How Do You Put a Solar Cover on a Reel?

On this page (8 sections)

1. How do you put a solar cover on a reel step by step?
2. Which side of the cover faces the water?
3. Where should you put the reel and straps?
4. How do you roll the cover onto the reel evenly?
5. Why does a solar cover bunch or roll crooked?
6. How do you unroll the cover back over the pool?
7. How should you care for the reel and rolled cover?
8. Which reel should you choose for putting on a solar cover?

To put a solar cover on a reel, center the reel at one end of the pool, spread the cover bubble-side down, and attach the straps evenly between the cover and reel. Turn the crank slowly to roll the cover up straight.

A smooth roll starts with a clean, properly sized cover and a reel that fits your pool. Check the reel instructions before assembly, since above-ground and inground systems attach differently.

How do you put a solar cover on a reel step by step?

Lay the cover flat, attach the straps at even intervals, and crank slowly while guiding the edges. Stop if the cover bunches or a strap pulls out of line.

1. Put the reel in its intended position at one end of the pool and secure it according to its instructions.
2. Spread the cover over the water with the bubble side down.
3. Center the cover so it reaches both sides without a large overhang on either edge.
4. Attach the straps to the reel and cover as directed by the reel instructions.
5. Check that each strap has similar slack and that the cover's edge is square to the reel.
6. Turn the crank slowly, watching the cover wind evenly across the tube.
7. Pause to straighten any fold or crooked edge before continuing.

Keep the cover away from sharp corners and hardware while you work. If you need to trim it, follow a separate sizing guide for cutting a solar pool cover to fit.

Which side of the cover faces the water?

The bubble side faces the water when the cover is spread over the pool. Keep that orientation as you attach the cover to the reel so it unrolls with the bubbles against the water.

Lay the cover flat before attaching straps. Twists or folds near the edge can make it roll unevenly and can place extra pull on one strap.

If you have not chosen a cover yet, our guide to what color solar pool cover is best explains the common color options. Color does not change the basic loading steps.

Where should you put the reel and straps?

Place the reel square to the pool and distribute the straps across the cover's width. Exact attachment points depend on the reel, so use its instructions for the number of straps and how they connect.

A reel that sits at an angle can pull one side of the cover faster than the other. Check that both ends are stable before rolling, and keep the cover centered as you crank.

Does the reel fit your pool?

Choose a reel based on the pool width and attachment style. The VINGLI reel is described for inground pools 9 to 14 ft wide; the Intex reel is for rectangular frame pools 9 to 16 ft wide; and the Nollapo set adjusts for inground pools 6 to 18 ft wide.

Measure the pool where the reel will sit before choosing a system. For a closer comparison, see our guide to the best solar pool cover reels.

How do you roll the cover onto the reel evenly?

Crank at a steady pace and guide both edges so the cover winds in a straight line. Don't keep turning if one side starts to lag or a fold forms.

Stand where you can see the full width of the cover as it rolls. If the cover begins to skew, stop, ease it back into line, and check that the straps are still evenly attached.

Keep hands and loose clothing away from moving parts. If the reel has a lock, use it as directed when the cover is rolled up.

Why does a solar cover bunch or roll crooked?

A cover usually bunches when it is off-center, folded, or pulled unevenly by the straps. Stop the reel and correct the cause before continuing.

Check these points:

• The cover sits square to the reel.
• The straps are spaced evenly and are not twisted.
• No corner is caught on a ladder, coping, or pool fitting.
• The reel is stable and aligned with the pool.
• Wind is not lifting one edge as you roll.

If the cover is too large or has uneven edges, it may need trimming to match the pool. Read how to cut a solar pool cover to fit before removing material.

How do you unroll the cover back over the pool?

Release any reel lock, then pull the cover across the water while guiding its edges. Keep the cover centered so it reaches both sides evenly.

Follow the reel's instructions for releasing a handle lock or other restraint. Walk the cover out at a controlled pace, checking that no strap or edge catches on pool hardware.

Once the cover is spread, check that the bubble side faces the water. A solar cover can help retain warmth and reduce evaporation; see whether solar pool covers really work for what they can and cannot do.

How should you care for the reel and rolled cover?

Keep the cover and reel clean, dry, and secured when they are not in use. Use the care instructions for both the cover and reel, since materials and storage needs can differ.

The VINGLI reel's care instructions call for storing the cover and reel in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. They also say to use sandbags to secure the reel legs while it is in use.

Don't let a rolled cover unwind or drag across the ground. Check straps and attachment points periodically, and replace or repair damaged parts according to the maker's instructions.

Which reel should you choose for putting on a solar cover?

Choose a reel that matches your pool's width, shape, and mounting style. The VINGLI and Nollapo options are described for inground pools, while the Intex reel attaches to rectangular frame pools.

Pick the VINGLI if its 9 to 14 ft inground fit suits your pool and you want a wheelbarrow-style reel. Consider the Intex for a rectangular frame pool 9 to 16 ft wide, or the Nollapo set if you need an adjustable inground reel described for widths from 6 to 18 ft.

Before ordering, measure the pool and confirm the reel's attachment method works with its edge or frame. Then follow the included directions to assemble the reel, position the straps, and roll the cover evenly.

Frequently asked questions

Which way should a solar cover face on a reel?

Place the cover with its bubble side facing the water when it is spread across the pool. When attaching it to the reel, keep that same side toward the pool and the smooth side facing up, so the cover rolls with the bubbles on the water side when you unroll it.

How many straps should I use on a solar cover reel?

Use the straps supplied with your reel and space them evenly across the cover's width. Follow the reel instructions for strap count and placement, since attachment points vary by model; even spacing helps the cover roll without pulling harder on one section.

Can one person put a solar cover on a reel?

One person can often roll a cover onto a reel after the straps are attached and the cover is centered. A wide or heavy cover can be awkward in wind, so ask someone to help hold it flat and guide the edges if needed.

Can I leave a solar cover attached to the reel?

You can roll a solar cover onto its reel when you remove it from the water, but follow the cover and reel care instructions for storage. Secure the roll so it cannot unwind, and keep the cover out of direct sun when it is not being used if its care instructions call for that.