Provided is a pool and/or spa cover leading edge that provides for minimal deflection across the width of the pool and/or spa, and in particular from 0 to less than or equal to 0.10 inches per 10 feet of width of the pool and/or spa. The pool and/or spa cover leading edge includes at least one fiber reinforced polymer composite with an axial length of from 5 feet to 50 feet with a linear weight per foot from 4 to 14 ounces per foot of axial length and an optional joiner for coupling together two or more composites. The composite includes at least one of continuous fibers or discontinuous fibers oriented at least partially in the axial direction and encapsulated by a thermoset or thermoplastic resin matrix. Also provided are pool and/or spa cover system and a method of reducing the deflection of a leading edge for a pool and/or spa cover.