Domakihub How to Install a Pool Cover Reel in 5 Simple Steps
Protect your pool and cut maintenance time with a properly fitted cover reel.
Reviewed by Domakihub pool pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
A pool cover reel turns a heavy, awkward solar or safety cover into something one person can roll on and off in under a minute. The video above walks through the full DIY process, while this guide breaks it down into five clear steps with tips specific to the Greek climate — where strong summer sun, salt air, and the demands of holiday-rental turnover make a fast, reliable cover system worth every cent. Whether you have an in-ground villa pool in Crete or a rooftop plunge pool in Athens, the principles are the same.
Why a Pool Cover Reel Is Worth the Investment
In Greece, a solar cover left loose on a pool degrades faster than one stored on a reel because UV rays and poolside foot traffic stress the material unevenly. A reel keeps the cover taut, off the ground, and ventilated between uses, easily doubling its lifespan.
For holiday-rental operators, the time saving is decisive: staff can uncover and re-cover the pool between guest changeovers without a two-person crew, reducing the turnaround window and lowering weekly operating costs.
Choosing the Right Reel for Your Pool
Above-ground and in-ground pools need different reel styles. Above-ground pools typically use a free-standing roller that straddles the pool deck on two upright legs; in-ground pools can use the same free-standing type or a permanently mounted anchor-and-socket system that stores flat against the coping when not in use.
Match the reel tube length to your pool width, not its length — the cover unrolls lengthwise toward the far end. Anodised aluminium tubing resists the salt and humidity common in coastal Greek properties, while stainless-steel hardware prevents the rust that cheaper zinc fittings develop after a single winter.
How to Install a Pool Cover Reel: Step-by-Step
- 1
Lay Out and Measure the Cover
Spread the solar or safety cover flat over the pool surface, bubble-side down (for solar covers) or with the webbing facing up (for safety covers). Confirm the cover overlaps the coping by at least 15 cm on all sides. Mark the midpoint of the short end nearest to where you want the reel to sit — this is your alignment reference for attaching the straps.
- 2
Assemble the Reel Tube and Frame
Connect the aluminium tube sections according to the manufacturer's instructions, sliding the inner sleeves into each joint and tightening the pinch bolts hand-tight first. Attach the end caps and the winding handle on the side that gives you room to crank without obstruction. Then slide the two upright legs onto the tube ends and lock them at the height that lets the tube sit 5-10 cm above the coping — high enough that the rolled cover clears the edge as it grows in diameter.
- 3
Attach the Straps to the Cover
Most reels come with a set of plastic buckle straps (typically 5-8 straps spaced evenly across the cover width). Thread each strap through or around the cover hem at the marked short end, pulling the free end up and over the reel tube, then clicking the buckle closed. Space the straps evenly so the cover rolls straight. Do not overtighten — the straps should hold the cover securely but still allow it to peel away cleanly as the tube rotates.
- 4
Position the Reel and Roll Up the Cover
With a second person holding the far end of the cover flat, set the reel frame legs on the pool deck at the marked end, centred on the pool width. Begin turning the handle slowly; the cover should feed onto the tube without bunching or shifting sideways. If it drifts, stop, re-centre the frame by a few centimetres, and continue. Complete the roll until only the last half-metre of cover lies on the coping — this tail protects the deck edge and makes it easy to grab when you unroll next time.
- 5
Secure the Reel When Not in Use
Once the cover is fully wound, wheel or carry the reel to its storage position — usually parallel to the pool edge, where it will not create a trip hazard. Use the integrated tube lock or a simple bungee cord to keep the roll from unwinding in wind, which is common in open coastal gardens in Greece. If the reel is the permanently anchored type, lower it flat into its ground sockets and click the safety clips to prevent it lifting in strong Meltemi gusts.
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FAQ
- How long does it take to install a pool cover reel from scratch?
- With two people and all parts pre-assembled, most free-standing reel systems can be unpacked, assembled, and strapped to the cover in 45-90 minutes. Permanently anchored in-ground systems take longer because you need to drill and epoxy the ground sockets into the coping, which adds 2-3 hours including curing time.
- Can I install a reel on an irregularly shaped or kidney pool?
- Standard reels are designed for rectangular pools. For kidney or L-shaped pools, you can use a reel on the widest straight section and fold the non-rectangular sections of the cover back manually. Some suppliers offer custom-cut covers with matching angled strap layouts for a neater result.
- Does the reel need to be removed or stored indoors during winter?
- Anodised aluminium reels can stay outside year-round in the Greek climate, but removing the cover from the straps and storing it flat indoors over winter significantly extends the cover's life. If the reel stays outdoors, rinse it with fresh water after rain to remove salt and dust, and apply a light silicone spray to the winding mechanism each spring.