Need Some Great Pool Shade Ideas?

Here Are the Best

Pool Shade at a Glance: 7 solutions compared by cost, coverage, and best use case.

Solution	Cost Range	UV Protection	Best For
Shade Sails	$300–$2,000 per sail	Up to 98%	Medium to full pool coverage on a budget
Umbrellas	$50–$2,500	Varies	Portable, localized shade for lounging areas
Marquees	$800–$3,000+	Full overhead	Poolside parties and seasonal entertaining
Retractable Awnings	$1,500–$6,500	UV-resistant fabric	Pools adjacent to a house or structure
Pergolas	$1,500–$9,000+	Partial to full	Permanent outdoor living and entertainment spaces
Cantilever Structures	$3,000–$20,000	Full coverage	Covering pool and poolside without obstructing posts
Solar Shades (ZipShades)	$1,200–$4,000	90%+	Windy climates, bug-prone areas, and privacy

Quality pool shade blocks 95–98% of UV radiation, reduces deck temperatures by 15–20°F, and cuts chlorine loss by 20–30%. Below, we break down each option in detail — including installation considerations, climate recommendations, and ROI.

 

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On those hot summer days, we at Rollac love to dive into a swimming pool and cool off in the clear, cold water. We’re sure you do as well, but you may be searching for some pool shade ideas to help you stay cool in your backyard and get more shade around your pool. 

Fortunately, we are experts at helping people find pool shade solutions. Rather than swim in your pool while the sun’s hot rays beat down on you day after day, here’s our selection of the best pool shade ideas for all budgets:

 

Why Pool Shade Matters

For Your Long-Term Health

Overexposure to UV radiation is the cause of more than 80% of skin cancers. Even when you’re not burning, that repeated exposure increases the chance of cell mutations.

Creating quality shade blocks 95 to 98% of UV radiation, which over time provides significant health protection for you and your family. 

Temperature Control

Hot weather is lovely. But it also poses the risk of heat exhaustion. Kids, especially, are at risk as they tend to spend hours splashing about, rather than merely chilling like us older folk.

Creating some pool shade prevents temperature rises, which extends usability during peak hours. We also find it creates cooler deck surfaces, preventing burnt feet on heat-absorbing tiles. 

Maintenance & Cost Savings

Pool shading can also help reduce your long-term costs. 

First, with reduced water evaporation, you’ll save on water bills by refilling less often. That’s also true for chlorine use, which lasts 20 to 30% less under consistent UV exposure.

Your equipment, furniture, and pool liner will also last much longer because they won’t be exposed to UV light. 

How to Shade Your Pool: 7 Modern Shading Solutions

1. Shade Sails 

Looking just like the sails on a boat out in the ocean, shade sails can give your pool area a unique and playful look. Available in different shapes and colors, you can be like many pool lovers and layer one sail on top of another, giving your pool a look all its own.

If you’re looking for medium to extensive coverage, then shade sails are a great option too. Often layered for full pool coverage, they offer up to 98% UV protection and can be angled for rain drainage.

Their modern aesthetics offer medium to extensive coverage through DIY installations that won’t break the bank. Please note that shade sails require sturdy anchor points, which may not comply with pool fence setback regulations if the posts are too close. 

Cost Range: 

• $300-$2,000 per sail (plus installation hardware). 

2. Umbrellas

When it comes to deck shade options that give you the flexibility to have shade or not have shade, it’s hard to beat umbrellas. Popular for decades, adding a few umbrellas to your pool area will instantly turn even the most modern pool into one that has a super-cool retro look.

Best for localized areas, like a corner of the pool or your sun lounger, they obviously provide portable shade, unlike traditional pole umbrellas. You can also go with a cantilever umbrella design to keep your deck space unobstructed, thanks to its side-mounted poles.

That portability allows you to adjust and reposition the shade as the sun moves throughout the days and seasons.

Cost Range: 

• $50-$2,500 (cantilever models at the higher end)

3. Marquees

When you add a marquee to your home’s pool, it will almost look as if you’ve built a new addition to your home. Easily customized and very comfortable, marquees are very easy to assemble, come in an endless array of shapes and colors, and are poolside structures that continue to gain in popularity year after year.

Their full overhead coverage is perfect for lounging areas, with the freestanding canopy design providing wide shade and weather protection. With easy assembly and customization, this is the perfect option for anyone who hosts poolside parties and dinners. 

Note that, while more substantial than umbrellas, they may still need seasonal storage, as they’re not permanent. 

Cost Range: 

• $800-$3,000+ depending on size and quality

4. Retractable Awning 

If there is one thing you will absolutely love about having a retractable awning over your pool during the summer, it is that the awning will be large enough to cover your entire pool. Best of all, if you’re swimming on a day that’s not the hottest, you can retract the awning and enjoy a few rays of sunshine.

Available in a remote-controlled motorized format or a manual-crank option, they provide fantastic flexibility for a pool adjacent to a structure. For example, you can extend the shade on hot days, in late evenings, or under an autumn sun. 

Our retractable awnings offer wind and rain sensors, UV-resistant fabrics, and can reduce deck temperature by  15-20°F.

Cost Range: 

• $1,500-$6,500 (motorized at the higher end)

5. Freestanding Structures (Pergolas)

When you are unsure about the best way to shade your pool, you’ll likely be impressed by freestanding structures such as poolside pergolas. Extremely stylish, they can be left somewhat open so you can have tables and chairs underneath them, or even accessorized with hanging plants or vines.

With partial to full standing shade available, their permanent structure creates a genuine outdoor living space that will boost property value. 

Perfect for entertainment and eating areas, their benefits are far-reaching, with adjustable light control with louvered roofs, retractable weather protection with a canopy, and even hurricane-rated options for storm-prone areas. 

Finally, if you want to support climbing plants, then pergolas are for you. 

Cost Range:

• $1,500-$9,000+ depending on size and features

6. Cantilever

A cantilever is a unique design that can cover both the poolside and pool itself. With permanent supports on one side, the canopy ‘floats’ over the pool, creating permanent shading without posts getting in the way. 

If you’re looking for something that covers both the pool and the poolside with sleek structural support while boosting your property value, consider a cantilever. 

Cost Range: 

• $3,000 to $20,000.

7. Solar Shades (ZipShades)

Solar Shades, like our unique ZipShade design, provide a wonderful combination of shade, wind and temperature control, and privacy. 

Acting like a screen, the fabric in our design zips tight to the supports, preventing billowing in the wind and insect entry, and blocking 90% of UV rays. All that while still maintaining visibility thanks to the mesh design. 

Used on patios and decks, their motorized retraction also features smart sensors, so when the sun or a storm arrives, they get into action. They’re especially useful for windy climates and pools that tend to get swarmed by bugs and heat. 

Cost Range: 

• $1,200-$4,000 depending on size and motorization

Cost Factors to Consider for Swimming Pool Awnings:

When considering the cost of swimming pool awnings, we recommend considering: 

• The size of your pool (as some larger shade solutions may end up cheaper than multiple smaller units). 
• The installation complexity (some are DIY or require no installation, whereas others require permanent ground fixing). 
• Permit and inspection costs that may be required for larger or permanent pool shade structures. 
• Whether you need a motorized system with sensors (for example, if you live in a storm-prone area, this can be a wise investment to protect your property from damage). 

ROI Considerations

Your return on investment may be seen financially, through a boost in property value, but it will also be constantly present yet unquantifiable. That’s because you can’t put a price on your family’s long-term health from UV exposure protection, and can you really put a price on those cooler, more enjoyable summer days with your loved ones?

We also recommend considering how much you’re likely to save in the long term through reduced water and chlorine bills and longer-lasting furniture that is better shielded from UV rays.

How to Choose the Right Swimming Pool Shade

Consider Your Pool Layout & Use Priorities

To determine which type of swimming pool shading to buy, you’ll want to think about where the shade is most needed. 

If you want total coverage, you’ll need shading on the larger sides or overlapping sails. 

If you’re not interested in full-pool shade coverage, consider shading entrances, steps, ladders, and shallow-end play zones where the kids are most likely to be. 

If you’d like to cover the poolside for an eating or vibrating space, then you’ll also need to consider how close you can safely drill or anchor near the pool. If you’ve got limited space, you may have to opt for a less permanent structure. 

Climate & Weather Factors

If you’re in a hot, dry climate, we recommend prioritizing maximum UV blocking and temperature reduction with a significant pool-shade solution, such as a ZipShade.

In a more humid climate, your priority should be mold-resistant fabrics while ensuring good ventilation. 

In windy coastal areas, wind resistance should be your priority to prevent injury, damage, or simply annoying billowing. A ZipShade or well-anchored pergola is a wise option there. 

In high rainfall areas, ensure you get a swimming pool awning that provides proper pitch for drainage. 

• If in hot, dry climates (Arizona, Nevada): Prioritize maximum UV blocking (95-98%) and temperature reduction.
• Humid climates (Florida, Gulf Coast): Choose mold-resistant fabrics, ensure good ventilation
• Windy areas (Coastal regions): Wind-resistant solutions like ZipShades, retractable awnings with sensors, and  well-anchored pergolas
• Hurricane zones: Retractable awnings that can be closed, hurricane-rated pergolas, and removable structures
• High rainfall: Waterproof fabrics vs. water-resistant fabrics; proper pitch for drainage (such as with a Shade Sail). 

Find Your Ideal Pool Shade with Rollac 

At Rollac, we’ve been innovating high-quality pool shade ideas since 1984. Today, our solutions are built for all climates and long-term UV protection.

We welcome you to browse our products and contact us today if you have any questions about which swimming pool awning is best for you.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Pool Shades

What is the cheapest way to shade a pool?

Umbrellas are the most affordable option, starting at around $50 for a standard model. They’re portable and require no installation. For broader coverage on a budget, shade sails start at about $300 per sail and can be layered for full-pool coverage with a DIY installation.

Do pool shade structures require a permit?

It depends on the structure and your local regulations. Freestanding structures like pergolas and cantilevers are more likely to require permits and inspections due to their permanent foundations. Portable options like umbrellas and marquees typically don’t. Shade sail posts may also need to comply with pool fence setback regulations. Always check with your local building authority before installing a permanent structure.

What is the best pool shade for windy areas?

Solar shades (like ZipShades) and well-anchored pergolas are the strongest options for windy or coastal climates. ZipShades zip tight to their supports to prevent billowing, and retractable awnings with wind sensors will automatically retract in high gusts to prevent damage.

How much does a retractable pool awning cost?

Retractable pool awnings typically range from $1,500 to $6,500, with motorized models with wind and rain sensors at the higher end. Manual-crank versions are more affordable but don’t offer automated weather protection.

Can pool shade reduce my maintenance costs?

Yes. Shading your pool reduces water evaporation (lowering water bills), extends the life of chlorine by 20–30%, and protects pool liners, equipment, and furniture from UV degradation. Over time, these savings can offset a significant portion of the shade structure’s cost.

What type of pool shade blocks the most UV rays?

Shade sails offer up to 98% UV protection when made with high-density UV-blocking fabric. Retractable awnings with UV-resistant fabrics and pergolas with solid or louvered roofs also provide excellent UV protection in the 95–98% range. Solar shades block around 90% of UV while still maintaining visibility through their mesh design.

Which pool shade option adds the most property value?

Permanent structures — particularly pergolas and cantilever shade systems — tend to add the most property value because they create defined outdoor living spaces. They’re seen as home improvements rather than accessories, which appraisers and buyers recognize.

What pool shade is best for hot, dry climates like Arizona or Nevada?

In extreme heat, prioritize maximum UV blocking (95–98%) and temperature reduction. Retractable awnings can reduce deck temperatures by 15–20°F, and ZipShades provide consistent coverage with motorized sensors. Pergolas with louvered roofs offer adjustable shade throughout the day as the sun angle changes.