automatic solar reel

[Whidster]

has anyone ever seen or used this automatic solar reel? It has a hand crank on one side and is automated by hooking a water hose to the other side. Turn a lever, the water spins the cover off. That's the idea anyways.

Here's a link. I don't want to invest the $$ if it is a hunk of junk!
http://www.amerimerc.com/inground-pool- ... -reel.htm#

 

[Bama Rambler]

It looks interesting. It's a water motor and if it's a good design it should work ok. Let us know if you decide to get it. Though I have to say, rolling up the cover has never been a problem. Letting it out is a bigger task, just because I have to wait on it to float out from the roller since mine's in the center of the pool.

 

[Whidster]

I have a hard time rolling our up. It gets very heavy towards the end and kills my shoulder. I've sheared off the crank and had to replace it. My husband made an aluminum one to replace the plastic one.

I think the concept of this automatic reel is awesome, but in practice is another thing!