Searching for your ideal shade solution and wondering if you should invest in a gazebo, outdoor umbrella or pergola? You may also be wondering what the difference is between a gazebo and pergola. This article answers those questions and more.
It’s easy to get some of these shade solutions confused, especially when it comes to gazebos and pergolas. To help in your decision-making, we’ve answered the most common questions around these top three shade options.
After reading this article, we hope you have a good understanding of the difference between pergolas, gazebos and umbrellas, pros, cons and which will work best for you.
A gazebo is a small building that has no permanent walls, sits in an open space such as a garden and is usually a place for people to relax.
A pergola is a structure commonly found in a backyard or connected to a property. Like a gazebo, it may have temporary walls to provide extra protection. It may also have a canopy that can open or close or one that allows plants to grow around the beams to create natural shade.
A pergola is not to be confused with a pagoda which is typically a religious structure found in Asia and has a solid roof.
A pergola should also not be confused with a pergoda which has a slat roof and doesn’t offer the same shade as a pergola which can have a louvre roof.
An outdoor umbrella provides protection from the sun or rain, comes in a range of sizes and has a variety of uses from heavy-duty umbrellas for backyards or commercial use to small lightweight umbrellas for the beach or picnicking. They can provide shade over many square metres or be small enough to fold up and put in your bag.
Now that you have a basic idea about each shade type, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons worth considering when deciding between a gazebo, outdoor umbrella and pergola.
Pros
Cons
Our verdict. Both an umbrella and a portable gazebo can give you temporary and portable shade. However, if you’re after a bit more privacy and something that can withstand all weather conditions, a permanent gazebo or pergola could be an ideal option because they can withstand different weather types.
Pros
Cons
Our verdict. If you’re after a permanent piece of shade, a pergola could be a good option for you. Once standing, a pergola is there to stay and doesn’t require further assembling, just attaching optional blinds or clicking a button to activate the motorised louvre roof. If you’re after shade that will fit the design of your outdoor setting, then a permanent pergola could be more likely to tick the boxes than an umbrella or gazebo.
A pergola can also provide the best of both worlds because pergolas can be made so they’re portable too. If the idea of having a pergola still appeals to you but you would like to move it around, you don’t have to rule the pergola option out.
Pros
Cons
If you plan to invest in an umbrella that can be used for many years to come, it’s likely you will need to spend a minimum of around $500.
Our verdict. If you’re after an outdoor shade option that can create or eliminate shade, comes in a range of designs, colours and price tags and the opportunity to cast shade over anything going on in your outdoor area from dining, a pool, spa, swim spa to children playing, then an umbrella could be a really good fit.
Shade is one of the most important aspects in any backyard. Deciding which option will work best for you, really comes down to your own unique needs and preferences.
The most important thing is to choose a shade option you will use, provides the protection you need and fits in with your outdoor space.
If you are looking for a shade solution to last for many years, look at home in your existing or new outdoor setting, become a permanent addition to your home, then you might want to consider a pergola.
If you want the flexibility to move your shade around then you may be best with a higher-end outdoor cantilever or centre-pole umbrella made from robust marine grade materials. You can check out the outdoor umbrellas Spa World™ has on offer.
If you’re after temporary shade or something that can be easily moved around or even come on the road with you – then a gazebo or lightweight, entry-level umbrella could be a good option.
If you own a spa or swim spa, you’ll know how important it is to keep filters clean and clear. But did you know, one of the worst things for spa filters is sunscreen?
Why do we wear sunscreen in the first place? Whether it’s a gel, spray or lotion, they all have the same purpose - to absorb some of the UV radiation from the sun and prevent it from reaching our skin (according to Sunsmart website).
Sunscreen is oil based and if it mixes with spa water, it can clog filters and cause issues. This means more maintenance.
When you’re protected from the sun’s rays, this means you don’t have to wear a hat, lather on sunscreen and you can spend more time in the water and less time worrying about getting sunburn and extra maintenance.
A very good shade option for spas and swim spas that we can recommend is a Shadowspec Serenity™ umbrella.
You could also think about buying a Shadowspec Unity™. You can attach two umbrella canopies to the mast so you can cast enough shade over your swim spa. Its marine grade quality components, wind resistance, ability to rotate and portability mean you can add or remove shade as you please.
As we mentioned earlier – there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to shade – any shade is better than none in today’s harsh climate.
However, depending on your needs – some shade options may work better for you than others.
Our advice? Visit your local showrooms and try out the different options. Remember to ask lots of questions, and take photos and a tape measure so you can see how they would fit in your space.
DISCLAIMER: In this article, we’ve used brand names not affiliated with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd, the parent company of Spa World™. All information, including pricing and product details, was accurate at the time of writing (March 4, 2020) and may change without notice. The following registered trademarks are owned by companies not affiliated in any way with Spa World™ or Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd: Shadowspec™, Shadowlift™, Shadowspec Unity™ trademarks are owned by Unicrest Group Limited.
AFFILIATIONS: Vortex® Spas, Fisher™ Spas and Spa World® are trademarks owned by Vortex Leisure Pty Ltd. The Shadowspc brand is owned by Unicrest Group Limited and licensed for use to Spa World™ in Australia and New Zealand.
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