Help Attaching Solar Cover to Reel

Hi All,

Just bought a solar cover reel for my 16x33 pool. Put together the reel without any problem, but I need some advice for how to attach the cover to the reel, i.e. where to punch holes through the cover. The reel game with an attachment kit including (8) 6' velcro straps.

The directions call for punching holes at least 2 inches from the edge of the cover/pool. Then, feed each strap under the cover, through the cover, and then to the reel. I understand, but here are my issues, as the directions contradict themselves with where to punch the holes:

(1) Directions indicate that the reel by placed 2 feet from the edge (basically over the water), so the reel is not at the edge. If this is the case, then most of the cover is in front of the reel, but some of the cover is behind the reel. How can you then crank and get the "front" cover and "back" cover to wind. I just can't conceptualize how placing the reel away from the edge will smoothly wind the cover considering there's cover in front AND back of the reel. Does anyone have this setup and does it work?

(2) I think in the above, the directions are applying to a rectangular pool, where the width is all the same. But, they actually recommend placing the reel over the widest point. The widest point for me is about 7' from the edge, but how can I place my reel 7' from the edge? I don't understand how I can follow the strap installation - I cannot pull the strap under the cover, as directed, since the strap is only 6' long and I'm 7' away from the edge of the pool! Maybe I'm thinking about this wrong - is there a different way to attach straps that are 7' away from the edge? Does anyone out there have a setup where their reel is far away from edge? If so, can you please tell me exactly where you punched your holes and how did you attach your straps?

I tried calling Horizon Ventures, and while very nice, could not seem to help me. Maybe I didn't explain myself very well.

Hope this makes sense and thanks in advance for your suggestions!

i know exactly what you're talking about. i have a kidney shape with a round end and the picture for install indicates i should put the reel quite a ways in..if i put close the end, there would be way too much pressure on a small surface (rounded part) and i wouldn't be able to use all the straps and could see why they recommend putting it in at widest point.here is what i did.

-put straps about 5 ft in from one end. to your question on how to attach then cause straps obviously are not long enough, there are a few options. i installed the grommets as indicated..then i made with an xacto knife a slit about 6 inches back of each grommet so i could feed the strap back up and through. if you want to do it up really right, get a second grommet kit from supplier and put 2 sets on so straps are supported by grommets on both.

i did not do that..i just made the slash, fed the straps through and hoped it would not tear..it has not and i've been using it this way since june. next time i get a cover, i would get a 2nd grommet kit..we'll see how this works out. i figure i paid less than 90 for a cover, another kit was 30..if it lasts me at least 2 seasons the way it is, then why spend more money on a 2nd kit.

in terms of how it will pull..trust me, it will on both sides without a problem. the only issue when it's not at the end is when you go to put it back on, the shorter end will either be under the bigger part of the cover or go over top and you just have to reach out to close edge and put it out. in short, the shorter piece won't just unroll onto the water. not a biggie..just takes an extra minute to get it back on.

a little tip as well..i could have done it on both ends, but on the longer end, i attached 2 of these ez-grabbit "bars" you can find on the web that are about 5 inches long and attach without making holes..i put nylon rope on them and hold the 2 ropes together and use it to pull the long end of the cover easily onto the pool..works great. i can get a cover on even with having to pull the short end out bit by bit from under/over the longer portion, in about 3 minutes.

Thanks for the reply! So, seems like you have two holes for each strap, where the holes are separated by about 6". Great idea. But, I just can't imagine that when you start cranking, the cover won't buckle, especially where you the holes are!! But, I'll take your word for it in that it does roll smoothly enough and both ends go reasonably smoothly onto the reel.

Tomorrow - I'll attempt to place the reel 7' from the edge, use the grommet supplied with each strap, but slice a second hole to feed the strap through, so it can reach the reel.

I have a good solar cover, so I'm nervous about punching holes, but I'm going to give it a shot.

Thanks again!
Marc

i was nervous about the holes too..and to be on the safe side, yeah..better to double grommet..but really, shouldn't they anticipate that when selling a cover? a lot of different shape pools out there. you can also i'm sure buy some plastic grommets that would still require a hole punch..i just slowly steadily (not too slow:)) crank up the cover onto the roller and it is fine..i go a bit slow anyway as i note the supplied suitcase latch looking type grommets with the little pegs and holes (if that's the type of attach kit you have) seem pretty lame and weak in the first place..but i've never had one come off or have torn my hole..even with my son who is a bull in a china shop, putting on the cover..once you get a few turns of cover around the roller, the stress is off them anyway before it gets to the real weight and cover resistance.