Solar Cover Reel Replacements

[jessica0917]

I have been using the Horizon Solar Reel system for several years and purchased, in 2022, a Horizon Reel Complete Base Kit which includes everything but the metal tubing. In the past several weeks I noticed it was getting harder to crank the cover onto the tubing as the plastic roller ends seemed to be locking up, even when first starting to roll up the cover, so it wasn't a weight load issue. Thus the end with the handle actual broke off from the pedestal when I tried to roll the cover up...ugh.

I just purchased another new Reel Base replacement system and the handles even out of the box were still a problem with smooth turning. I am at the point where I am looking for an above ground system that has metal parts for the handles and are sturdier. I need the ability to roll the solar cover up and swing one end over to my deck when the pool is in use or when I am running my pool vacuum, by myself.

This is my set up. The deck covers only half of the pool.

 

[CT-Steven]

I've been eyeing this for some time...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032JSQTI/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&th=1

 

[jessica0917]

It looks like every thing is metal on the Slimline Solar Reel which would be better than plastic. Thanks for the information!

I have also reached out to Horizon because I noticed the instructions show the handles should be installed in separate pieces, but the handles ship assembled (which I thought was nice at the time). The instructions also explain about the care and maintenance which requires the handles to be disassembled. My inquiry to Horizon was how to disassemble the handles.

Horizon was great about sending me replacements, but as mentioned above the the handles (end pieces) came full assembled.

 

[beeswax]

I have been very happy with this reel. It has served us well for nine years. Roll the cover up and we set the cup onto a metal post pounded in the ground.