Not all beach umbrellas are created equal. Purchase an umbrella that meets your specific needs. If you are concerned about sun overexposure, buy an umbrella that has an SPF rating. Although an umbrella provides shade, it does not necessarily provide sufficient sun protection to prevent you from burning or tanning. If you are particularly fair skinned, purchase an umbrella with a higher SPF. Be aware, however, that no beach umbrella can completely block out the sun. Back up sun protection with a hat and sunscreen. If you go to the beach alone, purchase a small umbrella that will be easy for you to carry. If your beach group is larger, buy an umbrella that is large enough to provide shade for several people. This may mean purchasing more than one umbrella. In addition, select an umbrella that has a wooden pole with a pointed end, as these are easier to secure in the sand.
If ripped out of the ground by wind, umbrellas can become dangerous projectiles. Thus, installing umbrellas securely will prevent you from having to worry about high winds turning your umbrellas into a weapon. To properly install the umbrella, shove the pointed end as deep into the sand as you can. Rock the pole back and forth to push it further into the sand. Continue until the pole is 18 inches deep. Make a mark on the umbrella before you put it in the sand to indicate how far you should rock it into the sand. Tilt the umbrella in the direction of the wind. This will prevent the wind from catching under the umbrella and pulling it out of the sand.
Salty wind, water and the sun's rays can help wear down your beach umbrella. There is no way to prevent this from happening, but you can slow down the process by cleaning the beach umbrella often. Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bucket. Use a sponge to wipe down the inside and outside of the umbrella. Be careful to also clean the hinges. This will remove the salt, which can jam the hinges and make them harder to use. Keep the umbrella open until it is completely dry. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing and rust from forming. Lubricate the hinges with oil as soon as you notice that they're stiff.
