I've reviewed threads in this section and done a search through the archives, but I can't seem to find any recommendations for solar-cover reels. We have fought with ours for almost two years, replaced broken wheels on it, and cursed it every time it takes two and three of us to uncover and recover our pool. We bought a premium "12 carat (mil?) diamond cover ( Clear Diamond Solar Cover 18' x 36' Rectangular 12 Carat - PoolSupplies.com ) shortly after we acquired the 18x36 pool in July of 2018, along with a reel. You can see from the photos that the reel is struggling under the weight of the cover, and it's just so much effort to use it -- not to mention several attempts to keep it together with bolts and screws.
I'm hoping to investigate a new reel, and there are some designs that look like an improvement, but they all claim to be the best. Gear reductions, 12-sided tubing for anti-sagging (wouldn't that be nice?), cranks on both ends, battery powered, caster wheels, big wheels -- I just want to have an idea what works and what people like.
I'm hoping to investigate a new reel, and there are some designs that look like an improvement, but they all claim to be the best. Gear reductions, 12-sided tubing for anti-sagging (wouldn't that be nice?), cranks on both ends, battery powered, caster wheels, big wheels -- I just want to have an idea what works and what people like.