Product Information
Description
Merlin SmartMesh 18' x 36' Rectangle w/ 1' Offset Step Premium Mesh Safety Cover
Total shade, total safety, all winter.
The Merlin SmartMesh 18' x 36' Rectangle w/ 1' Offset Step premium mesh safety cover (SKU PST-26MTGR) seals your pool for the winter behind a patented fine weave that delivers 100% sunlight shade and screens incoming water down to 40 microns. Rain and snowmelt drain straight through while leaves, seeds, and fine debris stay on top, and the tensioned strap-and-anchor system meets the ASTM F1346 performance standard for pool safety covers. Order model 26MTGR in stock Green and open next spring to water you can actually see through.
Shades Out Algae All Winter
Algae needs sunlight, and SmartMesh refuses to hand it over. The patented fine weave blocks 100% of sunlight, starving algae under the cover all winter while rain and snowmelt drain straight through the fabric. Debris riding in with that water gets screened out down to 40 microns, so what reaches your pool is filtered, not funneled. You pull the cover in spring to water that is clear enough to balance and swim, often within days instead of weeks of scrubbing and shocking.
Safety Built to a Standard
Every SmartMesh cover meets or exceeds ASTM F1346-91 (2010), the performance standard for pool safety covers, when installed with its full anchor set. Triple-stitched 2-ply polypropylene and nylon webbing crisscrosses the pool and loads into stainless steel tension springs seated on flush-mount brass deck anchors. The anchors tighten and release with the included hex key, then thread down flush with the deck in summer, so the whole system stays out of the way until winter calls it back.
Light Enough to Handle Solo
At 8.5 oz per square yard, SmartMesh runs about 40% lighter than a solid safety cover, which matters twice a year when the cover goes on and comes off. One person can walk the perimeter, hook springs with the included installation rod, and tension the whole system in an afternoon. Light never means fragile here: Merlin rates the weave at 105% higher tear strength than average mesh covers, and a storage bag is included so the off-season treats it kindly.
Who It's For
Tree-Lined Yards
The fine 40 micron weave stops seeds, needles, and broken-down leaf litter that sails straight through coarser standard mesh.
Sunny, Algae-Prone Pools
Pools that fight green water every spring benefit most from 100% shade: no light under the cover means no algae photosynthesis.
Families and Pets
A tensioned, ASTM F1346 rated barrier anchored at every strap, for households where kids and dogs share the backyard all winter.
Second Homes and Long Off-Seasons
Drains itself and blocks debris unattended for months, with no cover pump to check on between visits.
Why PST Customers Pick This
No Cover Pump Ever
Rain and snowmelt pass straight through the mesh, so water never ponds on top and there is no pump to run, drain, or forget.
Complete Hardware Kit
Ships with brass anchors, stainless steel tension springs, spring covers, stainless buckles, hex key, installation rod, storage bag, and instructions.
Flush-Mount Brass Anchors
Anchors thread down flush with the deck for summer, then raise with the hex key each fall. No trip hazard, no rusting hardware.
Sized With Deck Overlap
Rectangle covers are built about 1 ft larger than the pool on every side, and step sections match the listed configuration.
Made in the USA
Merlin manufactures its safety covers with USA-made materials and components, including its own patented safety cover spring.
15-Year Limited Warranty
Backed by Merlin's 15-year limited warranty, with full coverage across the first 2 years of service.
Installation Notice
A safety cover only performs to ASTM F1346 when every strap is tensioned and every anchor is properly seated. The included brass anchors are made for solid concrete decks; for wood, paver, or stone decks, use the matching Merlin anchor hardware (sold separately) and follow the installation instructions packed with the cover.
Full Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
How is SmartMesh different from Dura-Mesh II and the Safety Solid XLS?
SmartMesh is Merlin's premium mesh: a tighter patented weave rated for 100% shade and 40 micron filtration. Dura-Mesh II is the standard mesh line at 95% shade, and Safety Solid XLS is a solid cover that drains through a mesh panel. If your priority is the clearest possible spring opening while keeping mesh convenience, SmartMesh is the top of the line.
What size cover do I order for my pool?
Order by your pool's water dimensions and step layout, not the fabric size. Rectangle covers are built about 1 ft larger than the pool on all sides so the material overlaps the deck. Measure your pool and any step section, then match them to the listed size and configuration before ordering.
Can I install a safety cover myself?
Yes, if you are comfortable drilling anchor sleeves into a concrete deck. The kit includes every anchor, spring, and tool needed, and once anchors are set the hex key and installation rod make seasonal on-and-off a quick job. Many owners have a pro handle the first-season layout and squaring, then take it from there themselves.
Do I need a cover pump with a mesh cover?
No. Rain and snowmelt drain through the mesh as they land, so water never accumulates on top. There is no pump to power, no hoses to freeze, and no risk of a flooded cover.
Will my pool actually be clear in spring?
SmartMesh blocks 100% of sunlight, which shuts down algae growth under the cover, and it screens inbound water to 40 microns. Close the pool with balanced, winterized water and most owners uncover to a clear pool that needs a quick vacuum and balance rather than a full recovery.
Is a mesh safety cover safe for kids and pets?
When every strap is anchored and tensioned, the cover forms a barrier that meets or exceeds ASTM F1346-91 (2010) for pool safety covers. Treat it as a strong layer of protection, not a substitute for supervision or fencing.
Winterize Once, Relax Until Spring
PST Pool Supplies is an authorized Merlin dealer. Every SmartMesh cover ships complete with hardware, tools, and 's 15-year limited warranty.
Additional Info
| Category | Seasonal Pool Winterizing Pool Safety Covers |
| SKU | PST-26MTGR |
| MPN | 26MTGR |
| Manufacturer | Merlin |
| Weight | 62.7 lb |
Let customers speak for us
The bulb was lost in transit and PST reached out proactively to ask if I wanted a replacement shipped out!
part was an exact fit for my old spa, price was great thanks
Fast shipping and great customer support. I appreciate all of the help in getting my spa up and working.
The cord worked perfectly when I upgraded my older Balboa spa and pump.
I had a leak in which water was leaking out to the waste line. I could hear the water trickling in the waste line. The spider gasket in this kit resolved the issue.
Shipping and delivery were quick. Would definitely order again from PST.
Fit perfectly and works great.
Awesome item. I can control my spa from my phone!! Love it. Item was shipoed out and delivered so fast. Hooking it up was a breeze.
The support staff to make the orders were outstanding; even though I made a quantity error. And the timeliness of all the repair parts I needed to get the OLD Tiger Shark running as good as new was wonderful. My pool is crystal clear.
Fit perfectly on our bubbler lightv
The only place I could find with the part I needed. Delivery was fast and the price was great. Best pool supply store on the web.
Part was easy to find and arrived a couple of days earlier than originally scheduled.
The ceramic spindle in the center of the original impellor broke. Replacement with this part was super easy and pump performs like new.
