8 Creative Ways to Use Your Retractable Sun Shade, Pergola, and Patio Cover All Year Round

Outdoor Covers From Pacific Awnings

At Pacific Awnings, we want you to enjoy your outdoor spaces no matter the weather and a great way to make that happen is with a retractable sun shade, pergola, or patio cover! If you’re wondering how to use our amazing outdoor products year-round, we’ll get you inspired with these top ideas and creative hacks.  

Outdoor Dining

Outdoor dining all year long? Absolutely! With a stylish patio cover or aluminum louvered pergola, you can turn the freedom of spring and summer alfresco into cozy outdoor vibes all season long and host fall-fabulous dinner parties without the BC rain washing you out. Add some twinkling lights and a few pumpkins, and you have the perfect setting for a warm, inviting fall feast that feels like magic!

Need more inspiration on outdoor dining? Try these seasonal ideas for an outdoor dining canopy.

Outdoor Movies

Looking for a fun new way to celebrate a birthday or special event? Why not bring the magic of the movies right to your backyard? Here’s how to make it happen:

Patio covers to the rescue: If your guests are too excited to wait for sundown, a patio awning is your go-to for those long summer nights. During those colder, wetter evenings here in BC, try a patio cover paired with retractable screens to save the day! Both options provide reliable shade and reduce glare, so you don’t have to wait until dusk to start your outdoor screening.

Weather and bug protection: Worried about a little West Coast sprinkle? Cozy up under your pergola with blankets, beanbag chairs, or giant Squishmallow toys, and you’re set for rain or shine! If mosquitoes tend to crash your outdoor parties, try adding retractable screens or netting to keep the pests away.

With a little creativity, you can transform your backyard into the perfect spot for a cozy outdoor movie night!

Outdoor Workout Space

Is your indoor workout area always getting overrun by the kids’ toys and clothes or your partner’s work stuff? An outdoor workout space featuring a retractable sun shade, pergola or patio cover could be the perfect solution to carve out your own dedicated fitness zone.

Here’s how:

• Create a defined space: Install an awning, patio cover or pergola over part of your patio, deck, or yard to establish a permanent workout area for your yoga mat, weights, or resistance bands.
• Weather protection: For coverage from the rain, you can enjoy exercising all year round outdoors with a patio cover or aluminum louvered pergola without worrying about unpredictable weather.
• No more clearing space: By setting up a defined zone, your workout area will always be ready when you are—no more shifting things around to make room.

With a canopy, you’ll have your own outdoor fitness oasis where you can focus and enjoy the fresh air, hassle-free!

Carport

There are plenty of great reasons to use our patio covers as carports! For starters, they help protect your vehicle from harsh UV rays and offer many other benefits:

• Rain – keep your vehicle clean and dry
• Rust – cover protection can slow down rust
• Sun – carport covers will keep you vehicle comfortable and cool. They can even prevent paint from fading!
• Storms/Hail – patio covers shield vehicles from falling branches or hail

Plus, carport covers are much cheaper to set up than a fully enclosed garage and give you a versatile outdoor space that can be used for all sorts of fun things – like the ones we’ve mentioned throughout this blog! Check out Pacific Awning’s low-maintenance patio covers. They make excellent vehicle covers!

Winter Hot Tubbing

What’s better after a long day of skiing at Mount Washington Alpine Resort than relaxing in a hot tub with your favourite drink? Adding a hot tub cover makes that experience even better by cutting down on maintenance. Here’s how:

• Protection from ice and snow: No more shovelling snow off your hot tub! A patio cover or pergola can shield it from the elements, reducing wear and tear on the equipment.
• Less debris: Keep leaves and dirt out, meaning less time cleaning filters and replacing water.
• Keeps it cozy: Patio covers help retain heat, saving your heating system from overworking and extending its lifespan.
• Wind protection: Covers, especially with the addition of screens or privacy walls act as a windbreak, keeping chilly gusts from ruining your hot tub vibe.
• Protects sensitive parts: Your hot tub’s equipment is safe from harsh weather, meaning fewer repairs and replacements.

For an extra touch of luxury, consider adding an outdoor heater to keep your towels and flip-flops warm and your deck ice-free. Check out the Bromic Heating collection at Pacific Awnings for the perfect fit for your space.

Pro tip: Open all waterfall valves and jets to prevent water from freezing in the pipes!

Children’s Play Area

Awnings aren’t just great for kids’ play areas – they’re a game-changer for caregivers too! With retractable sunshades, you get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the morning sunshine during warmer months by keeping the shade open, then extend it in the afternoon when things heat up, giving everyone a cool, comfy spot to keep the fun going. 

These are the perfect spots to set up sandboxes, splash pools, or an outdoor fingerpaint adventure!

Year Round Usage and Security for a Pool

A retractable pool enclosure does more than give you privacy – it lets you enjoy swimming all year long! At Pacific Awnings, our retractable pool enclosures are built to withstand Canada’s toughest weather, including heavy snowfalls!

Safety is key, too! According to HealthLink BC, pools should have barriers like lockable gates and fences. These can easily be added to your pool dome, making sure small children, infants, and pets stay safe by preventing unsupervised access. So, you get privacy, safety, and year-round swimming all in one!

Pro Tip: With all outdoor shade products, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on regular maintenance, including removing snow and ice and retracting shades during extreme weather events to prolong your shade’s longevity.

Protection from Sun, Rain, Cold or Wind With a Retractable Sun Shade, Aluminum Louvered Pergola or Patio Cover from Pacific Awnings

At Pacific Awnings, Vancouver Island’s largest awning retailer, we’re all about helping you make the most of your outdoor spaces year-round. With our stylish and functional retractable sun shades, pergolas, awnings, patio covers and screens, enjoying the outdoors has never been easier or more comfortable.

Our team is ready to customize the perfect weather solutions for you for every season on beautiful Vancouver Island, making sure your outdoor area stays cozy and functional when you need it to. Got questions? Our friendly specialists are here to help – let’s make you our next happy customer!