Swimming Pool Shade Umbrellas: Everything You Need To Know

As the warmer months approach, having a shady retreat by the pool becomes essential for enjoying a relaxing day without worrying about the harsh effects of the sun. Whether you own a private pool or manage a public swimming area, investing in the right swimming pool shade umbrellas can make a significant difference.

These umbrellas provide shade and add a stylish and practical touch to your outdoor space. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into everything you need to know about choosing the perfect umbrella for your pool area, answer some common questions, and explore the options available, empowering you to make an informed and confident decision.

What Type of Swimming Pool Shade Umbrellas Is Best for in a Pool?

When selecting the ideal umbrella for your pool area, it’s important to consider factors like durability, sun protection, and flexibility.

The best swimming pool shade umbrellas are designed to withstand water exposure, offer UV protection, and provide easy adjustability to block the sun from various angles throughout the day.

One popular choice is the Boss Shade Classic Outdoor Cantilever Umbrella, which features a cantilever design. This umbrella type is perfect for pool areas because it allows for an unobstructed shade experience. The base sits outside the shaded area, allowing the umbrella canopy to hover over the pool or poolside without a central pole. This makes it easier to place lounge chairs, pool furniture, or other accessories beneath the shade.

Additionally, cantilever umbrellas are known for their flexibility, as they can tilt and rotate to provide optimal shade coverage, giving you the power to customise your pool area to your liking.

Another great option is a centre-post umbrella, which is more traditional and can be placed at the edge of the pool or in a poolside seating area. This type offers stability and is ideal for smaller spaces, providing excellent shade coverage without taking up too much room.

Can You Put an Aluminium Umbrella in a Pool?

Aluminium is a common material used in outdoor umbrellas, and for good reason—it’s lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust. However, when placing an umbrella in or around a pool, whether aluminium is the best option often arises. The good news is that aluminium umbrellas are perfectly suited for pool environments, especially when made from high-quality, anodised aluminium.

The anodised aluminium is treated to prevent corrosion, particularly important for poolside settings where water exposure is constant. Umbrellas made from this material can withstand both the moisture from the pool and the effects of outdoor elements like rain or sun. We recommend choosing an umbrella with a rust-resistant frame for longevity, especially if your umbrella will be frequently exposed to pool water.

It’s worth noting, however, that while an aluminium umbrella can withstand the moisture from poolside conditions, placing the umbrella directly inside the pool is not recommended. Instead, use a sturdy base on the pool deck or surrounding areas to provide ample shade while avoiding potential wear and tear from submerging in chlorinated water.

What Shape Umbrella Provides the Most Shade?

When it comes to maximising shade, the shape of the umbrella plays an important role. Generally, there are three common shapes to consider: round, square, and rectangular. Each shape offers different advantages based on the layout of your pool area.

• Round umbrellas are great for evenly distributing shade over a circular or round seating arrangement. They’re ideal if your poolside area features circular tables or lounge chairs.
• Square umbrellas: These are excellent for providing more coverage over square-shaped areas. A square umbrella can fit neatly into the corner of a patio or next to a rectangular pool for maximum shade coverage.
• Rectangular umbrellas: A rectangular umbrella is your best bet to shade a larger space, such as multiple lounge chairs or a long pool section. Its extended canopy offers more shade coverage than round or square umbrellas, making it the go-to choice for wider areas.

The best swimming pool shade umbrellas for pools and outdoor seating are often rectangular or square, as these shapes provide more coverage across larger areas. A round umbrella can add a cozy touch to smaller spaces while offering the protection you need from the sun.

What Is the Difference Between a Sunshade and an Umbrella?

Although “sunshade” and “umbrella” are sometimes used interchangeably, the two have key differences. A swimming pool shade umbrella is a specific type of outdoor umbrella designed to block the sun and provide shade over seating areas, pool decks, or even directly over the pool. Umbrellas come in various styles, sizes, and materials, often featuring adjustable canopies that can tilt or rotate to adapt to the sun’s changing position throughout the day.

On the other hand, a sunshade typically refers to a broader category of shade structures, which includes canopies, pergolas, or tensioned fabric sails. Sunshades are more permanent installations, providing much shade over a fixed area. These are more suited for covering expansive spaces like patios, walkways, or large sections of outdoor entertainment areas.

For versatility and mobility, an umbrella is generally the preferred choice for poolside areas, especially if you need the flexibility to move it around based on the sun’s position or the seating arrangement.

Benefits of Using Swimming Pool Shade Umbrellas

There are several advantages to investing in a high-quality pool umbrella:

• UV Protection: The primary benefit of a pool umbrella is sun protection. High-quality umbrellas feature UV-resistant fabrics that can block harmful rays, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment by the pool.
• Cooling Effect: Not only do umbrellas protect you from the sun’s harsh rays, but they also create a cool, shaded area, which can help reduce heat stress during hot days.
• Style and Aesthetics: Pool umbrellas add a stylish, sophisticated touch to any outdoor setting. They come in various colours and designs, allowing you to match the umbrella to your outdoor décor.
• Durability: Modern pool umbrellas are made from high-quality materials, such as anodised aluminium and UV-resistant fabrics, making them durable and long-lasting.
• Portability: Unlike permanent shade structures, umbrellas are portable and can be moved to different parts of your pool area.