So this is just a first impression review as many of the reviews seem older and vary vastly- will update once we've had it for a bit...My cover just arrived (only a few days late, of which I was kept well notified) and it was neatly wrapped in tarpish material and lighter than I expected. This is only my second solar cover and my first was an 8 mil. (blue) 12 footer from Intex, so wasn't sure what to expect. Got it out and it was definitely sturdier, thicker material than my previous one, so you are definitely getting a legit 12 mil. Though pretty light, it did take two to get it on as it was folded multiple times, fairly sticky to unfold and awkward laying it across our 18 ft (4 ft deep) round above ground steel frame Summer Waves pool. It seems well put together, though it's def different feeling than my previous one. The bubbles are larger, but less "airy," though not as easily popped (honestly - the other one has held up really well, but looks and feels like extra sturdy bubble wrap.) This is a meatier plastic by far. It completely covers the pool and then some, being probably about 8" to 1' extra in diameter, which is okay for now as it compensates for the deep folds (which will flatten out with time and warmth, I assume), but may potentially pose a problem after it smooths out...we will see on whether we need to cut it down. You want that good suction seal when you live somewhere that can get quite windy. Just know it will be bigger than you expect. And if you are someone who leaves your ladder in (we don't for safety), it will be in the way. Additionally, be mindful that this cover does NOT come with pre-cut "holes" for drainage that some covers (like my old one) already have, which isn't too much of an issue if you don't get summer rain where you live, but if you do, just be aware...I anticipate needing to acquire grommets to attach/punch through, as we get monsoons in in AZ late summer and I am not keen on just cutting holes in it, as I don't want to damage it structurally. Those drainage holes also make it easier to maneuver the cover and keep it from accumulating water on top in general, reducing sinking , etc., so this is a potential factor. Ironically, the "tenting" from the folds and extra size are compensating for this at the moment. We are building some "saddle" hooks from PVC pipe to hang on the side of the pool which will make the cover more maneuverable getting it both on and off more easily and cleanly for one person (though I anticipate this will only be doable from inside the pool. Anyway - I don't yet know anything about how well it works in terms of heating and longevity, but will update. We are in northern AZ at 7200 ft with summer highs only briefly hitting the 90s, but typically averaging in the 80s between June and September, (with significant col downs at night) so our swimming season is short and a warmer pool is essential! We are also surrounded by tall pine trees with only a few good hours of direct sunlight, so - while the FORM looks good so far - more to come on the FUNCTION! Maybe I'll try to add a pic actually ON a pool (missing from the Amazon offerings) later as well...
