That hole is typically just a scrap of 1-1/2" (inside dia.) PVC pipe. You can put any patio table sized umbrella in it, they even sell them at my local grocery store.

Dont leave these in place for extended periods as the posts are usually not designed to be in pool water.

And as someone has mentioned before on here, never use a wooden poled umbrella. The water will swell it up and you will never get it out.

I got a 9' wide one at Costco for $150. I also made several more sleeves in the flowerbeds around the pool with regular PVC pipe capped at one end and hammered into the ground, so I can move the umbrellas around as needed. When they are not in use, I have a temporary plug to keep the water out. Each one was about $5 at Home Depot.

I echo the worthless tilting feature because there's no way to fix the umbrella in place with the wind.

How usefull do you feel the permanent umbrella hole(s)are over a standard umbrella stand that is moveable (and removeable)? We are close to gunite and have opted not to install built in sleaves, thinking they lock us into specific umbrella locations.

With the sleaves you get a nice clean look, just wondering how practical and necessary it is...

We are located in central ca....thanks for your input.

frankly I was thinking of having two or three sleeves set for something like a sunsail--not umbrella--to screen a large portion of projected pool...
has anyone done something like that

Awesome. This finally answered my thought on where do I get the umbrella for my sunshelf umbrella sleeve. So any umbrella works. Just buy steel, fiberglass or aluminum. No wood. Good to know. And 1 1/2 inch diameter and a bit under. Ok.
Any height minimum, to not bother those going in on the step, on their way into the pool.
Awesome. Will look for a set of three and maybe do my own pvc pipes in ground for the cool idea as above as andrew9461. Thanks for this old thread. It's the only thing online that answered my question.

and, janellee, still the only thing online 3 years later as i am looking for the same answers :-)

I went out at 2pm when building our pool and strategically placed the umbrella. That's usually when I go out. I use regular umbrella. Metal. Never wood. Learned hard way

A standard umbrella will fit in the sleeve but I have yet to find one with a taller pole for inserting in the sun shelf. The edge of the umbrella is right at eye height and is great if you are sitting but cumbersome when stepping onto the shelf or up and down the stairs, so we don't use it often in that location. Same for the sleeves in the deck. Those few inches they are in the sleeve make a huge difference in height to maneuver around.

We are starting the process of building our new pool. When I asked the designer about an umbrella in our sunshelf he had a good point to buy a cantilevered umbrella that can sit on the deck and be moved to accommodate the need for shade.

I use plastic wedges that keep tables level to stabilize the umbrella. Three of those lightly pushed inbetween the PVC sleeve and umbrella pole keep the umbrella snug.

Fiberlite Umbrellas makes full fiberglass poles that are lighter and stronger. The fiberglass, just like a boat, won't warp, rot, rust, swell, etc., so are perfect to use directly in the pool. They also come with a 5-year guarantee!

Umbrella sleeves will eventually cause spider fractures in your plaster. Best to avoid where possible.

Our builder made a small hole to hold an umbrella next to the ledge in our pool. The hole is very small, where can I find an umbrella with a thin enough pole?

If you know the diameter you may be able to search for an umbrella using that. Most are standard at 1.5” some 1.25” but not many. If the builder made it to small maybe you can fill it in and use an umbrella with a base.

just to be sure I am understanding correctly. you do not have to buy from a pool company? I do know the size and material I want. Boxhill is expensive in comparison to the prices I am seeing. Has anyone used Boxhill for an umbrella or sundeck chaise?

You can contact me directly at 800-350-6615

I’ve not shopped Boxhill. I found a nice umbrella through Amazon, aluminum frame, vented to help with wind and sunbrella fabric and chaise set at Wayfair. I have to watch the budget after the pool build. 😊

Be careful with the aluminum pole, it was rust in your pool. You should look at Fiberlite Umbrellas, they have a fiberglass pole that is made to go in the water.

If you must “always be selling”, please do so with facts. Aluminum corrodes. The powder coating also helps to extend the life of the pole from corrosion. Some poles can be replaced. Fiberglass ribs are definitely great for areas with strong winds. Everyone shops based on their personal decisions of cost/benefit and hopefully using objective research.

Fiberliite umbrellas, I just looked at your website and I see aluminum umbrellas all over your page? Please explain, thank you

We offer Fiberglass or Aluminum poles.

I am not looking for an aluminum pool or chairs. I definitely like boxhills in pool chaise. other companies have them too and prices are all about the same.

I have the baja shelf and a drilled umbrella hole in the concrete next to it.

Has anyone used a cantilever /offset umbrella? We get a fair amount of wind and am worried ablut it being secure. Glad to have the opportunity to keep this thread alive 12 years later!

@amandanelson did you wind up trying the cantilever one? Curious how it worked out as I’m about to buy also and have been looking at those…

Hi Diana, For my baja shelf I ended up using a regualr umbrella that tilts and put it in when needed. The shade radius is a lot smaller than the cantilever but I was too concerned about the weight of the cantilever. I got a big cantilever for over my chairs and love it! A strong weight for the bottom is a must. Best of luck!

Hi Diana, for my baja shelf hole I got a reguslr umbrella that tilts and so far it’s worked out well. Smaller shade radius than a cantilever, though. I use a cantilever with large sand weights for my chairs and love it!