There is nothing more relaxing than sitting by the pool and soaking up the sun on a hot summer day. Many times, poolside areas offer little to no respite from the sun’s rays, which can limit the time spent enjoying an otherwise incredible outdoor space.
That’s where pergolas, pool shades, and shade sails come to the rescue. With a nearly unlimited capacity for customization and endless design options, Structureworks can create the perfect modern accent for any poolside area in need of a defined space and the addition of shade, bringing any swimming pool shade idea to life.
The addition of a pergola gives you many options for sunbathing, relaxing, dining, reading, and more.
With a little bit of inspiration and creativity, these pool deck shade ideas will help you create the perfect summer sanctuary:
1. Take advantage of custom designs
This pergola adds interest to the pool deck with its custom curves. One end is supported with short columns placed on a wall while the other end’s columns are supported by the ground. The butterfly design adds a unique look to a pergola that is a shade structure for people needing a break from the hot summer sun.
2. Be bright
This white pergola supported by tapered columns and accented with decoratively cut ends stands out from the pool furniture with the addition of a yellow striped shade canopy. This addition of a ShadeTree retractable pergola canopy makes controlling the amount of light allowed into this area a breeze. The shade level on the front and back of the pergola can be adjusted depending on the amount of shade needed. For a relaxing outdoor dinner, the shades can be lowered, allowing in the perfect amount of evening light. They can also be raised to enjoy the beaming sunshine during a chat with friends.
3. Raise it up
These 100’ pergolas placed on a raised sundeck make an immediate statement in the pool area. It offers pool-goers a viewing area where they can watch what’s going on in the pool or simply read a book without fear of splashes.
4. Color coordinate
Structureworks superior color matching allowed this Trex Pergola to flow seamlessly with the existing pool area design. Color matched to the pool tiles, the top of the pergola provides a shade idea that enhances the overall aesthetic of the pool deck and surrounding outdoor living space. A shade structure doesn’t need to stand out in contrast to the existing design, but can rather flow seamlessly as part of the overall design aesthetic.
5. Utilize soft curves
As part of this poolside pergola at Hampton Inn Tampa, FL. , the soft curve of the custom built pergola mimics the circular inlay of the concrete patio. This curve is carried further with the circular fire pit and the curved backs of the surrounding chairs. Soft lines create a sense of peace and relaxation where people can stop and enjoy the added shade that the pergola offers.
6. Create flexibility with ease
With the touch of a button, the shade can be controlled under this RainFlex Motorized Pergola Canopy. This shade canopy allows you to easily go from sun to shade. It can even be stopped at any point to provide partial shade, creating the perfect atmosphere for a gathering or a quiet outdoor moment.
Complete with a remote-controlled Somfy motor, this pool shade canopy is ready to plug into any outdoor outlet, allowing you to begin adjusting your shade level immediately upon installation.
7. Create a clean design
This unique cantilevered design has an incredible visual impact. The clean lines of the pool and steps are echoed in the classic columns and clean white color of the pergola. Considering the incredible view that the pool overlooks, it makes sense to keep the design streamlined and allow the eye to take in all of the sights around it. Foregoing stringers is another way that the design remains clean and stunning without distracting from the surrounding views.
8. Customize the design
Structureworks outstanding designers and engineers will work with you through every step of the design process and the customization options are nearly unlimited when it comes to bringing your pool shade ideas to life and completing your design. Depending on the chosen materials, pergola designs can be curved or arched and include custom components, making your design truly one-of-a-kind.
Following the curve of the pool deck, this pool shade idea creates a long line of sun protection, and lights mounted on the ends provide illumination for a late night swim.
9. Use creative placement
This pergola is uniquely placed right on the edge of the pool, even overlapping it a bit. While most shade structures are located away from the pool, this pergola’s placement allows pool-goers to stay near the water’s edge when it’s time to relax in the shade. The addition of the shade canopy creates an inviting place to escape the heat.
10. Keep it simple
In this beautifully simple design with its sleek straight lines and a soft white and gray color combination, this pergola exudes modern simplicity. The ShadeFlex Motorized Pergola Canopy provides flexibility and the ability to control the amount of shade that reaches the lounge chairs settled below.
11. Create Multiple Spaces
This community chose to utilize three pergolas throughout the pool area to create a variety of spaces where people can relax and enjoy the shade. Doing so means that residents won’t have trouble finding a place to escape the sun and grab a snack before diving back into the pool.
12. Create the look of wood
This classic Williamsburg fiberglass pergola design is incredibly functional due to its superior strength and low maintenance needs. Choosing brown creates the look of wood and adds a natural element to the pool deck but without the added maintenance that comes with a wood pergola.
13. Get creative
If you’re working on a budget, the Potomac Vinyl pergola is a great option that requires very little maintenance. Being affordable doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in style, especially with this creative use of stone pedestals installed under each tapered column. The addition of the stone enhances the visual impact of an already stunning shade idea for the pool area.
14. Make a Statement
Located on a patio area that juts into the crystalline blue water, this bright white Trex Pergola makes a strong statement in this community pool area. Its use of five rows of columns allows for a large structure, and the use of white helps it to stand out amongst the beauty of its surroundings acting as a complement to the serene water, blue lounge chairs, and umbrellas. In this case, keeping the design simple creates a huge impact.
15. Maybe your pool is a bit larger!
This retractable canopy on Havana by Brown Jordan Structures is the perfect shade idea. It’s easy to install and comes in nine standard colors. It provides the perfect amount of shade for enjoying the perfect view or when it’s time to curl up with a good book.
Why choose Structureworks?
For over 25 years, we’ve been designing and engineering superior pergola kits that arrive ready for installation and will complete nearly any landscape or architecture design. Colors can be customized to match other areas of the design, creating a seamless and beautiful look. Our low maintenance designs mean that these pergolas will be enjoyed for many, many years.
On their own, pergolas can add shade to your pool area, creating a more comfortable experience. When more shade is needed, the addition of canopies and shade sails allow you to customize your outdoor space to perfectly meet your needs.
For more information about pool shading with pergolas, contact an expert at Structureworks today!