I don't think any of them last too long no matter what type or thickness. Getting one that is too thick is just harder to handle. You are right that not covering it up with a white sheet or white piece of plastic destroys them faster.

A couple of options. Some people do use reels and like them. My co-mod, Poconos aka Al, rolls his up on a piece of PVC pipe that is capped on both ends. His pool is only 16 ft wide, though. (I think it is a 16 x 32 rectangle or something like that.) With yours being bigger, you might be able to cut it into a couple of pieces and rolling them separately.

I used to roll my cover up on PVC pipes.. I have a large round AG so not the same as yours but what I did was similar to what Al does. You can see pics of my old one in the following thread just to give you an idea (post #6): Watermom's Solar Cover Solution for her24' AG Pool


This year, I bought a bigger pool and have a new way to roll up my cover --- bought something called a Solar Roller Cover Stick. I like it pretty well and it is quicker for me and easier than all the PVC pipes. There is an online demo of it here:
http://www.solarroller.com/products/...over-stick.htm You might need a couple since you have a large pool, but I think the website gives more info about that.

Hope this helps some. Just a couple of ideas for you. Welcome to the Pool Forum.