Outdoor Umbrellas
Pool Umbrellas
Pool umbrellas are a must around the pool, patio or deck. Our summers in Georgia, and especially the record heat of this summer, made our outdoor umbrellas one of the best pool furniture investments we've made - in fact we bought two of them - a Sunbrella umbrella and a Coolaroo umbrella. They kept us shaded and cool in the hot sun and protected us if there was a light drizzle or rain. There are so many attractive styles to choose from. But before you buy your next patio umbrella there are a couple of things you should know, besides what color to chose. Outdoor Patio Umbrellas
Outdoor patio umbrellas comes in 4 main different styles.They are: 1. Through a patio table 2. Freestanding patio umbrella 3. Offset or cantilevered patio umbrella 4. One that attaches to a Balcony or Railing. Decide where you will be using your outdoor umbrellas. In our case we have 3 of them. Two through a patio table and one small free standing one to provide shade to our chaise lounge. What Size Patio Umbrella?Patio Umbrella Size. Here are some guidelines:4.5' to 6' Umbrella - Covers up to 30" café and bistro sets 7' to 7.5' Umbrella - Covers up to 36" café and bistro sets 9' to 10' Umbrella - Covers up to 48" round or square tables 11' Umbrella - Covers up to 60" round or square dining tables and 72" oval and rectangular tables with 6 chairs
Sunbrella UmbrellasSunbrella umbrellas are a high quality outdoor umbrella. The fabric keeps its color and doesn't fade even after years of exposure to the sun.
Those who have had patio umbrellas made from this fabric often become loyal customers. Because of the special treatment of this outdoor fabric, these patio umbrellas are more expensive. The good news is that the fabric keeps looking great for a long time so you don't need to replace it as often. Here is a picture of our new Sunbrella patio umbrella - find out why I decided to pay extra to have this patio umbrella fabric: Sunbrella Outdoor Umbrella Wood Market Umbrella
A wood market umbrella provides a classic look to any pool or outdoor area protecting you and your guests from the hot sun and harmful UV rays.The umbrella pole and umbrella ribs are finished with several coats of marine varnish that protects the wood and can give it a finished look for years. Most of them use a pin towards the top of the pole to keep the umbrella open. Remove the pin to close the it. To learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of a wood umbrella click here: Wood Market Umbrella Tilt Patio Umbrella
If your outdoor area is exposed to the sun for several hours consider getting a tilt patio umbrella. Before we took down 26 trees last winter, we had shade most of the morning and most of the afternoon. We didn't need the tilt feature then...but now the pool area is exposed to the sun most of the day (which is warming up our pool nicely). There are different kinds of mechanisms that will tilt your umbrella - the push button and crank mechanisms are the most popular. To find out which one is better for you click here: Tilt Patio Umbrella Cantilevered Patio Umbrella
A cantilevered patio umbrella is another name for an offset patio umbrella. This type of sun protection umbrella works great for a sitting area that requires some shade or if you don't like the idea of a pole sitting in the middle of your table.Some of them can rotate making it possible to shade either your outdoor patio table or your outdoor seating area if they are in close proximity. Cantilevered Patio Umbrella Rectangle Patio Umbrella
If you have a oval shaped or rectangular shaped patio table - this is the shape that will work best to keep you and your guests shaded. They do come in different sizes. Be careful when you shop on line as some sites will call their 10' square umbrella a rectangular umbrella. To learn more about what features to look for and what size patio umbrella stand to buy click here: Rectangle Patio Umbrella Wind Resistant Patio UmbrellaMost outdoor patio umbrellas get damaged when a strong gust of wind or a sudden storm pulls the umbrella out of the stand and sends it flying to the ground bending or breaking the ribs or pole.Or the strong wind just gets under the fabric and damages the ribs. With a wind resistant patio umbrella, wood and aluminum ribs are replaced with fiberglass ribs which are very strong and resilient. Their flexibility makes them ideal for a wind resistant patio umbrella frame. If you are looking for a patio umbrella that can withstand windy conditions click here: Wind Resistant Patio Umbrella Patio Umbrella Bases
You can't buy patio umbrellas without buying an outdoor umbrella stand. The main thing to know is what size or how heavy of an umbrella base do I need? It depends on whether the umbrella will be free standing or sitting in a table and what size umbrella you are buying.Generally speaking, error on the side of buying a heavier stand to prevent the outdoor umbrella from toppling over or being lifted by a heavy gust of wind. Before you buy one, find out the different styles that are available and guidelines for buying the right size by clicking here: Patio Umbrella Bases Umbrella TableclothsWhen there is a pole sticking in the middle of your table, you can't use your pretty round or oval tablecloths.I often used fun colorful placemats - until I found this great umbrella tablecloth at Tuesday Morning. 
A brightly colored tablecloth adds to any pool entertaining - whether the patio table is being used to serve food, appetizers, or desserts. If you are looking to buy one in the stores, be sure to do it in the spring when the selection is the best. If you wait until mid-summer there's a good chance they'll be gone, although they are available on line year-round. Umbrella Tablecloths Go from Outdoor Umbrellas to Swimming Pools
Looking for ideas to have fun out by the pool? Get free tips on: Pool Party Themes like Flip Flop Parties or Beach Parties Pool Party Games like Diving for Pirate Treasure or Beach the Ball Pool Toys for Infants and Adults Pool Party Food, Floats, Furniture and more... If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my free Pool Fun E-Zine. New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
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