7 Top-Rated Pool Cabanas
Updated: Feb. 22, 2023
Towel off, sit back and catch some shade. Get inspired with this cool collection of pool cabanas for backyard summer fun.
Pool Cabana Ideas
What is a pool cabana?
A pool cabana is a permanent or temporary covered structure located beside or near a swimming pool. Providing shelter from the sun, privacy to change clothes or a place to hang out and relax, pool cabanas generally have floor-to-ceiling side curtains or solid panels on three sides, with or without windows or screens. The front of the cabana faces poolside.
Often confused with other outdoor structures, here’s what a pool cabana isn’t:
- A pool house, which is a permanent structure with walls on all four sides;
- A pergola or arbor, which have trellis roofs that allow the sun to stream through;
- A gazebo. Sure, there’s a roof for shade, but no walls for privacy.
Things to consider when shopping for a pool cabana:
- How much yard or pool deck space is available?
- What is your cabana budget?
- Do you use the pool year-round or only seasonally?
- Choose a cabana suitably constructed for your climate. Do you live where the sun is scorching hot, or windy conditions are the norm?
Let’s look at some pool cabana and cabana-inspired choices.
Instant Pool Cabana
Carve out a place in the sun. The Qipi Beach Cabana ($95) has plenty of room for shady relaxation by the pool.
With only two main parts — an umbrella and an extension pole — it’s easy to set up and take down. Clever inside pockets at the corners hold sunscreen, phones, water bottles or other small items, and a detachable wall cover of waterproof fabric provides extra shade and a wind block. Five summery patterns help set a cheerful mood.
Permanent Pool Cabana
Create endless summers with a Sanara by Summerwood permanent pool cabana ($7,800 to $9,100). Splurgy for a 6-ft. x 12-ft. cedar structure, it’s the kind of investment that will add beauty and value to your property. The DIY kit is fairly easy to put together — it comes pre-cut or pre-assembled. Save money by building it yourself, or pay a bit more for professional installation.
Pool Cabana Daybed
Feel as though you’re relaxing at a swanky tropical resort. The Devoko Patio Outdoor Round Daybed cabana ($388) invites you to stretch out on the circular chaise for a nap while the adjustable waterproof canopy blocks sunlight and wind. Sturdy steel frames provide stability and durability.
Use it as one big bed or break it up into four separate outdoor chairs for entertaining. The clamshell-style cabana comes with soft, washable cushions.
Inflatable Pool Cabana
Float away on your personal island. The Intex Canopy Island Inflatable Lounge ($199) is a blow-up refuge from the hot summer sun. It’s the ideal place to enjoy refreshing drinks for two thanks to dual cup holders (cocktail umbrellas not included). The cabana’s fabric dome provides the shade, and the mesh back lets the breeze flow through to keep you cool.
Pool Cabana for Kids
Like a private mini-beach in the backyard, the KidCraft Cabana Rectangular Sandbox with Cover ($206) keeps little kids entertained and protected from the sun and wind. The main structure, made of solid weather-resistant wood, has a cute, striped roll-up canvas cover with mesh windows to let air flow freely. Three storage bins and a plastic sandbox bottom liner are included.
Pop-Up Mini Pool Cabana
The nautical navy-and blue-striped Eagle Peak Flex Ultra Compact Pop-up Changing Room Canopy ($110) is a portable way to create an outdoor changing room by the pool or the seashore. Get instant privacy anywhere — it can also be used as a poolside showering tent. The phone booth-size cabana folds up to less than three feet tall and includes towel/clothes hooks, weight bags, storage pockets and carrying case.
Pool Cabana with Awning
Catch a cool breeze while staying out of the hot sun with the ABCCANOPY Canopy Tent ($252). This tent provides 23 square feet of cooling shade for you and your family. Water and windproof, the cabana frame is fully assembled — just pop it out of its rolling tote, cover it with the fabric and it’s ready to use in minutes. It’s available in 10-ft. x 10-ft. or 10-ft. x 20-ft. dimensions and lots of fun colors.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
Originally Published: February 17, 2021
