Do you ever feel like your pool gear wears out way too fast?
You spend good money. You expect it to last. But then the sun scorches it, or the wind bends it out of shape. Even worse, salt or chlorine starts to eat away at the parts. The umbrella you picked to cool your poolside becomes a rusty, cracked mess.
If you use a fiberglass pool umbrella, you’re already ahead of most. But even the best gear needs care. This guide shows you how to keep yours strong, clean, and sharp, season after season.
Keep It Clean: Wash Off Salt and Pool Chemicals
Chlorine and salt help keep your pool water clean. But they don’t do your umbrella any favors. These can cling to the surface and, over time, may stain the finish or dull the look.
After a swim day, rinse your fiberglass pool umbrella with fresh water. Use a soft cloth or sponge, never a brush with hard bristles. A mild soap works fine, but skip the harsh cleaners. Those can strip the surface coat or weaken the fibers in time.
Inspect Parts Before Storage
Each part of your umbrella has a task. If even one part goes bad, you risk the whole unit losing strength. Before you pack it up for the off-season or even after a storm, give it a once-over.
- Check the pole for cracks or splits.
- Make sure the ribs are tight and straight.
- Look at the canopy fabric,no holes, tears, or mold?
- Test the tilt and crank (if your model has one).
- Tighten any screws or bolts you see coming loose.
This quick check can stop small issues from growing into full breaks.
Store It Right During Off-Season
When winter hits or wind picks up, don’t just fold the umbrella and forget it. Take it out of the pool or base. Clean it. Dry it. Then store it in a dry, cool spot. Avoid leaving it outside or in direct sun while not in use. The constant heat or cold can stress the frame or fade the canopy.
Use a cover made for umbrellas. This keeps dust and pests away and adds an extra layer to block UV rays.
Lubricate Moving Joints
If your umbrella has moving joints, like tilt or crank systems, they need some care, too. Over time, joints dry out. This makes the parts stiff or causes squeaks. A silicone-based spray works well. Avoid oil-based sprays, which can attract dirt or break down plastic seals.
Make sure to clean the joint first before spraying. Wipe off the extra to avoid build-up.
Why These Steps Matter
When you take care of the parts, you help the whole. A clean, dry, smooth-working umbrella stays firm in place. It keeps its shape. It does its job,to shade you well without rust, bend, or wear.
The fiberglass pool umbrella was built to last. Its pole resists rust, bends, warps, or shock. That’s the edge it gives you over steel or wood poles. But even fiberglass needs help to go the long haul. These small steps mean you won’t need a new one next year.
Handle With Care: Day-to-Day Use Makes a Big Difference
Even if your fiberglass pool umbrella is tough, how you use it every day still matters. Open and close it slowly. Never force a jammed crank or tilt. If winds pick up, lower it right away, fiberglass is strong, but no umbrella is windproof.
Make sure it’s locked in place before letting go. If the base isn’t firm, the umbrella may shift or fall. Use a weighted base fit for the pole size. Small habits like these prevent stress on the frame. They stop wear before it starts. A bit of care each day can stretch your umbrella’s lifespan by years.
Final Thoughts
Your pool space is your calm zone. You spent the time to pick the best umbrella, strong, sleek, made for salt and sun. Now give it the care it needs. Wash it. Check it. Store it safe. Fix the small things before they grow. A fiberglass pool umbrella doesn’t ask much. Just some quick steps and it stays sharp for years.
A strong shade, season after season, is not just luck. It’s how you treat the tool that gives you the shade. Treat it right, and it gives back every sunny day.
