I have an in-ground concrete pool that was here when I purchased my home.
If I were to do it from scratch I'd do a prefab FG pool. In fact I'd do an L or Rectangular config with ONE depth throughout. IMO, this makes for more usabilty in the long run. Playing pool volley ball on the deep end isn't fun.
From the reseach I've done chemicals are not absorbed and they tend to last longer in a FG setup. FWIU, the marble dust used in the concrete pools plaster is considered a sacrificial component and is one of the many reasons a redo is needed every 10-15 years.
I considered a mesh cover years ago but found that it can act like a tea bag and debri that settles onto the cover will require quite a bit of cleanup when time comes to open.
I opted to work with a company that custom fabricates solid covers. I took a series of measurements per their instructions and they manufactured the top and suplied all the hardware. My cost was approx $1200. This is about a third the cost of others I have seen. I've opened the pool and have had crystal clear water. The one pain is that you must drain the cover after rain or snow...and this does get quite challenging. Let me know if you'd like their contact info. They were not easy to find and the only manufacturer willing to sell in this manner.
One very useful site I've used over the years is
www.PoolSolutions.com. It was built by a commercial pool maintenance guy and it is well worth the subscription. He dispells all the myths of proper pool maint and has many time saving tricks. For instance I use Baking Soda (or is it powder?) and Twenty Mule Team Borax to adjust PH in my pool. It has worked very well.
Here's how a solid or mesh cover is held in place.....
