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Pool deck shade


How to Best Shade Your Pool (updated for Summer 2023)

If you are thinking of installing a pool shade, you have come to the right place!

In the following article we will outline the 5 most popular pool shades available today. Custom-made Shade Sails, Cantilever Umbrellas and other Pool Shade Structures.

No matter what budget you have, there is a solution to fit your home. To start we have listed the more economical solutions, and then we will work our way up to some of the most premium pool shades available in Australia.

1) Shade Sails

There are many types of pool shades on offer, but none are as elegant and offer as much value for money as a custom-made Shade Sail.

The Shade Sail first originated in Australia in the 1980’s as a quick and easy way to create shade. Fast forward to today and now you can get architecturally designed Shade Sails, that form visually stunning centre pieces in their own right.

Shade Sails are a great provider of shade and as such they help keep outside areas cool. You can even protect against the rain, using a waterproof PVC fabric. The best of both form and function, Shade Sails look fantastic in any setting!

By installing a Shade Sail in your own home you can create a feature, something that helps lift the whole look of your outside area.

Taking inspiration from yacht sail making techniques, a Shade Sail is typically constructed from high quality shade-cloth fabric. Using stainless-steel wire edge, fixings, and fittings, the sail is pulled tight to form a strong and robust canopy. Each sail is 3D-designed using computer software and each panel is stitched, sewn, or welded together to create a single Shadeform Sail. The end result is a tear resistant sail with minimal puckering and almost zero sag. Warranties are available up to 15 years depending on which fabric you choose.

2) A Retractable Sail

A Retractable Sail is made from the same high-quality shade cloth as a fixed Shade Sail, and as such it provides the same high level of weather protection. Waterproof fabric options are available, and each Retractable Sail can be custom-made to suit a particular area. Shadeform’s very own Retractable Sail – the Shaderunner® – is a unique and effective solution that has been refined for over 10 years.

The Shaderunner® glides in and out using pulleys and stainless-steel support wires. A simple rope system is used to pull the Shade in and out. Motorized options are available including a wireless push-button remote.

With the flexibility to move the Shade in and out when you want it, the Shaderunner® is the perfect solution for pools and patio areas. When it’s hot outside you can extend the Sail to reduce temperatures and make outside areas nice and cool. Then when it gets a bit cooler you can retract the shade and let sunlight and warmth in.

The Shaderunner® is a fantastic all-round performer with many benefits. Create shade, aid in pool heating, help stop evaporation, and protect from harmful UV all-in-one!

3) Permanent Outdoor Umbrella

The gold standard when it comes to pool shade structures, a Permanent Outdoor Umbrella is a fantastic option. The main benefit is that they can provide up to 50m2 of protection with a single support column. Furthermore, Outdoor Umbrellas have a minimal design, which is a great compliment for modern homes. These features allow the Permanent Outdoor Umbrella to effortlessly tie-in with existing surrounds. Offering high levels of sun and rain protection, a Permanent Outdoor Umbrella is the perfect set and forget solution.

Why Choose a Permanent Outdoor Umbrella?

Not all pool umbrellas are created equal. The difference between a standard market umbrella, and a Flexshade® Permanent Outdoor Umbrella, is night and day. A market umbrella typically uses a small separate weight for support, or sometimes nothing at all. This is a less than ideal situation, as market umbrellas have to fold down or be taken away at the slightest sign of breeze.

A Permanent Outdoor Umbrella, however, uses a large concrete footing (often 1cbm or more) that is dug deep into the ground. This makes the umbrella a permanent fixture, able to withstand cyclonic winds. This means that if you install a Permanent Umbrella, you wont have to worry about it again for a very long time. There is very minimal maintenance and in turn this give you piece of mind.

4) Custom Pool Shade Structures

When using flexible fabric like shade-cloth or PVC fabric, the sky’s the limit! Whatever your shading requirements are, you can build just about any design you want. Using custom made powder-coated steel frames, a fabric canopy can take on any number of configurations. Skillion, barrel-vault, apex, and other roof layouts are all possible.

The above picture shows a unique pool shade – a cantilevered Shaderunner®. This is the special combination of a Retractable Sail and a cantilevered frame structure. Shadeform are proud to deliver an unprecedented project like this, proof that shade design is limited only by your imagination!

5) Folding Arm Awnings

If you are after a pool shade that has style, with loads of functionality built in, then you simply must consider a Folding-arm Awning. Providing fantastic weather protection on demand, the Issey® range of Australian-made Folding-arm Awnings are the perfect solution for pools. A robust aluminum case plus a water resistant acrylic canvas, these shades offer some of the highest quality and workmanship available.

A minimalistic design with a completely protected headbox, Issey® offer a sleek and elegant Folding-arm Awning. Quality Somfy electronics work each time, every time, allowing you to retract the Awning at the push of a button. If you’re after a more economical solution, consider a manual crank operation instead.

Home automation options are available, including the ability to control your awning using a smart-phone. Other impressive features that are available include safety sensors, which pull the shade in before wind damage can occur.

A note on Patio Shades

If your patio area needs shade, as well as your pool, it may be worthwhile to shade the whole area using one shade. Separate patio shades or patio awnings will cost approximately the same amount as your pool shade, if they are of similar size and layout. Therefore, it makes sense to shade the whole area in one go, as you can save on cost by installing only one shade.

To do this is very easy, simply designate a poolside area to be shaded and then include this area, as well as the pool area, in your chosen design. If you can – try to keep your shade under 7m in length or width. This helps keep post and engineering costs down, giving you better value for money. If you need to shade a larger area, consider splitting the area up into multiple shades. Even if the shades are separate, you can share columns and posts, minimising overall project cost.

Also, don’t forget that all posts and support columns should be more than 1m away from your pools edge, to avoid footing movement.

13 refreshing Pool Canopy and Pool Shade Ideas [with pics]

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Do you have a pool, but you want some protection from the sun’s scorching rays? Hopefully one of these 13 pool canopy and pool shade ideas will work for you. (Scroll to see them all…it includes some above ground pool canopy options too.)

Pool Canopy and Pool Shade Ideas

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Table of Contents

Not all of these pool canopy and shade ideas will work for your pool, but hopefully you’ll find at least one option to provide you that much-needed, refreshing shade from the scorching sun.

1) Triangular Shade Sails

Shade sails like the one shown above can be a great way to provide some shade directly above your pool.

But you need strong anchor points to attach it to, and make sure you have a tilt, or incline with the sail so that rainwater won’t pool on the fabric.

These have become so popular that you’ll likely find a contractor in your area who specializes in installing shade sails (if you can’t do it yourself).

2) Rectangular Shade Sails

You can also buy rectangular shade sails if that would be better for your backyard pool.

This pool shade cover shown above is also available in a few different colors if you don’t like this “Sand” color.

3) Retractable Pool Shade CanopyRetractable Pool Canopy – Photo credit: CableShade.com (Used with permission)

Wouldn’t something like this be great above your backyard pool?

You can open it up to let the sun warm the pool and “pull the shades” when you are swimming.

This particular retractable pool canopy is made by CableShade. Check them out to see if their products will be right to help you shade your pool.

4) Freestanding UmbrellasPool Shade Ideas – Freestanding Umbrellas

What is good about using an umbrella to shade your pool?

One of the benefits of using umbrellas for shade is that they are portable. You can move them around the pool deck throughout the day to provide shade where needed.

And compared to many of the other pool canopy and pool shade ideas, this one is relatively inexpensive.

What are the downsides to using an umbrella as a pool shade idea?

Wind –The downside is you need to crank them down when you aren’t outside or if it gets windy. You don’t want a flyaway umbrella hurting someone.

Small area of Shade — Plus, the small area of shade they throw may require you to huddle in that one shady spot in your pool.

You can find sturdy, freestanding umbrellas at most local retailers or patio stores.

You may be interested in…

15 Deck Umbrella Mount Ideas

5) Cantilever Umbrellas for Shade

Placing a cantilever umbrella like this one on your pool deck can provide shade that extends onto surface of your pool.  

And like the freestanding umbrellas already mentioned, you can move it around the pool deck to follow the sun’s arc through the sky.

Because they extend farther out towards your pool, they usually provide more shade than an upright umbrella.

Click here for more details on Amazon.

6) Poolside Pergola

Placing a pergola on your pool deck will provide some shade on the water.

Plus, it will provide some much-needed shade while lounging poolside on the deck.

If you’re handy you could attempt a DIY pergola, or you could hire a local contractor to make you an awesome pool pergola.

7) Poolside Pergola with a Retractable Shade Roof

This photo looks a little Photoshopped to me, but it gives you the ideas. It is a 4-post pergola with a retractable polyester fabric roof.

Depending on the width of your pool, would you be able to mount this over top of your pool?

This particular pergola is actually available on Amazon if you want to have a closer look.

8) Cantilever Structure with Retractable Shade Panels

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shaderunner®️ (@shaderunneraus)

Here is a great Instagram photo showing a unique pool canopy called the Shaderunner.

The structure is permanent, but the shade fabric retracts.

If you want more information on this product, click here to check out their website. (It is an Australian company that makes some pretty cool stuff.)

It’s awesome how it can act as as pool shade cover, but then you can retract the fabric to let in the heat when you want.

9) Patio Awnings extending over the Pool

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Above All Awnings (@awningsaboveall)

If your pool is located close to your home (or pool house), perhaps you could mount an awning to your house.

Then with the awning extended it would provide some shade for your pool, and give shade to your outdoor patio area.

The website “AboveAllAwnings” has several pictures on their website for awnings above a swimming pool. Click here to check them out.

10) Intex Pool Shade (Above ground pool canopy option)

The company Intex makes many popular above ground pools.  If you have an Intex pool and need an above ground pool canopy, perhaps this one from Intex will work.

It attaches using clamps to certain Intex pools:

But before you order, make sure you carefully check if it will fit your size and model of Intex pool.

CLICK HERE for more details on Amazon.

11) Above Ground Pool Shade Canopy

I found this above ground pool canopy on Walmart. com

It is called the Flowclear Pool Canopy Sunshade and it is for round above ground pools that are 12-feet to 14-feet in diameter.

If you need an above ground pool canopy, you may want to check this one out.

12) Pop Up Canopy Tent

I know the picture doesn’t show it above a pool…but you’ll have to use your imagination for a moment and imagine this as a pool canopy.

You see these all the time at the beach nowadays, and I think they’d make a great above ground pool canopy – especially if you have a small inflatable pool.

Set up one of these pop up canopy tents over your kiddie pool and your little ones will be able made in the shade.

This particular canopy tent comes with 4 bags that you can fill with sand to help secure the canopy against wind. You can probably find a similar one at your local retailer, or you can…

Click here to get more information on this pop up canopy tent on Amazon.

13) Pool Float with Shade (shade for one)

A water float with a shade canopy like this is a good option:

The actual canopy of it doesn’t seem very big though. I don’t know how much of your body would actually be shaded by this option (likely your face and shoulders).

You can probably find a pool floatie with canopy at your local retailer. But if not you can click the button below and see what others say about this one.

Up Next:

Don’t want your pool to feel like a fish bowl with your neighbor’s staring gaze? Check out…

19 Privacy Fence Ideas (create a backyard retreat)

Wondering what to put under your above ground pool?

15 excellent Outdoor Towel Rack options (some great pool towel racks on this list)

10 Beautiful Shading Ideas for Your Backyard or Patio

by Alexey | Decor Workshop Furniture Garden | Wednesday, 16 June 2021

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Many of the happiest moments in life happen when we spend time outside. Maybe it's the enjoyment of birdsong on the terrace, reading a book on the patio, or barbecue with friends. nine0003

See also: 35 Clear evidence that the pergola is an integral part of the backyard

But since I live in an area where there is often a lot of sun and afternoon showers in the summer, my outdoor meals are either very hot or wet. To solve this problem, I was looking for ways to cover the patio around my summer kitchen and found these gazebo cover ideas - some of them just provide a lot of shade, and some of them will keep the rain from ruining your time. nine0003

These sleek designs do more than just keep the sun out. Use them to define outdoor seating areas, or add privacy from nosy neighbors around your pool or deck.

Ready to beat the sweltering summer heat? Check out these backyard shade ideas that will keep you outdoors all summer long.

1. Living canopy

Vines such as vines and climbing roses growing on a simple frame can create a lush and beautiful living shade canopy. The vines can provide shade from late spring to early fall, and when it gets colder and leaves fall, more sunlight comes in on winter days. nine0003

See also: 40 The most unpretentious plants for the garden

Which plants to use for sheds?

A large number of climbing plants that can encircle the pergola with their flowering. We have collected 19 of the best plants that can be used both in temperate climates.

See also: 12 Living fences that will be a good alternative to soulless structures

1. Rose; 2. Clematis; 3. Ivy five-leafed; 4. Jasmine; 5. Grapes; 6. Wisteria; 7. Vine; 8. Bignonia; 9. Ivy; 10. Bugenville; 11. Morning glory; 12. Kiwi; 13. Sweet peas; 14. Dicentra; 15. Tropical dicentra; 16. Clitoria; 17. Golden hops; 18. Hydrangea.

2. Simple fabric awnings

One of the easiest DIY patio shading ideas is the Fabric Canopy.

nine0022 3. Fabric sails

Shade Sails are simple and versatile designs for patios and backyards. There are many shades to choose from. You can also use different shapes like triangles and rectangles. Add garlands to them for magical evenings.

4. Roman gazebo canopy

You can make your own retractable fabric canopy for the gazebo.

Another simple retractable canopy design:

5. Blanket and bamboo canopy

If you want a temporary shelter, then using a blanket and 4 bamboo stems you can create a shaded area for outdoor recreation.

See also: 30 Attractive Uses of Bamboo in the Garden

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And here is a charming version with snow-white tulle and bamboo frame:

6. Sheds made of natural materials

Indigenous peoples made shade structures from local plant materials such as twigs, twigs, bamboo, palm leaves, etc. .

This wicker or bamboo canopy, supported by cables, looks so charming on an old farmhouse in Spain. nine0003

Use long and even branches to create a dense roof covering:

See also: 30 Garden projects using branches and snags

Amazing way to shade your gazebo with wooden blinds:

Another beautiful shading idea for a traditional Mediterranean farmhouse patio:

7.

Classic pergola designs

There is a misconception that a pergola does not protect from the sun, but in fact, a canopy like creates a cozy shaded area where you can enjoy a summer day without fear of sunburn.

See also: 35 Clear evidence that the pergola is an integral part of the backyard

8. Hard canopy

Galvanized metal is a popular and inexpensive roofing material that is great for building shadow structures.

9. Polycarbonate awnings

Polycarbonate canopy is a good choice due to its low weight. But it is worth remembering that over time it will lose its attractive appearance due to clogged dirt and a dull surface due to exposure to sunlight.

10. Add light to shaded structures

When evening falls, the garlands on the gazebo make it even more magical place .

See also: 18 Amazing examples of garden lighting

And now you can relax and unwind.

..

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nine0000 Before and after: Apartment near Lyon with swimming pool on the terrace

The old pool with pine decking was replaced with a new one - with a seating area and finished with ipe wood

This duplex apartment near Lyon has two terraces of about 20 sq. m - each with its own function and atmosphere. The terrace on the first floor is used as an outdoor dining area, while on the second floor the family relaxes while swimming in the pool. The owner wanted to renovate the outdated terraces while still maintaining their function. He approached landscape architects from Scènes Extérieures. And after four months of design and two weeks of construction, the transformed terraces were ready. We are talking about the first part of the repair, concerning the terrace with the pool. nine0383

SCENES EXTERIEURES

A small pool with a mosaic border 1.40 m wide and 3.20 m long on the side is framed by a strip of miscanthus. The other side of the pool is shaded by a fig tree, under which grows a reddish formium. The podium hides the pool filtration system and maintenance materials.

About the project
Where: Ullen near Lyon, France
Size: upper terrace 22. 4 sq.m (5.60 x 4 m)
Duration: 4 months of design and 2 weeks of renovation
Who rests here: family
Budget for both terraces: 40,000 euros
Project authors: landscape architects Nicola Lebas, Florence Dubost, Melissa Carpentier, Benjamin Stadler Photo : Patrice Gavand

SCENES EXTERIEURES

Before. “The pool was unusable and in very poor condition. To make better use of the space, we decided to move it closer to the terrace railing,” explains Florence Dubost, one of the landscape architects who worked on the project. nine0003

SCENES EXTERIEURES

After. To avoid the shadow of the building, the pool had to be left at the periphery of the terrace. The chosen location allows you to enjoy the view of the pool from the three windows of the apartment.

SCENES EXTERIEURES

The location of the pool made it possible to create a recreation area on the terrace: a platform for sun loungers was organized here.

Before photo

Before. When the current owners bought the apartment, the pool was already there.

SCENES EXTERIEURES

After. The architects replaced the swimming pool with a new one - 4.50 sq.m. « We didn't foresee anything more for two reasons: the weight of the pool and the fact that the family wanted to save extra space to relax in the sun loungers » , explains Florence Dubost.

The pool was assembled in the workshop and installed on the terrace with a crane. To facilitate access to the bowl, a podium was made around with three steps, each about 20 cm high.

Before photo

Before. They decided not to leave the old pool, its alteration would have cost more than replacing it with a new one. All equipment and flooring were removed from the terrace before work began.

SCENES EXTERIEURES

After. “We replaced the old utility shed with a larger one because the owners needed more storage space. In the barn, a pool filter was placed and a storage compartment for mattresses and pillows was provided. We also made the most of the highest part of the podium in which the pool is built: we hid the pump there,” explains Florence. nine0003

Interested in luxury repairs?
Let's find an artist according to your criteria

Before photo

Agnès Carpentier

Before. The old terrace and pool decking was made from stained pine, but this material did not perform well in use.

SCENES EXTERIEURES

After. The architects advised clients to use ipe wood, an exotic wood that is well suited for pool decks. “It's a very dense, light wood that resists moisture, doesn't crack, and holds up well for a long time without any treatment,” explains Florence.

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