>>they look like they make an area of your pool unusable, where the pool goes from rail to rail, <<

My pool is a round above ground. I run the reel (pole) right across the middle. It sags and touches the water, so yes, it isn't much fun swimming in 1/2 the pool.

>>I wasn't aware that they swing out of the way, or do they?<<

The whole thing is very light weight. I am happy to swing one end of the rolled up cover to a side of the pool for a quick swim. Neither end is mounted securely. It's held in place by the magic of gravity. I can relocate one end either while in the pool or before I jump in. Now I'm swimming in 7/8 of my pool. This is fine for a quick swim/excercise. The reel/pole/cover is hanging about 1/4 out and over the pool edge. I do not have a deck to lay it on. If we have a big swim with friends I completely remove it to a shady location. Disclaimer for you mathmeticians out there- all fractions are guesstimates!

>>Also, just my opinion, but they seem to look really tacky.<< Everybody has one. I like my water warm. Seriously, we don't notice it. I think my stair rails are a whole lot more tacky. And my filter. I'll bet if you put out a pink flamingo near your pool no one would notice the reel.