There's no doubt, a solar cover does what it is supposed to do. We started using ours towards the end of the swim season and it does make a big difference - especially for keeping the heat in overnight or on cooler days. Finally closed up the pool and put the winter cover on yesterday. However, the few times we had to fool with the solar cover were frustrating events. IMHO, they're a pain in the neck. Yes, a reel would likely make it easier but we do not have a good place to locate a reel. We have a 12 X 28 AG pool with no deck to attach a reel to. Besides, to me, the reels can be unsightly. We finally got the solar cover dried, folded and put away for the winter but we both feel that we'd just rather pay the cost to heat the pool and the heck with the solar cover.