We have bought a rigid plastic panel solar heating set-up for our
above ground pool. Because of the orientation of many tress, fencing,
and the pool itself within the property line, as well as distance of
the pool from the house, we are limited to one sunny corner of the
yard for placement of the 4'x20' unit. (Pool came with house, not
reponsible for non-ideal location!)

At this point, we are planning to have the solar heater laying flat on
the ground, next to the pool, the only location int h e back yard to
get sun much of the day. How exact do we have to be with its placement
when we start - will it be difficult to adjust its position once it's
in use (too heavy to move with water in it), or will we be able to
scootch it around a bit until we get the placement just right?

Should we put some kind of barrier down on the grass, or build some
kind of lumber frame or platform, instead of having it on the ground?
Part of the area was previously (unfortunately) my garden, the rest is
grass.

Also will be buying a solar blanket for the pool, which is 24' round
above ground. Any tips for a cheap way to manage daily placement and
removal of the cover without buying the $200 reel? Found some very
long PVC pipe in the shed, which I think was used in association with
previously used, now varmint-chewed solar blanket. I will likely be
managing the cover by myself most days.

Thanks for any helpful tips and advice. Rochester, NY area, if that
matters.

Karen