How to Make Shade Over My Above Ground Swimming Pool

Make shade over an above-ground pool for everyone's comfort.

Adding an above-ground pool to your backyard can instantly create a paradise where you can go to relax and cool off in the summer. If your yard does not have many trees, however, your paradise can quickly become a pain due to excessive sun exposure. The best way to avoid this problem is to install a shade sail over the pool to keep the temperature and sun's rays bearable.

Things You'll Need

• 4 small marking flags
• Tape measure
• Shade sail kit
• 4 100-by-100-mm steel posts (if not included in kit)
• Pre-mixed cement
• Bucket
• Rope

Instructions

1. Decide where you would like to install the shade sail for maximum sun protection; remember that the sun will move throughout the day, so choose the position accordingly. Mark out the perimeter of the area by inserting four small marking flags where you will later install the steel posts, two on each side of the pool.

2. Measure the distance between the length and width of the marking flags. This will be the approximate size of sail that you will need to purchase. Check to see if the shade sail kit comes with steel posts, or if you must purchase them separately.

3. Dig a 4-foot-deep hole in each spot that you marked with a flag. Add pre-mixed cement to a bucket, and add water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Fill each hole with cement and install a 100-by-100-mm steel post in each hole.

4. Stabilize each steel post until the cement is completely dry by tying it with rope to the side of the pool, deck or a heavy object. Install the brackets and hooks that came with the shade sail according to the manufacturer's installation instructions.

5. Lay the shade sail flat on the ground and attach a hook to each corner. Hook each corner onto the installed steel posts and adjust the tension of the shade sail according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local utility company before installing steel post to make sure that you will not interfere with any underground wires or pipes.

• Check with your city to make sure that you don't need to obtain any building permits before installing the shade sail.

• Another great idea for creating shade over an above-ground pool is to set up a shade tent that you don't have to install.

• A shade sail kit can be purchased online or from a local department store. If the kit does not contain the steel posts, they can be purchased at a local lumber yard or hardware store.

• Marking flags can be obtained from your local utility or cable company and at most department stores.

References

• Online Blinds
• Shade Sails
• ShadeQuarters: Pre-Made Shade Sails