Outdoor pool areas can quickly turn from a calm oasis into an uncomfortable experience, especially during peak sunlight hours. Water fountains and tables with umbrellas can help, but they do little to keep wider areas cool when the sun’s rays beat down. Your business needs something more robust that can decrease the temperature and withstand the elements.
Shade structures help guests feel more comfortable outdoors and beautify the pool, creating an inviting space for everyone to enjoy. Shading pool areas gives guests a positive experience by combining comfort, style and protection from the sun.
The Benefits of Commercial-Grade Pool Shade
Adding shade to the pool makes the area several degrees cooler, but the advantages don’t stop there.
- Enhance guest comfort and safety: Adding shade to the outdoor pool area reduces heat and glare. It can also protect your guests from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to sunburns and skin cancer.
- Expand the usable space: Some areas around the pool may become too hot to use comfortably on a sweltering summer day. Concrete is highly efficient at absorbing and retaining heat, making it a valuable material for thermal energy storage technology. Shade can combat this problem by opening the space around the pool, allowing more people to use it simultaneously.
- Protect assets in the pool area: Constant UV exposure will fade and degrade a pool over time. It can also damage the decking, lounge furniture and pool equipment. Shade can slow this process, extending the life of pool tiles, lounge chairs and other assets.
- Boost curb appeal and branding: Shade structures can give the pool a unique visual appeal, increase property values and attract potential guests. They convey a message that your business cares about visitor comfort and well-being.
A Guide to Commercial Pool Shade Solutions
There are multiple ways to shade a swimming pool. Assess your needs and choose the style that best suits your business. Here are five ideas to spark your creativity.
1. Shade Sails
Shade sails consist of a durable, tensioned fabric stretched between multiple points. Many shade sails have three points, but four-point and five-point options are also available.
Shade sails are highly versatile. You can layer and configure them to provide as much coverage as needed. They also come in a range of colors. Your business can mix and match these features to create the best look possible for its pool.
These shade structures are a perfect match for large or oddly shaped pools. They’re also an excellent option if your business wants to create an architectural statement for a resort or water park.
2. Cantilevers
Cantilevers are shade canopies supported by columns on one side. Most have two columns, but some have one, and others have three. You can arrange them as you like to create a completely open and obstruction-free space beneath the canopy. This design philosophy is excellent for pools because it maximizes usable space and keeps sight lines clear, freeing lifeguards to do their jobs effectively.
Many pool owners place cantilevers over rows of lounge chairs to create an area where people can relax without worrying about getting sunburned. At competitive pools, they can cover spectator seating to reduce glare. Either way, they are sure to keep the area walkable for all guests.
3. Pergolas
Pergolas are permanent structures that often feature slatted roofs to provide partial shade. They typically extend from the pool’s edge over stairs leading down into the water. This arrangement creates an outdoor room that balances the appeal of the poolside and a patio. You can even have your pergola wired for utilities, like lighting, ceiling fans and charging stations.
Pergolas are best for cabanas, outdoor bars and other luxury facilities. They don’t provide the coverage other shade structures do, but they have impeccable style.
4. Commercial-Grade Umbrellas
Single-post shade structures are not standard beach umbrellas. Their heavy-duty frames and sturdy base plates give them extra stability. Their fabric resists sun and water exposure, making them perfect for outdoor pools.
These umbrellas are an excellent option if your pool has limited space because you only need room for a single post. Your business can even spread several umbrellas around the pool area to extend the shade without occupying too much space.
Many pool owners use umbrellas to shade groups of lounge chairs or dining tables at poolside cafes. Don’t forget to add an umbrella over the lifeguard station, too.
5. Waterproof Shade Structures
Many folks wondering how to shade a pool want protection from the elements. Waterproof shade structures perfectly fill this gap with nonpermeable fabrics specifically designed to manage runoff and keep those below dry.
These long-lasting structures resist water damage and can make outdoor pool areas more usable. Guests won’t feel like they have to gather their belongings and hurry inside the second it starts raining.
Waterproof shade structures are best for outdoor dining areas, event spaces or other areas where continuous operation is a priority. They’re also excellent for water parks and places that experience heavy rainfall.
How to Choose the Right Shade for a Swimming Pool
Consider the following factors before committing to a specific shade structure.
- Budget and return on investment: Affordability is a deciding factor, but it isn’t the only one. It’s equally crucial to consider whether the structure’s long-term value will offset your initial investment. Choosing a more durable, higher‑quality option may reduce repair expenses over time, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership.
- Space and layout: Shade structures are available in various shapes and sizes. Be sure to assess the pool area’s dimensions to determine if the shade structure can fit there. Also, consider the layout of your business’s utilities and how the structure will interact with the weather. Will it provide shade during peak hours or leave guests exposed to the sun? Will it shield guests from prevailing wind conditions? These considerations will help you determine the perfect placement.
- Durability and maintenance: Not all shade structures are equal. Some have waterproof fabrics, and others come with structural warranties. These features can extend the lifespan of shade structures and reduce maintenance costs, especially if the pool is in a humid or damp environment.
- Aesthetics and branding: Shade structures are an innovative way to promote your business’s brand and build a unique aesthetic. They can be sleek and sophisticated or bold and colorful. They could have beautiful layouts or compelling shapes that grab the eye. Whatever your preference, shade structures can make the pool instantly iconic.
Shade Your Business’s Outdoor Pool Area With USA SHADE
Now that you know how to shade a swimming pool, it’s time to find a partner. USA SHADE has designed and installed stunning shade structures for our diverse client base for over 30 years. We carry everything from cantilevers to structures with compelling shapes that are sure to make your business’s pool stand out. We can even create custom designs so the shade structure perfectly complements the venue around it.
Request a quote today or call us at 855-949-3643.
