DIY Solar Roller
- Thread starter maieranne
- Start date
I know many have...if you use the search box in the upper right, it'll find some of the threads for you.
I have done that but looking specifically for the solar roller...like coverstick not a reel. There just aren't very many posts on that type of cover remover. There is one person that has build or modified off of the original solar roller he purchased but his pictures don't show anymore....
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Thanks mas985! Yours was the post I noticed a few days ago but I can't see your pictures. 
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Try it now. I refreshed the pictures.
http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/57594-DIY-Solar-Cover-Roller?p=485678#post485678
In case that doesn't work, here is the original post:
Someone in another thread had asked about how I built my own solar cover roller. So here it is.
Initially, I had purchased a SolarRoller and it worked pretty well for about three years after which the aluminum pipe corroded through. So I looked at several alternatives and came up with the following:
The design is based on a 1 1/2" ABS DWV pipe which because it is foam core floats unlike PVC or the original aluminum which tended to make the center of the cover sink. I used 10' pipe with a coupler but it would be better to use a continuous piece of pipe if you can find it that long.
To attach the cover to the pipe I used a faster with a 2" long 1/4 piece of the pipe in a clamp configuration (see pictures). I used the fasteners that came with the original solar roller but you could also use automotive panel fasteners with a hole drilled through the clamp and the pipe.
To roll up the cover, I reach under the cover for the pipe and just twist the pipe and the cover rolls up on itself. To unroll, I partially unroll the cover on the deck before pushing it all the way in and then simply unroll or pull on the ends of the cover to unwrap it.
Here are the pictures of the parts
Cover clamp and fastner
Cover Rolled Up
Cover Unrolled
Pipe Close Up
http://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/57594-DIY-Solar-Cover-Roller?p=485678#post485678
In case that doesn't work, here is the original post:
Someone in another thread had asked about how I built my own solar cover roller. So here it is.
Initially, I had purchased a SolarRoller and it worked pretty well for about three years after which the aluminum pipe corroded through. So I looked at several alternatives and came up with the following:
The design is based on a 1 1/2" ABS DWV pipe which because it is foam core floats unlike PVC or the original aluminum which tended to make the center of the cover sink. I used 10' pipe with a coupler but it would be better to use a continuous piece of pipe if you can find it that long.
To attach the cover to the pipe I used a faster with a 2" long 1/4 piece of the pipe in a clamp configuration (see pictures). I used the fasteners that came with the original solar roller but you could also use automotive panel fasteners with a hole drilled through the clamp and the pipe.
To roll up the cover, I reach under the cover for the pipe and just twist the pipe and the cover rolls up on itself. To unroll, I partially unroll the cover on the deck before pushing it all the way in and then simply unroll or pull on the ends of the cover to unwrap it.
Here are the pictures of the parts
Cover clamp and fastner
Cover Rolled Up
Cover Unrolled
Pipe Close Up
Got it thanks! So you don't have a handle of any sort? Just roll as is?
We have a 27' round and despritly need to find a good way to remove cover by myself. This is so helpful! Thank you!
We have a 27' round and despritly need to find a good way to remove cover by myself. This is so helpful! Thank you!
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
The pipe is fairly big so pretty easy to turn by hand. A handle would probably make it harder.
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