I bought a reel at Leslie's about 4 years ago (forgot the brand name). I never had a problem with sagging of the aluminum tube itself even though the cover (18x40) is pretty heavy.

However, from the beginning I had problems with the plastic ends flexing when the weather got hot. These are the two ends that are rounded triangular shape and hold the handles and the casters. Last summer, they had bent so much that they are now unusable.

The plastic is white and heavy looking, but I am now looking for a replacement that is not plastic. Does anyone know if I can buy just the ends (aluminum or steel)?
Thanks.