yes they work...and many times if the straps are not put on correctly the cover will bunch up because as the reel it may not be reeling evenly. Big price differences due to the construction of a reel. Some are mostly plastic on the ends, the stands that hold the aluminum pole, some are steel. Depends on where you live and the intensity of the sun as to what will hold up. and of course how you care for it when you are not using the solar blanket.

Thanks so much for the info!