Rocky's 3A In Ground Pool Solar Reel - Up to 20 Feet Wide

I will update this review based on how it holds up, but my initial impression is extremely positive. Like most others (I'm sure), I researched all over the internet and kept coming to the same conclusion...this reel is the one to buy. It's more expensive than most/all other residential reels, but everything about this thing oozes quality. I have an 18' x 40' pool, so I'm just about maxing out the specs for this reel. Despite that fact, it feels rock solid, there is no bowing, and it doesn't seem like it's under any stress at all. Based on initial quality/impressions, this is one of those situations where you pay up for the "standard" and you don't regret it.Pros: Low profile, high-quality construction, great attention to detail in the design, good assembly instructions and videos online, lives up to the hype.Cons:. Assembly is a little tricky. It's not overly difficult, but it's a TINY bit daunting. I'm not a precision kinda guy, so drilling about 16-20 holes into an expensive piece of aluminum tubing at very specific measurements was scary. With that said, I read the instructions well (a rarity for me), measured twice, and everything worked out very well. If you have the tools, you read the instructions, and take your time, it will go well. If you rush, I could see you making upsetting errors. It took me about 3 hours from unboxing to rolling the solar blanket out of the pool (for reference). I'm handy, but not exceptionally so...others may be faster.Bottom line...very happy with the purchase and I will update this review if I experience any issues down the line.

I have a 40x20 pool and a 14mm solar cover. The standard reel I had was useless. I did my research and read a lot of these reviews and chose the Rocky 3A. Installation wasn't too bad, but it takes time and proper tools. This is not a snap together and use reel. The instructions could have been clearer on drill bit sizes and and strap information. I had one mechanical issue that had me calling the tech support number, but it turns out it was an oversight on my part and they were very polite and helpful. Once it was built, I expected everything to work effortlessly, like some of the previous reviews said. It didn't. The reel is much better than my previous one, but the cover is still heavy, especially when it holds water as it rolls up. If you don't bolt the reel to the concrete (tools not included) when rolling up the cover, the reel requires a 2nd person to hold it or else the far end always gets pulled into the pool. I haven't bolted it down yet because I really don't want to have to do that. I'm not complaining, but as a person who is influenced by personal reviews, I want to set realistic expectations what this reel can and does not do. It is well built and I trust it to last. It is sturdy and doesn't sag with my heavy cover. It looks really nice and is easy to roll out of the way when not in use, or even when the cover is rolled up on it. But know that it takes a bit to put together. It still requires significant effort and potentially a 2nd person to use. It is better than the standard options, but it isn't a smooth, 1 handed operation. Would I buy it again? I've only had it a few months, so I don't know. For the price, I thought it would be easier to use, but I know better than to trust the cheaper versions for my 40x20 pool. This might be the going rate of cost and quality above flimsy and below electric reels.

I've only had my Rocky's reel for a few days, so I'm hoping everything remains good. I'm satisfied with the price I paid because my local pool supply store wanted over $700 for the same reel. I received my reel within 5 days so that was great too. I liked that the reel was made of medal rather than plastic. It's very strong and sturdy. I can see where a novice handyman might have trouble putting the reel together. I enjoy (do it yourself) projects, so I found this challenging and modified the reel even stronger & more efficient. I bought extra support bolts and lock washers to strengthen the reel tube. It would have been nice if they have locking caster wheels to keep the unit in place in addition to the hold down pins. Some people may not want drill holes into their pool decking. I also bought a couple tarp clips and a 25 foot nylon rope to pull the cover off the reel onto the pool (this makes it so much easier). I also used a hole punch instead of cutting an X into the straps to avoid tearing. I also think they could include some plastic or nylon caps (with holes) to cover the holes drilled into the cement deck. So far, I'm extremely happy with the Rocky's reel and I think it looks like one of the best reels on the market.

This was a day long, several beers, two sons-in-law project to assemble. Works after lots of bad words.

This is well worth the money. Solid aluminum construction, smooth operation and with the anchors screwed down, easy one person rolling/unrolling of the solar cover, even with my thick 16 mil cover (our pool is an 18 x 36 in ground). When we bought our house, the previous owners left us one of those plastic wheel "economy" solar cover reels and the difference in quality between that and the Rocky's 3A is truly night and day. When I first was shopping for a replacement, I found that the same "economy" reel costs nearly $300, so I'm glad I spent a little more to get this one instead. You truly do get what you pay for. FYI - it wasn't entirely clear, but it does come with the straps and fasteners to attach the cover - I mistakenly also ordered their separate strap kit, only to find all of that when I opened the box. Now I have a replacement on hand, but these straps seem like they will last a very long time before that is needed.