Pool Shade Ideas: Protect Yourself from the Sun While Enjoying Your Swim
Summer is the perfect time to cool off in your swimming pool, but being exposed to the sun for too long can be dangerous. That’s where pool shade ideas come in. By creating shade around your pool, you can protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while still enjoying the water.
Here are 21 creative pool shade ideas to help you keep cool:
Plant Fast-Growing Trees and Shrubs
Planting trees and shrubs around your pool is a great way to create natural shade. Some fast-growing trees that are well-suited for poolside planting include arborvitae, which can grow up to 15 feet tall and provide dense shade. For a layered effect, plant a variety of shrubs in front of the trees.
Use Your House as Shade
If your pool is located near your house, you can use the house itself to create shade. Position the pool so that the shallow end is closest to the house, which will provide shade in the evening when the sun is at its strongest.
Add a Sunroom or Pool House
If your house is not close enough to the pool to provide adequate shade, consider adding a sunroom or pool house. These structures can be used for relaxing and entertaining, and they can also provide much-needed shade.
Add Patio Umbrellas and Shade Sails
Patio umbrellas and shade sails are a quick and easy way to add shade to your pool area. Umbrellas can be placed anywhere around the pool, while shade sails can be installed over the entire pool or just a portion of it.
Build a Pergola
A pergola is a great way to create a more permanent shade structure over your pool. Pergolas can be made from wood, metal, or vinyl, and they can be customized to fit any size or shape pool.
Create a Shaded Seating Area
Even if you don’t have a large budget, you can still create a shaded seating area near your pool. Simply add a few lounge chairs and an umbrella to an existing patio or deck.
Share the Shade
If you have a large patio umbrella, position it so that it provides shade for both the pool and a seating area. This will allow you to enjoy the shade while you’re swimming or relaxing by the pool.
Other Shade Ideas
In addition to the ideas listed above, here are a few other ways to create shade around your pool:
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Install a privacy fence: A privacy fence can double as a shade source, and it can also help to create a more private and secluded pool area.
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Fence the yard with plants: Instead of opting for a traditional privacy fence, consider growing a living privacy fence. As the trees or shrubs grow taller, your whole yard will benefit from more shade, including the pool area.
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Add 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.
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Plant a landscaping bed: Installing a landscaping bed along one edge of the pool is a beautiful way to add shade and privacy. Fill the bed with tall plants like cacti or herbaceous shrubs.
By following these tips, you can create a shady and comfortable pool area where you can enjoy the water without worrying about the sun.
