Sun2Solar 24-Foot-by-40-Foot Rectangle Blue Solar Cover and Easy Gear Reel System | 1200 Series | Bundled Kit for Rectangular In-Ground Swimming Pools | Place Cover Bubble-Side Down

This is part 1 of this review based on having had the roller/blanket combo for three plus weeks. I intend to update my comments at the end of swimming season.First, the bad.1) I never believed it was possible to make a set of Ikea instructions look well done but I’ve changed my mind. These instructions were terrible but I did manage to get the roller assembled.2) The instruction sheet also serves as a packing list and mine was incorrect. This lead to me being shorted some parts (six stainless screws which necessitated a trip to the hardware store and eight bucks. (Stainless steel is expensive.)3) The mismarked packing list led to some (additional) confusion. I was looking for three roller tube sections but was dealing with five. I got it sorted but it was an unnecessary aggravation.4) Assembly was not terribly difficult although the lousy instructions didn’t help. However someone with limited mechanical aptitude and few hand tools is going to have a tough time. Installing/tightening the bolt which secures the roller tube to the gearbox will be almost impossible without a ratchet, short extension and thin wall socket.5) I’m guessing many purchasers will – like me – be in the United States. Having all the measurements in metric units sent me to the laptop for a converter website more than once. I know the US is out of step with the rest of the world in this regard but how hard would it be to show the measurements in inches as well as millimeters/centimeters?6) A couple of parts are different than shown on the instructions. I only realized I had installed them upside down when I looked the pictures on Amazon.7) I got some screws, straps and hooks which are not shown anywhere in the instructions. I suspect they may be for securing the roller to a wooden deck. I have concrete so not an issue for me.8) I have been purchasing pool blankets for over 30 years. This is the first one which didn’t include a white plastic cover to protect the blanket when it’s off the pool.Now, to the good.1) It works! It’s really easy to remove the blanket from the pool. The roller tube sags a bit in the center so we have a person at each end and tug on the edges of the pool blanket to keep it from wrinkling as we roll it up. The result is a neatly rolled blanket.2) Putting the blanket back on the pool is equally easy, again requiring two people to make it effortless.3) Pool blankets are great. They reduce evaporation dramatically and also reduce chemical use. The best part is a warm pool.4) It’s portable. It’s easy to move the rolled up blanket away from the pool making it easier to get around all four sides.We were trying to find a midpoint between the really inexpensive mostly plastic rollers and the high dollar “professional” types. At this point, we think we’ve found it. More to come at the end of swimming season but we’re happy so far. Just be prepared for some difficulty getting it into service. You may want to stock up on your hand tools and your expletives!Part 2 - Swimming season is now over. We have been very happy with the roller and - of course - with the pool blanket. Unless you have a place to store your roller/blanket assembly under cover or indoors until next swimming season, I strongly suggest you purchase a sturdy cover and strap it over the rolled up pool blanket.

Like some other comments, the instructions aren't the best. I too was confused because there are more tube sections for the 20' unit than shown in the instructions. They show three screws to secure each section, when the tubes only came drilled for one, and they only gave me enough for one screw per section. Also, when assembled per the instructions, the total tube length is under 20'. Maybe I'm missing another section? I ended up spacing the tube sections out further then the instructions. The screws they provide and the pre-dilled holes don't work very well, so I got some stainless sheet metal screws and used those instead. Other than that, it seems ok. The middle sags a bit and could be more reinforced, but it seems to work.

Paid $363 for the cover and reel. Bought the 12MM heavier duty thickness hoping it would last. Worked great for a couple of summers. Seems pricey for what essentially was 8 months of use June-Sep x2. It was generally only on the pool during the night in summer and rolled up all winter (Southern California) because it interferes with the pool sweep. Replacement cover is $250.

Not as heavy duty as it looks. Works okay, but the instructions are TERRIBLE! Just pictures, no words, and no finished pictures to show you what it’s suppose to look like. I could of had together is half the time with just a little more instruction. Had parts with no explanation what they were for and we still don’t.

All the reviews regarding set-up instructions...are very accurate! I actually gave up once before I finally set it up. Def a 2 person job, otherwise DO NOT get. Did a good job keeping debris out of pool, until you have to roll it up.

Almost didn't buy this because of the review on instructions. Was easy to put together and the instructions were easy to follow. Haven't rolled up the cover yet but so far it looks like it's going to do the job.

Don't like how it fell in the pool when we first started using it. But have hot it all worked out now and it is good.

Easy to use works great