A swimming pool is an excellent feature to be added to a home as it provides relief from summer heat. However, even in the most serene of oases, the extreme rays of the sun may make your oasis a hot and insecure place to be, unless you have sufficient shade. That is why a quality pool shade is necessary. The style, functionality, and longevity of awnings are a major concern to homeowners in the NYC region and Long Island in particular, and a Professional Awning Installation is the place to begin.
The guide will take you through some of the popular pool shade ideas, including cost-effective DIY solutions to expensive permanent structures. We provide some tips to assist you in making the right decision on which shade of outdoor pool to install in your backyard. You need an umbrella or a high-end pool shade canopy; you will find all the information you need to make a well-informed choice and build a comfortable, fashionable, and safe environment at the poolside.
Why Every Pool Needs Proper Shade
We should first of all see why making an investment in a quality pool shade is a good idea before we begin to discuss individual concepts. There are many more than comfort benefits.
- UV Protection: UV protection is the most important advantage. Prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. An excellent shade solution will block a considerable percentage of these rays and leave your pool area safer for everyone.
- Lower Temperature: Shade can reduce the heat of your pool deck and its surroundings by a significant percentage. This will allow you to relax by the water, and your feet will not be scalded on hot surfaces.
- Long Pool Time: You and your family can spend more time in the pool over a long period of time, even during the hottest seasons of the day, with a comfortable and shaded area.
- Less Evaporation: A pool shade canopy or cover is able to save money on your water bills because it is able to reduce the rate of water evaporation, and you do not have to always refill your pool.
- Improved Aesthetics: The appropriate shade pattern can greatly improve the beauty of your backyard, add elegance or resort-style, or even modernity.
Popular Pool Shade Ideas
There is a wide array of pool shade ideas to fit every budget and style. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options and their installation considerations.
Pool Umbrellas
The cheapest and easiest outdoor pool cover is a pool umbrella. They are portable, handy, and available in different sizes, shapes, and colors.
Types:
- Center-Pole Umbrellas: It is the traditional form that fits in the weighted base or hole on a patio table.
- Cantilever (offset) Umbrellas: This type of umbrella has an arched or jointed pole that is placed at the side, and this enables the canopy to dangle over the poolside or sitting area without a central pole in the way.
DIY Installation: The installation is not a difficult task. It comprises attaching the pole and canopy and fixing it in a heavy, weighty base. In the case of cantilever umbrellas, it is important to make the base weighted enough (usually using sand or water) in order to avoid falling over in the wind.
Shade Sails
Shade sails provide a contemporary, fashionable appearance. These fabric canopies are stretched between several anchor points to create a “sail” of shade over your pool or deck.
- Features: They are triangular, square, and rectangular-shaped and can be stratified to form unique and artistic designs. They normally are composed of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric that blocks up to 95 percent of UV rays.
- DIY Installation: DIY installation can be made in case you have solid anchor points, such as the side of a house, a fence, or old trees. To install posts, this becomes more complicated, and you will be required to excavate the foundations and place the posts in concrete to ensure that they are in a position to withstand the tension of the sail.
Retractable Awnings
To be as flexible as possible, a retractable awning is a great option. You can also make the awning out or fold it away with the press of a button or a turn of a crank to block the sun or to enjoy the sun.
- Features: Retractable awnings are attached to your home and cover your patio or your pool wall. Awnings may have wind sensors that automatically roll down the awning during high winds to avoid damaging it. They come in a vast array of durable, weather-resistant fabrics.
- DIY Installation: Some smaller models with manual type may be self-assembled; however, expert installation is strongly advisable. It should be properly mounted to be safe and functional.
Pergolas
A pergola is a permanent building that has architectural interest and offers some shade. It is made of vertical posts holding a system of cross-beams.
- Features: Your top can be left open to dappled sunlight, or vines can be placed so the top canopy is natural, or you can have a retractable cover of fabric that will offer full shade to the pool. They are made of wood, vinyl, and aluminum.
- DIY Installation: A pergola kit is a decent challenge for a person having intermediate DIY skills. A more sophisticated project that might entail the need for a professional is the construction of a custom pergola.
Gazebos and Cabanas
To get the real resort atmosphere, look at a gazebo or a cabana at the poolside. They are free-standing, covered buildings that offer full shade and an identified area to relax or spend time having fun.
- Features: Gazebos are normally octagonal or rectangular and solid-roofed. The roof of cabanas is usually solid, and it is bordered by three walls (with curtains on the fourth side, sometimes), which provide an increased degree of privacy and shield against nature.
- DIY Installation: Prefab kits are frequently put together by an amateur at home, but since they are large and heavy, it is usually safer and more productive to have them installed by a professional. A professional builder is needed for custom structures.
Take Your Poolside to the Next Level
Although DIY projects may be gratifying, a solution that is of good quality, made to last, and stay safe may need professional know-how to get a quality pool shade. Our team at M&M Awnings is skilled and has more than 45 years of experience serving Long Island and the NYC region to be able to make your dream come true.
Our specialty lies in the design of fully custom residential enclosures and awnings that are constructed to withstand the weather and enhance your outdoor living area. From the sleek patio awnings up to the heavy freestanding canopies, we provide products with a 10-year warranty. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you create the perfect poolside retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best shade for a pool?
The best pool shade depends on your budget, space, and style preferences. Retractable awnings offer great flexibility, shade sails provide a modern look, and pergolas add permanent architectural value. For a simple, affordable option, a large cantilever umbrella is an excellent choice.
Can you put a shade sail over a pool?
Yes, shade sails are an excellent option for shading a portion of your pool. It’s important to ensure the anchor points are extremely secure and that the sail is installed at an angle to allow rainwater to run off. Also, consider using a chlorine-resistant fabric for longevity.
How can I shade my pool on a budget?
The most budget-friendly pool shade ideas are large umbrellas and DIY shade sails. An umbrella can provide instant shade, while a basic shade sail kit can be an inexpensive project if you have existing anchor points.