Above-ground Reel

I am not sure why this has low rating compared to Intex...I started with the Intex reel and ended up with this one. They both serve the same function and here is the comparison on a 14' round pool. This is also considering the price, for the price between the options this is the better option. Its not a $300+ unit though.The biggest issue is the Intex pole goes into the reel, the Vigal goes over a nub on the reel. This is a two fold issue. If the Intex pole bends under stress, the force is applied to the reel and stops the reel from moving. I was unable to completely unroll my cover by pulling it from inside the pool. The Vigal doesnt have this issue since it goes on the outside of the reel, the force doesnt jam it up. Secondly, this allows you to replace the pole with a solid aluminum, pvs, or galvanized pipe for a more solid unit over all. You can just slide it over the nub and screw it in.The next biggest difference is the mounting options, I built a whole mounting bracket set up with pipes and posts so the system would be away from the pool. I couldnt get the Intex to really sit well, it wobbles etc. Just a hassle and looks bad. Vigal allows you to mount on a flat surface, on a bar surface, and actually switch in-between fairly easily.The cons are that it seems fragile, I havnt had any issues using it carefully though. The clip/rope system is better on the Intex on how it attaches to the reel pole. This was fixed with good quality double sided tape on the Vigal.I would have preferred longer mounting screws for the flat surface mount, which I switched out anyway.

First, it fits perfectly to my above-ground pool. Length was just right and it was very easy to install.Second, it absolutely does the job, holding and bringing in the pool cover. In this way, its sturdy.Third, the side attachments are delicate. It's made primarily of plastic so it has already had pieces broken. The wind has knocked it off causing the plastic supports to break. I'm sure there are better and sturdier products out there. With that said, we've used it for 2 years, and despite being knocked off several times by wind and weather, it's still usable. If your looking for something quick and easy, just to get your pool set up, this is perfect. If your looking for longevity, you probably need to keep looking and spend the extra money.

This worked perfectly on my swim spa. It is 8x14 so no sag over that short distance like others reported. It is plastic and may not last years but I could have spent 4x as much for higher quality.

We got ours in a timely manner and easy to put together. Wish it was a little more sturdy but may be better when I place on wood deck.

This roller is extremely flimsy and unable to handle the weight of the lightest covers. The bar in the middle bends a crazy amount under the weight and the roller mounts are about to snap. I regret this purchase but it’s too late to get a refund now

We have a 15ft swim spa. This works great with the summer cover.

This was so perfect , just what we needed to control the pool cover work great easy to put together and it can fit on our pool or when we build a stand it will work there also

The idea of the pool reel is great, makes it super easy to take the cover off and put it back but I had to wait forever to get this package. For whatever reason it took like a whole month to get to me. The straps only glue on to the pole which doesn’t last long at all. I recommend securing them with a screw or something extra. It came with a lot of pieces which made it a little complicated to put together. I get there are different ways to attach it to the pool and it can be used for different size pools so it makes sense that there are extra parts. It just took longer than expected to figure out. But it fits on my pool great and it works.