pools with steps and rocks. We measure for free and give a fixed installed price before anything is ordered.
How long does a custom safety cover take?
Most custom covers take a few weeks to manufacture after measuring. Book a measure by early September if you want the cover on at your fall closing.
Can you walk on a pool safety cover?
A tensioned safety cover is built to hold a person or pet that walks onto it by accident. It is not made for regular walking or play, and snow should not be shovelled off it.
Mesh or solid: which is better for Ontario winters?
Mesh suits cottages and owners who will not check the cover, because snowmelt drains through. Solid gives cleaner water at opening under heavy tree cover, but needs a pump for standing water after thaws.
Do you replace old safety cover anchors?
Yes. We remove seized or broken anchors and set new brass anchors flush with the deck, then re-tension the cover.
Last updated by the Limitless Pools service team. Questions? Contact us.
