This will be our third summer coming with our 27 round pool. We had a solar cover from the start. I too find that it doesn't really heat the pool, but it definetly keeps the heat in during the night. We purchased a solar reel mid way through last summer and it was the best investment we made. It was a pain taking the cover off and on without the reel.
Congrats on your new pool purchase! You are lucky you will be able to use your pool year round! Unfortunately I live in Canada and only get about 3 months of use out of ours. Cant wait until June comes!