Pools, sun, and summer — what a great time of the year to enjoy a swim! However, there’s no fun in swimming in a pool under extreme temperatures.
UV exposure is no joke, as it could be the cause of skin diseases and severe reactions. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about skin burns and similar issues once you get a pool sunshade.
However, a pool sun shade does more than provide sun protection.
Pool shades improve the aesthetic value of the pool area and increase house value. Additionally, the sizes vary and are easily adjustable to follow the sun’s movement.
For those and many more reasons, pool sunshades are essential for homeowners with a pool. Continue reading to learn more, and find out which shade is more suitable for you.
Benefits of Pool Sun Shades
Pool sun shades can be simple accessories that provide many benefits. Here’s a list of reasons why you should consider getting one.
· UV Protection
Sun exposure is not harmful, but there’s a limit to how much a person should endure. Since the pool is a common area for hours-long gatherings, it needs protection against UV rays.
Pool shades offer this benefit to protect you, your family, and your friends from sunburns and related skin problems.
· A Cool Pool
Exposure to daylight can make the pool water feel uncomfortably hot. However, pool shades divert high sun temperatures to keep the pool feeling cool.
Furthermore, the surrounding area might remain cooler if the pool shade is large enough.
· Also, a Clean Pool!
Leaves, bird waste, and debris are natural forces that usually pollute the pool water. Fortunately, you can take care of all these issues by installing a pool shade.
You still have to clean the pool periodically, but maintenance will require less time and effort.
· More Privacy
So, what if you want to take a swim wearing only your underwear or none at all? Your house, your rules!
A good pool shade can keep nosy neighbors and unwanted eyes from breaching your privacy. This also comes in handy if you organize special events and want to keep the area slightly enclosed.
· Aesthetics
A pool already increases home value, but a pool shade takes it to another level. The pool shade structure is simple to make the swimming and pool areas more appealing and luxurious.
If you intend to sell the house, rest assured that potential buyers will love it even more.
Types of Pool Sun Shade Accessories and Structures — Which One to Get?
Pool sun shades are ideal additions to the pool area, but not all are fitting.
Knowing the different types of pool shades and their benefits is an effective method to know which one is better for you. These are the most common and their average cost.
· Shade Sails
Installing shade sails is becoming more common in different areas of the house, including the pool. These adjustable accessories allow you to set them up at multiple angles.
They provide a modern look and leave some open sections for sunbathing. Modern shade sails feature waterproof PVC fabric, highly resistant to UV rays and rain.
The only downside of this product is that you may need more than one to cover a large pool section.
In this case, opting for a custom-made shade sail is the better option. Customized shade sails are expensive, and the price varies, but standard versions start at $30.
Most brands will order shade sails from Chinese manufacturers and mark them with their LOGO. Among the many shade sail manufacturers, TAIKESI is the leader because of its advanced production process.
· Pool Umbrellas
Why complicate things when the most straightforward pool shade ideas work? For instance, freestanding umbrellas provide enough shade for Intex swimming pools.
If you have an in-ground pool of considerable size, multiple umbrellas on key spots cover a larger surface and will look good while closed.
Umbrellas are easy to set up and remove if necessary. Therefore, depending on your needs and daily weather, you can change their position.
Ideally, it would be best to consider crank umbrellas measuring 6 feet to 14 feet. These are easy to adjust and are available at affordable prices, usually around $40.
· Pergolas
Pergolas are suitable for in-ground and above-ground pools, and they’re one of the fanciest pool shades available. These structures are relatively easy to put together and keep the pool cool while looking magnificent.
Another advantage of this pool shade is that it can accommodate lighting for those special evenings.
One thing to consider is that pergolas consume plenty of space. Plus, the price of the structure is high, usually around $2,500 for high-end models.
Nonetheless, the wood, aluminum, or steel parts are top-notch and resist rain, heavy winds, and extreme temperatures. Plus, you can set up the pergola closed or semi-closed.
· Instant Up Canopies
These collapsible structures resemble tents in shape and can be large enough to shade pools and their surroundings. Typically, this shelter variation is more suitable for large pools above the ground.
Shade canopy sizes vary, but the most common are between 5’x5’ and 10’x20’. Generally, the units come as two-piece structures, including the frame and the top.
Canopies made for Intex pools feature attachment spots, but they don’t include a frame. In any case, both pool shade canopy variations are widely available at various prices.
The smaller and cheapest instant-up canopies often cost around $70.
· Cantilevers
A cantilever is a large pool shade cover that works similarly to a pool canopy shade. This alternative comes with support pieces on one of its sides, which you stabilize with cement.
Cantilevers are a hassle, and the prices are considerably high. Still, the strong and sturdy structure can put up with any weather condition.
Most cantilevers feature aluminum parts to resist corrosion, and they demand mild maintenance. If you don’t like canopies, cantilevers are good alternatives to improve the aesthetics of the pool area.
Additionally, the large size of these structures guarantees proper shade over the pool water and surrounding space.
How to Find the Proper Pool Sun Shade for Your Home
Many pool sunshade options mean you have a vast catalog to buy the most suitable for your home and pool area.
However, not every pool shade is compatible with every pool area. Each person must consider buying an accessory or structure compatible with the space available.
These are some factors to keep in mind to help you identify the proper pool shade for you.
· Size and Space Available
Naturally, the size of the pool shade must fit the space available without becoming an inconvenience.
We highly recommend shade sails and umbrellas because they’re the easiest to adjust. Whether your pool area is big or small, these pool shades adapt to any space.
· Decoration
If you want the best-looking pool shade, you must consider a shade sail, pergola, or cantilever. These structures enhance the appealing aspect of the pool and surrounding area significantly.
Additionally, you must avoid accessories like umbrellas, which don’t look good when closed.
· Installation
Installing pool shade structures like pergolas and cantilevers may be challenging due to their large size. Therefore, these units are more suitable for DIYers or those with someone else’s support.
Pool shade sails are among the more straightforward options to install. Generally, two people can complete the installation process by following simple steps.
· Price
Pergolas, cantilevers, and similar structures are usually expensive. If you don’t have the budget or don’t like spending excessive money, shade sails and umbrellas are the better options.
These pool shade alternatives may not look as good as a pergola, but they can do the same for a lower price.
The Pool Sun Shade Color — Does it Even Matter?
Interestingly enough, the shade’s color affects the pool shade’s functionality. Darker shades are better against UV rays, whereas lighter shades absorb less heat.
Does that mean that I should choose a dark pool sunshade?
Well, not quite. Pools are generally fun and welcoming areas. Therefore, colorful shades are more suitable to maintain the entertainment value.
Go with darker colors, and avoid lighter tones. This way, the pool, and shade layout will be more inviting while protecting swimmers from the hot sun.
Blend Colors to Create a Vibrant Environment
If a single pool shade color looks too monotonous, you could mix and match many other colors to create a more vivid decoration.
Mixing colors is also an effective method to add more personality and enhance the aesthetic value of outdoor spaces.
While mixing or blending colors to create a shade, ensure they’re compatible first. Pick shade tones that work well with each other to guarantee harmony instead of chaos.
Creating a digital outline of the new shades may help you see the bigger picture and decide whether it will look good. Proceed to shade the pool only when you’re sure.
Tips on How to Maintain a Pool SUN Shade
Maintaining the pool shade in good condition is essential to making the most of your investment. The unit will last longer and won’t discolor or suffer any damage.
Check out these tips that will help you clean and care for a pool shade
- Look out for any mold build-up, and act quickly. Use a brush to remove dirt, debris, and other particles that could damage the pool shade.
- Ideally, you must clean the structure regularly to prevent any mold build-up. If you don’t have the time, check the pool shade periodically to spot the build-up and remove it.
- Weather conditions may require you to alter the pool shade maintenance schedule. Nonetheless, make sure to clean it at least once per month.
- Structures made with steel or wood materials are prone to damage under extreme conditions. Don’t forget to care for poles and frames to avoid damage by water, mildew, or pests.
- The discoloration is a clear sign of damage. Identify the issue, and maintain every piece of the pool shade to keep them from becoming brittle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal pool shade?
Shade sails are the best and most convenient pool sunshade. These are easy to install and come in multiple sizes to fit many pool sizes. The price of this equipment is also lower, making it an affordable option to cover the pool area.
Is it necessary to shade a pool?
Pool shades are necessary if the weather is usually hot. Under high temperatures, the human body suffers in various ways. For example, you may experience skin burns, reactions, or other unpleasant conditions. Pool shades protect you from UV rays and keep the pool area cool for a pleasant time.
Do pool shades keep the swimming water cool during summer?
During the summer, pool shades actively absorb solar heat waves to keep the pool water cool. Furthermore, you can shade a pool in sections to leave open areas if you also like to sunbathe.
How do you shade a pool?
Shading a pool is possible by installing a pool shade accessory or structure. The most common pool shades are shade sails, pergolas, umbrellas, and canopies. These items differ in size and shape, allowing you to shade the pool and the surrounding areas.
Are pool shades waterproof?
The dominant materials used in the production of shade sails are polyester or HDPE. Polyester has a high level of water resistance. Most pool shades are waterproof and can resist exposure to rain. Make sure to look into this aspect to ensure the building material is vital. Most manufacturers claim their products can resist water damage, but that’s not the case once you buy them. Trust reliable brands only.
Are expensive pool shades worth it?
An expensive pool shade is only worth it for the decoration value. Otherwise, cheaper alternatives are sometimes equally good and provide the same benefits. Ultimately, it will depend on how much you want to invest.
Final Words
Say goodbye to the hot sun and welcome a fantastic summer with a pool sun shade. Even if you don’t like swimming, pool shades also benefit you in other areas.
Friends and family could come over to have a blast in the pool, and potential home buyers will love it.
Have you found your ideal pool shade yet? Follow our recommendations, and you will not miss them!
