How to choose a parasol

General features:

Among the elements you should keep in mind when selecting a parasol are:

• Umbrella type: with fixed, adjustable, or eccentric mast.
• Structure manufacturing material: wood, steel or aluminum
• Hood fabric: acrylic or polyester canvas.
• Fabric density: grammage per square meter.
• Parasol base: shape, weight and material.
• Clamping system.

Umbrella types

Depending on the characteristics of the space, you will come across different types of parasols. Each one adjusts to the requirements of the area where it has to be placed.

Parasol with fixed mast

It is the classic model that we observe around swimming pools and on the beaches. This type of parasol consists of a straight mast that is made of wood, aluminum or steel, while the hood can be round, square or rectangular. This type of parasol can be adapted to tables with a central hole and can also be transported to the beach.

Adjustable patio umbrella

This type of parasol has almost all the characteristics of the fixed parasol, but the difference is to have a removable mast, and a mechanical part located on the top that serves to orient the fabric depending on the position of the sun. It is a parasol that offers convenience and comfort.

Eccentric parasol

It is also known as an umbrella with a side mast, since the bar does not interfere with furniture or other types of elements. This type of parasol is adjustable and adjustable due to the incorporation of a sliding piece and its crank.

Structure material

It is usual that most of the parasol structures are made of aluminum and steel, or just steel. However, other umbrellas are made of wood. The advantage of having a steel structure is that it responds better to the wind.

Hood fabric

The fabric used for the hood depends on the quality and type of use made with the umbrella. The most common fabric is usually polyester. Its great advantage is that it is a waterproof fabric. Keep in mind that if you buy an umbrella with a dark hood, it will tend to lose its color, so when you do not use it, put a cover on it. A quality fabric is acrylic canvas, which is more expensive, but responds well to stains, mold, and resists longer.

Fabric density

If you are looking to protect yourself from the sun's rays, the ideal thickness should be 220 grams per square meter. This means that the thicker the fabric, the higher the level of protection. When you buy your parasol, look at the descriptive sheet, which indicates the UV index. The maximum protection corresponds to 50, while the minimum is equivalent to 10.

Parasol base

Keep two aspects of a good umbrella base in mind: weight and material. Consider that a base for an eccentric umbrella should have a cross-shaped foot, to ensure its stability, and should be made of concrete, granite, or cast iron. For a straight, round or small parasol, a wooden, plastic or refillable base will be the most suitable. When it comes to the shape of the base, you choose.

Clamping system

In the market there are parasols with unconventional fastening systems, such as those that are fixed to the wall, or umbrellas for balconies whose fixing is done through a bar with suction cups that is fixed to the floor and ceiling.

By taking into account each tip of Poolfunstore you can get a terrace, balcony or garden that looks great with the addition of a new parasol.