Even though the whole idea of having a pool to relax in is to get some sun, the last thing that you want is too much of it. That can make cause sunburn, or have even more dire consequences down the road. One way around this is to get the best pool umbrella on the market.
Through our careful research, after considering 35 various models, we were able to put together the 6 best swimming umbrellas on the market today. Of those, our personal favorite is the Tangkula Double-Sided Umbrella. You’ll find umbrellas whose canopies are all made of polyester providing UV protection as well as those with a UPF rating that helps give you an idea of how effective they are at blocking harmful rays. The poles are made of aluminum or steel, providing stability and strength for the long term.
More features: base sold separately; crank handle
If you are in the market for the biggest possible umbrella for your pool or patio, then this is the best option available. It has an enormous coverage area. It measures 9 x 15 feet, for a coverage area of 135 square feet. This umbrella is more than enough to cover most patios or pools, making it great for anyone that wants as much shade as possible.
Surprisingly, even though this umbrella is so large, it is quite easy to fold and unfold. This ease of use is thanks to its high-quality and simple-to-operate crank. Though many umbrellas have a very small crank, the one on this model is quite robust. This larger than average design makes it easier to turn and should help the crank to last a good long time without breaking down.
As you would expect with such a large canopy, his model has more than one air vent. These vents help to keep the air from stagnating too much under the umbrella. This will, in turn, make it a lot more comfortable and cool underneath this enormous model.
The pole for this umbrella is also nice and thick. This makes operating the crank a lot easier since it has such a sturdy spot to set upon. This durable pole is also instrumental in holding up such a large canopy.
The only real issue with this otherwise stupendous umbrella is the fact that it doesn’t come with a base. While the umbrella can be attached to a patio table, you should probably purchase a base to secure the umbrella correctly. Of course, this will cost a bit more in the short term but should be well worth it in the long run.
More features: crank and tilt mechanism; base sold separately
Even if you have a large and luxurious pool and patio area that you want to use your umbrella in, that doesn’t mean that you need to spend a ton of money to get one. While there are many different umbrellas available at higher price points, this model provides plenty of value at a much lower cost. For instance, this model comes in lots of different colors, which makes it very easy to match with your existing patio furniture.
Another nice thing about this umbrella is that it is very easy to use. Since it is on the smaller side, it goes up and down quite easily. The tilting feature is also very easy to operate, which makes finding the right amount of shade a breeze. Since this model lacks a base of its own, it can also be rotated very easily.
Surprisingly, this model has a very robust crank for such a value-based umbrella. It is easy to operate and durably made. This design makes it very simple to use and should help it to keep working for a good long time.
As we already mentioned, the only drawback to this umbrella is that it doesn’t come with a base of its own. Thankfully, since it is already a bit cheaper than other models, the extra expense to get a good base should not be too big of a deal.
More features: 5 adjustable vertical tilt positions; strap with Velcro close
If you are in the market for the best pool umbrella for your outdoor space, then this is a great option to check out. This is one of the largest options on the market. In fact, its canopy is 108 square feet, which is large enough to supply you with tons of shade. Even though this is a larger than average umbrella, it is still quite easy to move from place to place and rather simple to operate.
The cranking system that it employs makes opening it up quick and easy. Even if you have never operated an umbrella-like this before, you shouldn’t have too much of an issue getting the hang of this model’s mechanics. Another big positive for this umbrella is that you can actually tilt the canopy. This allows you to find the perfect position to provide you with the optimal amount of shade as you lounge in or by the pool.
The only true drawback for this otherwise wonderful umbrella is its stand. Since it doesn’t have a very wide base, you cannot permanently add weight to this umbrella. Instead, you need to get some umbrella weights to help keep it in place. You can also connect it directly to your decking to help make it much more secure.
The stand and canopy for this model are both extremely durable. For the stand, it is made with extra-thick coated aluminum, which should never rust. The canopy is made out of thick dyed polyester. This material not only looks great but shouldn’t suffer any tears or rips anytime soon. He vented design is also a nice touch, as it allows for a lot more air to flow through so that the air doesn’t feel stuffy under the umbrella.
More features: 1.5-inch diameter pole; crank mechanism; push-button tilt
While having a larger rectangular umbrella is great for large areas, they won’t work out too well in more confined spaces. If you are looking for a great round pool umbrella for your patio or pool, this is a good model to check into. It is very easy to move from place to place, thanks to its lightweight design. It is also extremely durable. The powder-coated pole is pretty thick for a smaller umbrella, and the steel rips that the canopy attaches to are very sturdy, which means that they will last for a good long time.
Something else that really stands out for this model is its crank. While many round umbrellas have smaller and more flimsy cranks, that is, thankfully, not the case for this product. The crank on this umbrella is nice and bulky, which makes it both easier to operate and a lot more durable than you’d expect.
Another great reason to go for this umbrella is that it comes in lots of different colors. While many patio umbrellas come in only one or two colors, this model can be purchased in ten different designs. This variety makes it a lot easier to find the right color to match the rest of your décor in your backyard oasis.
This umbrella also allows you to tilt it when you want to, which is a definite positive. The only issue with this function, however, is that the button to tilt the umbrella is quite high. If you are on the shorter side, you might have a tricky time getting up to the button to tilt it over.
More features: 2.4-inch diameter pole; adjustable opening angle; air vent
When it comes to round pool umbrellas, you usually need to sacrifice a bit of coverage area for an easier-to-use product. That is, thankfully, not the case for this model. It has a nice big diameter of 11 feet, which is the biggest round umbrella on our list. This larger than average canopy will provide plenty of shade, all while being a lot easier to operate and maneuver than a larger rectangular model.
This is also one of the more durable umbrellas that you can buy. Its canopy is made out of double-coated polyester, which makes it both waterproof and rip-resistant. Even if it gets let out in the weather a lot, you shouldn’t have to worry about it ripping on you any time soon. The canopy even has an air vent, which will help to keep the air under the umbrella from feeling too stuffy.
This model also has a very durable pole. This is ideal since it has such a large canopy. It also allows you to tilt and adjust the opening angle so that you can find the perfect amount of shade for your needs.
The stand is also one of the better options available today. It is made out of heavy-duty plastic, which is both durable and great looking. Though you can add sand to this base, it is a bit tricky, simply because you need to continuously shake the stand so that the sand disperses evenly. Though this isn’t too big of a deal, it can get difficult once you are getting close to being done, since the sand can get quite heavy.
More features: 360-degree rotation; comes with a storage cover
One of the biggest issues that a lot of umbrellas have is that, once you have them in place, you can’t really move them around a lot. Even though most can be tilted, it still might be a bit tricky to get just the right angle to always block out the sun. That is not an issue for this umbrella, however, as it can be both tilted and rotated. This 360-degree rotation is a game-changing feature, as it allows this umbrella to always keep you in the shade, regardless of the time of year, time of day, or position of the sun.
It also doesn’t hurt that this model has a large canopy for a round umbrella, either. Its 10-foot diameter is perfect for small, medium, or even large areas. You can easily cover a ton of space thanks to this nice big canopy.
This is also one of the easier models to match your outdoor décor since it comes in lots of different colors. If you choose to go with this umbrella, you will be able to choose from nine different colors, all of which are made from the same durable fabric.
This umbrella has a very durable base. It is nice and thick, which makes it up to the challenge of standing up to tons of use. Unfortunately, you cannot add any weight to this style of base without purchasing specialized umbrella weights. You also have the option to attach it directly to your deck or patio to make it more secure.
In this section, we will go through everything that you need to consider when looking for a new pool umbrella. We have also taken the time to answer several frequently asked questions, so be sure to read through those as well if you need any further information.
There are lots of different reasons to get an umbrella for your pool or patio. These include the following:
As you can imagine, there are lots of different things that you need to carefully consider before you choose the perfect outdoor umbrella for your pool or patio. In this section, we will guide you through everything that you need to know to find the best model for your needs.
The first thing that you should take into account when looking for a new umbrella for your pool or patio is just how big you need it to be. You should first measure your space and see just how much coverage you require. The last thing that you want to do is to get an umbrella that is too big for your space since it will look out of place, and you probably don’t want to completely eliminate sunlight from your space.
If you are in search of a smaller umbrella for a kiddie pool to provide just a bit of coverage, then the Abba Patio Striped Patio Outdoor Market Table Umbrella would probably be a good fit. It is only 9 feet in diameter, which will provide plenty of shade without taking over space. On the other hand, if you have a larger pool or patio area and you want a lot of shade, then the Tangkula Double-Sided Umbrella is going to be your best bet. This rectangular umbrella has a coverage area of 135 square feet, making it the perfect fit for anyone that wants a ton of shade.
After you determine how much shade you want, the next thing that you should consider is the shape of your umbrella. You have two basic options when it comes to the canopy shape. You can either choose a standard round umbrella or a rectangular one. Both options are very easy to open, but you need to consider just home much coverage you need before you make your final decision. Rectangular umbrellas need a bit more space to open fully, so they are better suited to larger areas, while round umbrellas can fit pretty much any space.
If you have a bigger space and want a lot of shade, then the Abba Patio Rectangular Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella might be a good fit. This rectangular umbrella has a large coverage area and can be tilted to provide optimal shading, which is a huge plus. If you want a round umbrella with as much coverage diameter as possible, then the Best Choice Products Cantilever Offset Patio Umbrella is a fine option. It has a larger than average diameter of 10 feet, which should provide plenty of shade without taking up as much room as a rectangular umbrella.
Once you have figured out the size and shape of your new umbrella, the next thing you should think about is the type of material that it is made of. When it comes to the fabric for an umbrella, you want to make sure that you get one that is going to look good and be as durable as possible. Thankfully, the most common material for canopies is polyester. This fabric is rip-resistant and waterproof, which is why it is so useful for umbrellas. The Grand Patio Deluxe Napoli Offset Umbrella has a double-thick layer, which makes it a bit more durable than the fabric on other models.
The other part of the umbrella that you want to think about is the pole. Most umbrellas come with a powder-coated aluminum pole. These materials have been shown to be both rust-resistant and durable, as long as they are thick enough. If you get a pole that is made with very thin aluminum, continuous strong winds could cause it to bend eventually. The Abba Patio Rectangular Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella is a good option in this regard, as its pole is nice and thick.
Something else that you might want to consider is how your umbrella is going to open up and be tilted. While more basic umbrellas operate in the same manner as a handheld model, larger umbrellas usually have some sort of a crank. These cranks should be on the larger side so that they are much easier to turn. It should also be simple to unlock them when you want to open up or collapse your umbrella and easy to lock into position when you have them fully opened.
When it comes to tilting your umbrella, you also want to look for a bulkier mechanism. This bulk will help the joint to be a lot more durable. Tilting the umbrella should also be a very easy process, so look for a simple design that won’t be too difficult to manage. The Abba Patio Rectangular Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella’s mechanism is a good example of this durable design.
While there aren’t a lot of different accouterments that you make need to come with a pool umbrella for it to be operational, there is one that you should definitely keep in the back of your mind. This is, of course, the stand. Some umbrellas, like the Sunnyglade Patio Umbrella Outdoor Table Umbrella, do not come with a base. As such, you will need to purchase one separately. Otherwise, your umbrella will not be able to stand on its own, which will make it very difficult to use properly.
Another thing that you might want to get with your umbrella is a storage cover.
Since you probably won’t be using your umbrella every day, a storage cover will help to extend its lifetime. The sun and weather will do a number on your umbrella over time, especially if it isn’t stored properly. A storage cover can help keep it looking and working as though it is brand new for years.
If you are someone that likes to have everything tie together in their patio or pool space, odds are that you have a certain color in mind. As such, you are probably going to base your final decision on which umbrella fits your space and comes in the color you desire. Thankfully, all of the umbrellas on our list come in lots of colors, which should make it easier to find the right one for your space.
If you are looking for the umbrella with the most color choices, then the Abba Patio Striped Patio Outdoor Market Table Umbrella is going to be your best bet when it comes to round models. This umbrella comes in 10 different shades, which should make it easier to find the right fit for your outdoor décor. Moreover, your kids will be happy to see that the new umbrella matches with their inflatable water slide.
Whenever you are buying anything new that has any moving parts, it is always a good idea to look for a model that comes with a good warranty. This applies to tools, appliances, and even pool umbrellas. You certainly don’t want to get a new umbrella, only to find that its crank doesn’t work properly and not be covered. A good warranty will help to keep you from having to pay for any failures that might occur through normal use.
Of course, you need to make sure that you read through the warranty information as carefully as possible. Many companies will claim to offer a long warranty, but only actually cover certain parts under that service contract. By reading through the information closely, you will have a better understanding of what is and what isn’t covered under the company’s warranty.
On the other hand, if you like to move your umbrella around, you might want to use water. Water will keep your stand in place but is easy to remove if you want to change the position of your umbrella in your outdoor space.
Of all the different models that we looked into for our listing, the Tangkula Double-Sided Umbrella is by far the best. This rectangular model has a large coverage area and can replace two umbrellas at once. We highly recommend that you check this model out, you won’t be disappointed!
If you are looking for a more affordable pool umbrella, however, then we suggest you try out the Sunnyglade Patio Umbrella Outdoor Table Umbrella. Despite its low price, this model has a reliable crank and tilt mechanism that will serve you for years.
The Abba Patio Rectangular Patio Offset Hanging Umbrella is another excellent option. This model has a large coverage area, is easy to operate, and should last for season after season.
