Whenever you think of a pool, you most likely imagine a sunny, open space with the pool right in the middle. However, when those scorching summer days come around, having the pool without any shade can easily take some of the enjoyment out of it. You want a shaded area around the pool, so it’s more refreshing, and the following are a few ideas you can take and incorporate into your design.
- Add a Pergola
No matter if you’re building a new pool or upgrading your current one, a pergola can help shade the space. A pergola is a good pick if you’re designing an area that is functional while being aesthetically pleasing. It’s also easy to add to an existing pool area. This is a permanent, hardscape solution to shade your pool, and you can easily extend it beyond the pool to create a nice outdoor living area where you can lounge. For complete shade, you can plant climbing hydrangea or crawling ivy around the base and train it to grow up and over the structure.
- Build a Pool House
To create a permanently shaded area where you can get away from the scorching sun, think about adding a pool house. You can create a design that has space for seating while giving you a clear view of the water. This view can enhance the welcome feeling you get each time you use it. Also, a pool house offers areas for pool equipment and furniture storage, and you can add changing areas.
- Consider Flexible Pool Umbrellas
Maybe you’re someone who doesn’t want a permanently shaded area in your yard, or you don’t have room for it. If so, you can create a flexible shaded spot by adding a few pool umbrellas. You can create a contemporary and sleek look by matching the color to the pool’s colors, or a Mediterranean twist is always fun to consider. To get this twist, get cabana-striped pool umbrellas and set them up over a few lounge chairs. When you don’t need or want the shaded areas anymore, you can take down the umbrellas and move or store them.
- Install Canopies or Awnings
Installing awnings over the doors or windows around the pool, if you have it closer to the house, are great ways to get a little shade during various points in the day. They’re also a very fun way to add patterns and colors to the pool area. It’s also possible to add outdoor fabrics as canopies to help block the sun as a non-permanent shade spot. Many people put up timber posts around the pool area to attach a shade canopy when needed. You can plant flowering climbers and train them to go up these posts to enhance the overall look of the pool area too.
- Plant Shade Trees
Using trees to create some shade around the pool will ensure that the pool blends seamlessly into your landscape. They can work to soften up the lines of the pool, and you’ll get a soft sound as the breeze blows through them. You can also highlight the trees by adding outdoor string lights, allowing you to use the pool after dark. It’s possible to grow the trees right through the pool deck, or you can line them neatly up around the pool area and let them grow.
Contact Evergreen Landscaping
No matter if you want a permanent hardscape or something more temporary and flexible around your pool to create shade, contact us. We’re happy to discuss your options and help you create a stunning oasis you can’t wait to use all summer.