A swimming pool is actually a delight of comfort and recreation inter alia when the sun shines nicely. Nevertheless, while we enjoy the sun to the brim it is still advisable to cover up from the sunlight, especially during the midday. That’s where a pool shade comes in.
If one desires to have gentle shading above their swimming pool for comfort purposes, protection or aesthetic features then it is important to have some information regarding types of pool shades.
Here is some general information on swimming pool shade, the types of shade available and the advantages that each has.
What is a Pool Shade?
Swimming pool shade therefore refers to any structure or furniture that offers shade or protection against the solar radiation around a swimming pool. It can range from seasonal ones which include but are not limited to umbrellas to long-term seasons such as pergolas, and retractable roofs. The idea is to minimize the direct contact of the structures designed for pool use with the sun’s direct heat to make it easier to stay in that environment comfortably and safely.
Types of Pool Shelters
There are many styles of swimming pool shade to fit different swimming pool sizes, budget concerns, and layouts. Let’s explore the most popular ones:
Pool Umbrellas
Extremely popular and relatively cheap, pool umbrellas are a perfect solution for a quick and cheap shading solution. In a wide variety of sizes and designs, pool umbrellas can be placed wherever you would like.
Benefits:
- It is relatively cheap and very easy to install.
- Easy to transport, that can be taken from one location to another.
- Choice of designs, the tilt design, and the crank design.
Drawbacks:
- It may not offer sufficient cover, especially large pool areas.
- It is much less sturdy in windy situations
Shade Sails
Swimming pool shade sails are popular and often adopted as a modern fashion way of providing shade at the swimming pool. Most are made of very thick fabrics and are stretched, being affixed to posts or other structures. They can be of certain shapes like triangular, square-shaped, or rectangular in shape.
Benefits:
- An attractive look with a modern touch
- Customizable sizes and colors
- Applies to large areas to make a shade
Drawbacks:
- Possibly needs a professional setup
- They are not ideal to be used in any weather condition, especially during a rainy or snowy period.
Pergolas and Gazebos
An arbor or gazebo is a structure with at least part of its roof that covers people from sun and rain and also offers a comfortable place for dining or lounging. These structures are fixed and are mainly constructed out of wood steel or both. While pergolas may have a roof with openings or even simplified cross bars, gazebos can be converted with a full roof only.
Benefits:
- Provides a more permanent solution to what is in effect a shading of the pool.
- Can be fitted with other accessories including lights, shutters, drapes, or even a ceiling fan.
- Could add a beautiful architectural piece to your balcony or pool area.
Drawbacks:
- The major downside of using sails for areas that will be used constantly is that it has a higher initial cost than using umbrellas or shade sails.
- They demand fairly more space and once installed they cannot be moved around constantly.
Retractable Roofs
A retractable roof is a good solution if one wants to have a roof but also needs to save space. Some of these roofs are fixed on a structure and can be pulled down to cover the structure with shades as when pulled up, the sun gets in.
Benefits:
- Rotatable to allow adjustments of the amount of shade bestowed.
- The aspect of blading means that you can opt for full sun if you so wish while still being able to shield your skin from adverse effects due to sun lamps when you are not thirsty.
- Can be installed on walls parallel to the swimming pool, walls or even on other specific posts.
Drawbacks:
- May cost more than the fixed types of shades
- Requires frequent servicing to increase chances of efficient functionality.
Tensioned Mesh Covers
The tensioned mesh covers are well suited to the coverage of large swimming pool spaces. These have been developed to cover the area across the pool or the surrounding area but they do not obscure the sky view.
Benefits:
- Great for large pool areas
- It gives a smooth appearance by giving the pool an even coating throughout the entire area.
- Makes provision for air flow through it with a view of preventing heat advertisement
Drawbacks:
- Can be more costly
- May need professional assembly
How to Choose the Right Pool Shelter for You
The choice of the shade you are going to use to paint your swimming pool depends on the following factors; Size of the pool, economic factors, climate, and personal preference.
Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best shade for your pool:
- Consider the Size of Your Pool: If there is a possibility that the pool is big enough, you might need to install a more extensive shading system such as pergolas or tensioned mesh and the small pools may be shaded with an umbrella or a sail.
- Think About the Weather: If living in an area that is more windy or stormy then a pergola may be a better choice of structure as they tend to be more wind resistant than a traditional patio cover. For convenience, a retractable awning may be perfect if the place receives so much rainfall frequently.
- Budget: There are various types of prices for the pool shades and therefore a person should select one that is cheap. Whereas shorter structures like the umbrella are comparatively cheaper than the longer structures like pergolas.
- Style and Design: Local weather and your backyard general schemes should determine the type of pool shelter to use. To fit the contemporary decor of the yard, a shade sail can be used and for the more traditional yard, a classic pergola can be installed.
Maintenance Tips for Pool Shelters
However, proper maintenance is necessary if you want to get the best of your swimming pool shade. Here are some simple tips to help you keep your pool shelter in great condition:
- Clean the Shade Material: Clean fabric pool shelter (umbrellas, shade sails, etc.) periodically from dust, leaves bird droppings, etc. Do not clean it in a manner that may harm it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check for Wear and Tear: It helps to check your shade structure occasionally for any sign of wear and tear, perhaps frayed corners, or broken poles. Minor problems should be addressed immediately and often in order to avoid expensive problems.
- Secure the Shade in Windy Weather: If you reside in a windy region, ensure you fold your pool umbrellas or timelessly close your pool roofs when not in use to avoid being destroyed or taking off.
Let’s Summarize!
Installing a pool shade on your swimming pool will change how one enjoys outdoor leisure from swimming to sunbathing. No matter which of the two options of the umbrella, shade sail, pergola, and so on that you select, the right swimming pool shade not only makes the swimming area more comfortable but also ushers you in continuous protection from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
You should bear in mind the size and kind of your pool, the climate in your locality, and your own preferences while choosing the best shade solution. Choosing the right one will make time on this furniture more pleasant and comfortable for all people.
