I a not a big fan of Anchor covers. Too many anchors to be drilled and they often use rubber tie downs. Even if it has springs, the straps are only sewn into the edge, the don't go across the length of the cover. They also tend to have a lot of overlap, often two feet or more beyond the pool edge.

Solid covers and raised spas can create problems with snow and rain loads, depending on the decking surrounding the spa, if any. Pumps are required to remove standing water from the top of the cover.

The ASTM/ANSI standard specifies for a cover to be considered Safety Cover, it cannot rest more than 18" from the water's surface. From the spa deck to the pool tile will exceed this, though some of the cover will rest on the water's surface. The raised portion will exceed this substantially. This will also place a substantial load on raised section and the cover, especially with the snow load. You may need a two cover solution, ne fr the pool and one for the spa.

I have had problems with Anchor warranty claims in the past. Patching any holes is also very visible.

Anchor covers weigh a LOT! They take a lot of space when they are folded and rolled for storage.

I prefer mesh covers in this situation with an automatic step pump to keep the water level below the tile. This keeps the tiles from cracking or popping when ice forms and expands.

Mesh covers, strange as it sounds, are normally stronger than solid. Many manufacturers have mesh materials that block out the light. They also dry thoroughly when removed so there is no mildew or mold formation when stored.

Look for 12 year warranties, light bocking materials, construction materials for webbing, double stiching at stres points, wear pads fr inside corners, etc... With a safety cover, expect to pay for what you get. A cheap cover is just that. The cost of the cover itself is only part of the story. The installer, designer, a bundled closing all factor in. This is not a DIY job in most cases.

A safety cover is and investment. It keeps debris, wildlife, and people out. Over it's life span, it's saves time at openings, not having to scoop debris in the spring, no water bags to pop/replace, cover pumps don't pump off pool water in the event of a hole forming where the cover rests on the water (like an Anchor brand cover or water bag tarp style cover will), and has other benefits.

Hope this helps.

Scott

I looked heavily at solid versus mesh and ended up going with mesh, I bought a Loop-Loc.

My pool is 20 by 40 with a spa and one swim out bench.

I drove a couple of rebar pins off the side of the patio and took a bunch of A/B measurements around the perimeter of the pool.

It took me about a half-day to fit it, drill the holes in the deck, and install the brass anchors. The cover fits perfectly.

Cost me about $1100 if I recall.

I drain the pool about 18"-20" in the Fall, put the cover on, and by late Spring the off-season rain and snowmelt always returns the pool to the proper "full" water level.

Remove the cover, and although my water is always clear and colorless, there is a light dusting of debris on the floor of the pool. I vacuum the light dusting of debris on the bottom of the pool, shock, and we're swimming within a couple of days.

I'm in CT, a few friends with solid covers really dislike them. Too heavy, tears, problems with pumps, etc. One tossed his and bought a loop loc. For the two that kept theirs, I'm not sure if it's improper winterizing or they open the pool too late, but their water quality is always awful (cloudy and colored) when they open up their pools in late spring.

So I'm not really answering your questions about solid covers, but I thought I'd toss out my observations anyways.