Product Information
Description
- Authorized Merlin Dealer
- 10-Year Warranty
- Blocks All Sunlight
- Mesh Drain Panel
Merlin Solid XLS 18' x 36' Rectangle w/ Flush Side Step Pool Safety Cover with Mesh Drain Panel
Lighter, stronger, completely opaque.
The Merlin Solid XLS Safety Cover for 18' x 36' Rectangle w/ Flush Side Step pools (SKU PST-17WXGR, MPN 17WXGR) is 11.5 oz per square yard vinyl coated polyester that forms a complete barrier to water, dirt, dust and sunlight, and it does it while running 22% lighter and 90% stronger than typical solid covers. Merlin's patented window mesh filter panel drains rain and snowmelt back into the pool while screening out sediment, so there is no ponding on top and no pump to run. The cover stretches taut on Merlin's patented stainless steel springs and brass deck anchors, never resting on the water, and meets or exceeds ASTM F1346.
11.5 oz Vinyl
A Complete Barrier
Solid vinyl coated polyester stops water, dirt, dust and sunlight at the surface. Algae gets no light, your liner or plaster gets no silt, and the water you close with in October is the water you open in April. The XLS runs 11.5 oz per square yard and stretches taut across the pool rather than resting on it, so the cover works as a barrier over the water instead of a floating sheet.
Lighter + Stronger
22% Lighter, 90% Stronger
Solid covers are usually the heavy, awkward option. Merlin engineered the XLS to be 22% lighter than typical solid covers so fall install and spring removal are genuinely manageable, and 90% stronger so the weight savings cost you nothing in durability. That combination is the whole point of the line: total light block without the wrestling match at both ends of the season.
Mesh Drain Panel
Patented Window Mesh Filter Panel
A solid cover has to shed rain and snowmelt somewhere. Merlin's patented window mesh filter panel lets water drain back into the pool while screening out the sediment that comes with it, which is why this version needs no automatic cover pump, no extension cord, and no trip outside after every storm. Keep the panel clear of packed leaves and ice and the cover manages winter water on its own.
Who It's For
Homes With Kids & Pets
Anchored and tensioned, the cover is a taut physical barrier over the water, meeting or exceeding ASTM F1346, for the months the pool sits unattended.
Heavy Debris Backyards
Pools under oaks, pines or cottonwoods. Nothing washes through solid vinyl, so leaf litter and pollen never reach the water.
Fastest Spring Openings
No light means no algae bloom and no silt on the floor, so opening is pull, top off, and start the pump instead of a week of vacuuming.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Complete light block shields the liner pattern from winter UV while the cover keeps staining organics and dirty runoff out of the water entirely.
Why PST Customers Pick This
Real Safety Barrier
Spring tension and brass deck anchors hold the cover taut over the water so it never rests on the surface, helping keep children and pets out.
Blocks All Sunlight
Vinyl coated polyester is a complete barrier to sunlight, water, dirt and dust, which is what makes a solid cover open cleaner than any mesh.
Window Mesh Panel
The patented mesh filter panel drains rain and snowmelt into the pool while screening sediment, so no automatic cover pump is required.
90% Stronger
Merlin builds the XLS 90% stronger and 22% lighter than typical solid covers, so you get durability without the usual solid-cover handling penalty.
2-Ply Webbing
Heavy duty triple stitched straps run into polypropylene and nylon 2-ply webbing, secured with stainless steel buckles at every spring.
Complete Install Kit
Brass concrete anchors, stainless springs and spring covers, an allen wrench, installation rod, storage bag and instructions all ship in the box.
Keep the Drain Clear
Under ASTM F1346 a solid vinyl cover must use an automatic pump or built-in drainage to clear standing water; this cover relies on its mesh filter panel, so keep that panel free of packed leaves and ice all winter. Set every anchor in sound concrete, tension each spring to Merlin's instructions, recheck tension through the season, and never allow anyone to walk on the cover.
Full Specifications
| Manufacturer | Merlin Industries |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Solid XLS Safety Cover |
| Model / MPN | 17WXGR |
| SKU | PST-17WXGR |
| Pool Size | 18' x 36' |
| Cover Shape | Rectangle w/ Flush Side Step |
| Color | Green |
| Fabric | Vinyl coated polyester |
| Fabric Weight | 11.5 oz per sq yd |
| Light Block | Complete barrier to sunlight, water, dirt and dust |
| Drain System | Patented window mesh filter panel, no cover pump required |
| Strength | 90% stronger and 22% lighter than typical solid covers |
| Fit | Cut 1 ft larger than the pool on all sides, stretches taut above the water |
| Webbing | Polypropylene and nylon 2-ply |
| Straps | Heavy duty, triple stitched, cross the pool in both directions |
| Springs | Stainless steel with protective spring covers, patented Merlin design |
| Spring Patent | US Patent 2021/0324931 A1 |
| Buckles | Stainless steel |
| Anchors | Brass concrete deck anchors, stainless steel and wood anchors optional |
| Included | Allen wrench, installation rod, storage bag, warranty card, instructions |
| Available Colors | Blue, Green, Gray, Tan |
| Materials | Manufactured with U.S.A.-made materials and components |
| Safety Standard | Meets or exceeds ASTM F1346 |
| Warranty | 10 year limited, first 2 years full |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover come with a drain panel or an automatic pump?
This listing is the mesh drain panel version. Merlin's patented window mesh filter panel lets rain and snowmelt drain into the pool while screening out sediment, which satisfies the ASTM requirement that a solid cover clear standing water. also builds an automatic cover pump version of the XLS at additional cost if you prefer to pump water off the top.
Should I choose the Solid XLS or the Dura-Mesh II?
The XLS blocks 100% of light and all debris, so you open to the cleanest possible water. Dura-Mesh II is 6.4 oz mesh at 95% shade that drains freely everywhere across the cover and weighs less to handle. Pick solid for heavy-debris yards and the fastest opening, mesh for the lowest seasonal maintenance.
What size cover should I order?
Order by your pool's water dimensions. A 18' x 36' cover is built for a 18' x 36' pool; Merlin cuts the finished cover 1 ft larger on all sides so it overlaps the deck and reaches the anchors. If your pool has a step section, order the matching step shape so the cover follows your outline instead of bridging the steps.
Can I install this myself?
Most owners can. You lay the cover out, drill anchor sockets into the concrete deck with a hammer drill and masonry bit, set the included brass anchors, then stretch each spring on with the included installation rod. Stainless steel and wood deck anchors are available at extra cost. The XLS is 22% lighter than typical solid covers, which makes the first fit far easier.
Will water pond on top of a solid cover?
Not while the mesh filter panel can drain. Keep the panel clear of packed leaves and ice and brush heavy wet snow off the middle of the cover after big storms. A blocked drain is the one thing that lets a solid cover load up with water.
Which colors does the XLS come in?
Merlin makes the Solid XLS in blue, green, gray and tan. This listing is the color shown in the title, which is the color we stock for fast shipment.
What does the warranty cover?
Merlin backs the Solid XLS with a 10 year limited warranty, first 2 years full and the remainder prorated, against defects in materials and workmanship. Keep your proof of purchase and run any claim through PST Pool Supplies as your authorized dealer.
Order Your Merlin Solid XLS Cover
Authorized Merlin dealer. Solid XLS covers ship free from PST Pool Supplies.
- Free Shipping
- 30-Day Returns
- 10-Year Merlin Warranty
- Authorized Merlin Dealer
Additional Info
| Category | Seasonal Pool Winterizing Pool Safety Covers |
| SKU | PST-17WXGR |
| MPN | 17WXGR |
| Manufacturer | Merlin |
| Weight | 80.6 lb |
Let customers speak for us
Same pump and motor I needed for my pool setup and would’ve been great if I didn’t have to tear apart the new one to install old part. Best price I found anywhere too.
Great company to work with!
Came in great condition my kid loves it, fit perfect hes 6 and got a medium.
Order received. Thank you
This is a well built spa light with excellent cables and excellent customer service. Highly recommend
New flow switch worked perfect. Much cheaper than other sites. Arrived on time.
Good price works great!
Extremely fair company. Cares about their customers and are willing to do what it take to make you feel satisfied!
Dog chewed pool robot cord end. Ordered this fix it. Delivery was a little slow and I think some instructions should have been included as should have been a tiny allen wrench needed to tighten the wires into the plug. I got it done but think most homeowners would have a problem doing it. Other than these issues, the plug works fine and was much cheaper than buying a whole new cord.
Had a minor issue with pricing of a separate part in my order, but the sales team was responsive and reasonable, and worked with me to come to a mutually agreeable solution. In a world where character and reason has become the exception rather than the norm, they stand by their word and were committed to finding a fair solution.
I highly recommend them, and will look to them first in the future when searching for pool and spa products. Thanks, Sal and team!
I really like it
The part fit perfectly. Shipping was quick. Would definitely purchas from PST Pool Supplies again in the future.
Ordered this as I just had a leak and replaced it with a complete flow switch and valve . If the valve body cracks again, at least I am prepared. Thanks!
Awesome product and handling. It fit where my IC40 was easily.
We found the hard to find parts here, and they were delivered all the way to North Carolina way ahead of the initial delivery date. The pump runs Great and Everyone is enjoying the Pool over the Labor Day Holiday. Thank you again PST Pool Supply for your Excellent service..
