Are you thinking of installing a pool shade? Maybe you love swimming in your fibreglass pool but need more shaded areas in your backyard. Maybe you want to add a shaded area over your pool.
No matter what kind of shade you could be looking for, you're bound to find something that matches your requirements. These are some of the most popular kinds of pool shades you can consider getting.
1. Shade Sails
If you’re on a budget, then a shade sail could be perfect for your backyard. A shade sail looks elegant as well, making it one of the most popular choices among homeowners.
The history of the shade sail begins in Australia in the 1980s. It was originally created as an easy way for people to create shades. Over the years, various kinds of designs have come out, when it comes to shade sails. Today, you can find a shade sail that’s designed to be a visual spectacle.
With a shade sail installed in your backyard, you can enjoy cool and shaded areas where you can rest. A shade sail can also protect you from rain. For this, you’ll need to buy a shade sail that’s made of waterproof PVC fabric.
A shade sail combines the best of both worlds when it comes to form as well as function. This makes them perfect for backyards that have fibreglass pools in them.
A shade sail is usually made from shade-cloth fabric that’s of high quality. Wire edges of stainless steel could be used, as well as fittings and fixings. These are used to pull the sail tight in order to create a canopy that is strong as well as robust. While you can find hand-made shade sails, many are also made using 3D software and technology.
When you buy a quality shade sail, you’ll get a canopy that’s resistant to tears, and also doesn’t sag. A good shade sail can last for a decade if not more.
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2. Retractable Sails
Retractable sails, as the name suggests, can be retracted when it’s not being used. Often, these are made using the same kind of material as a shade sail. This means that you can enjoy the same kind of protection against the weather, that a shade sail would have provided you with.
You can also opt to get a retractable sail built using waterproof material. You can even get your retractable sail to be custom designed to fit a particular section of your backyard. A good retractable sail is a durable one as well and can last for at least ten years if not more.
With a retractable sail, you gain the flexibility to move the shade in and out, as per your requirements. Add a shaded area on top of your fibreglass pool, or even to the area around your patio. Anytime it’s hot outside, you’ll be able to open the retractable sail to make a shaded area for yourself. Reduce temperatures and make the outside areas slightly cooler, with a retractable sail.
3. Outdoor Umbrellas That Are Permanent
One of the most popular ways you can create shaded areas in your backyard is by using an outdoor umbrella that’s permanent. With just one support column, you’ll be able to get around 50m² worth of protection.
Usually, outdoor umbrellas have a minimal design, making them great for most modern homes. Your outdoor umbrella will also be able to tie in with the surroundings effortlessly. With an outdoor umbrella, you can enjoy protection from both the Sun as well as the rain. If you want to add shade to your backyard, and then forget about it, then outdoor umbrellas could be perfect for you.
Note that with outdoor umbrellas, you may also need to deal with concrete footings, often of 1 cbm or higher. This enables the outdoor umbrella to even withstand winds that are cyclonic. Once you add an outdoor umbrella that’s permanent to your backyard, you can forget about it and it will endure.
4. Custom Pool Shades
You can get any kind of pool shade you want, custom-built. Maybe you want your pool shade to be of a certain size or a certain shape. This can be done. Steel frames that are powder-coated are used, together with fabric canopies, to create custom pool shades.
You can even get your custom pool shade to be retractable if you so desire. Most importantly, however, you can ensure that your pool shade is made of material that is durable. Once you add a pool shade to your backyard, you don’t want to find yourself constantly worrying about repairing it or replacing it. When you invest in a quality pool shade, you ensure that you keep using the pool shade for many years to come.
5. Foldable Arm Awnings
Are you looking for a pool shade that oozes style? Not only should your pool shade be stylish, but it should be functional as well. If these are your requirements, then arm awnings that fold could be perfect for you. You can enjoy protection from the weather whenever you want. The canvas for this kind of pool shade is often made of acrylic. They are built using the best quality materials, and the highest standards when it comes to craftsmanship.
Foldable arm awnings allow you to add a minimal design to your backyard. The pool shade is also designed to pull back and retract when you press the dedicated button. Getting a folding arm awning that also automatically retracts can be expensive. If you want to opt for a cheaper pool shade, then you can get a retractable pool shade that uses a crank operation that’s manual as well.
Conclusion
Pool shades allow you to create cool, comfortable areas above or around your fibreglass pool. You’ll get protection from the intense rays of the Sun, as well as the rain. High-quality pool shades can endure storms as well, with some even being capable of enduring cyclonic winds.
Depending on what your budget is and what design of pool shade you want, there are several kinds of pool shades available to you. Use this guide to learn what the most popular designs are.
