Shade sails can be installed in many places, decks, pools, or anywhere you want to hide from the sun. High-quality shade sails can also be used as a temporary carport. But how to install a shade sail is definitely not a very easy task, and different shapes of shade sails can be installed in different ways.
In order for you to safely and quickly install the shade sail, we have prepared this article with a detailed installation process that will solve all your problems during the installation process. You can also watch the following videos to get more information.
All about sun shade sails
Types of sun shade sails
There are three shapes of shade sails, triangular, square, and rectangular.All are great shapes for shade sails, and the exact shape you choose can depend on your needs.
- Triangular shade sails for small decks, balconies or entrances and other small areas where shade is needed.Triangular shade sail is also very suitable for multiple splicing together, more will have a modern minimalist style.
- Square shade sails are more suitable for backyards, outdoor restaurants or other commercial activities.
- Rectangular shade sails are usually the largest in size, so they are perfect for use as shade for pools and driveways. It can keep your pool cool while avoiding leaves, etc. from entering.
Size of sun shade sails
At Quictent, there are several sizes of sunshade sails to choose from. The nature of a shade sail is such that the range it can shade does not match its own size. Please refer to this size guide before making a decision on your purchase.
| Size | Coverable space size |
|---|---|
| 12' x 12' x 12' Triangle Shade Sail | 14 to 18 ft |
| 16' x 16' x 16' Triangle Shade Sail | 18 to 22 ft |
| 10'x 13' Rectangle Shade Sail | 12 to 16 ft by 15 to 19 ft |
| 20' x 16' Rectangle Shade Sail | 22 to 26 ft by 18 to 22 ft |
| 26' x 20' Rectangle Shade Sail | 28 to 32 ft by 20 to 26 ft |
| 20' x 20' Square Shade Sail | 22 to 26 ft |
| 24' x 24' Square Shade Sail | 26 to 30 ft |
In Quictent you can find these three shapes and different sizes.
(Quictent shade sail)
The material used for the shade sail is high-quality HDPE, heavy-duty but breathable, making it very light and portable as well as easy to store. The canvas edge of the shade sail is made of heavy-duty double reinforced stitched edges to protect it from tearing and deformation. It extends the service life and saves money at the same time. Under such a sunshade sail can feel 20 degrees cooler and can block 98% of the sunlight！
Process of installation
Before you actually start the installation here are a few things you need to be aware of. First, think about the size of the shade sail you want to buy and where you want to install it. Secondly, think about the direction of the sun so that you can install it in the right place. If the installation point has its own fixed point such as a tree or a railing then you don't have to worry about the rest. If you need to install the pole yourself, then check with your local agency for building codes to avoid any legal issues that may arise.
Placement of sunshade sails
There are also several different ways to place the shade sail.
- horizontally, with all the corners at the same height. This placement is suitable for placing over the pool, but it looks boring.
- Slanted or I recommend that some corners are high and some are lowered, for example, a triangular shade sail can have two corners high and one low. Rectangles and squares shade sail can have two corners at different heights. This is also called hyperbolic style. The style of placement all depends on your needs. Just be careful to stay away from open flame areas.
(Sunshade sail illustration)
Material of fixing pole and installation method
Fixed posts are generally divided into two materials, wood or steel. Wood can be considered as treated softwood or durable hardwood. These you can choose from at your local wood supplier. Steel tubes can also be obtained from hardware stores, and the lengths that should be calculated can be cut. Also, you can paint it in the color you like. Before making a purchase you should consider the height of your sail plus the depth of insertion into the soil.
(Sunshade sail)
The way it is placed will vary depending on where it is placed. Measure out the center of the foundation location and mark it as shown. Dig the hole 400 mm (16 inches) square and 800 mm (32 inches) deep.
- Solid ground.Lay 100 mm (4 in.) deep 20 mm (3/4 in.) diameter gravel at the base of the column.
- Soft ground.Pour 100 mm (4 in.) deep concrete at the bottom of the hole to provide a firm pad. Insert the post and use a rope to ensure that the post is in a vertical position. Temporarily support the post.
- The use of wooden posts requires a 10 cm deep layer of 3/4 inch diameter gravel at the base of the post. Use lag bolts partially driven into the posts to insert them and secure them in place. Use ropes to ensure they are in a vertical position. Temporarily support the pillars until the concrete sets.
- The use of steel pipe posts likewise requires a 10 cm depth of 3/4-inch diameter gravel to be placed at the bottom of the hole. Next, pour concrete 10 cm deep to provide a solid base. Patio stones can be used instead of poured concrete. Insert the post and run a compression bolt through the post to keep it secure. Pour a concrete base to temporarily support the post until the concrete sets.
Note that to ensure safety please wait 48 hours after the concrete is poured for the posts to be completely solid， before starting to hang the shade sails.
Installation hardware kit
Attach the hardware kit to the installation points as needed. Make sure that all connections are facing the middle of the sail and are tightly secured. Check again to make sure all mounting points are secure. Spread the shade out and attach each corner to the attachment points. Make sure to level your posts and pentagonal steel hooks and make sure the corners you want the water to flow away from are slightly lower than the other points. Because water flows by gravity, it will always flow to the lowest point.
Pulling the fabric tight
String the awning up using the awning attachment set and start turning the stainless steel swivel hooks clockwise to tighten them. The more you turn the hooks, the tighter the awning should become. Tighten it until all the creases are gone from the awning and you will be satisfied with the shade it produces. But please do not over tighten it, you can also re-tighten it periodically if needed.
(Quictent triangular shade sail)
Care and preservation guide
You should note that shade sails are not suitable for extreme weather such as storms, snow. Please remove the sunshade sail if it is in such a season, as such weather may cause the hardware to rust.
Although some of Quictent's shade sails are fire retardant, it is still not a good idea to build a fire directly under the shade sails. Because having flame resistance does not mean it is fire proof, and the sheltered environment can easily collect toxic fumes.
Your shade sails can always be cleaned with a solution of mild detergent and water. Use a sponge or a very soft brush to scrub. Allow the solution to remain on the fabric for 10 minutes, followed by a thorough rinse with water. Do not put the fabric in the washing machine, clothes dryer, or scrub with a stiff brush, rinse pad, or abrasive cleaner.
(Pool shade sail)
To ensure safety, please check the fabric and hardware of the shade sails regularly to make sure there are no tears or looseness. Also, keep the fabric clean and use a broom of sufficient length to clean leaves or other debris from the sunshade sails.
Please make sure that the shade sail is dry before storing it again, if it is still wet when stored then there is a high risk of mold growth. It is best to put it in a storage bag and put it in a dry place. All of the above maintenance methods can extend the life of the sunshade sail. If you have any questions about the installation process then you can click on this page to solve them.
