Pool Sun Shades: Best Ideas to Shade Your Pool from the Sun

In the dead of summer your swimming pool can get hotter than bath water. Warm water might be welcome in the winter, but it does nothing to help you cool off in 100-degree-plus temperatures. If you want to keep the sun from bringing your pool water to a boil—or at least a low simmer—then you should consider investing in a pool shade structure.

Creating Shade for Swimming Pools and Pool Areas

A pool shade structure is like an outdoor patio awning for your pool. Just like there are tons of options that use shade to cool off your patio, you also have many choices if you want to cool off your pool and pool decking. With all these pool shade ideas, there is something for every preference across nearly all pool/yard sizes and layouts.

What are Some Pool Shade Ideas?

There are a few different options when it comes to shading your pool. Some of the most popular choices are umbrellas, shade sails, shade structures and cabanas.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are very versatile because they come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a solid choice for a lot of Arizonans. They can also be moved or adjusted as the sun moves across the sky.

There are even massive “cantilever” umbrellas that extend out on an arm. These umbrellas can potentially be used to shade water, in addition to sitting areas.

The biggest problem with umbrellas is they only offer a limited amount of shade at a time before they must be moved or adjusted.

Shade Sails

Shade sails are pieces of fabric that are stretched between poles or poles and an existing structure. The poles can be constructed around your pool, so the sail stretches over the pool. The corners of the fabric must be attached to a fixed point, so they are not adjustable.

Shade Structures

Shade structures are a type of roof that is supported by legs. Shade structures typically have four, six or eight legs. Open-sided shade structures can be built around your pool to provide an excellent source of shade. They can be a great addition to your backyard.

Cabanas

You can think of cabanas as little hut or tent-like structures that are ideal for creating partially enclosed shaded sitting areas for your pool. Cabanas are usually freestanding structures that have three walls and one open side.

One of the best parts of a backyard pool cabana is what they add visually to your pool area. Most of the other shade options stick out because the supports may distract from your pool or backyard aesthetic.  Cabanas often blend in or complement the pool vibe while also blocking the sun.

Customizations

No matter which shade option you choose, there are many ways you can customize it to your specific tastes. Some of the most important customizations are the size, the materials and the colors.

Size  

Umbrellas come in a variety of sizes ranging from six feet to 12 feet in diameter. Backyard shade sails usually range between 8 feet x 13 feet to 12 feet x 24 feet. Multiple shade sails can be constructed in a pattern to create visually interesting shade solutions. Free-standing shade structures can be built in all types of dimensions.

Cabanas are often 8 feet x 12 feet or 10 feet x 14 feet.

Most umbrellas are pre-made, while the other shade options are customized to fit your sizing needs.

Materials

Arizona Awnings makes material choices easy for customers by utilizing only the highest quality fabrics and supports for our shade structures.

Many pool umbrellas have a plastic base filled with sand to prevent it from moving. The pole of the umbrella is usually made from steel, aluminum or another metal. The canopy is often polyester or nylon.

Wood is a common framing material for backyard cabanas, but owners have many different fabric and color options from which to choose.

Colors

Choosing the color is one of the best parts of customizing your shade solution. The fabrics come in a wide variety of colors and styles. All you need to do is pick the color and style that best fits your backyard’s theme. Some factors to consider are how the fabric matches your patio furniture, your wall/fence, your home’s exterior, landscaping and the color of the pavers or pool decking around your pool.

Transform Your Phoenix Pool into a Relaxing Getaway with Arizona Awnings

At Arizona Awnings we believe everyone should be able to relax in style in their backyard all summer long. Unfortunately, the sun often has other plans.

Our team can help you find the perfect shade solution to help you use your pool to its fullest potential. We’re also the ideal company to provide any commercial awning or shade structure services in the Valley.

Call 602-252-3430 to request an estimate or consultation today.