Last Updated on January 30, 2023
Sometimes you just want to sit and chat with a friend or take a break from swimming to have a family lunch. But no one wants to do those things with the summer sun beating down on them.
How can you beat the heat even when you are poolside?
There are many terrific pool umbrellas on the market that will protect you from the harsh sun, allowing you to enjoy time with your friends and family.
Yet, with all of the options, it’s hard to know where to start.
Here are the Pool Umbrellas We Recommend
What are Pool Umbrellas?
A pool umbrella, or most commonly known as patio umbrellas or outdoor umbrellas, has one primary purpose and that is to provide an outdoor shade solution to its users.
It’s also the best substitute for a tree in your backyard if you don’t have space for a tree or the time to wait for one to grow first.
Pool umbrellas are made to give you a good shade whenever you are outside your house and enjoying your pool or hanging out at your outdoor table.
It’s also a good addition to improve the aesthetics of your backyard. Of course, this is assuming you’ve managed to select a good looking pool umbrella out of hundreds of options.
How to choose the best pool umbrella for your yard?
When purchasing a pool umbrella for your yard, there are several factors that you should consider. Your needs and how you intend to use your pool umbrella will help determine the right pool umbrella for you and your family.
To help you choose the best type of umbrella for you pool, you should answer some of these questions first.
- What pool umbrella size should I get?
- What color umbrella is best for my yard design?
- Should I get a center pole umbrella or one that is side-mounted?
- Do I need a portable umbrella?
When adding a pool umbrella to your outdoor space, you want to make sure you are choosing the right product. These products come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles to fit your needs. To get a better understanding of how to choose the right umbrella, here’s what you should consider:
Pool Umbrellas Size Guide
Before you hit on add to cart for your pool umbrella, let’s make sure that you’re getting the right pool umbrella size for your backyard.
Since an oversized or undersized umbrella can easily throw off the balance in your outdoor arrangement.
Of course, you want an appropriate amount of shade for the area you intend to use it on. The general rule of thumb is to measure the longest length of the table you are using and purchase an umbrella with a canopy that is 4-5 ft larger.
For starters, your pool umbrella should at least extend a foot or two from the end of your pool’s sides or your table in your backyard.
If you have an above ground pool that has a diameter of at least 2 and a half feet up to 3 feet or a table that has a diameter of 30 to 36 inches, you should get a pool umbrella with a diameter of at least 6 feet.
If you have a 4-foot diameter pool or a table size of 38 to 48 inches in diameter, then you should get an umbrella that has a 9 to 11 ft diameter.
If you have a pool diameter of more than 4 feet up to 5 feet or a table size of more than 54 inches but less than 60 inches, then a much larger pool umbrella is advisable. Those umbrella that has 11 ft diameter or larger are best for you.
| Table Size (diameter) | Umbrella Size (diameter) |
|---|---|
| 30 to 36 inches | 6 to 9 feet |
| 38 to 48 inches | 9 to 11 feet |
| 48 to 60 inches | 11 feet or more |
Which umbrella color is the best?
The best color for your pool umbrella according to design experts is those that have a solid light tone as its base color.
Colors that have tropical feel are also good if you want a more natural feel for your yard.
Solid colors are best for umbrellas since they’re more fade-resistant and are pleasing to the eyes.
Having a pool umbrella that has more than 3 colors is a big NO for us.
When choosing a canopy color most decisions will be made on a matter of preference. Darker colors tend to show more fading over time while lighter colors are more likely to show dirt.
Center Pole Umbrellas vs. Side Mounted Umbrellas
There are two main categories for a pool umbrella: center pole and side-mounted.
Umbrella with a center pole is the most common design before and is very self-explanatory, it has a pole in the middle and it’s perfect if you’re going to put it on the center of a table.
Side-mounted umbrellas, or most popularly known as cantilever umbrellas, offer versatility to its users since it is very easy to move and it can fit anywhere in your yard. It can also help define or improve the aesthetics of the space in your backyard where you put it.
Another great thing about cantilever umbrellas is that you can easily use it to cover you and your family when you’re using an above ground pool.
What type of fabric should I select?
The two fabrics I have focused on here are polyester and acrylic. Both are water, mildew, and fade resistant, however, polyester will fade more easily over time.
Acrylic is more expensive, but for good reason. It offers 98% UV protection and is certified by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Polyester is the less expensive option but still provides up to UV 40 protection you need.
Since we were able to tackle the important factors to consider before buying your pool umbrella. Let’s go ahead and start reviewing the best pool umbrellas available today.
Best Pool Umbrellas Review
The Best Overall Pool Umbrella: Kitadin Offset Umbrella
The Kitadin Offset Umbrella offers good coverage for you and your family against the heat. The umbrella’s fabric has been solution-dyed, so the color won’t fade easily.
With the size of this patio umbrella, 10 ft in diameter, it can be easily used to cover a 60″ table with room for 6 to 8 chairs,
This pool umbrella has an offset hanging design with a crank and cantilever operating system that you can easily raise up or pull down and it has a heavy-duty steel cross base for better stability.
The Kitadin Offset Umbrella would be a perfect addition to your family’s backyard.
What Customers Love:
- Can take a gush of wind and stay in place
- Very easy to assemble and use
- High-quality materials
Main Customer Complaints:
- Not much complain worthy to be mentioned here, the umbrella has been great overall
The main reason why we chose Kitadin Offset Umbrella as the best pool umbrella overall is that customers who bought it don’t have many complaints about the product and they all say they are satisfied with it. This umbrella is considered beautiful, sturdy, and an overall great product by most.
Second Best Pool Umbrella Overall: Abba Patio Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella
- Heavy duty 10Ft diameter water resistant and UV protected parasol with air vented top
- 100% polyester 250gsm fabric is much thicker and durable than normal 180g/M2. It is color fastness to European standard level 4, last for 1000 hours, about 2 years
- Rust-free powder coated 1. 8 Inch thick aluminum pole, eight heavy duty ribs support the umbrella shade
- With easy crank and cantilever operation mechanism for smooth opening and closing
The Abba Patio Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella is a great addition in your backyard, whether you’re going to use it beside your pool or your picnic table. It can provide adequate cover for you and your family, and it has a very nice design.
It’s one of the most durable pool umbrellas available in the market.
This pool umbrella is also waterproof and UV resistant. It’s very easy to tilt with 6 different angles to choose from and includes a heavy-duty steel cross base.
What Customers Love:
- Easy to fit design
- Easy to assemble and good value
- Sturdy and versatile pool umbrella
Main Customer Complaints:
- Few customers received a product that already has holes on them or has a broken part
Best Pool Umbrella Based On Looks: Napoli Premium Outdoor Offset Patio Cantilever Umbrella
- Stylish round deluxe offset cantilever market umbrella is ideal for both residential and commercial areas, such as gardens, pools, decks, porches, lawns, backyards and restaurants
- Rust-resistant powder coated aluminum pole and 8 heavy duty ribs provide strong support and prevents chipping, peeling and corrosion
- High-quality canopy made from 250-gram UV-treated polyester, offering 99% UV protection. Fabric is durable, water-repellant and fade-resistant and carries a 3-year warranty
- Umbrella is easy to open and close with a hand and crank lift operation system. Innovative auto-lock system allows you to adjust the opening angle to any position for the perfect amount of shade
The Napoli Premium Outdoor Offset Patio Cantilever Umbrella is unique because of its curve design and will be a nice addition to your yard if you want to add a more modern feel to it.
The size of this patio umbrella is 12 feet that are adequate to cover at least 6 people sitting around the table or shade you when you’re using your pool.
This beautiful umbrella is also UV protected and water-resistant to ensure that the fabric will last long.
It also has hidden wheels under its base making it easy for its owners to move around.
What Customers Love:
- High-quality fabric
- Aesthetic pleasing design
- The large canopy provides ample shade on hot days
Main Customer Complaints:
- Can be moved by the wind easily
Second Best Pool Umbrella Based On Looks: Leesons Inc German Beech Wood Wooden Outdoor Patio Umbrella
- 13 feet in diameter, the largest in the market
- 8 ribs construction, the most stable support to the canopy
- Water-repellent canopy for outdoor scenery & breeze enjoyment even when drizzling
- Pulley and rope for convenient lifting and lowering
The Leesons Inc Geman Beech Wood Outdoor Patio Umbrella is one of the bigger umbrellas that can sufficiently cover at least 6 to 8 people and it’s one of the best looking umbrellas out there.
It’s perfect for those who want to add a tropical feel in their backyard. The umbrella comes fully assembled, so you won’t have to worry about putting it together once it arrives.
What Customers Love:
- Great size for a pool umbrella
- No need to assemble
- Nice tropical look
Main Customer Complaints:
- Seems a bit flimsy
The Best Pool Umbrella Based On Size: PHI VILLA Double-Sided Outdoor Market Extra Large Patio Umbrella
- With More Shade: 15ft double-sided patio umbrella provides extra large shade for your family and friends, which is ideal for both residential and commercial locations
- Easy to Use: With easy crank lift for smooth opening and closing. Umbrella Base are included and can also be used with patio furniture set
- 100% Polyester Canopy: PHI VILLA double sided outdoor umbrellas canopy are made of 100% polyester fabric that can be waterproof, breathable, long lasting, fade resistant, UV protective and easy to...
- Durable Frame Design: Powder coated steel pole and 12 rust proof steel ribs provide enhanced durability to this large umbrella. Pole diameter: 1.9"(48mm)
A big umbrella with a great-looking design is the PH Villa 15 Ft Patio Umbrella. The umbrella has a good base and is ideal for both residential and commercial use.
The fabric is fade-resistant, UV protected and is very easy to clean. The frame is powder-coated steel pole and 12 rust-proof steel ribs. This also provides enhanced durability to this large umbrella.
Owners of this umbrella are assured that they’ll be well-covered when this is in their yard.
What Customers Love:
- Has great quality materials
- Easy to assemble and use
- Good value for its size
Main Customer Complaints:
- Unsecured umbrellas broke by the wind
Second Best Pool Umbrella Based On Size: Outsunny Outdoor Patio Double-Sided Umbrella
- Large Patio Umbrella: Our 15-foot patio umbrella offers extra large shade. A double-sided design of 8.7' per canopy makes it excellent for picnics on large patio furniture sets or outdoor dining...
- Large Umbrella, Easy Controls: Though it may look complex, don't be intimidated. A simple turn of the crank can open and close this extra-large patio umbrella with little work needed.
- Shine Patio Umbrella: Keep cool and kiss sunburns goodbye. This large patio umbrella has a high-quality 180gsm polyester canopy built to block UV while still allowing airflow underneath.
- Outdoor Ready: Our large patio umbrella is built to endure the outdoors. It features a strong steel frame with 12 ribs for added wind support. The steel itself is powder coated, helping make its...
The Outsunny 15 Ft Outdoor Patio Market Double-Sided Umbrella is one of the largest pool umbrella available in Amazon and it’s has a nice design to it.
The umbrella is UV-resistant and has a good crank system installed for you to easily open and adjust the umbrella when you’re using it.
With its size, it can offer complete shade in any garden, patio, backyard, or pool setting.
What Customers Love:
- Great coverage and value for money
- Stylish design
- Easy to use
Main Customer Complaints:
- Can be easily blown by the wind because of its size
- Can be harmful to kids or small animals if not secured properly
Most Durable Pool Umbrella: Best Choice Products Patio Umbrella
- 24 SOLAR-POWERED LIGHTS: Use it day or night, with 24 built-in solar powered LED lights that can run for 6-7 hours
- HIGH-DURABILITY FABRIC: Made with high-quality water-resistant fabric to last for years of enjoyment
- ADJUST YOUR SHADE: Stay cool at all times, as the easy push-button tilt system gives coverage no matter what time of day, while a wind vent cools air under the umbrella
- CONVENIENT CRANK HANDLE: Easy open/close system puts the umbrella up in just seconds with minimal effort
The Best Choice Products Patio Umbrella is designed for lasting enjoyment. This umbrella is water-resistant as well, and UV-resistant for sustained color retention. It’s a great addition to your backyard even if you’re experiencing lots of wind in your area since this umbrella has a solid and heavy-duty base.
It also has LED lights to offer a gentle ambiance, and these lights are solar-powered to save you money on energy costs.
What Customers Love:
- Can withstand wind
- Great looking design
- Solid base and frame
Main Customer Complaints:
- Quite expensive
- Heavy to move
Second Most Durable Pool Umbrella: Purple Leaf 10 Feet Double Top Round Patio Umbrella
- The diameter of this cantilever umbrella is 10ft , unique double-top canopy design for commercial and residential use
- This umbrella outdoor patio has unique handle design and crank system, 6 height and angle to choose, 360-degree rotation for easier shading area control
- High quality 240/gsm yarn-dyed polyester fabric, UV resistant, water-repellent and colorfast fadeless, 3 years warranty
- All-aluminum deck umbrella bones and 8 heavy-duty ribs, anti-oxidation spray painted, maintain a long period life
Another stable and durable umbrella for your backyard is the Purple Leaf 10 Feet Double Top Round Patio Umbrella, it can cover up to 14 square feet with its 10 ft diameter shade.
The pole is powder-coated aluminum with a steel bottom frame (sold separately). Due to its lightweight, the umbrella is also very easy to move around your place.
What Customers Love:
- Easy to set up
- Nice features
- Great value
Main Customer Complaints:
- Few encountered missing parts when they purchase
Best Budget Pool Umbrella: Sundale Outdoor Table Umbrella
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The Sundale Outdoor Umbrella is one of the best value pool umbrellas out there. It has a good design and is already UV-resistant as well as water-resistant.
This umbrella can provide shade for a 54-inch table and can be used for years. It also comes with a variety of colors, so you can easily choose the one that matches your yard design.
What Customers Love:
- Best value for money
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy
Main Customer Complaints:
- Some customer complains about the color fading too quickly
- Few receive broken umbrellas but were able to return those easily
Second Best Budget Pool Umbrella: Sunnyglade Outdoor Adjustable Cantilever Patio Umbrella
- 【Easy to Open and Close the Offset Umbrella】Opening and closing the patio umbrella is easy and takes no time without the need to use any force or needing to lift any heavy weight to the cantilever...
- 【More shade for You】10 feet diameter offset hanging patio umbrella provides more shade for your outdoor settings than market table Patio umbrella. The Cantilever Umbrella is ideal for both...
- 【Sturdy & Durable Offset Umbrella】The Patio Umbrella built with a 2" diameter powder coated steel pole against rust, corrosion, chipping and peeling. 8 steel ribs on the top of the Cantilever...
- 【Waterproof & Sun Protetion】The Patio Umbrella must be CLOSED in strong wind to make sure the Cantilever Umbrella is safe when you use it next time.the Offset Umbrella is made of 180g polyester...
Another great pool umbrella under $100 is the Sunnyglade 10ft Hanging Patio Umbrella, it’s very easy to use and assemble.
The umbrella has a good base for stability and is built with 2” diameter powder-coated steel pole against corrosion, rust, and chipping. It has 8 steel ribs to keep the umbrella in shape and for added support.
What Customers Love:
- Great coverage
- Color does not fade easily
- Good value for money
Main Customer Complaints:
- Can be blown easily by the wind
Final Thoughts On Pool Umbrellas
We hope that our pool umbrella review was able to help you make a decision in which pool umbrella to get for your backyard.
We know how hard it can be when choosing a pool umbrella since there are hundreds of options, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
If you are looking for functionality and style, a pool umbrella is definitely the way to go. Consider how you will use it and the space you need shaded and you are sure to find one to meet your needs.
Remember, a little care goes a long way. To help your new umbrella stay in great shape close it when not in use–especially if you expect bad weather.
Also, do your best to keep it clean and dry. As with most things in life, a little TLC goes a long way to prolong its life and your enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Umbrellas
How do you clean your pool umbrella?
When cleaning your pool umbrella it is advisable to use soap and water to remove the dirt with a cloth. You may also opt to use a hose but don’t put too much pressure on the umbrella’s fabric to avoid damaging it.
Should I leave my pool umbrella in the rain?
We don’t advise pool umbrella owners to leave their umbrellas in the rain to prolong its lifespan. Since most umbrellas nowadays are very easy to store away, then you should consider storing them inside your home when it’s raining outside.
What’s the best pool umbrella?
Unfortunately, you’re the only one who can answer that question since it’s going to be your pool umbrella and different people may consider different factors when getting one. Hopefully, we were able to give you a good idea of which one to get with our pool umbrella review.
