A backyard pool makes summer entertaining easy, but the surrounding patio should be just as inviting as the water itself. When the afternoon heat sets in, a sunny pool deck can become less comfortable than it looks. A little shade can make all the difference, giving family and friends a place to relax without leaving the backyard.
For homeowners in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where summers bring plenty of heat and humidity, creating a comfortable poolside retreat was the goal of this project. They wanted shade when they needed it, privacy when they wanted it, and an open view of the pool and surrounding yard.
ECCO Sunroom and Awning, an authorized Aristocrat dealer serving the Virginia Beach area, brought that vision to life with a freestanding pergola with retractable shade to create a versatile outdoor space that feels comfortable without closing off the backyard.
A Freestanding Pergola with Retractable Shade Designed for Poolside Living
ECCO Sunroom and Awning designed and built a freestanding pergola canopy on the patio between the home and the pool. Its independent support posts allowed the structure to be positioned exactly where the homeowners needed shade, creating a comfortable place to unwind just steps from the water.
The pergola’s extruded aluminum framework offers a durable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood. It won’t rot or warp, and it doesn’t require routine painting or staining. The material is also well suited to the moisture and splashing that come with a poolside setting.
Finished in crisp white, the pergola complements the home’s traditional architecture. Classic rafters add a decorative touch, while the open framework keeps the space feeling bright and airy.
Retractable Canopy: Adjustable Shade for Sunny Afternoons
Beneath the pergola’s rafters, ECCO installed an Aristocrat retractable canopy. The fabric travels along tracks under the framework, creating soft, scalloped folds when extended.
On hot afternoons, the homeowners can extend the canopy to shade the seating area and make it more comfortable for lounging or entertaining. When they want more sunshine or an unobstructed view of the sky, the canopy retracts neatly out of the way.
That flexibility is especially useful around a pool, where outdoor conditions can change throughout the day. A permanent roof would provide consistent coverage, but it would also limit the amount of open sky above the patio. A retractable canopy gives the homeowners greater control, allowing them to adjust the space to suit the weather, the occasion, and their preferences.
Retractable Side Curtains for Added Comfort and Privacy
Overhead shade helps, but it doesn’t address every source of glare. As the sun moves lower in the afternoon, light can slip beneath the pergola and reflect off the pool, making it difficult to relax in the seating area.
To provide additional protection, ECCO added side curtains along the open side of the pergola. When lowered, the curtains help reduce glare from low-angle sunlight and provide a greater sense of privacy from neighboring properties. They also help define the seating area, giving it the feel of an outdoor room without enclosing the space completely.
The curtains offer another important advantage: the homeowners can enjoy added shade without giving up their view. They can still see the pool, the yard, and the trees beyond the pergola. For families, that open sightline is particularly helpful when keeping an eye on swimmers. And when the shade isn’t needed, it retracts out of sight, leaving the pergola open and unobstructed.
Why Combine a Retractable Canopy and Side Curtains?
Every outdoor space has its own needs, and poolside patios are no exception. Combining overhead shade with adjustable side curtains creates several advantages.
1. Comfort Throughout the Day
The sun doesn’t stay in one place, and neither should your shade options. An adjustable canopy and retractable side curtains make it easier to respond to changing conditions, from midday heat to late-afternoon glare.
2. A Break from Direct Sun
A shaded seating area gives swimmers and guests a comfortable place to cool off between dips in the pool. It also helps protect patio furniture and cushions from prolonged sun exposure, which can contribute to fading and wear.
3. An Open-Air Feel
Unlike a fully enclosed structure, this pergola maintains the open atmosphere of the backyard. The canopy and curtains can be retracted whenever the homeowners want more sunlight, a clearer view, or an unobstructed connection to the outdoors.
4. Durable, Low-Maintenance Construction
An aluminum pergola offers lasting performance without the regular painting or staining associated with wood. Its low-maintenance construction makes it a practical choice for a space that sees frequent use and exposure to poolside moisture.
5. A Look That Complements Your Home
Outdoor shade should feel like a natural extension of your home’s architecture and landscaping. Aristocrat offers a variety of awning and canopy fabric colors and patterns, making it easier to coordinate the canopy and curtains with your home’s exterior, patio furniture, and overall design.
Create a More Comfortable Poolside Retreat
This Virginia Beach project demonstrates how thoughtfully selected shade products can make a poolside patio more comfortable and versatile. The freestanding aluminum pergola establishes a dedicated place to relax, while the retractable canopy and side curtains give the homeowners control over overhead shade, glare, and privacy.
The result is an inviting outdoor retreat that keeps the pool and backyard in view, with the flexibility to open up or add shade whenever needed.
If you’re in the Virginia Beach area, contact ECCO Sunroom and Awning to explore options for your own backyard. Outside the area? Contact your local Aristocrat dealer to learn more about our shade solutions and request a free estimate.
