Solar Heater just for the start of the season

[CarlD]

I found that while cheap or expensive solar cover doesn't seem to matter on the cover's life, the reel is worth investing in. I'd get one with metal ends and a metal cranks, not the plastic ones. That one fell apart in 2 or three years. The all-metal reel has been going for years and is fine.

[kwolfe]

So I talked tonancouple of dealers. One of them sells the Solar Bear brand which has a great price point. It has the diverted valve built into the header which I would not choose to use because my panels would be hooked header to header.

I also spoke with another dealer who makes their own brand which are supposedly very similar to the sun saver by Fafco accept that they are made in china. They are about 25% cheaper give or take.

I looked at Enersol and while they have a good rep, they are the same price for a 12 panel as compared to the solar bear 20 ft panel. Is there really that big a difference in material quality or is it simply brand cost?

[CarlD]

I truly don't know. I haven't used a Fafco or Solar Bear flexible solar mat in a decade--not since I put up my FantaSea. Things change in 10 years.