Sun Shelf/Baha Shelf

[nj888]

Hi

At this juncture we have picked out our PB and choosing layouts. We opted to build a sun shelf (12 inches) approximately 90 sq ft +/-.

I like to ask people's experiences with adding a hole/sleeve for an umbrella.

PB advised instead of installing a sleeve we should just use a cantilever umbrella. Doing so will give you the option of moving the umbrella around to block the sun. (That makes sense.)

However, it looks prettier with the umbrella standing on the sun shelf. What do you think?

Also, how do people clean the sleeve? Has anyone found a better way to put up an umbrella on their sun shelf?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BMK]

We went with a sleeve. The umbrella easily rotates and tilts, creating shade throughout the day. When the umbrella isn't wanted or needed, we either fold it up and just leave it in the sleeve or simply lift it out and stash it. A couple things to consider with the cantilever umbrella....do you have the deck real estate in that area for the cantilever base ...some of which can be quite large. You don't want to have to walk around it. Also, consider the aesthetics. For us, a cantilevered umbrella over the ledge would have totally dominated the view from the main sitting area.
So far, we've been happy with the sleeve / umbrella combo.

Quick related story.... My little 6 year old mermaid was cranking open the umbrella (as is 'her job') and while it was opening, a bat flew out. Scared the living daylights out of my wife....screamed so loud the neighbor came running over! My 6 year old daughter? Didn't faze her a bit.

 

[ctrav]

We decided against the sleeve in the pool. Our conditions are windy most days in north Texas and even with this big ol cantilever umbrella it still blows over. Granted I have been using water and not sand because sand will make it much harder to move around! Bottom line is if it were me I would take close inventory of the wind conditions for your area as it doesn't take much to blow over the umbrella...

 

[Killer95Stang]

I would do the sleeve. Like said above, it takes up less space than the cantilever umbrella bases. Cleaning is a breeze... get your garden hose with a nozzle and stick it in the hole... clean it 2 seconds. Also, the sleeve should have a screw on cover that sits flush or almost flush with the the plaster. If the sleeve ends up not working out, cover it and buy a cantilever umbrella. You cant add the sleeve after the fact.

 

[nj888]

Wow BMK you have a nice looking pool! What kind of umbrella did you get? And does the salt water affect the umbrella pole at all?

On another note what material you used for the coupling? Is it textured cement throughout your patio?

PB is providing brick like individual bullnose coupling around the pool. Patio is separate.

Thanks

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If the sleeve ends up not working out, cover it and buy a cantilever umbrella. You cant add the sleeve after the fact.

That is a great point!!

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Hi ctrav. Our summers usually aren't that windy. More hazy, hot, and humid. I just get the impression that my PB was against putting in a sleeve and pushing for an outside umbrella.

 

[Winnie-the-Pool]

All three above have good points. Where else are you going to get such great advice!

 

[BMK]

Wow BMK you have a nice looking pool! What kind of umbrella did you get? And does the salt water affect the umbrella pole at all?

On another note what material you used for the coupling? Is it textured cement throughout your patio?

PB is providing brick like individual bullnose coupling around the pool. Patio is separate.

Thanks

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That is a great point!!

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Hi ctrav. Our summers usually aren't that windy. More hazy, hot, and humid. I just get the impression that my PB was against putting in a sleeve and pushing for an outside umbrella.

MM, The umbrella is from Lowes...I think I paid about $65 for it. Probably much cheaper now. It pretty much lives in the water (as in the picture) 24/ 7 and so far, zero affects from salt and chems... which surprises me. I figured for that price, I'll be happy if I get a season or two. But so far after a few months in the water, the fabric is faded very slightly but the pole still looks new.

Our coping is poured 'fractured face' concrete and the deck is a very subtle exposed aggregate. The idea was to try to give the feel of a smooth, relaxed, continuous flow all around, as opposed to a more formal, staccato look of individual pavers or bricks.