How to secure freestanding market umbrella

[Flbeachluvr]

We recently planted a large upright Elephant Ear plant in the corner by our pool. It needs some shade so we bought a market umbrella and a heavy base. We also tied the umbrella to the fence (you can see the ropes in the pic if you look closely). When we came home from work yesterday the umbrella had fallen backwards over the fence. Anyone have any hints/ideas how to better secure it? We really like how it looks but it defeats the purpose if it gets blown down every afternoon.

 

[Jezza]

I don't know what kind of base you have but we had a similar problem with our umbrella in the poolyard. That was until we bought a concrete base which is much stronger than the plastic version with sand that we had before.

Just a thought- could digging the base down into the ground be an option?

 

[Reddogdan]

Academy has sand anchor screws for beach umbrellas. Not sure on diameter.

 

[Flbeachluvr]

The base is one of those plastic ones that came pre-filled with sand. Originally we were just going to just put the pole of the umbrella into the ground but wanted to have the option to move it for parties if we wanted. I'm not sure if the concrete ones work better?

 

[pooldv]

We have two 40lb granite umbrella bases from Lowes. They've worked great for 5+ years. They have never tipped over.

 

[Flbeachluvr]

We have two 40lb granite umbrella bases from Lowes. They've worked great for 5+ years. They have never tipped over.

Are they in a table or just freestanding? We do get afternoon wind gusts here in Central Florida. Could you post a pic of what you have please?

 

[AftonJeeper]

I like the idea of digging the base down. If you wanted to use the base someplace else you could buy a piece of pipe that's big enough for the umbrella to slide into and bury that.

 

[pooldv]

Are they in a table or just freestanding? We do get afternoon wind gusts here in Central Florida. Could you post a pic of what you have please?

Freestanding until this year, now one is in a table. There are lots of pics in my pool thread, link in sig.

 

[Flbeachluvr]

Freestanding until this year, now one is in a table. There are lots of pics in my pool thread, link in sig.

Nice pics. Your yard is much more sheltered than ours. We are in a new neighborhood without many trees and the afternoon wind gusts can be brutal. Our gas barbecue has actually blown over a couple of times.

 

[pooldv]

Our gas barbecue has actually blown over a couple of times.

Oh my! That might need some reinforcements!

 

[isriam]

buy a pot from lowes and 2 60lb bags of cement, 1.5" pipe and you're done. i built my umbrella base for 18 bucks. weighs 70lbs and won't tip over if you use a wide pot.

 

[Flbeachluvr]

I might try putting sand bags around the base.

 

[camueller]

buy a pot from lowes and 2 60lb bags of cement, 1.5" pipe and you're done. i built my umbrella base for 18 bucks. weighs 70lbs and won't tip over if you use a wide pot.

I need to do this. I'm curious though, how big of a pot do you need to fit 2 60lb bags of cement?

 

[Flbeachluvr]

We ended up using two 60 lb bags of concrete and put them in thick plastic garbage bags. So far so good but we have been putting the umbrella down when we get our crazy Florida weather.

 

[Esloser]

what about adding a piece of pvc to the fence and sliding the umbrella through that? So you are anchoring it to the fence higher up then just the base?

 

[isriam]

i actually found the plastic drink carriers that home depot sells with 2 handles on the sides, with 1 bag of concrete and 1.5" pvc works perfectly. I've been perfecting the art and thats my go to umbrella stand now.

 

[camueller]

i actually found the plastic drink carriers that home depot sells with 2 handles on the sides, with 1 bag of concrete and 1.5" pvc works perfectly. I've been perfecting the art and thats my go to umbrella stand now.

Like these?

HOMZ 18 Gal. Rope Handle Tub in Blue (4-Pack)-0402KBLEC.04 - The Home Depot

I agree, that would be nice. But that's pricey. I think I saw them for cheaper at Rural King though.

I made mine with a large flower pot and 2 bags of 50lb quick set quikrete. I had some leftover concrete that I didn't need. It is plenty heavy, but I forgot to put handles on it.

 

[Nectarologist]

I just had my patio umbrella break for good this weekend when it blew over There are in ground anchors for sale that I'm considering but they are expensive. See this link: https://www.amazon.com/Greencorner-B7-Ground-Umbrella-Aluminum/dp/B003EBJ4P4 Essentialy what you'd put next to the pool (in the decking). I might bite the bullet, not sure.

I wish I could find a mesh-type umbrella that would allow wind to pass through better than the vent on top of the umbrellas. I just need it for shade, not to totally block the sun and I don't use it when raining.

 

[yankeelawyer]

We are in a windy area and discovered that our umbrellas blow over despite having 55lb bases. I just ordered/received weight bags (small bags to fill with sand) from Rhino:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=umbrella+weight

The bags hold 2 bags (100lbs total) of play sand.

We plan to DIY some bases using planters filled with concrete which, at around 80lbs, typically work well. In the meantime, we will use the sand bag weights to secure them.