Pool Shade Covers

A pool shade cover will transform your pool with color and style while providing valuable shade from the intense summer sun. A strategically placed sun sail, umbrella or pergola will provide shade for anyone swimming in the pool or lounging on the poolside deck. In addition to providing relief from the sun, shades lower the temperature around the pool so it can be enjoyed on even the hottest summer days. There's nothing better than being able to relax poolside in comfort and a shade structure can achieve that with a bit of planning. 

If you've ever gone for a swim or lounged poolside only to cut it short because it was just too hot or you were worried about harmful UV exposure, a pool shade cover is something worth considering. If you have children you can also take comfort knowing that you are limiting their exposure to the sun while providing a much more enjoyable pool environment. With all the pool shade cover designs and options on the market today there is something that will work perfectly with your pool deck design plan.

Pool Shade Cover Ideas

If your goal is to provide shade for the pool and patio, keep the pool area temperature lower during the day or just to add some color to the backyard there is literally something for every situation. We'll go over each type of pool shade cover including benefits, installation process and cost and even go over how they compare to each other. 

Pool Shade Sails

A shade sail can be attached to a sturdy freestanding pole made from wood, metal or fibreglass. It can also be attached to a house and hung in layers to achieve seamless shade or even vertically to stop wind and evening sunlight. High quality polyethylene materials are often used that provide UV protection, wind protection and even water proofing. The options really are unlimited when it comes to transforming your patio into a creative and practical work of art. 

Pool Shade Sail Installation 

Pool shade sail installation should start with preplanning where you would like to place the sails including size, color and shape. You should keep in mind the path and angle of sun during the hottest summer months in relation to your pool and patio usage. If you want to achieve more shade, sails can be overlapped or you can use one large shade to cover a very large area. 

The height of the shade sails is important when planning the pool shade cover sail installation. You will need to use free standing poles high enough to achieve the proper height. The poles should be set in concrete or a sturdy place on your existing house or pool structure. 

A sun shade sail installation kit is recommended for any installation to ensure that the sails are held in place properly. If you live in an area that experiences strong winds you may need to remove the sails on occasion. If the sails are installed properly you will reduce the likelihood of the sails coming loose or becoming a problem. It's something you can try to plan for and incorporate into your design if you foresee wind being an issue. 

Pool Shade Cover Sail vs Umbrella

When comparing a pool shade cover sail vs umbrella there are a few things worth considering. A sail shade is ideal if you want a permanent structure and don't mind putting in the time to set it up right. Many owners have added value to a home or business. Shade sails can provide protection from the wind and rain in addition to the sun, depending on the material used and how they are installed. 

A patio umbrella may end up costing slightly more than a sail shade but they are a lot easier to set up. They often come as a part of a package with a table and chairs so you can work it into your patio ensemble. They can be moved around easily and many are able to be tilted, so you can adjust as the sun moves across the summer sky. Umbrellas can be susceptible to high winds and often need to be taken down during heavy wind storms. 

Pool Shade Cover Sail vs Pergola

The pool shade sail vs pergola question comes down to aesthetics and possibly how much room you have around your pool. A shade sail can be installed just about anywhere and doesn't take up any ground space, while a pergola requires an area large enough for it to stand. Sails can be found in many vibrant colors that liven up a pool or patio area. A pergola is made out of wood or synthetics, generally in earthy or dark colors. 

A sail shade or several sail shades will cost substantially less than a pergola. If you build your own pergola you reduce your costs but it will still cost more for a pergola vs sail shades. Sails will provide cover from the sun, wind and rain while a pergola will only provide relief from the sun at certain times of the day. 

Pool Shade Umbrellas

Patio umbrellas usually come with a base and stand and even a table and chairs. Entire packages can be purchased for a very affordable price so you won't break your budget. While free standing umbrellas offer increased versatile with how portable they are, there are in-pool umbrellas that can be set up as a permanent structure. They can be a great addition for both practicality and will even add to the aesthetics of your pool area. 

Pool Shade Pergolas

While shade pergolas are found in many shapes and sizes, they can also be built out of just about anything. The most common material is cedar because it's lightweight, looks great and is affordable. A cedar pergola next to a pool can transform the feel of any pool from plain to exquisite for a very affordable price. It can be fun to add accessories like furniture, lights or pool art.

Pool Shade Trees

Pool shade cover trees are another great way to add shade and privacy to your backyard pool area. Trees are an investment in both money and time, as it will take several years in most cases for a tree to mature and reach full size. It's important to do research before planting poolside trees so you're aware of root tendencies as well as if, and how much they shed leaves. You may want to consider our extensive list of pool deck furniture ideas that we put together that includes relaxing lounge chairs and soothing fire pit tables.  

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