Hydro Tools 55000 15-Inch Fixed Height Commercial In-Ground Pool Solar Reel System

EDIT - photo is now fixed to properly represent the product. I formerly gave it 2 stars because of the misleading photo. Now I'll give it five stars because it does work really well once you pair it with a proper pole.Like others, I did not realize that this item does not come with a pole - it is strictly the triangular end pieces of the reel. You have to order a pole separately. Also it does not come with the casters pictured. It does however come with a strap kit.Compatible pole kit part numbers are: 51120 3" tube kit for up to 12' wide pools, 51160 3" tube kit for up to 16' wide pools, 51200 3" tube kit for up to 20' wide pools, 51164 4" tube kit for up to 16' wide pools, 51204 4" tube kit for up to 20' wide pools, and 51205 5" tube kit for up to 20' wide pools.As Amazon doesn't carry most of the options above I had to order the pole kit elsewhere for an additional $140... What a pain!Instructions are fairly poor, but I was able to figure it out.Once you buy a pole and figure out how to assemble it, it is a nice pool cover reel. But the item description and the accompanying photograph are deceiving.

I researched this purchase and read the reviews about mis-leading advertising (they are all accurate) but figured I was now enlightened about what was included so it was safe to purchase. I ordered the Swimline Hydrotools solar reel 12" fixed system (same as the 15" fixed when you add the casters that don't come with it - are you still with me?) and I ordered a caster set separately. I decided not to order a pole kit because I was replacing my current solar reel and there's nothing wrong with the pole. I was taking a chance on the hope that the new reel was compatible... I think you know where this is going...Of course, it was slightly different so I went back on line to order the pole kit. It was practically impossible to even find the pole kits listed anywhere (including the mfg. web site which looks like the owner's kid designed it and it is useless) even though the reel system is worthtless without the pole. I've been searching for 2 days and now I have my own horror story to add...the 16' heavy duty reel i need is out of stock at Amazon and it appears they have an exclusive on this product. BTW, when I searched for the part number it directs you to the 20' version but if you are not looking carefully you wouldn't know. So now I have a new crank set but the solar cover is still sitting in my garage, not on my pool. This should not be this difficult...

Purchased along with the Hydro Tools 51204 20-Foot Long with 4 inch diameter Aluminum Cross Pool Pole set for in-ground pool. Actually took review advise from Amazon to get the 20 foot pole set even though we have a 16 x 32 pool. This was EXCELLENT advice and we are so happy with our purchase. I am the wife and the solar reel rolled up perfectly the very first time I ever attempted to use it without my husband present with no practice rounds prior to my first try!!! Yeah...now I'm the pool girl :-)

I used to have one of these plastic reels, because I wanted to save some money. Guess what - the plastic ones lasted one season and after sun / heat beating on it they just started cracking and fell apart. Finally decided to get a good quality reel for my solar cover and got these puppies. So far it's been two seasons and these are still like new. They are very well made and looks like they will last forever.

This was easy to assemble and works great. We have 16' x 32' inground pool, so we ordered the 20' pole. Used it all summer long. I can now take the cover off by myself with ease. It is easy to move out of the way as well which we do for parties. Only complaint is the "straps" came sewn together, so they are two large circles. I think they were supposed have Velcro. We will be cutting them open and adding our own Velcro.