1. Pergolas
Pergolas are a versatile and popular choice for pool shade. They can be designed to provide a variety of functions, including sunbathing, relaxing, dining, and reading. Custom designs can add interest to the pool deck, such as the butterfly design shown in Figure 1, which supports one end with short columns placed on a wall and the other end with columns supported by the ground.
2. Shade Sails
Shade sails are a modern and stylish way to provide shade for your pool. They use the basic structure of a ship’s sail and consist of a flexible canopy anchored between multiple anchor points based on the area to be covered. Shade sails can be placed at various angles, adding a touch of modernity to your pool area.
3. Retractable Fabric Shade Canopies
Retractable fabric shade canopies are a reliable option for transforming your outdoor pool into an indoor variant. They are held in place by multiple support beams and can be retracted when not needed, making them a practical choice for small to medium-sized pools. These canopies provide adequate resistance against wind and rain, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience year-round.
4. Free-Standing Canopies
Free-standing canopies are a downsized version of retractable fabric shade canopies. They use a commercial-grade aluminum frame consisting of two support beams that hold the canopy. These canopies can be retracted to either side, creating the desired canopy angle. They are ideal for shading specific parts of the pool and are easy to set up.
5. Cantilevers
Cantilevers are canopies that provide shade to the poolside and are part of the pool itself. Unlike other shade structures, the support posts are driven into the ground, requiring careful placement before installation. Cantilevers are a practical choice for larger pools, providing ample shade and a modern aesthetic.
6. Umbrellas
Pool umbrellas are a traditional and practical solution for creating shade over patios, yards, and swimming pools. They come in various models with adjustable features like canopy angles and height, allowing for customization of the coverage. For larger pools, multiple umbrellas can be positioned side-by-side to create a continuous shade area.
7. Planting for Shade
Planting fast-growing trees like Arborvitae can provide significant shade around your pool. Arborvitae grows about 6 to 9 inches a year and reaches a mature height of up to 15 feet, offering a natural and sustainable solution for shade.
8. Using Your House as Shade
Positioning your pool strategically near your house can leverage the shadows it creates. For example, if you want shade in the evening in the shallow end, place that side closest to your home. This method can be particularly effective if you are building a new pool or renovating your outdoor space.
9. Adding a Sunroom
If your pool sits close to your house but not quite close enough for it to provide shade, consider expanding your home’s footprint closer to the pool. Adding a sunroom can provide a place to cool off and use the restroom while blocking the sun during certain times of the day.
10. Building a Pool House
Investing in a pool house can provide a shaded area for swimmers to cool off and use the restroom. It can be positioned on the west side of the pool for evening shade or on the east side for morning shade, depending on your needs.
11. Using a Courtyard
If you have a courtyard, you can maximize the space by installing your pool there. This ensures guaranteed shade coverage no matter the time of day, making it an ideal solution for those who want a shaded pool area.
12. Building a Retaining Wall
A short retaining wall around your pool can provide patches of shade for swimmers who like to hang out right along the edges. These walls can also double as stylish planters, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your poolside.
13. Planting a Landscaping Bed
Installing a landscaping bed along one edge of the pool is a beautiful way to add to the beauty and function of your poolside. Fill it with your favorite towering plants like cacti or herbaceous shrubs to create a lush and inviting atmosphere.
14. Curating a Shaded Seating Area
Creating a shaded seating area off to one side of your pool will benefit you as you lounge but also as you swim. Add a hedge wall plus two umbrellas, and you’re covered. As the shadows grow longer, these sources will also shade the rest of the pool.
15. Creating a Covered Patio
If your back patio doesn’t already have a shaded structure over it, consider adding one. Don’t forget to include an outdoor dining area for fueling up between laps around the pool.
16. Using a Large Patio Umbrella
A large patio umbrella often has room for two lounge chairs beneath it. Position the seating area right by the edge of the pool to ensure there is plenty of shade in the water.
17. Installing Twin Shade Sails
Instead of waiting for a custom shade sail, combine two standard-size ones for maximum coverage. This method is cost-effective and provides ample shade for your pool area.
18. Building a Pool House for Shade
If you have the patio space, consider investing in a pool house. It will provide a place to cool off and use the restroom while blocking the sun during certain times of the day. Position the pool house on the west side of the pool for evening shade or on the east side for morning shade, depending on your needs.
