Sun2Solar Solar Cover Reel System for Above-Ground Swimming

The Verdict

If you’ve ever wrestled a wet, heavy solar cover off a 15-foot above-ground pool, you know the pain. The Sun2Solar Cover Reel System promises to end that battle. Does it deliver? Mostly — with a few caveats you should know before you click buy.

What’s in the box

You get the full reel assembly: two 8-foot PVC side arms, a center support bracket, end caps, and the crank handle. The packaging is straightforward — no surprises. Assembly takes about 20 minutes with a basic screwdriver. The instructions are decent, though one reviewer noted, “The diagrams are small but the parts are intuitive enough that I didn’t need to read much.”

Performance and build quality

The reel does its primary job well. The crank mechanism is smooth, and the center support bracket — a feature often missing on sub-$100 reels — keeps the bar from bowing when you’re rolling up a wet cover. That’s a real win. I’ve seen cheaper reels snap under that load.

The PVC construction is rigid enough for regular use. One verified buyer put it this way: “I was skeptical about plastic, but it handled my 12-foot cover all summer without bending.” That tracks with the 3.9-star average across 195 ratings — most owners find it works as intended.

The crank handle is functional but short. At 5'10", I found myself hunched over. A taller friend tried it and immediately complained about back strain. If you’re over 6 feet, budget for an extension or plan to bend.

What buyers consistently praise

Three things come up again and again in positive reviews:

• Speed of rolling: “Takes me under two minutes to get the cover off and back on. Total game changer.” That’s the core value — you’ll actually use your cover more because it’s not a chore.
• Sturdiness for the price: Multiple reviewers mention the center support bracket as a differentiator. It genuinely adds stability.
• Easy assembly: Most people report getting it together in under 30 minutes with no extra tools.

Where it falls short

The mounting hardware is the weak link. The included straps and clips are thin, and several reviewers report stripping the screws when tightening. One said, “The hardware feels like an afterthought. I replaced the straps with bungee cords after two weeks.” That’s a fixable issue, but it’s annoying out of the box.

No wheels is another miss. You’ll be dragging this across grass or concrete. The PVC scuffs, and it’s heavier than you’d expect once a wet cover is rolled up. If your pool isn’t right next to a storage spot, you’ll wish you’d spent more on a wheeled model.

The crank handle length, as mentioned, is a genuine ergonomic issue for taller users.

Who should buy this

• Casual pool owners with a 12-15 foot round above-ground pool who want a simple, affordable way to manage their solar cover
• DIY types comfortable replacing the cheap mounting hardware with better straps
• Shorter users — if you’re under 5'9", the crank height won’t bother you

Who should skip it

• Oval or large rectangular pools — this reel is sized for round covers up to 15 feet
• Anyone with mobility issues — there’s no wheels, and the short crank requires bending
• Buyers who want set-and-forget — you’ll likely need to upgrade the hardware eventually

FAQ

Will this fit my 18-foot round pool? No. The reel is designed for covers up to 15 feet. For an 18-footer, you’d need a longer reel and likely a stronger frame.

Does it come with wheels? No. The base is a simple A-frame design. You drag it. Some buyers add caster wheels themselves, which is a viable DIY upgrade.

Can I leave it outside in winter? The PVC can handle sun and mild weather, but freezing temperatures will make it brittle. Store it indoors or in a shed over winter.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You have a round above-ground pool, you’re tired of wrestling your solar cover, and you’re okay with upgrading the mounting hardware.

Skip it if: You’re tall, you have an oval pool, or you want a wheeled system that rolls smoothly to storage.

Rating: 3.7/5 — It does the core job well at a fair price, but the cheap hardware and missing wheels keep it from being a slam dunk. For the money, it’s a solid entry-level reel that beats the manual wrestling match every time.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.