Amazon’s bestselling sunshade blocks 95% of UV rays for only $26

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Why we love this deal

As much as we’ve looked forward to blue skies and days filled with lots of sun, our skin simply can’t handle the 24/7 exposure while sitting outside all day. And when temperatures really heat up, shade is your best friend. Umbrellas or gazebo coverings might be the more traditional choice to help you set up the perfect spot, but sunshades, like the Sunny Guard Sunshade Sail, offer a few advantages that might make you reconsider what you’re purchasing this year. Sunshades offer protection without cluttering your outdoor area since they are suspended from existing structures or outer posts, and they’re great at covering larger areas, which is ideal when you have a big patio or deck.

Originally $30, this sunshade, which comes in a variety of sizes and colors, is on sale for 13% off thanks to a free coupon available at Amazon. Just be sure to apply the coupon before adding one to your cart, and you’ll see the full discount at checkout. The bestseller has over 12,500 ratings and is the perfect way to stay cool on a budget when those sunny rays really get you sweating. 

Sunny Guard Sunshade Sail, $26 (was $30) at Amazon

Why do shoppers love it?

Sunshades provide large-scale UV protection in areas where umbrellas simply can’t. A large umbrella can cover maybe six to seven people at once, but even then, you have some folks half in, half out of the sun — and really, who wants that? This sunshade comes in square and triangle shapes, and is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 6.5 feet by 10 feet, providing 65 square feet of shade, up to 20 feet by 36 feet, providing 520 square feet of shade. 

Unlike an umbrella, which typically requires a base or stand to use it, sunshades can be secured to existing structures, like exterior house walls or roofs, as well as separate support beams using hardware. In this case, there’s no trouble or concern about a clunky, heavy umbrella base taking up space or creating a tripping hazard. The sun sail is up and out of the way. 

This sail is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material that blocks up to 95% of UV rays and direct sunlight exposure. It’s super resistant to wear-and-tear, and can withstand all kinds of weather, including wind gusts up to about 31 miles an hour. Because of its breathability, the fabric actually promotes air circulation, so cool air can flow freely, and hot air doesn’t get trapped underneath. It can actually cool areas underneath it by about 10 to 20 degrees. The downside is that because it’s a semi-permeable fabric, the sail is not 100% waterproof. Rainwater will drip and flow through gradually. During installation, it’s best to set up the shade at an angle so that water can’t build up in any one place, since that can cause sagging. 

Related: Amazon has an outdoor storage shed with lockable doors for $260

Although support beams and the necessary hardware for installation aren’t included with your purchase, you do get three to four thickened ropes for attachment purposes, which connect to the D-rings at the corners of each sail. They’re great as a temporary setup when you don’t have permanent hardware installed. 

What to expect from a $26 sunshade: Pros and cons

Pros

• Provides lots of shade: At its smallest size, the sunshade provides 65 square feet of shade, and at its largest, it provides 520 square feet of shade. 
• Cooling and protective: The UV-resistant sunshade blocks up to 95% of UV rays and direct sunlight and promotes air circulation to keep areas underneath it up to 20 degrees cooler. 
• Temporary setup provided: Even though hardware and the poles for installation are not provided with your purchase, the sunshade comes with thickened ropes that can be used for a temporary setup, so you don’t have to wait to enjoy it. 

Cons

• Assembly required: The lightweight sunshade has to be installed with hardware for long-term use. 
• Poles not included: The sunshade is the only thing you receive with your purchase. You must purchase poles and mounting hardware separately. 

“This shade sail has been a great addition to our backyard,” one shopper said. “It provides a lot of shade and stays in place even on breezy days.” 

Other shoppers appreciate the sturdy, strong feel of the fabric, and like that it blocks the sun effectively without making your outdoor space feel dark. Installation is easy, especially with the help of the stainless steel D-rings at the corners of the sail, but some shoppers prefer to invest in sturdier materials other than the included thickened ropes for a more refined and sturdier fixture. “Handled wind and rain with no issues,” another shopper said. 

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• Jearey 9-Foot Outdoor Patio Umbrella, $38 (was $50) at Amazon

Save your money and get more shaded space with the Sunny Guard Sunshade Sail. Thanks to Amazon’s coupon, you can get it for only $26, far more affordable than any gazebo or umbrella would be.