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—Design decisions

Planning shade and sun around a pool

In Dubai, the sun shapes when a pool can be used. Planning shade makes it usable for more of the year.

A pool in full sun from morning to evening is pleasant in winter but can become uncomfortably warm in summer, along with its deck. Orientation determines which parts of the pool and deck get sun at which times. Buildings, walls and trees cast shade that moves through the day and the year.

Design guides set out the choices that are hard to change once the shell is built.

Shade structures — pergolas, sails, umbrellas and cantilever canopies — can cover loungers, sun ledges or part of the pool. Shading the water reduces evaporation and can moderate summer temperatures. In winter, some owners want sun on the water to keep it warmer. Planning shade with the design allows fixings and foundations to be built in.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Orientation matters

    Sun paths change through the day and year.

  • Shade cools

    Water and deck stay more comfortable.

  • Plan fixings early

    Foundations for structures.

02Detail

Shade options

  • Pergolas

    Fixed structures over seating areas.

  • Shade sails

    Tensioned fabric, needing strong anchor points.

  • Umbrellas

    Flexible shade, with sleeves set in deck or ledge.

  • Trees

    Natural shade, with leaf drop to consider.

  • Building shade

    Positioning the pool to use the house’s shadow.

03Before you start

Before designing

  • Observe sun paths

    Morning, noon and evening.

  • Decide where shade is needed

    Loungers, ledges, water.

  • Plan anchor points

    For sails and structures.

—In practice

How to use this

Track where sun and shade fall across the garden at different times of day and year, then position the pool and any shade structures to suit how you will use it. Consider pergolas, sails, umbrellas or trees, and think about how shade affects water temperature in winter as well as in summer, since the same shade cools both seasons.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Shading the pool completely
A fully shaded pool stays cool in summer but can feel cold for much of the winter. Aim for shade where and when it helps.
Trees overhanging the water
Trees over a pool drop leaves into it, and their roots can disturb buried pipework. Keep planting a sensible distance away.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Does shade cool a pool?
It reduces solar gain and can help moderate summer temperatures.
Will shade make the pool cold in winter?
It can; adjustable shade allows sun when wanted.
Are trees good shade?
They help but drop leaves; choose species carefully.
Do shade sails need foundations?
Their posts need strong footings for wind loads.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under new pool construction. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

Planning shade?

Send a site plan with orientation. We will suggest shade options.

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