10 Best Solar Cover Reels 2025 in the United States

The VINGLI Pool Cover Reel is designed for in-ground swimming pools up to 14 feet wide, making it a versatile option for various pool shapes. One of its key strengths is its durability due to the use of rust-resistant aluminum and stainless steel components. This makes it a low-maintenance, long-lasting choice.

The reel features a 5-section aluminum pipe design that prevents drooping and a grooved reel tube to keep straps in place. The embedded strap link design enhances stability and pulling force, and the lockable telescopic tube prevents shaking during use, making it easy to operate. The elevated design allows for better balance and ease of use compared to ground-level reels.

Additionally, the wheelbarrow-style maneuverability, complete with large solid tires and a mechanical lock, makes it easy to transport and secure. However, the reel's weight of nearly 30 pounds might be a bit cumbersome for some users. While it is easy to assemble, some might find manual installation a bit time-consuming. The product fits various pool shapes, but users will need to cut their pool cover to fit, which could be an inconvenience.

The Feherguard APEX Solar Blanket Cover Reel System is designed for above-ground pools up to 30 feet wide, making it suitable for both round and oval pools. The sleek and practical design allows one person to easily cover and uncover the pool using convenient handles at each end. This system helps to keep your pool area tidy as the cover is neatly stored within the roller when not in use.

Made of high-quality aluminum, the reel system ensures durability and longevity, backed by a 5-year warranty, which reflects the manufacturer's confidence in the product's quality. Manufactured in Canada by Feherguard, a company with over 45 years of experience, it comes with a complete kit, including straps, tabs, and all necessary hardware for easy assembly and secure fitment.

The product is also designed for ease of use, requiring only a damp cloth for cleaning and minimal maintenance. Despite its many strengths, the Feherguard APEX reel system is relatively heavy-duty and might be more cumbersome for some users to handle. This reel system is best suited for pool owners looking for a robust and easy-to-operate solution to manage their solar blankets, ensuring their pool is always ready for use.

The VINGLI 16 FT Pool Cover Reel is made from durable aluminum, making it both lightweight and resistant to rust — a suitable choice for pool owners seeking something sturdy but not too heavy. Its standout feature is the adjustable height, ranging from about 3.8 to 5.6 feet, allowing it to fit various aboveground pools and even some inground pools up to 16 feet wide. Unlike many reels fixed in place, this model is freestanding with a strong stainless steel bracket that adds extra stability, preventing wobbling or cracking.

The upgraded straps lock into grooves on the tube, providing more security than typical Velcro straps, especially in hot weather. The tubes are reinforced to prevent sagging, ensuring the pool cover stays tight without bending over time. Its size and design accommodate different pool shapes — from rectangular to round or irregular. It weighs about 38.5 pounds, which might be somewhat heavy for frequent moving, and it operates manually without motors or batteries, keeping the mechanism simple but requiring some effort.

This reel is a solid choice for pool owners looking for a reliable, adjustable, and sturdy solar cover reel that’s easy to use and fits a variety of pool types.