Australia’s harsh sun and hot climate make shade necessary for outdoor spaces, especially around pools. A well-chosen pool umbrella can transform your backyard into a relaxing oasis, offering comfort and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. With a variety of sizes, styles, and features available, selecting the right option can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will detail the most important factors to consider when choosing the best pool umbrellas in Australia for your needs, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.
1. Why Pool Umbrellas Are a Must-Have in Australia
If you want to stay safe in the sun while having fun outside, you need a pool cover. A lot of UV light hits Australia, making it one of the world’s top spots for skin cancer. Pool Umbrellas protect you from the sun’s UV rays, lowering your risk of sunburnt and damaging your skin long-term. In addition, they make a nice, shady area where you can enjoy the outdoors for a long time.
When selecting a pool umbrella, choosing one that complements your outdoor décor and offers sufficient protection and durability for Australia’s unpredictable weather conditions is essential.
2. What Size Pool Umbrella Do You Need?
The size of the pool umbrella you need depends on the amount of shade you want and the size of the area you’re covering. Here’s a breakdown of standard pool umbrella sizes and how to choose the right one:
- Tiny Pool Umbrellas (2M): These are ideal for smaller spaces or if you only need to shade a single chair or a small pool section. They are easy to move and adjust, making them great for those who like flexibility. However, they may need to provide more shade for larger areas.
- Medium Pool Umbrellas (4M): A medium-sized pool umbrella is perfect for shading multiple lounge chairs or a medium-sized area around the pool. These umbrellas balance portability and shade coverage, making them popular for most homeowners.
- Large Pool Umbrellas (5M): A large umbrella is the way for those with a larger poolside area or patio. These umbrellas provide expansive shade and cover larger seating areas or dining tables. Keep in mind that more giant umbrellas often require heavier bases for stability. Check out our special pool umbrella offers to find the perfect one for your outdoor space!
Your size should be based on the space you want to shade, the number of people using the pool, and your overall backyard layout.
3. Popular Styles of Pool Umbrellas
There are several styles of pool umbrellas to choose from, each offering unique benefits depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some popular types of pool umbrellas available in Australia:
- Centre-Post Umbrellas: These are the traditional umbrella style with a central pole that supports the canopy. Centre-post umbrellas are versatile and come in various sizes. They are an excellent choice for smaller areas or providing targeted shade over lounge chairs or tables. However, they may obstruct your view or take up valuable space in specific settings.
- Cantilever Umbrellas: Cantilever or offset umbrellas are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility and modern design. The pole is positioned to the side, allowing the umbrella to hover over the pool or seating area without obstructing the space beneath. These umbrellas are ideal for larger areas or where you want unobstructed shade coverage. They are highly adjustable and often feature rotating or tilting capabilities, allowing you to move the shade throughout the day.
Each umbrella style has benefits, so the best choice depends on how much flexibility, space, and style you prefer for your poolside area.
5. How to Choose the Right Base for Your Pool Umbrella
The umbrella’s base is just as crucial as the canopy and frame. A sturdy, well-weighted base ensures your umbrella stays upright and doesn’t tip over in windy conditions. When selecting a base, consider the following:
- Weight: The base should be heavy enough to support the size of the umbrella. Generally, the larger the umbrella, the heavier the base should be. For more enormous umbrellas, use a stainless steel base or one you can fill with water or sand to make it heavier. A steel base is stable and lasts long, mainly when used outside.
- Placement: For cantilever umbrellas, the base is often separate from the pole and should be placed in a location that supports the overall balance of the umbrella. Ensure that the base is large and heavy enough to stabilize the offset weight of the cantilever umbrella.
6. Choosing the Right Colour for Your Pool Umbrella
While functionality and durability are key factors, the colour of your pool umbrella can also enhance the aesthetics of your outdoor space. We have a lot of colours to choose from that can add a fun, tropical vibe to your backyard.
Remember that lighter colours reflect more sunlight, which can help keep the area cooler beneath the umbrella. Darker colours, while more resistant to showing dirt and wear, can absorb more heat and may make the shaded area slightly warmer.
Choosing the Best Pool Umbrellas in Australia
Selecting the right pool umbrella in Australia involves balancing size, style, durability, and personal preference. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern cantilever umbrella or a traditional centre-post design, there’s a perfect option for every backyard.
Boss Shade offers a wide range of high-quality pool umbrellas to suit every need. Investing in a well-designed umbrella will create a shaded oasis that enhances your poolside experience for years.