The Best Solar Cover Reels For Every Kind Of Pool
Handling your solar pool cover can be a real pain. Spend less time wrestling with your solar pool cover and more time enjoying the water with our top picks for the best solar cover reels for every kind of pool.
Solar pool covers are an excellent investment in your inground or above ground swimming pool.
For a simple piece of fabric, they provide a lot of value in terms of regulating the temperature of the water .
That said, they can be a hassle to pull out of the water and store.
Solar covers for your pool, although they are basically tarps, are not immune to being torn and degrading when tossed and folded around. Rips, frays, fold marks from being balled up like a snowballthey all add up to a damaged cover that doesnt do its job effectively.
Enter the solar cover reel.
Pool solar cover reels help keep your pool area organized, protect your pool cover, and make it easier to position and store the cover.
Below is a breakdown of the best solar cover reels on the market, including key features .
Read on, find the right solar cover reel for your pool, and spend more time in the water enjoying your pool than fighting with your solar cover.
Lets do this!
What Is A Solar Cover Reel
A solar cover reel is used with a solar blanket , allowing you to store and deploy it without arduously lugging, folding, or balling it up in the back of your shed until next season.
Picture your toilet paper roll except if for some reason you needed to put the toilet paper back on the roll periodically. Wait, nevermind. That doesnt work at all.
Its essentially a giant spool that you position at one end of your swimming pool, consisting of a long metal pole, supported between two vertical end bars.
The pole has some dangly straps hanging down that allow you to clip the edge of the pool cover for easier rolling and to keep it in place. One end of the reel also has some kind of wheel or crank that youll use to actually wind up the cover in an efficient and not-migraine-inducing way.
Some models even have wheels to help you move the whole thing around, making it easier to reposition, move out of sight, or store your solar cover reel away for the long winter months.
Note: If you dont already have a solar cover, youll almost certainly need to purchase this separately as they dont often come bundled with a solar reel. See our recommendation below.
- Conserves energy this 14-mil blanket covers…
- Minimizes heat loss: our insulating thermal…
- Superior durability – this Rectangular 14-mil…
Manual solar cover reels are the most common type of reel on the market, and they function just as their name suggests.
Feherguard Premium 30 Solar Cover Reel
- Ideal for 30 round pools
- Includes Aluminum tubes & Hardware Kit
- Heavy duty 3 3/4 extruded aluminum tubes provide industry leading strength durability and corrosion resistance
- Lift off and swing away blanket removal feature
- Premium telescoping tubes with rib-locking design
- Specially designed Wide Track Nylon Bearings allow for easy turning.
- Lightweight, stronger than the same weight in steel, with UV inhibitors that protect against sun damage.
- Two handles allow the Solar Blanket to be rolled up easily from either side of the pool.
- Solar cover sold separately. To add a Solar Cover, view the Solar Covers here
- 5 Year Manufacturers Warranty
The FeherGuard Premium Solar Reel features a lift and swing away design that makes removing your cover smooth and easy. Made of the strongest lightweight non-corrosive polyethylene for long life. Extruded aluminum tube gives superior strength and corrosion resistance. Includes all attachment hardware. 5 year warranty. Color of the Reel May Vary.
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Does It Work With Thicker Solar Covers
Mil is the term used to denote the thickness of the plastic of your pool cover. Thicker plastic and higher mil mean better protection for your pool and a more durable cover in the long run.
If you have a very thick solar cover, youre going to need a reel that can accommodate its thickness and extra weight.
This is an important consideration when looking to purchase a solar cover reel. Not all reels will give a mil size accommodation in their specs, so its a good question to ask of manufacturers before you buy.
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Above Ground Pool Solar Reel System
$155.95
Swimline Solar Cover Reel 50050
The Swimline Solar Cover Reel includes Aluminum Rail Mount Stands, crank and all the required straps and hardware. Designed for above-ground pools and the features include commercial grade aluminum construction, Sturdy metal cranks and nylon roller bearings that will provide easy operation for anyone. The Sturdy design mounts directly onto the top rail of your swimming pool which will provide great stability. The reel system can also easily disconnect from the reel mount by simply pulling out the pin to allow unobstructed use of the pool. This real system will support 3 and 4 Swimline Tube kits .
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Solar Reel Above Ground
$279.99
This above ground solar reel makes it simple to extend and re-track your solar blanket for effortless fun in the sun.
- Above-ground pool cover reel system
- Includes straps and hardware to attach to the solar blanket
End pieces and tube can all be purchased separately in store.
Out of stock
No need to fuss with your solar blanket when you have it on a reel. This above ground solar reel makes it simple to extend and re-track your solar blanket for swimming and fun in the sun.
- Above-ground pool cover reel system
- Includes straps and hardware to attach to the solar blanket
Hydrotools Above Ground Pool Solar Blanket Reel
Designed specifically for above-ground swimming pools, the HydroTools reel is paired with Swimline poles that you use to create a custom-width reel set for your solar pool cover.
This reel is meant to be installed next to your pool with the attached base and crank wheel. Straps and hooks are included to hook up to your pool cover.
Although it doesnt have the same versatility as the VINGLI reelmost notably the portabilitythis reel is very budget-friendly, costing under $50 .
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Certikin Solex Solar Powered Roller
The Certikin Solex solar powered roller is specifically designed to be economical, flexible and simple, offering a convenient progression from a standard manual pool roller without the hardship of providing an electrical supply.
Fully self powered through a photovoltaic panel which steadily tops up a fully contained dry-cell battery, even on cloudy days, the Solex roller can be installed on new and existing outdoor domestic pools and will accommodate solar blankets of up to 6 metres wide and 13 metres long. The sturdy, anodised aluminium telescopic roller tube allows flexibility of size and the aluminium and PVC stands give strong impact resistant end supports.Operation is by a simple switch mounted on one of the end stands, and the 12v in tube motor has adjustable limits in order that the positioning of the cover can be consistently accurate and automatic. The use of an Aquablade towing system is strongly recommended for covers using the Solex roller and the roller should be mounted over the end of the pool, not set back.
Any questions? Send us an email: [email protected]
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Are There Any Alternatives To Solar Cover Reels
For smaller above-ground pools, there are other options out there that dont require you to mount a reel on the pool deck or purchase a mobile reel.
Probably the best is solar hooks.
These are exactly as they soundseveral PVC hooks that are mounted on the exterior edge of the swimming pool.
Pull the cover off, drop them into the hooks, and this way the cover can be stored and out of the way.
Keeping the cover off the ground reduces the amount of dirt and grass get on the pool and using solar hooks takes just a few minutes to retract the cover.
The folks over at In the Swim make a quality set that includes five hooks and mounting hardware.
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Using A Solar Pool Cover And Reel System In Combination Ensures You Are Saving Time And Money As Well As Protecting Our Most Precious Resourcewater Why Use A Solar Cover And A Reel System:
*Cut heating bills by up to 70%
*Increase your pool temperature by 10 degrees or more
*Reduce your use of expensive chemicals and water
*Keep your pool cleaner
Consumers are tired of purchasing sub-standard products for a few dollars less and then being disappointed with the results. When you purchase one of our solar cover reel system you are buying a high-quality product and saving yourself disappointment and frustration in the future.
Do The Type Of Straps Matter
Solar pool cover reels usually come with two types of fasteners that actually connect your pool cover to the reel itself.
These are either embedded straps or hook-and-loop straps:
- Embedded straps connect directly to the reel by drilling and screwing them in place. Typically, they are much more secure than other kinds of connections because they are embedded directly into the reel by means of grooves in the metal.
- Hook-and-loop straps use Velcro instead, looping around the reel and eliminating the need for drilling any holes. This makes assembly a breeze but may not hold up with long term use.
So, if you have a large pool with a heavy cover, the hook-and-loops straps may not cut it and you may want to spring for the embedded-style straps.
- COMPLETE KIT: Includes 8 each of Straps (6ft long
- 1 YEAR GUARANTEE: We got tired of straps breaking
- UNIVERSAL FIT: Works on pool covers from 10ft to
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Do I Need A Solar Cover Reel
Solar cover reels increase the safety of your pool, reduce damage to the cover itself, and also protect your pool from unwanted debris from getting into the water.
Look, there is always the option of hand-pulling a solar cover on and off your swimming pool.
Elbow grease is free, after all.
But removing the cover yourself and leaving it in a jumbled mess can create a series of problems.
For starters, the cover is more likely to get damaged, whether that means getting blown around, caught on something sharp near the pool and tearing, or getting blown into the blades of a hungry lawnmower.
Secondly, folding up a solar cover and leaving it on the pool deck creates a safety hazard for you and your pool guests, blocking access to and from the pool.
Lastly, the cover will get dirty when left unattended, whether you are putting it on the grass next to your pool or on the deck.
When you pull the cover back on, you are bringing a host of new unwanted guests into the pool along with it.
The guest list includes pebbles, dirt, grass, and so on, adding more work to your pool filter.
Reels keep your pool deck organized, protect the cover, and even keep pool water clean.
Best Solar Cover Reel For Pools Review Guide Of 2022
Best Solar Cover Reel For Pools Review Guide of 2022-2023 Are you in search of a worry-free way to keep your pool warm without adding to much to your utility bills? Getting a pool cover is a must. However, rolling and unrolling the cover can be a pain in the butt unless you buy a good quality swimming pool cover reel. If you have plans on buying a pool cover reel, this Best Solar Cover Reel For Pools Review Guide of 2022-2023 can help you.
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Does The Build Material Matter
Pretty much all reels you find are going to be made from aluminum or stainless steel. Both materials are durable, rust and corrosion-resistant, and can withstand sun and rain very well.
Stainless steel reels tend to be sturdier, heavier, and less likely to bow in the middle, especially if you have a wider pool. Aluminum models will be less expensive, lighter-weight, and more likely to sag a bit in the center.
If you have a smaller-width pool and are on a budget, the aluminum version may suit your needs just fine.
Besides, if you use a solar reel case when storing your solar cover reel, you should see a decent product lifespan regardless of which way you go.
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Automatic Solar Cover Reels
Automatic solar cover reels turn an otherwise manual reel into an electric-powered, automated reel system.
The hand-crank is replaced with an electric motor that activates rotation in both directions with the press of a button.
These tend to be a little slower than doing it by hand, but its infinitely more satisfying to use.
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Do Solar Cover Reels Work For Every Kind Of Pool
Solar cover reels are specialty tools. By that I mean they have to be compatible with the size of your solar cover and the shape and size of your swimming pool.
Reels are built with a specific type of pool in mind, whether that means we are talking about above-ground or inground pools.
Some solar cover reels are adjustable, however, giving flexibility for swim pools that arent rectangular.
A Solar Roller For Any Pool And Cover
No matter the size or shape of your pool, keep your solar pool cover in great condition with a pool solar reel system. Our solar reel systems make taking your solar cover off quick and tidy and reduce potential damage to your solar blanket, extending its life. We have reel systems available for all pool types and sizes.
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Where Do I Put My Solar Cover Reel
This primarily depends on what kind of swimming pool you have.
If you have an above-ground pool, placing a reel next to it can often be more trouble than its worth.
That said, there are some pretty sneaky ways to mount a reel cover next to an above ground pool that has no surrounding structure.
Where you put your cover reel ultimately depends on the size and shape of your pool, the type of mounting you prefer, and the deck and structures surrounding the pool.
More About Pool Solar Reels
Every swimming pool with a solar blanket is incomplete without one of our pool solar cover reels. Solar cover reels like our inground pool economy solar cover reel are relatively inexpensive and make warming your pool far more convenient by allowing for easy covering and removal of your solar blanket. With the help of our pool solar cover reels, pool owners no longer need to struggle with their pool blanket to keep their pool water warm.
At In The Swim, we offer a wide selection of high quality solar cover reels from Rockys, Pool Boy, Horizon and GLI for both above ground and inground swimming pools. For example, we offer both basic solar cover reels and deluxe low profile solar cover reels with all budgets in mind.
There are also cover reels with built in casters that make moving your pool blanket out of the way when there are swimmers in the pool. Many solar cover reels offer the use of one handle for single-person use or dual handles to make rolling up the solar cover easier and faster. Our selection of pool solar cover reels also includes heavy duty commercial grade solar cover reels, solar cover reels with a unique T base design that provides superior stability as well as a powered solar blanket reel that does all the work for you.
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Why Should I Buy A Best Above Ground Solar Cover Reel
You can tell if you need or want a best above ground solar cover reel by looking at your existing inventory. You probably donât need it and should reconsider buying it. If you cant bear to go with the old one, you could always sell it and put the money toward the purchase of a replacement.Finishing your project in this manner is a lot of fun and simple to do.
Are Solar Pool Cover Reels Worth It
Solar cover reels are worth their weight in gold, but everything has its pros and cons when it comes to pool equipment, and solar cover reels are certainly no exception to that rule.
So lets break it all down.
Pros:
- Promotes more frequent use of your solar cover
- Easier to store for long periods with a reel cover
- Not all that expensive for the added convenience
Cons
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Sun2solar Cover Deluxe Reel System
Sun2Solar is one of the most reliable options to appear on our options today. The reel from Sun2Solar is a great option for a long-term option within a budget-friendly price range.
Next up, we are featuring the solar pool cover reel from Sun2Solar. The Sun2Solar Deluxe Reel System features a high-quality reel with durable stainless steel construction which is perfect for installing near a pool. It can easily cover pools within 20 feet width and works perfectly with 800 and 1200 series options. The aluminum tubes on the Sun2Solar Deluxe Reel System measure 3 ¼ inches in diameter, making it a rigid and heavy-duty option.
Along with that, you can also find 2 large tires on the reel right below the crank which makes it possible to move the unit around despite the heavyweight. The effort needed to wind the solar pool cover is minimal with the Sun2Solar Deluxe Reel System as it offers a gear system on the crank. The gear system increases the applied force to offer faster and smoother operation. You will get a 3 years long warranty period on the Sun2Solar Deluxe Reel System.
Best Features
