Abstract: A packaging assembly for a large item such as a solar pool cover in an exemplary embodiment utilizes a shrink-wrap packaging material. The packaging material may be formed of a polyolefin material, and may have a thickness of about 1.0-2.5 mils. The packaged item, such as a solar cover, may be formed at least partially of polyethylene. Additionally, the solar cover may be rolled into a roll having a cylindrical shape with a cylindrical diameter of at least about 30 inches and a cylindrical width of at least about 48 inches. Other items of similar size may be packaged using the packaging assembly.