We only got a LITTLE tangential !

Matt4x4--you don't need to point your return jets down. Convection will drive warm water up, and cold water down--if you have a low drain, it will catch that cold water and pump it out the return where it will be wamed. Oh, I think you meant you prefer a TRANSPARENT cover, not an opaque one.

I don't think the shape of the bubble matters, but I do think clear covers, as thick as you can justify spending $$$ on is the way to go.

I am going from a resin-handle reel that died after 3 years to an all-metal one. I hope this lasts longer and works better. Both are Horizon brand, but I'm not a lover of Horizon--I just thought the aluminum one was well made.