How to Create Shade for Your Pool Area: Umbrellas, Pergolas, and More

There’s nothing quite like spending a summer afternoon by the pool—sun shining, water sparkling, and the comfort of your own backyard all around you. But even the most beautiful poolscape can become uncomfortable without the right amount of shade. Whether you’re reading a book, enjoying lunch with family, or simply taking a break from swimming, having a cool, shaded area can transform your outdoor space from good to truly great.

At B&B Pool and Spa, we believe your backyard should be your sanctuary. And that means more than just installing a top-tier pool; it means designing an environment that works with the sun, not against it. From stylish umbrellas to custom-built pergolas, we’ll walk you through the best ways to create shade for your pool area, so you can enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style.

Umbrellas: Simple, Stylish, and Versatile

When it comes to adding shade to your pool area, umbrellas are one of the easiest and most flexible solutions. They require minimal installation, come in a wide range of designs, and can be moved or adjusted throughout the day as the sun shifts. It’s a simple way to bring comfort—and a pop of style—to your poolside setup.

Types of Poolside Umbrellas

• Freestanding Umbrellas: Perfect for lounge areas or floating over tanning ledges. These can be repositioned with ease and often feature weighted bases for stability.
• Cantilever Umbrellas: A customer favorite, these offer large overhead coverage without a center pole, making them ideal for dining spaces or spa areas.
• Table-Mounted Umbrellas: A classic choice for patio tables, these are great for casual meals and gatherings around the pool.

What to Look For

When selecting an umbrella, choose one made from UV-resistant, fade-proof fabric. Consider wind conditions in your area—look for features like vented canopies and heavy-duty frames to ensure your umbrella stays secure even on breezy days. And don’t forget aesthetics: color, fabric, and base finish should all complement your pool and patio design.

Umbrellas offer an easy entry point to shade design. Whether you’re looking to cover a single chair or a full conversation area, there’s an umbrella option that will fit your needs—and look great doing it.

Pergolas: Permanent Structure, Timeless Style

For homeowners looking to take their backyard to the next level, a pergola is more than just a shade solution—it’s a design statement. These elegant structures provide partial to full shade while anchoring your outdoor space with architectural interest. At B&B Pool and Spa, we often recommend pergolas for clients who want to blend comfort, beauty, and long-term functionality.

Why Choose a Pergola?

Pergolas offer a more permanent shade structure than umbrellas, and they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re creating a peaceful lounge beside the pool, a shaded dining area, or a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living, a pergola can be customized to suit your exact needs.

Material and Style Options

• Wood: A classic choice, perfect for a natural or rustic look. Can be stained or painted to match your home’s exterior.
• Aluminum or Vinyl: Low-maintenance alternatives that offer a sleek, modern aesthetic.
• Retractable Canopies or Slatted Roofs: Add flexibility, allowing you to control how much sun or shade you want at any given time.

Integrating with Your Pool Design

A well-placed pergola can enhance the flow of your backyard design. We often incorporate them over spa areas, adjacent patios, or outdoor kitchens. Add some climbing greenery, hanging lights, or curtains for an extra layer of ambiance.

A pergola isn’t just about beating the heat—it’s about building a luxurious, inviting space that feels like an extension of your home. And with the right design, it can be the centerpiece of your entire poolside retreat.

Shade Sails: Modern, Minimal, and Effective

If you’re looking for a contemporary way to add shade with a designer edge, shade sails are an excellent option. With their clean lines and dramatic angles, they offer a modern aesthetic while providing flexible, functional coverage over your pool or patio area.

What Are Shade Sails?

Shade sails are durable fabric canopies stretched between anchor points—like poles, walls, or rooflines—to create suspended, sail-like structures. They can be installed in overlapping layers or at varying heights to provide both sun protection and architectural flair.

Why Homeowners Love Them

• Custom Fit: Shade sails can be tailored to cover almost any area, including irregularly shaped patios or pool decks.
• Breathable Materials: High-quality fabrics block UV rays while allowing air to circulate, helping to keep the area underneath cool and comfortable.
• Design Flexibility: Available in a variety of colors and shapes—triangular, square, or rectangular—shade sails can be subtle or striking, depending on your design goals.

Installation Considerations

Proper tension and secure anchoring are key to making shade sails safe and long-lasting. It’s important to work with professionals to ensure they’re installed at the correct angle to allow for water runoff and to withstand wind.

Whether you’re covering a lounging space, kids’ play area, or a corner of the pool itself, shade sails offer a creative way to beat the heat while enhancing the modern style of your backyard oasis.

Retractable Awnings and Canopies: Shade on Demand

For those who want flexibility without sacrificing style, retractable awnings and canopies offer the best of both worlds. These smart, functional systems let you control sun exposure at the touch of a button, or with a simple manual crank, making them an ideal choice for homeowners who value comfort and convenience.

Why Choose a Retractable System?

Whether you’re entertaining on the patio or relaxing in the spa, the sun isn’t always predictable. Retractable awnings allow you to enjoy full shade when you want it and open sky when you don’t. It’s the ultimate in responsive outdoor living.

Types and Features

• Motorized Awnings: With remote controls, wind sensors, and even app connectivity, these modern systems are sleek and user-friendly.
• Manual Canopies: A budget-friendly option that still delivers reliable coverage and easy use.
• Integrated Lighting and Weather Sensors: Some systems offer built-in LED lighting or automatic retraction during high winds—perfect for those who want a worry-free setup.

Where They Work Best

Retractable systems are ideal for patios, decks, and outdoor kitchens adjacent to the pool. They also work beautifully with sunrooms or pergolas, creating multi-functional zones with adjustable cover.

With customizable fabrics, frame finishes, and sizes, retractable awnings and canopies add a tailored look to your space—while offering comfort that adjusts to your needs throughout the day.

Natural Shade: Landscaping with Purpose

When designed thoughtfully, landscaping does more than beautify your backyard—it can work as a natural, sustainable source of shade. Trees, tall shrubs, and climbing plants can cool your pool area while adding softness, privacy, and character to your overall outdoor design.

The Beauty of Green Shade

Strategically placed trees offer filtered sunlight and cooler temperatures around the pool, making your outdoor space feel lush and serene. From tall palms that sway in the breeze to broad-leafed maples that provide dappled shade, the right plantings can turn your backyard into a living retreat.

Options to Consider

• Deciduous Trees: These offer shade in the summer and let the sun in during winter, making them ideal for year-round comfort.
  Tall Hedges and Shrubs: Great for providing both shade and privacy along property lines or behind seating areas.
• Trellises with Vines: Add a pergola or arbor and let nature do the work—climbing plants like wisteria or jasmine provide beauty and cover as they grow.

Things to Keep in Mind

While natural shade is undeniably appealing, it does require planning. Be mindful of root systems that can interfere with pool structures, and choose species that don’t drop excessive leaves or sap into the water. Professional landscape design ensures that your greenery enhances your space without becoming a maintenance headache.

By blending plants with your hardscape elements, you can create a balanced backyard environment that is cool, calm, and naturally beautiful.

Combining Shade Solutions for Ultimate Comfort

The most inviting poolscapes aren’t just shaded, they’re thoughtfully layered. Combining multiple shade elements allows you to create a dynamic outdoor environment that adapts to your needs throughout the day and across the seasons. 

Why Layering Works

Different areas of your backyard serve different purposes. You may want full coverage over a dining table, filtered light over a tanning ledge, and adjustable shade over your spa. By mixing solutions, like pairing a pergola with a retractable canopy or adding freestanding umbrellas alongside natural landscaping, you can achieve personalized comfort in every corner of your outdoor space.

Design Tips

• Zone Your Backyard: Use shade to define areas for lounging, dining, entertaining, and playing.
• Mix Materials for Visual Interest: Wood, fabric, greenery, and metal can complement each other beautifully when balanced well.
• Plan for Movement: Think about how the sun travels over your property and position fixed and adjustable shade accordingly.

Real-Life Inspiration

You can choose to integrate shade sails above shallow pool ledges, install motorized awnings over patios, and surround the perimeter with natural shade from trees or trellises. The result? A resort-worthy backyard that’s both stylish and comfortable all day long.

When thoughtfully combined, these elements create more than just shade—they create atmosphere, texture, and a sense of luxury that elevates your entire outdoor living experience.

Keep Cool in the Heat, Visit Our Showroom Today

Creating the perfect shaded retreat isn’t just about blocking the sun—it’s about enhancing your lifestyle. From stylish umbrellas to custom-built pergolas and thoughtfully layered combinations, the right shade features can turn your pool area into a luxurious outdoor living space that feels as good as it looks.

At B&B Pool and Spa, our design experts are here to help you choose the shade solutions that fit your home, your taste, and your everyday needs. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing setup, we offer a curated selection of premium products and personalized design support to bring your vision to life.Stop by our showroom to explore shade options in person, speak with our backyard specialists, and get inspired for your next outdoor project. Let’s build something beautiful—together