It’s that time of the year. The sun is out and it is hot! With the sun beating down on you it is only natural to seek out shade. This article includes a variety of pool shade ideas that will keep you cool and give your skin a break from the sun.
Owning a pool is the hallmark of the “American Dream,” or at least comparably close to it. Its aesthetics alone emit a sensuous feel that touches all your five senses. Just the thought of dipping into one activates euphoric memories of relaxation and fun (unless, of course, you’ve had a bad experience).
Whether you’re in the shallow end of a rectangular, inground, hexagonal, or semi-inground pool, you can’t deny its crystalline blissfulness.
So, keeping your pool shaded and covered should be a high priority. Your ornamental piece of paradise needs watchful eyes to safeguard it from leaves, debris, and even the blistering sun.
The smart move is getting yourself some pool shades. A dim shade blocking translucent light over your magically reflective blue pool might not sound appealing. But enjoying your pool should be relaxing, not painful.
Our helpful guide will feature pool shade ideas you can use for your pool. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, or even where you live, there are a plethora of options for all budgets. We’ll go over some of the benefits of owning a pool shade, detail some shade cover ideas that can complement any property, and talk about how easy some are to install.
Benefits Of Pool Shades
A simple pool shade can work wonders for you. Not only does it block last night’s windy debris storm, but it also acts as a bodyguard against UV rays, heat, and even creates pool privacy from wandering eyes.
Here are some benefits of owning a pool shade:
Keeps Your Pool Cool
While the witch from Hansel and Gretel might love for you to jump into a hot pool, a shade will keep your pool at a respectable temperature. With a hot sun shining all day on a pool, it can reach temperatures that your skin will not agree with.
If you have sensitive skin, you’re opening yourself to short and long-term problems with a non-shaded pool. A pool shade spares you from splattering yourself with aloe vera.
Protection From UV Rays
It’s been broadcasted for ages. You don’t need a science book to know what too much sunlight exposure will do to your skin. SPF lotions can quickly dry up or ultimately lose their power when entering the water.
A shade acts as an additional barrier. A wonderful cover overlooking your pool is the perfect protection against glaring heat and UV light.
Eye Candy Appeal
Adding a pool shade introduces a stylistic ambiance to your backyard, patio, or landscape. With a variety of options, it seamlessly blends with properties of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Get used to the compliments during your cookouts once you string up these palatial shades.
Easy Installations
You don’t need to be Tim ‘the Tool Man’ Taylor from “Home Improvement” or a carpenter to string up and install pool shades. Many fabric, canopy, or sail shades, which we’ll talk about later, contain stainless steel rings and durable ropes that are easy to fasten.
The best part is, once fastened, these bad boys can weather against raging storms (although there are certain exceptions). Putting it up and taking it down is also easy to do for just about anyone.
Protects Your Privacy
Ever get the feeling you’re being watched? Shades for your pool give you the privacy you need without taking away your wonderful view. While no one may be looking, it can bring comfort knowing your outdoor family time won’t be ruined by wandering eyes.
Reduces Pool Maintenance Cost
Not only do they block debris, leaves, and sunlight, shades can reduce pool maintenance costs. Your pool loses about a quarter of an inch of water every day. Sometimes even more in places that are a lot hotter.
When you expose it to too much wind, sun, and mother nature, the evaporation process accelerates at a rapid pace. Pool shades can deter this process and reduce the amount of energy and money needed to maintain it.
Keeps It Decently Clean
Adding on to our previous point, a shade can keep your pool sparkling clean. We don’t need to tell you that covering a pool keeps it protected from twigs, leaves, pests, flying animal droppings, and more.
If you don’t want to deal with the time-wasting hassle of keeping your pool spotless all the time, shades are a big piece to that equation.
Makes You Less Susceptible to Germs and Skin Issues
In less than two hours, piercing sunlight and ravish heatwaves deplete chlorine’s power. UV Rays break down the compounds in chlorine and reduces them to gas over time.
Chlorine is what kills germs in your pool. Too much sunlight turns your pool into a thick and vicious bacteria-producing oasis. That phlegm, fever, or soar throat you had after a dip in your pool is not an accident. Plus, chlorine can also affect your skin combined with UV rays doesn’t help the matter. Use a shade to keep all these problems at bay.
The Best Ways To Shade Your Pool
There’s nothing like enjoying the refreshing water of your pool. Your favorite drink on hand, cool air breezing by, while enjoying outdoor fun with you and your family. A pool shade makes these experiences more pleasurable.
Keep yourself and your family safe from UV rays. Whether you’re on a budget, have particular needs, or you’re not sure what to install, our guide will help you.
Pool Shade Sail
Our personal favorite of these pool shade ideas is the “Pool Shade Sail”.
Pros: The most popular option on our list. Its versatile functionality makes it one of the better stylish alternatives. It can act as a barrier against the rain and sun. The sharp angles allow for easy maneuverability. You can position them at any angle to co-exist with your property’s appearance.
Since they’re so popular, you’ll have a slew of color options to choose from. Once you buy one, if you have a creative touch, you can twist and form shade sails to give your pool an edgy look. All without distracting from the feel of your home.
Pool sails are also pretty affordable. Despite its prices, many shade sails feature UV stabilized fabric that is also exceptionally hard to tear. They’re also very easy to install. This should be your go-to if you’re on a budget and want lots of options.
Cons: With that said, shade sails do have their disadvantages. To completely cover your pool, you’ll need to install many of them. They can also be pretty weak against strong winds. Ensuring you installed them tightly can prevent them from flying off their seams.
Umbrellas
Pro: Tried, true, and tested. Pool umbrellas are arguably the more affordable and accommodating option on our list. No need to install them. Plus, they’re portable.
The benefits of using oversized umbrellas speak for themselves. Many oversized pool umbrellas already stand on their own and are easy to store. Best of all, they won’t cost you a fortune.
Cons: The advantages of using a pool umbrella can also be a disadvantage. Unless you’re installing them in place, strong winds can carry them far away. Rain can seep through the sides. Plus, carrying them every time you need to use them is not always fun.
You’d also have to have more than one if you want to cover your entire pool (assuming it’s a big pool). Building a permanent umbrella on your property is a viable option. This is one of the more popular pool shade ideas.
Floating Pool Shade
Pro: If installing sails, umbrellas, or other shades is out of the question, a floating canopy might be a great alternative. A recreational cabana structure can keep you covered while you relax in your pool. This is perfect for all pools.
Floating canopies are very easy to set up. You can find numerous canopy-shaped floats for all sizes that are equipped with UV blocking shades. Plus, they are also easy on your wallet.
Some floating pool shades look like oversized tents. If you prefer not to sit inside of a floating canopy, this is the way to go.
Some canopy float kits can hold up tent-like structures to cover you as you stand or swim. SwimShade and Aquacabana have a catalog of recommended products.
Cons: We all float down here! A big con that comes with owning a floating canopy is having to sit or lay in one just to be under the shade. It’s also not practical if you’re trying to cover your entire pool.
Other floating pool shades can float away with a gust of wind. Some offer varying degrees of protection. Plus, arming them and disarming them can also be a hassle.
If you wanted a more permanent structure for your pool, installing a pergola would be ideal.
Pool Canopy
Pros: Pool shade canopies offer the best protection and are arguably the most practical. Large canopies can completely cover your pool and act as the perfect barrier against elements of mother nature.
This is especially true for retractable canopies. Once installed, they require very little maintenance. You can open and close them without any worry. They can also cover a large portion of your pool and easily beat sail shades in a beauty pageant.
Although it’s on the pricey side, canopy shades will feature the most protection against the sun.
Cons: You’ll more than likely need it to be installed by a professional. Although it can be stylish, pool canopies can be expensive and might not always complement the look of your property.
Thanks For Visiting
We hope these pool shade ideas help you decide on how to shade your pool.