Swimline HydroTools by Complete Above-Ground Pool Solar Reel System Set

It seemed to indicate that the pole that holds the solar blanket was included. It is not and they want another $125 for it. The add seems to indicate that the pole is included. It’s not. The mechanism for the supports does not appear sturdy enough to support the weight of a solar blanket.

It would be, and I can’t stress this enough, good to be able to get the tube added at the time of order, you get the reel, then inside the package it tells you the sizes of the tubes that the original text here provides just part numbers for, very very hard to find this helpful, you should or have amazon do it and add the size description along with the part number, now to wait another week.........

I ordered this for my 18 x 33 above ground pool. I knew the span would be fairly long for my cover at about 20 feet, so I needed something that would have good support. I purchased this based on other reviews ( yes I knew I had to order the poles separately). The problem I have is what is shown in the photos AND on the box is not what's in the actual package. The photos show sealed bearings where the axle goes into the bracket, instead the actual product only has plastic bushings, no bearings. While I will have to wait to see how they hold up, actual bearings would have been much better and probably easier to roll up my larger cover. I may just be a case of the manufacturer changing the design to make it cheaper ( most likely) but they should also change their packaging artwork and Amazon photos to reflect this change. Just beware.

The image used to show the mount is inaccurate. It shows a flat mount plate attached to the pool rail, into which the upright receiver then slides. This is not how the unit that you will receive is actually constructed. The upright receiver actually bolts directly into the pool rail, This means it is not removable, resulting in a flat mount left behind. If you use a pool cover this is important because it means that you the pool cover will have to go over those upright receivers.

First and fore most, we purchased the Hydro Tools 51120 12-Foot by 3-Inch Aluminum In-Ground Pool Cross Pole Set to go along with this reel. Putting together: Not difficult, follow the pictures however you will need a second person to help hold this and that.. One thing to note, when you are trying to figure out the proper width assemble it, carry it over the pool and make adjustments so it is seats properly. using a sharpie to mark the spots on the pool for the holes. mark the poles where they come together and carry the thing off to drill the holes. Its good to have someone to help.Pivoting out of the way was one of its features.. BUT IT CANNOT. The weight of the pole puts too much stress as the base that's mounted to the pool. Not too bad, just remove the pins and one person can lift out of the way with liner wrapped on it weighs approximately 15 pounds. With a teenager to irritate me and somewhat help, I would say it took me about two hours. Place it on the pool solar liner using the pinch method as described in the instructions.Operation: Big handle, and pulls up the liner fairly easy. Unrolling the liner I would rather have two people gently one person gently pulling out the liner while the other unwinds. works so efficiently. I gave this 4 stars only because it does take some time assembly, the instructions could have been better, and you should have a helper handy. Takes approximately 5 mins for take down and setting back up, and most of the water stays in the pool. Prior it would take 10 to 15 mins to do it by hand.