When temperatures soar to over 100 degrees in an Arizona summer, there’s no better way to cool down than to take a dip in a cold, refreshing pool. Whether you’re floating in the water, or splashing around with the kids, never forget the health risks that the sun poses to you and your family. With the harmful UV rays shining down on you (and reflecting off of a pool), there are many things you can do to limit your health risks. Remember that the sun can give you sunburns that can be so painful that you feel you cannot move and it itches, it can cause blistering, it can prematurely age you, and you can develop freckles and moles that can then turn into cancer.
Even if you don’t plan on hopping in the pool this summer, here are tips to make sure you all have fun while still being safe.
Lather on the SPF
The most important thing to remember when you’re out in the sun (going swimming or not) is to apply sunscreen. If you will be hanging out at the pool, the number one rule is to reapply – and liberally. The CDC recommends using at least an SPF of 15 prior to going outside. Of course, the higher the SPF number the more protection it is supposed to give. You should reapply every two hours, or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Last but not least, make sure your sunscreen has not expired. If it does not have an expiration date, sunscreen typically has a shelf life of about three years.
All Pro Shade Concepts installs custom window sun screens, awnings, and patio shades; and are the leading shade providers in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, the East Valley (Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Queen Creek) and West Valley (Phoenix, Glendale, Sun City, Laveen, Peoria, Avondale, Goodyear).
A hat is definitely a good thing to wear while relaxing in the pool. Also consider wearing sunglasses. Not only will they protect your eyes from the bright sunlight and reflection of the sun off the pool, but it protects your eyes from sun damage along with the skin surrounding your eyes.
Protective Clothing
Another way to protect yourself is to cover your skin whenever possible. If you are not swimming and can bear to put on some sort of clothing (thin and light would be best in the heat), that would help against the harmful UV rays. Additionally, it would be a good idea to wear a sun hat. It will give you shade on your face and neck, and if the brim is large enough, it could even give you some protection on your shoulders.
Find Shade
The last way to protect you and your family from the harsh sun is to hang out in the shade whenever possible. That could be sitting under a big tree, under a patio umbrella, or under an awning or patio shade. A Patio umbrella is an easy, inexpensive option, but if you’re having a party, it would not be sufficient to provide shade for everyone.
When trying to provide the most shade as possible in your yard, think of installing an awning or patio shades.
An awning gives you additional shade on your patio. It increases the amount of shaded area by attaching it to your home and extending out. Awnings are typically retractable so they don’t always need to be out.
A patio shade attaches to your existing patio and comes down like a window shade so it can block the sun from coming into your patio. It can also block out winds, bugs and dirt when retracted down.
Let’s Get Started!
All Pro Shade Concepts specializes in the honest & professional installation of custom window screens, awnings, & patio shades.
If you’re trying to decide between an awning or patio shade, you can always consult the experts at All Pro Shade Concepts. They offer a free home inspection to determine what shade solutions would best fit your needs and your home. They even create shade solutions that can be controlled by your smartphone! Contact them at 623-204-1476 for more information.
Don’t let the sun beat you out of your fun this summer!
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