Other reviews have mentioned similar products that have a rod running up the length of the cover for easier covering and removal. I happen to have an adjustable-length extension rod from a bulb-changing kit that I use instead. Works just fine, although it gets a bit awkward at times. One of the reasons for this awkwardness: There is a big design flaw whereby the drawstring at the bottom requires the cover to be lifted ALL THE WAY UP before the cover can be completely removed, even with the zipper fully unzipped. I solved this by cutting the drawstring. In this way, as soon as the top of the cover raises high enough for the unzipped zipper to clear the top of the umbrella, I can move the cover sideways so it comes off. The loss of the drawstring does not impact the ability of the cover to stay put in high winds. I just bought 4 more Classic Accessories Veranda covers for my new patio furniture and noticed that after only 5 months, the umbrella cover had faded significantly. Hopefully that will not affect the waterproofing.