Advise on good solar reel. Heavy Duty.

[NWMNMom]

I'll get some pix tomorrow. Modification made this afternoon to reel - 10'x3" pvc added to the center - washers welded at center and evenly at sides to mount/hold pvc - this was added to reduce the revolutions required to reel it up - Final reeled up blanket is "fatter" on the reel but then my arm isn't sore from cranking a dozen times to get the straps reeled in before the blanket!

[Aranon]

I even thought of making one with an old ten speed or 5 speed bycycle gears so you could pick which ratio you wanted to reel it up. Example turn just a couple of turns of the crank which would turn the reel several times. or if got hard change gears and make it easier to turn the crank but less revolutions. Or just hook it up so it turns several revolutions but easy to turn. Oh the possibilites of gears. lol. But would take some time to build.

Aranon

[MaxxFusion]

I'll get some pix tomorrow. Modification made this afternoon to reel - 10'x3" pvc added to the center - washers welded at center and evenly at sides to mount/hold pvc - this was added to reduce the revolutions required to reel it up - Final reeled up blanket is "fatter" on the reel but then my arm isn't sore from cranking a dozen times to get the straps reeled in before the blanket!

Maybe a parts list of what you used to make this? A quick write up would be nice for us do it yourselfers.

[Aranon]

Could you get some detailed pics?

[Aranon]

Anyone have any pics or suggest a heavy duty solar reel that will last. Maybe a brand and model number. Please.

[NWMNMom]

I have pix but can't post anymore here due to limits. I need to register with Photobucket or something so I can set a link...We are VERY happy with the reel he built, it worked just as it should yesterday when we got home from work and wanted a swim, reeled right up and pulled back out very nice when we were done.

YES its heavy and big, but then we aren't moving it anytime soon. Its not fancy or slick looking like the ones you buy, its very simple and the PVC pipe in the center is the only plastic, its there to bulk up/support the center, doesn't move so won't be breaking or bending. I suppose total cost was under $40-50 with the steel/iron pipes and Quickcrete being the highest items. Elbow grease has its own cost, but well worth it.

It looks pretty tidy back out of the way too - like I said before though, maybe 1-1.5' higher may have been nicer for preventing catching under rails - flipping/folding each of sides in 6-10" before reeling solves that.

[Aranon]

Thank you Mom. Would love to see pics when you can post.
Aranon

[Aranon]

I was thinking about either this one

http://www.solarcovers.com/Product_P...In_Ground.html

S6405 Signature Series Solar Reel Up to 20' wide $279.99 $269.99


or this one


http://www.solarcovers.com/Product_P...In_Ground.html

LOW PROFILE SOLAR REEL
Get superior performance and commercial quality with this new low profile design. This low profile reel, only 12" high, is constructed from Cast Aluminum throughout and has a heavy-duty aluminum crank handle. Item # Description Price

455020 Pools Up to 22' Wide $219.99

Anyone had one of these or have one now and how do you like it and stuff.

Please advise.
Aranon