The Most Popular Beach Umbrellas Right Now
As summer approaches and people start planning their beach vacations, having the right beach umbrella is essential. A good beach umbrella will provide shade, allow you to stake out your spot on the beach, and give you a place to store your bags and other items. The umbrella should be sturdy, provide adequate coverage from the sun, and withstand windy conditions near the ocean. Fortunately, there are some great options for quality beach umbrellas that will meet all of your needs for functionality and style. In this blog post, we will look at some of the most popular beach umbrellas right now and what makes them great choices for the beach.
Key Factors in Choosing a Beach Umbrella
When selecting a beach umbrella, there are a few key factors you’ll want to consider:
- Size – The umbrella should be large enough to provide shade for all who will be sitting under it. Standard sizes are usually 6.5 to 8 feet wide.
- Canopy design – Look for a double top canopy design which provides more shade coverage and withstands wind better. Vented canopies also allow some heat to escape while still blocking UV rays.
- Portability – If you’ll be moving your spot frequently, look for umbrellas under about 7lbs for easy transport. Heavier umbrellas over 10lbs are best for more stationary use.
- Sturdiness – Pick an umbrella that can anchor well in sand without blowing away. Features like fiberglass ribs, metal vents, and hardened plastic tips help with wind resistance.
- UV protection – A UPF 50+ rating will block 98% of ultraviolet radiation.
Popular Beach Umbrella Reviews
Based on the key factors above, here are some top-rated beach umbrella options to consider for this summer:
Tommy Bahama Sand Anchor Beach Umbrella
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Features: 7 foot canopy, vented top, sand anchor, weighs 6.6 lbs
- What customers love: Sturdy enough for windy beaches, provides ample shade, easy to push into sand
- Price: $$
Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Features: 8 foot canopy, vented canopy, UPF 50+ protection, integrated sand anchors
- What customers love: Very stable in windy conditions, durable construction, good sun protection
- Price: $$
Shift7 Reach Tilt Beach Umbrella
- Rating: 4.4/5 stars
- Features: 8 foot vented canopy, tilt function, push button sand anchor deployment, 9 lbs
- What customers love: Tilting mechanism adjusts shade easily, easy to transport and set up
- Price: $$$
Rio Beach BIG Brands Extra Large Beach Umbrella
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars
- Features: 9 foot canopy, vented top, guy lines for added wind resistance, weighs 13 lbs
- What customers love: Massive shade coverage, very sturdy in wind
- Price: $$
BeachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella System
- Rating: 4.2/5 stars
- Features: 7.5 foot vented canopy, integrated sand anchor system, storage pocket, 10 lbs
- What customers love: Super easy to set up and take down, great built-in anchoring system
- Price: $$
Key Considerations When Buying a Beach Umbrella
When deciding which beach umbrella is right for you, keep the following tips in mind:
- Match the size to your needs – Consider how many people regularly sit with you and the amount of shade you’ll need. More people means bigger is better.
- Evaluate portability needs – If you’ll be moving around frequently, prioritize lightness for easy carrying. Stationary use allows for heavier models.
- Assess wind conditions – On windier beaches, focus on design features that provide stability like vented canopies, rip-resistant fabrics, and robust anchoring.
- Think about adjustability – If shade coverage needs to shift with the sun, pick an umbrella with tilt or pivot features.
- Don’t forget durability – Look for hardened steel or fiberglass parts that will resist corrosion from sun, heat, and saltwater.
- Check umbrella ratings – Well-reviewed umbrellas generally perform better in real-world conditions. Quality materials also signal durability.
- Know your budget – With beach umbrellas ranging from $50 to $300+, identify how much you can spend before shopping. Expect higher prices for larger sizes and more features.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to select the perfect umbrella for enjoying cooler days on the beach!
How to Anchor and Secure Your Beach Umbrella
One important factor in keeping your beach umbrella safe and secure is properly anchoring it into the sand. Here are some tips:
- Seek out firm, compacted sand to push the umbrella pole into at an angled position 6-12 inches deep. Avoid loose dry sand that won’t hold well.
- For built-in sand anchor systems, simply pushing the spike deep into the sand provides adequate holding power.
- Use the weight of coolers, bags, and chairs on the umbrella legs or base to add stability.
- For loose sand, purchase a specially designed beach umbrella anchor and dig it in near the pole.
- Umbrellas with guy lines should be anchored well away from the pole to form a wide base.
- Weighting umbrella bases with sandbags or buckets full of sand can prevent blowing and lifting.
- Re-check and reinforce anchoring frequently, especially after storms or crowds which can loosen sand.
- Never leave umbrellas unattended – bring them in during storms and at the end of the day to prevent wind damage.
Properly anchoring your beach umbrella means fewer instances of runaway umbrella “tumbleweeds” flying down the beach! Take the time to anchor well based on the sand conditions and umbrella design.
Beach Umbrella Care Tips
To get the most lifespan and performance out of your beach umbrella, keep these care tips in mind:
- Wipe salt water off frame and fabric after use to inhibit corrosion and deterioration.
- Allow wet umbrellas to dry fully open before closing to prevent mildew growth.
- Wash fabric with a mild soap and water solution occasionally using a soft brush to remove debris and stains.
- Use lubricating spray on joints and hinges that move and rotate to maintain smooth motion.
- Check for loose screws, damaged parts, or torn canopy sections that need repair after heavy winds.
- Replace compromised parts like bent ribs or broken connectors to restore stability and function.
- Close the umbrella whenever unattended – even gusts can invert open umbrellas, causing damage.
- Store the umbrella in a dry, covered area during off seasons to limit sun damage.
Regular care and maintenance will improve the longevity of your beach umbrella and have it ready for countless sunny beach days.
Conclusion
Having the right beach umbrella that provides ample shade, stands up to wind, and is easy to set up and transport is a must for beach days. Choices like the Tommy Bahama Sand Anchor, Sport-Brella SPF 50+ Umbrella, or Shift7 Reach Umbrella are top-rated picks combining durability, functionality, and style. Keep handy tips in mind for properly anchoring your umbrella in the sand, and give it regular TLC to extend its life. With the perfect beach umbrella, you’ll be ready to stake your claim on the sand and enjoy the beach in comfort and style this summer.
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