Frustrated, a client recently wondered how they could manufacture shade around their massive pool.  The record heat wave and lack of rain was boiling their refreshing pool into a 101 degree bathtub.  I wasn’t surprised to field the “solutioneering” request.

After creative research and sketching, several cool strategies emerged.  Many were dismissed because of the necessary scale of the solution.  A lanai stretching over one end of the pool for shade required an unrealistic span, and Bill hardly wanted another at this end of the pool.  A mega pergola was slightly more realistic.  Leafy trees planted in massive pots on the southern edge could work, but?  And planting 25’ mature trees on the outside of the patio would minimize the classic layout of this historic back yard living space.   

Oversized cantilevered umbrellas, a massive shade sail and a cantilevered shade sail all made the short list.  Industry experts (guys smarter than me) helped guide the process and 3 - 11’x14’ cantilevered umbrellas seemed to offer the most affective shade producing and water cooling solution.  A sleepless 4a.m. internet search resulted in several stately shapes, textures and mechanical necessities.  We imagined that positioning in a linear fashion would look colorfully resort like. 

Maybe you’ve seen large shade sail structures in commercial settings (google shade sails for examples).  Essentially, they are massive triangular, square or rectangular swaths of shade producing fabric stretched dramatically overhead from post to post.    A few vendors recently began quasi mass production and turned them into somewhat affordable shade solutions.  Admittedly, it requires the right setting and home.  Perhaps yours is one?

As with many urgent frustrations, a little time solved the issue with moderating pool temperatures.   We decided that multiple umbrellas will be the solution next year…or a neighborhood “bring a bag of ice” party.