How to Buy a Sun Sail

When installing or considering a sun sail, you should think about a few factors:

1. While the sun moves across the sky, your sun sail will be static.

   To get the best shade you should track the sun for a few days to see what your normal sun path looks like. You should also note that this may change seasonally. So if you are measuring in the spring, your path will move in the summer and fall. Be prepared to tack and make adjustments your first year/season. Note: Sun sails are made to be stretched, so as they stretch they will curve. Remember that you will have less shade at the corners and edges vs the center. Take this in to consideration when looking for the correct size or shape.

   
   

2. Slope and twist

   Once you have anchor points and you have your sun path laid out, you should consider sloping and or twisting your sun sail. We suggest the slope for three sided shades as sun sails are not meant to hold water. You want rain to be able to run off and not pool. Pooling will damage your sun sail and may even warp it due to water weight. If you have a four sided sail, we also recommend a hyper twist (two corners angled up and two angled down). This position helps prevent water pooling in four sided sails, especially as your anchors loosen due to wear.

   
   

3. Your anchors are key

   Their name says it all, sun sail, they will pick up and hold wind. To prevent them from flying off or breaking part of your property, make sure you have strong and sturdy anchor points such as a strong tree, steel or wooden posts, or an appropriate wall. If you are considering adding an anchor point to your yard or deck to accommodate a sun sail, we highly recommend you look at the sun sail’s instructions and information. Your local hardware store might also be able to help if you have additional questions. We also would suggest that you have the ability to reposition it if needed. Storms happen and you should be able to move anchors if needed.

   Note: To adjust for a slope or twist, make sure you can move your anchor pants up or down.

   
   

4. Pick a functional color/fabric:

   Sun sails come in many colors and finishes. Some come with protective finishes that block UV rays. Lighter colors will let more light through vs darker colors. If you pick a colored sun sail for a pool or water area, the water will pick up the color so you may not want to pick a red, orange or yellow sun sail. Make sure you pick a product that is well rated, has double stitching at minimum, and has marine grade eyelets. The last thing you want is for your sun sail to rust and fall apart at the corners.

   
   

5. Heat, stretch, and upkeep:

   Don’t assume your sun sail is appropriate to use any where near an open flame, (fireplace, fire pit) or any patio heaters. Make sure they are well away from any heat source. Always make sure that they are fully stretched but not over or under stretched. Under stretching will allow them to pick up wind and hold water. Over stretching them will not allow for any give when it’s windy making them likely to snap and break. In the fall, put your sail away in a dry location. Never store it wet, as it may develop mildew.

   
   

We hope this helps guide you to your ideal sun sail and provides much needed shade to your backyard oasis in the spring and summer months.