8 Shade Ideas for Your Pool Area to Soak up the Fun, Not the Sun

Since tall and leafy plants need space from the ground to grow and time to mature, vines like ivy and clematis tend to grow upwards and fill in voids. The trellis supports a flowering plant and a climbing vine, extending along its rails. Other vertical surfaces, such as walls or pool fences, can be used to grow plants to provide privacy and shade from the sun.

Moving from one sunny spot to the next, enjoying an outdoor meal, or just taking a break at the poolside is only sometimes possible when it's hot. A freestanding and portable umbrella will do the trick when shade is needed. This sunblock and wind guard has adjustable canopy tilts for different angles and weather conditions.

To add protection to the back of the pool and create a relaxing mood, a sail large enough for a group of chairs and tables can be rigged. Several anchor points afford great freedom for maneuvering the shade into place. In addition to shading, the breathable fabric canopy is semi-permeable, allowing fresh air to circulate.

Different configurations can create a visual focal point, such as a pergola. It can sometimes be used as a walkway to the pool or patio area, but in this example, it stands alone as a seating area. The framework of vertical posts and cross-members provides rigidity and strength while gathering the overhead canopy of retractable fabric panels. Whether solid or open, the sheltering design can be extended with multiple sides to create more space for a multipurpose gathering area.

Poolside nap time is always enjoyable, but with the sun beaming and shifting positions in the sky, it can be tough to stay cool. With retractable awnings, it's easy to extend shade and protection over the portion of your body that needs it most. Given the option to move the awning to desired positions, it automatically folds away when not in use.

Whether large enough for a small dinner party or to provide shade for a family on a day at the pool, gazebos are versatile for all occasions. Open-sided beach models and screened shelters lend themselves to diverse, lively water views and fun. Their elaborate designs and solid roof offer a true sense of retreat and privacy, no matter the setting.

Luxury is not limited to indoor living and can be enjoyed in the open air. From sheer panels that shut out the sun or keep it at bay to sheer curtains that divide light quite nicely, there are many options for achieving privacy and shading on a whim. Sizing can be customized to fit the needs of the space. Hang them from the ceiling of an open pavilion or along a frame of vertical posts or long trellises.

Areas just outside the pool house provide a great place to take cover in the shade while lounging in your swimwear or preparing for the dive. If you're not ready for the day to end, a mid-day catnap in this space can be quite liberating when the sun is blocked. For the more active, a combination of comfortable lounge chairs and storage for clothes and gear provides for a morning stretch and mid-day break.