I was thinking of getting one to save on evaporation costs (I'm in Arizona), but comments about the cover falling apart concern me.
449590
I didn't have it long enough to fall apart. It was so totally worthless keeping the temp up (we live in Sarasota, Fl) and I wanted to keep the water in the 75 range for visitors, I took it off after 3 weeks of dropping temps. Still had to add water twice in that time. Glad I didn't invest in a reel. Can't imagine it would look too great.
449591
I've had mine for 2.5 summers and the top of the cover is falling apart on the half I use most of the summer. The other half that only gets used in the spring and fall is still in good shape. I'm in northern California.
449592
My cover deliminated after one summer. I contacted the manufacturer and they sent me a new cover almost immediately. The cover has a 7 year warranty, so I assume that I may have to get this cover replaced every year or so, at minimal or no cost. It is worth the bother because it does a fantastic job of lowering your pool water usage. If you live in a dry area, a cover of some type is absolutely needed to save water.
449593
The warranty is prorated and you have to decide buying locally at a higher price and the ability to take a sample to a local source to get a replacement. Probably will charge a delivery cost. If you intend to buy on line contact the seller and ask about the policy they have in regards to failure of the bubbles. On the other hand buying on line saves you some money, but how to get a replacement becomes the problem. Using a roller to roll the cover will help extend the live of the cover.
449594
I live in Tennessee and just put mine up for the second summer. It appears to be in great condition still. Any cover will fall apart eventually. The one we replaced was probably 8-10 years old and it was definitely falling apart.
594519
I've had mine for about a month and I only use it when i need it.. mine never slips off when i use it. However, I would try to find a cover with the same quality for a cheaper price.. i regret paying as much as i did for it.
486753
No, it's cheap, flimsy and should be kept covered if you want it to last more than a year. I keep mine in the garage and pull it out to use it, then put it back when it cools.
1728114
I wondered the same thing before I bought this last year. I found a replacement canopy on the ShelterLogic website for $24.99. I didn't want to get stuck with another canopy that I couldn't replace the top. It also appears that a tarp with grommets might work as a cover, although I haven't tried it. I've only used mine for one season and the cover is still in great condition. I wish it was a darker color, though. http://www.shelterlogic.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=0c23cc52-9793-4244-887b-9e0c00a57642
1445986
This is the second year that I have used my cover. It hasn't cracked or dried out. They have a 3 year warranty. Go to the vendor website for more information. I even called the vendor and they were very helpful in answering my questions. FYI - we live in the Blue Ridge Mtns of Virginia. Winter here this year was pretty cold and damp.
1248406
It is windy enough here that if it does rain (5 times per year) it blows off or evaporates from the heat. I have never noticed and puddling. Make sure you don't pull it too tight when you install it. I paid a professional awning company to install it and now it is tearing pretty badly. It didn't even make it a full year but I think that could have been avoided if it had been installed a little looser which if it had been might not have ripped but might have allowed puddling?
380413
I have had no problems with the cover. It is not a super thin plastic sheet, it is very sturdy. I live were it rains a lot and I have not had any issues with it leaking or causing any rust to the pit.
975094
I heard you can't buy them anywhere, how I JUST bought this tent today and when the cover gets bad, I will use it as a pattern and make a new cover out of gortex material(lightweight, durable, waterproof) * the upside of being a seamstress.
235072
I live in Tucson, where it gets brutally hot in the summer. I have only owned this since November though. It did get rained on once, and it did not seem to affect its operation. All in all it seems like a pretty solid piece of machinery. Recommend you get a cover for it.
1788623
I would to save it from being beat up from the weather. It will last longer. :)
2020379
My husband and I bought one of these, but it ripped on one corner after a windstorm we had not too long ago. We hadn't had the cover on for more that a couple months.
668823
I have not actually folded mine while it was on, so I can't speak to that situation. The cover on it is pretty thick compared to cheaper pads, so it seems less likely to catch fire.
1438345
Anytime! Hope that was helpful. Also, I used thompsons water sealer on it to help protect it more from the elements. Contacted manufacturer n they said that was fine.
954414
Depends out outdoor temp, but it will always loose temp when cover is removed, and also more water lost to evaporation.
1265740
I bought the strong camel last fall. if you have a heater to protect plants from the extremes of wlnter it works out as good as any. ido not sell parts or covers.my wife and I did talk about replacing the cover when need with contruction grade visqeen. By the way the one I ordered did not have or need zippers.
1181196
Just got mine, so I couldn't say, but I will comment that the warranty becomes pro-rated after the first 2 years and doesn't cover the cost of shipping the cover back to them. Also, they have to agree that it's a manufacturing defect that caused the failure, so I'm suspicious it could be pretty difficult to make a claim and have it be worth paying for the shipping.
1979525
It's a good cover. You'll have to fine something to support it so that it doesn't collect water. It can't be anything sharp or it will rip.