Have you noticed how many names there are for the shallow area of the pool where you can sit and relax or the kids can play?  Among the most popular are:  sun shelf, baja shelf, tanning ledge, sunning deck, and cabo shelf.

No matter how you refer to them, the one thing they have in common is that they all accessorize with an in-pool umbrella as homeowner’s naturally request.  But what’s the best kind of in-pool umbrella?  That’s an important question, the answer to which depends on several factors relating to your pool’s location, size and family’s lifestyle.

best in-pool Umbrella swimmingpool
In-pool Umbrella

FiberBuilt offers two main styles that are particularly popular and designed for use in a chlorinated environment.  Both types FiberBuilt manufactures a particularly popular style that’s designed for use in a chlorinated environment.  It features a 108” tall pole so that when lowered into the pool sleeve it maintains sufficient clearance for the pool users.  This is similar to the bar height poles that are used for umbrellas in grilling islands as well as bar height or counter height tables.

For structural integrity and use in locations prone to gusty winds, we recommend our Olympia In-pool umbrella which features a one-piece, 1 ½” diameter aluminum pole.  The robust construction includes .125 wall thickness, which is the same heavy gauge used in high traffic hospitality and commercial settings, ½” diameter fiberglass ribs, and a heavy-duty hub.  Pole finish options are anodized Bright Aluminum and six powder coat colors.  Canopy sizes include 8 and 9 ft octagon and 6 ft square.  This model does not tilt.

In-pool umbrella environmental 1piece pole push up
Olympia In-pool Umbrella with a one-piece pole – 6 ft sq shown with double vent canopy for windy locations

For in-pool use we offer a Marine Locking Pulley lift.  The self-locking, cogged wheels hold the rope in place and this, in turn, holds the canopy open.  You can insert the provided pin but this is not required to hold the canopy aloft.  The pulley rope should be coiled into a loop and secured in the provided leather strap to store it while the umbrella is in use so that it doesn’t hang down loose and become a safety hazard.

For the canopies on both models, you can select from the hundreds of marine and furniture grade fabrics we offer to match the décor and color scheme of your outdoor space. You can customize the canopy with scalloped valances, banding, alterFor the canopies, you can select from the hundreds of marine and furniture grade fabrics we offer to match the décor and color scheme of your outdoor space. You can customize the canopy with scalloped valances, banding, alternating fabrics and trim.  For locations prone to high or gusty winds (such as seaside, mountainside or roof tops), we recommend a double vent for improved wind management.  Boutique hotels or country clubs with in-pool umbrellas may also like to consider having your logo silk screened on to the canopy.

Before ordering, it’s important to consult with your pool contractor so that he can make the appropriate arrangements for drilling the sleeve hole into which the pole will be inserted.  An in-pool umbrella is placed in the shallow shelf of built-in pools and the sleeve is recessed into the pool’s foundation during construction.

Detail of In-pool umbrella’s fit into Sleeve

Note: If your pool contractor provides you with a mounting sleeve that accommodates a 2” diameter pole, rather than the more typical 1 ½” size, FiberBuilt also offers an umbrella with a one-piece, 2” diameter pole. Contact us for more information.

Read more about our In Pool Umbrellas!