UV Parasol FAQs

UPF is short for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, a measure of how much of the sun's UV radiation a fabric absorbs. Fabrics are usually rated with spectrophotometer equipment. As an example, a fabric rated UPF 50 lets through only 1/50th of the sun's UV radiation, so the skin it covers receives 50 times less UV exposure (a 98% UV block). A key strength of the UPF standard is that it measures both UVA and UVB rays. Testing shows our fabric repels 99% of the sun's UV radiation, with a UPF 50+ rating, and it has also been tested by SGS to AS/NZS 4399, the Australian and New Zealand standard. UV-Blocker umbrellas provide the highest protection available on the market, and a copy of the test results is available on request.

The top canopy carries our patented Solarteck® silver coating, which bounces the sun's energy away rather than soaking it up the way dark fabric does. Warm air then escapes between the upper and lower canopies through our patented Vented Mesh System, so heat can't build up beneath you. The result is shade up to 8°C cooler than standing in direct sun.

Yes. UV-Blocker umbrellas carry the approval of the Melanoma International Foundation, and dermatologists recommend them. Lab testing to AATCC TM183-2020 showed the fabric blocks 100% of UVB and 99.97% of UVA, which gives it a UPF 50+ rating.

Only in part. A UV-Blocker umbrella stops the UV that comes from above, but some UV is reflected up from the ground: dry beach sand reflects around 15%, sea foam around 25% and fresh snow as much as 80%. The navy underside absorbs scattered UV rather than bouncing it back onto you. For complete protection, use your parasol together with broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

Every UV-Blocker umbrella has our patented Vented Mesh System, which allows wind to flow between the upper and lower canopies. That keeps the umbrella very stable in strong wind and stops it turning inside out. The ribs and spreaders are all fibreglass, so the frame stays flexible and durable on blustery days.

UV-Blocker covers the original owner with a One Year Limited Warranty against defects in material and workmanship. Should your umbrella turn out to have a defect in material or workmanship, or stop working properly, return it to us with a copy of your receipt and we'll be happy to repair or replace it. Send it to: UV-Blocker 2 Canals End Rd. STE 204-B Bristol, PA 19007-4821

Turn the anchor clockwise and its continuous spiral blade draws the auger down into the sand. It's long enough to reach through loose sand and hold a beach umbrella secure in very windy conditions. Slide the pole in and tighten the large, oversize thumbscrew, which locks against any pole 1.5 inches or less in diameter. The anchor is lightweight and safe, and it fits easily in a beach bag. To remove it, simply turn it the other way.

For sand, the sand anchor is the most secure option. Its large, oversize thumbscrew locks against any pole 1.5 inches or less in diameter, and it's lightweight, safe and small enough to pack in a beach bag. When you turn it clockwise, the continuous spiral blade pulls the auger downward, and it is long enough to reach through loose sand and keep beach umbrellas steady in very windy conditions. Turn it the opposite way to free it from the sand. Setting up on grass instead? Our metal ground anchor works very well there.

Yes. One press of the button and the umbrella opens by itself.

Designed for occasional use, the Compact UV umbrella has the smaller handle and packs down smallest, folding in (3) sections. It opens and closes automatically.

With a larger, more comfortable handle, the Travel UV umbrella folds in (2) sections. Fewer folding parts make it the stronger umbrella.

Built along the same lines as the Travel umbrella, the Large Folding UV umbrella adds a bigger frame and a canopy roomy enough for two people out sightseeing.

For every detail, open the [Specifications] tab on the Compact UV umbrella, Travel UV umbrella or Large Folding UV umbrella page on our website.

Side-by-side comparison:

No. UV-Blocker has found that a silver reflective outer canopy paired with a dark navy blue underside gives the best combination for sun protection, so we have never made UV-Blocker umbrellas in any other colours.

Lots of customers have asked us lately whether the canopy stitching on our umbrellas runs horizontally or vertically. We continually refine our craftsmanship to make the best-quality umbrellas and give our customers the best possible sun protection. In April 2017 we changed supplier and upgraded our manufacturing process, and since then the stitching has run vertically. It should look like the photo below.