Cover Types Used in Boston-Area Pools
Three cover types are in common use across Greater Boston residential pools, each with different performance characteristics for New England winter conditions. Understanding the differences is relevant both when selecting a new cover and when evaluating the condition of an existing one.
Mesh safety covers are the most widely used type for in-ground pools in the Boston area. They are anchored to the deck with stainless steel hardware and brass deck anchors, held under tension by a system of straps and springs that conforms to the pool shape. Mesh covers allow rainwater and snowmelt to pass through the cover into the pool — this keeps the cover surface clear of standing water and ice accumulation, which is a significant advantage in New England's freeze-thaw climate. The tradeoff is that some fine debris and dissolved organic material passes through with the water, so opening water chemistry is typically more involved than with a solid cover that excludes all water ingress.