Beach Umbrella Guide

SPF measurements are done on human subjects. SPF is a gauge of how much time a person can be exposed to the sun before getting burned. Although sunscreens with identical SPF numbers give you equivalent sunburn protection from UVB rays, no sunscreen product screens out all UVA rays. Some may advertise UVA protection, but the current SPF standard does not measure the amount of UVA protection.

UPF measurements of fabrics are generally tested by spectrophotometer equipment and are not tested using human subjects. The UPF rate indicates how much of the sun's UV radiation is absorbed by the fabric. For example, a fabric with a UPF rating of 50 only allows 1/50th of the sun's UV radiation to pass through it. This means that this fabric will reduce your skin's UV radiation exposure by 50 times (98% UV block) in areas where the skin is protected by the fabric.

Beach Umbrellas generally come are made using several different types of materials. 

• Pole materials are usually made from either: Aluminum, steel, or wood. 
  
• Rib materials can range from: fiber glass, steel, or  wood.
   
• Fabric materials may range from: Polyester, Poly/nylon, Canvas, Acrylic, or Sumbrella© fabric. (Some fabrics may contain silver reflective lining.)

Another feature that may be included in a beach umbrella is a vent. Vents are located on the top of the umbrella and allows for the passing of air through the middle of the canopy. The passing of air through the umbrella dramatically increases the umbrellas wind resistance, in turn increasing the life span of the umbrella and decreases the chances of the umbrella becoming unsecured from the sand or anchor.

6-7 foot umbrellas are smaller beach umbrellas and usually weigh between 4-7lbs. The 6-7 foot measurement is not the height of the umbrella but the size of the canopy part of the beach umbrella. 6-7 foot umbrella have less material which in turn makes them lighter. These umbrellas are usually big enough for 2 people to fit comfortably in the shade. Most of the 6-7 foot umbrella poles are 1.25 inches thick and fit into the sand grabber and umbrella mounts which have a diameter of 1.37 inches. All beach umbrellas come with a carrying case.

7-13 foot Beach Umbrellas are larger umbrellas and usually weigh between 7-25lbs. The 7-13 foot measurement is not the height of the umbrella but the size of the canopy part of the beach umbrella. 7-13 foot beach umbrellas have larger materials which makes them heavier than the 6-7 foot umbrellas. These umbrellas are usually big enough to fit up to 4 people in a shaded area. The beach umbrellas in the 7-13 foot umbrella category have different diameter poles ranging from 1.25 inches to over 1.5 inches. The Standard sand anchors and umbrella mounts are 1.37 inches thick which would accommodate only some of the umbrellas in the 7-13 foot umbrella category. Make sure you check the diameter of the pole before purchasing the umbrella anchor or sand grabber.

Wood pole umbrellas vary in size: ranging from 1-2 inches. Wood pole umbrellas will not rust which dramatically increases the life span of the umbrella if it is going to be used at the beach. Wood pole umbrella are usually heavy then aluminum or steel pole umbrellas which make them more durable but also a little heavier and not as easy to carry. Most wood pole umbrellas do not come with a tilting mechanism and do not have built in anchors. Wood pole Umbrellas are not only useable at the beach but also as market and patio umbrellas.

Market and patio umbrellas are usually larger, heavier, and more durable umbrellas. They are specifically designed to with stand heavier weather conditions and are usually supported with an umbrella base. Most of the market and patio umbrellas do not come with umbrella bases; however umbrella bases are available for purchase.

There are many kinds of commercial umbrellas. Some of umbrellas have fabrics designs that cater to the business that uses the umbrella. Some examples include Pretzel stand umbrellas, Hot dog stand umbrellas, and life guard umbrellas. Commercial umbrellas are made with very strong and durable materials and are designed to with stand years or use. If you are a resort or hotel that requires strong beach umbrellas, some of the commercial umbrellas will provide your guests with years of shade with these umbrellas.

A clamp on umbrella is smaller portable umbrella that is designed to attach to the top of a beach chair or beach lounger. It is generally large enough to provide shade to a majority of your body. Clamp on umbrella are designed to fit any and all chairs. It is attached using an adjustable clamp that is made to fit any size chair.

Using a sand grabber is one of the easiest ways to anchor an umbrella. It’s not only fast but it is also one of the strongest ways to anchor a beach umbrella. In order to properly anchor the umbrella begin first by taking just the sand grabber and holding it above the sand with the Screw like bottom facing down. Grab a hold of the handles located at the top of the grabber and begin to screw the grabber into the sand until circular disc is complete submerged into the sand. After adjust the fastener and slide in the umbrella. After the umbrella is in place tighten the fastener and you will ready to go.