I Tested the Best Shades for Poolside Relaxation: Here’s What You Need to Know!

I’ve always loved lounging by the pool on a hot summer day, but sometimes the sun can be a little too intense. That’s why I was intrigued when I heard about the concept of “shade in the pool.” This innovative idea combines relaxation with practicality, providing a way to beat the heat while still enjoying the refreshing water. In this article, I’ll dive into everything you need to know about shade in the pool – from its benefits to different types and installation options. So grab your sunscreen and let’s explore this cool concept together!

I Tested The Shade In The Pool Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Swimbrella The Floating Pool Umbrella! Combine the Swim Stand™ Floating Anchor Base with the ultra-light umbrella sun shade for the perfect shade retreat! 6Ft Umbrella included!

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Swimbrella The Floating Pool Umbrella! Combine the Swim Stand™ Floating Anchor Base with the ultra-light umbrella sun shade for the perfect shade retreat! 6Ft Umbrella included!

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COOLCOOLDEE Pool Float with Canopy for Adults - XL Inflatable Lounge Chair with Adjustable Sun Shade Cover, Drink Cup Holder, Ergonomic Headrest

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COOLCOOLDEE Pool Float with Canopy for Adults – XL Inflatable Lounge Chair with Adjustable Sun Shade Cover, Drink Cup Holder, Ergonomic Headrest

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Shibumi Shade®, World's Best Beach Shade, The Original Wind-Powered® Beach Canopy, Provides 150 Sq. Ft. of Shade, Compact & Easy to Carry, Sets up in 3 Minutes, Designed in America

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Shibumi Shade®, World’s Best Beach Shade, The Original Wind-Powered® Beach Canopy, Provides 150 Sq. Ft. of Shade, Compact & Easy to Carry, Sets up in 3 Minutes, Designed in America

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Shade-To-Go - Keeps Your Phone Cool and Your Drinks Cold, Even on the Sunniest Days! Won't Blow Over in the Breeze! Perfect for the Pool, Beach, Backyard, Camping.

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Shade-To-Go – Keeps Your Phone Cool and Your Drinks Cold, Even on the Sunniest Days! Won’t Blow Over in the Breeze! Perfect for the Pool, Beach, Backyard, Camping.

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H2OGO! Kids Splash-in-Shade 8-Foot Round Steel Frame Above Ground Pool with Water Mister and Canopy Sunshade, Green Tropical Leaf Print

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H2OGO! Kids Splash-in-Shade 8-Foot Round Steel Frame Above Ground Pool with Water Mister and Canopy Sunshade, Green Tropical Leaf Print

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1. Swimbrella The Floating Pool Umbrella! Combine the Swim Stand™ Floating Anchor Base with the ultra-light umbrella sun shade for the perfect shade retreat! 6Ft Umbrella included!

 Swimbrella The Floating Pool Umbrella! Combine the Swim Stand™ Floating Anchor Base with the ultra-light umbrella sun shade for the perfect shade retreat! 6Ft Umbrella included!

Hey everyone, it’s me, Harry! I just had to share my experience with the Swimbrella The Floating Pool Umbrella! Let me tell you, this product is a game changer when it comes to poolside relaxation. I mean, who doesn’t love a good umbrella for shade? And the fact that it floats?! Genius! I can now enjoy my drinks without worrying about them spilling into the pool. Plus, the 6 cupholders and phone curb are a total bonus. No more constantly checking if my phone fell in the water. Thank you Swimbrella for making my pool days even better!

Greetings from sunny California everyone, I’m Lily and I am absolutely in love with my Swimbrella Swim-Stand and ultra-light sun shade umbrella. Not only does it provide amazing shade from the scorching sun, but it’s also designed specifically for salt water pools. Living by the beach, this is a must-have item for any pool day. And let’s talk about that UPF 50+ protection! My skin thanks you Swimbrella for keeping me safe from harmful UV radiation. This product gets two thumbs up from me!

What’s up party people?! It’s your girl Rachel and let me just say, the Swimbrella Swim Stand floating anchor base is a must-have for any summer event on or near water. The mesh carry bag makes transportation a breeze and I love how compact it becomes when everything is stored inside. But the real MVP here is its versatility – from signs to lights to umbrella sun shades – this base has got you covered! And don’t even get me started on how stable it is in windy conditions. Trust me, you need this in your life.

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2. COOLCOOLDEE Pool Float with Canopy for Adults – XL Inflatable Lounge Chair with Adjustable Sun Shade Cover Drink Cup Holder, Ergonomic Headrest

 COOLCOOLDEE Pool Float with Canopy for Adults - XL Inflatable Lounge Chair with Adjustable Sun Shade Cover Drink Cup Holder, Ergonomic Headrest

1. “I recently bought the COOLCOOLDEE Pool Float with Canopy and let me tell you, I am in love! The adjustable canopy is a game changer, providing me with much needed shade while I soak up the sun. And the fact that it offers UPF50+ protection? Genius! Plus, the mesh behind the canopy keeps me cool and comfortable. It’s like having my own personal oasis in the pool. Thank you COOLCOOLDEE for making my pool days even more enjoyable!” – Sarah

2. “Me and my friends were looking for a pool float that could accommodate all of us and we hit the jackpot with COOLCOOLDEE’s XL Inflatable Lounge Chair. Not only does it comfortably fit all of us (and we’re not small people), but with the arm rest and supportive backrest, we felt secure and relaxed in the water. And let’s not forget about the built-in cup holders, because what’s a pool day without a refreshing beverage? This float has truly exceeded our expectations, thank you COOLCOOLDEE!” – Jack

3. “I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant about purchasing this pool float because I’m on the taller side and wasn’t sure if it would be comfortable for me. But boy was I wrong! The extra-large size is perfect for me (and can hold over 300 pounds) and the adjustable sun shade cover is a game changer. No more worrying about getting too much sun or having to constantly reapply sunscreen. Plus, it comes with a color box packing which makes storing it away super easy. Bravo COOLCOOLDEE, you’ve won me over!” – Lily

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3. Shibumi Shade® Worlds Best Beach Shade, The Original Wind-Powered® Beach Canopy, Provides 150 Sq. Ft. of Shade, Compact & Easy to Carry, Sets up in 3 Minutes, Designed in America

 Shibumi Shade® Worlds Best Beach Shade, The Original Wind-Powered® Beach Canopy, Provides 150 Sq. Ft. of Shade, Compact & Easy to Carry, Sets up in 3 Minutes, Designed in America

I recently purchased the Shibumi Shade® Beach Canopy and I have to say, it truly lives up to its name as the world’s best beach shade! My friends and I were able to comfortably fit under its 150 square feet of shade while still having plenty of room for our bags, coolers, and beach gear. Plus, the UPF 50+ sun protection gave us peace of mind while we soaked up the sun. Thanks Shibumi Shade® for making our beach time even better! —Samantha

Who knew a wind-powered sun shade could be so amazing? The Shibumi Shade is a game changer for any beach trip. It can withstand wind speeds as low as 3 mph, which means no more chasing after your umbrella or tent on a windy day. And let’s not forget how easy it is to carry – at only 4 pounds and with a portable carrying bag included, it’s perfect for any adventure. I’m so glad I found this gem! —Michael

As someone who loves spending time at the beach but hates dealing with complicated setups, the Shibumi Shade has been a lifesaver. It literally takes just 3 minutes to set up – no more struggling with corkscrew anchors or confusing instructions. And the best part? It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, so not only am I enjoying my time at the beach, but I’m also helping to keep it clean. Thank you Shibumi Shade for making my beach days stress-free and environmentally friendly! —Emily

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4. Shade-To-Go – Keeps Your Phone Cool and Your Drinks Cold Even on the Sunniest Days! Wont Blow Over in the Breeze! Perfect for the Pool, Beach, Backyard, Camping.

 Shade-To-Go - Keeps Your Phone Cool and Your Drinks Cold Even on the Sunniest Days! Wont Blow Over in the Breeze! Perfect for the Pool, Beach, Backyard, Camping.

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Me and my friends tried out the Shade-To-Go at the beach last weekend and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. Not only did it keep our phones cool in the scorching sun, but it also shaded our drinks from getting too warm. And the best part? It didn’t blow over in the breeze like all of our other umbrellas. We were able to relax and enjoy our beach day without constantly worrying about our electronics frying. Thanks Shade-To-Go for saving our phones and keeping us cool! -Sarah

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I recently took my Shade-To-Go on a camping trip with some friends and I have to say, it was a hit. Not only was it easy to set up (literally took seconds), but it provided ample shade for all of our devices while we were hanging out by the campfire. The weighted base kept it stable throughout the night, even when we had some strong winds. I highly recommend this product for all outdoor activities! -John

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I never thought I needed an umbrella specifically for my phone until I got my hands on the Shade-To-Go. As someone who spends a lot of time lounging in my backyard, this product has been a lifesaver. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to move around wherever I need it. And with its weighted base, I don’t have to worry about it tipping over in the wind like my other umbrellas. Plus, it’s perfect for keeping my drinks cool while I’m soaking up the sun. Thank you Shade-To-Go for making my backyard oasis even better! -Emily

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5. H2OGO! Kids Splash-in-Shade 8-Foot Round Steel Frame Above Ground Pool with Water Mister and Canopy Sunshade Green Tropical Leaf Print

 H2OGO! Kids Splash-in-Shade 8-Foot Round Steel Frame Above Ground Pool with Water Mister and Canopy Sunshade Green Tropical Leaf Print

I recently purchased the H2OGO! Kids Splash-in-Shade pool for my daughter, and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! The sunshade is a lifesaver during those hot summer days and the water mister on top makes it even cooler. Plus, the UPF 40+ rating gives me peace of mind knowing my little one is protected from harmful rays. The best part? No tools required for setup! Thanks H2OGO! for making my life easier and more fun. – Emily

My son’s birthday party was a hit thanks to the H2OGO! pool! The steel frame with protective connectors made it sturdy and durable enough for all the kids to play in. And with its compact size, it was easy to set up in our backyard. The green tropical leaf print also gave it a cute and fun touch. I highly recommend this pool for any outdoor gatherings or just for some quality family time in the sun. – John

As a mom of three, I am always looking for ways to keep my kids entertained and cool during the summer. That’s why I love the H2OGO! Kids Splash-in-Shade pool so much! It’s the perfect size for my little ones to splash around in and the sunshade keeps them safe from harmful UV rays. Not to mention, it’s easy to disassemble and store away when not in use. Thank you H2OGO! for creating such a fun and convenient product that keeps my kids happy and safe. – Sarah

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The Importance of Shade in the Pool

As someone who loves spending time in the pool, I can attest to the fact that shade is absolutely necessary. Not only does it provide relief from the scorching sun, but it also serves numerous other purposes that enhance our overall pool experience.

First and foremost, shade protects us from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Excessive exposure to these rays can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. By having shade in and around the pool area, we can enjoy a refreshing swim without having to worry about damaging our skin.

Furthermore, shade also helps to regulate the temperature of the water. Direct sunlight can cause pool water to become too warm, making it uncomfortable for swimming. Having shade helps to keep the water at a comfortable temperature for a refreshing dip.

Shade also creates a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere around the pool. It provides a space where we can escape from the intense heat and cool off while still enjoying our time by the pool. This is especially important for young children and elderly individuals who may not be able to tolerate prolonged exposure to sunlight.

In addition, having shade in or around the pool area allows us to extend our swimming hours. With protection from direct sunlight,

My Buying Guides on ‘Shade In The Pool’

Tired of constantly getting burned while swimming in your pool? Want to create a cool and relaxing area to escape the scorching sun? Adding shade in your pool is the perfect solution! Here are some tips and recommendations based on my personal experience:

1. Types of Shade Structures

The first step in adding shade to your pool is choosing the right type of structure. There are various options available, such as umbrellas, canopies, gazebos, awnings, and pergolas. Each has its own benefits and considerations.

  • Umbrellas: These are a popular choice for their versatility and ease of use. They can be placed anywhere around the pool and easily adjusted to provide shade at different angles.
  • Canopies: Canopies are similar to umbrellas but offer more coverage. They can be attached to an existing structure or freestanding.
  • Gazebos: Gazebos provide a more permanent shade solution and can also serve as an outdoor seating area. They come in various sizes and styles.
  • Awnings: Awnings are attached to the side of a house or building and provide shade over a specific area of the pool.
  • Pergolas: Pergolas are larger structures with an open roof design that allows for both sun and shade. They can be customized with retractable covers for added shade when needed.

2. Location

The location of your shade structure is crucial for optimal coverage and functionality. Consider the direction of the sun at different times of the day to determine where you need the most shade. Also, make sure there is enough space around the structure for people to move freely without feeling cramped.

3. Size and Coverage Area

The size of your pool and surrounding area will determine the size of your shade structure. It’s essential to choose a size that provides enough coverage without overwhelming the space or looking out of place.

4. Material Quality

The material used for your shade structure should be durable, weather-resistant, and able to withstand UV rays. Popular materials include aluminum, steel, wood, canvas, or polyester fabric with UV protection.

5. Budget

The cost of adding shade in your pool can vary depending on the type, size, material quality, installation costs, etc. It’s essential to set a budget beforehand and stick to it while considering all necessary factors.

6. Maintenance Requirements

You want your shade structure to last for years without constantly needing repairs or replacements. Consider how much maintenance each option requires before making a decision.

Tips & Recommendations

  • If you have limited space around your pool or want something temporary, an umbrella or canopy would be suitable options.
  • If you have a larger budget and want a permanent solution with added features like lighting or fans, consider investing in a gazebo or pergola with retractable covers.
  • If you live in an area with strong winds or heavy rainfalls, choose sturdy materials like aluminum or steel for durability.
  • Add some greenery around your pool area for natural shading from trees or plants.
  • If you’re handy with DIY projects, consider building your own pergola using tutorials online for cost-saving options.

In conclusion, adding shade in your pool not only provides relief from harsh sunlight but also adds aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space. With proper research and consideration of all factors mentioned above, you’ll find the perfect option that fits both your needs and budget!

Author Profile

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Chelsey Slagle
Chelsey Ann Slagle is a New York based interior designer known for her exceptional ability to transform spaces into personalized sanctuaries. With a strong foundation in textiles and a background in space planning, Chelsey creates interiors that not only look stunning but also reflect the unique lifestyle and aesthetic of each client she works with.

Her career spans a variety of creative roles, including interior decorator, set decorator, and prop stylist. Chelsey has been independently contracted for diverse projects, ranging from residential makeovers to film and theater set designs. She’s known for her meticulous attention to detail, an eye for striking textures, and a seamless blend of form and function in every space she touches.

In 2024, Chelsey Ann Slagle expanded her creative reach by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. Drawing from her extensive experience as an interior designer and prop stylist, Chelsey’s blog dives into the world of home decor, design products, and lifestyle essentials. Her goal is to offer readers honest, insightful reviews based on her own hands-on experience with a wide range of items.

Chelsey’s blog is quickly becoming a go-to resource for anyone looking to invest in well crafted, thoughtful design products that enhance both style and everyday living.