I'm on the second season with the cheap-O one, and no I don't cover it when its rolled up. I know that makes it last longer, but its a pain in the rear to have to do another task. Just like its a pain to have to watch the semi-automatic Dolphin

That is why I like the cheap one better, it lasts almost as long and I don't worry about protecting it. Further, doesn't a thinner one actually allow move sunlight to penetrate into the water?