5 Easy Ways to Shade Your Pool Area!
You can’t think about a pool without thinking about sunshine. Your pool is the hallmark of summer months as it keeps your family and friends entertained and outdoors during the sunny, hot weather. As important and fun as a pool is; shade in your pool area is just as, or even more important. It can be because of concern over UV exposure, the need to find respite from the sun, or to avoid a sunburn. With a shade structure in your pool area, you will not only be able to enjoy relief and protection from the sun, but also add a great aesthetic to your pool giving it some style. Let’s take a look at 5 of the easiest ways to add shade to your pool area:
1. Shade Sails
Shade sails are one of the most popular forms of shades that you can install for your pool area. With its fascinating angles and shades, it can give your pool a stylist and modern look. Also, it is easy to set up and available at an affordable price. However, the best thing about this is the versatility it offers. It is available in a wide range of shade sail colors, materials, points, and shapes. Square and triangle are the most popular shades but you have the option of buying one with more than 6 points. Considering the shape is extremely important as a sail that has more sides, like a square, might provide more shade than one with less sides, like a triangle. However, if you want a more elegant appearance, you will find that triangle shade sails are a better option. Apart from their stylish and appealing look, triangle shade sails are less prone to pooling or sagging as well. This is why they remain an extremely popular option.
Since a shade sail will be permanently installed, you will need stable and strong posts for attaching it like the walls of your home, new anchor points, or large trees.
2. Pool Umbrellas
It is the simplest and one of the most effective options for adding shade to your pool area. For decades, people have been using pool umbrellas as a way to get some shade. Over the years, their functionality and design has been improved which makes them one of the best options for your swimming pool. For above ground and Intex swimming pool, free standing umbrellas work best. However, for larger in-ground pools, you might have to install multiple umbrellas which might look unattractive. Thankfully, they are adjustable and flexible which means that you can move them and adjust their position as per the movement of the sun. Furthermore, they are easy to set up and cheap.
There are a lot of things you have to consider while installing pool umbrellas like their design, size, and color. Most of them have 6 to 14 feet of diameter or even more. Some of them come with base stands while others require you to create a hole on the ground. Another decision that you have to make is between push or crank umbrellas. In the case of crank umbrellas, it will be easier to lower and raise the canopy. With push umbrellas, you have to lock the canopy manually in place.
3. Instant Up Canopies
Also known as pop up canopies, instant up canopies are collapsible shelters like tents that work great for providing shade. Not only are they easy to set up, but are big enough for covering the entire pool along with its surrounding areas. This is why they are the perfect option for temporary and large above-ground pools. However, they might not work for a taller pool. There are some canopies designed specifically for Intex pools. In such types of canopies, there won’t be a frame, but have attachment points that can be used for securing the canopy with the frame of the pool. There are two pieces in an instant up canopy – the canopy top and the frame. The typical sizes of instant up canopies are in between 5’ X 5’ to 10’ X 20’. These are an effective and affordable option. You can set them up as per your requirement and even more them around.
Instant up canopies can be an effective method to block the rays of the sun. However, since they offer limited space, they might not be the best option for large in-ground pools.
4. Pergolas
If you have an above ground or in-ground pool and want a solid shade option, pergolas can be your best choice. With this, you will have enough light and shade over your pool. Furthermore, they are a great visual centerpiece for your pool area. Not only will they provide shade, but also add value to your house. Designed as a semi-permanent structure, Pergolas work great for sunny weather. But, you must have sizable space to build one. Another thing that you have to consider is the cost. Additionally, if you want them to look as great as they did when you had them installed, you will have to provide regular cleaning and maintenance.
Most of the modern pergolas are built of high-quality wood. However, there are some steel and aluminum variations as well. Apart from this, some other things that you have to consider is its form, size, and whether or not they will be closed fully. There are different types of pergolas. Some of the most common ones include traditional, modern, curved, round, attached, and free form. There are retractable and adjustable pergolas as well.
5. Trees
This is a natural solution for the shade problem near your pool. They are natural, provide a comfortable shade, and don’t cost a thing. If you have an Intex swimming pool and enough trees in the backyard, trees will be your best option. You can install your pool under them. However, not everyone has trees in their backyard and even if you planted one today, it will be years before it is big enough to provide some shade.
Whether you want a lightweight answer like a shade sail or a permanent option like a pergola, you will have tons of options for adding shade to your pool area. Look for the one that is made up of high-quality material and offers great value while protecting you from the rays and the heat.
