Question on Reel & Solar Cover

Duplicate post..but need any response. UNACCEPTABLE ACTION--CARLD, MODERATOR.
I have an inexpensive Feherguard surface rider solar cover reel that I bought when my pool was new....it's never been out of the box. We purchased a heat pump last year and I would like to retain heat at night. My question is whether a 12mil solar cover will be too heavy for the reel. The instructions say the warranty will be void if I use more than an 8mil cover. I'd like to purchase the clear 12 mil cover but am afraid the weight might weigh the reel down too much... Anyone have any advice?? :confused:

It may well break it. Solar reels made out of plastic have plastic roller bearing, not proper ball bearings or metal caged roller bearings, so they get torn up with usage.

An 8 mil SC is pretty light, and you'll get 2, maybe 3 seasons out of it before it will need replacement. A 12 mil will last 3-4, max, and a 16 mil won't last any better. However the heavier covers do insulate better, IMHE.

So your choices are pretty straight forward: Get a metal solar reel, or, get an 8 mil SC, or don't worry about the warranty and use what you want.

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