Lower the water, then tighten the cover.

Yes, closing a pool with a mesh safety cover is straightforward — but only if you get the water level right and tension right. Mess either one up and you’ll spend spring fighting a saggy cover full of leaves.

First, drop the water level. Mesh covers let rain and snowmelt through, so you don’t need to drain below the skimmer like you would with a solid cover. Instead, lower it to about 18 inches below the coping or just above the returns. This keeps the cover from floating up when groundwater rises, but still lets water drain through.

Next, winterize your plumbing, add the right chemicals, and then install the cover. Center it over the pool, attach the springs or straps to the anchors (start at the corners, work your way around), and pull it tight. The mesh should be drum-tight — no sag. If it sags, water will pool on top instead of draining, and the cover becomes a trampoline for debris.

Final step: secure the edges. Mesh covers typically use straps and springs, not water bags. Double-check every spring is hooked and the straps are snug. You want it tight enough that a squirrel couldn’t dent it.

Spring you’ll thank yourself. A loose cover is a pain to clean.