Much easier when mounted actually. I have a 6’ one and cut the cover in to 3 pieces to make it easier if I need to remove a segment. It slides on or off pretty easy, but that is not so easy once installed or if you just want to remove a portion of it. It still is not that hard to remove. Just slide your thumb along one side under the cover pushing the tabs up while pulling the cover away gently. It works kind of like a zipper.
Are they plastic? Just cut size needed with hack saw?




