Breathable Fabric Shade Structures

Breathable Fabric Shade Structures

by Danielle Cibello
Apollo Sunguard Systems, Inc

Family resorts are always looking for something new and innovative to attract guests and keep them returning. Most family resorts have similar site amenities - pools, playgrounds, outdoor dining, tennis courts, etc. that don’t always set themselves apart from their competition. How can you set your family resort apart from the family resort next door? The answer is as simple as these four words – breathable fabric shade structures.

What are breathable fabric shade structures?
In simple terms, breathable fabric shade structures mimic large oak trees. They consist of a breathable fabric canopy supported by a steel frame. The breathable fabric allows the air to flow freely which imitates the air flow through the leaves and branches of a large shade tree. Only, unlike trees, breathable fabric shade structures provide instant shade and require less maintenance. Furthermore, breathable fabric shade structures separate themselves from traditional canvas or waterproof structures that don’t allow airflow, thus trapping the heat and creating an oven effect. Breathable fabric shade structures lower temperatures 20 degrees and provides up to 97% ultraviolet protection from the sun’s harsh rays.

Below are ten reasons why breathable fabric shade structures will set your resort apart and increase your bottom line:

1. Return on Investment (ROI)
Fabric shade structures have a significantly lower price tag than most other standard building structures. There are cost savings to every aspect – materials, construction and installation, and maintenance and replacement. Fabric cost less per square foot than most building materials. Labor is minimal and they require little maintenance. Ultimately they provide maximum return for minimum cost.

2. Happy Guests and Happy Employees
Does your resort have an outdoor recreation or dining area that is under-utilized due to the hot sun? Fabric shade structures cover any outside area and allow your guests to eat, drink, relax and play - even during oppressively hot months! Not only are fabric shade structures economical, they also increase turnout and the longevity of a guest’s stay!

Let’s not forget about your employees. They often spend a large part of the day outside attending to guests. In hot weather, this leads to heat-related illnesses and someone becoming weak, tired, less alert, unable to use good judgment, and not able to do their job well. A guest will respond to an employee’s behavior. A rude or unhappy employee equals an unhappy and unsatisfied guest. A happy employee equals a happy and satisfied guest - leading to repeat business.

3. Cool Comfort
The air flowing through breathable fabric shade structures reduces the ambient temperature up to 20 degrees. That is the difference between a guest sitting by the pool, ordering one beverage, quickly leaving to escape the heat, and a guest relaxing longer in the cool shade. Keep your guests lounging by the pool all day instead of just a couple of hours…or worse, a few minutes!

4. Mommy Factor
Sun safety has become an integral part of daily living today, especially for families with small children. Skin cancer rates are rising and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a leading contributor. Parents are becoming more and more aware of the dangers associated with exposure to the sun. In addition to the skin cancer risk, hot playground equipment surfaces have lead to children burning their tender skin. Many parents will only allow their children to play on playgrounds covered with shade.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), approximately 1 out of every 5 children in the United States will grow up to have some form of skin cancer. Something as simple as shaded areas over outdoor spaces is the solution. Having a shaded resort will actively promote the prevention of skin cancer and other heat-related illnesses. Proactive shade creation in architectural designs will increase public health awareness to the negative effects of sun exposure. Parents will choose a safe resort over an unsafe resort any day.

5. Word of Mouth Advertising
Nothing beats word of mouth advertising. Not only is it a free way to promote your resort, it is also the most effective. People are more likely to listen to and believe someone they know, rather than a magazine or television ad. There is an element of trust in this form of advertising that no amount of money in the world can buy.

6. Design Diversity
Fabric shade structures come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be customized to meet the unique needs and feel of your resort and help you establish an identity that sets you apart from the competition. The beauty of shade structures is that they are not only functional, they are custom designed to reflect and enhance the current architectural design of your resort.

7. Commands Attention
Don’t forget the aesthetically-pleasing quality of fabric shade structures. Light and aerodynamic, they provide a lasting impression. They transform any existing space and provide a focal point and attractiveness to any site. The bright colors and design possibilities turn these structures into a key marketing tool as well as a facility amenity. Similar to a billboard, you can customize your versatile shade structure by advertising your resort name or logo directly on the fabric canopy.

8. Environment-Friendly “Green” Product
Over the years, our protective atmospheric system has been damaged and ultraviolet radiation levels are rising. Global warming is now an established fact. Environment preservation is necessary to slow down this detrimental problem. Fabric shade structures are environment-friendly products that are 100% recyclable and support a green living philosophy. They play a key role in conserving energy by reducing the amount of energy resources required for cooling people and property.

9. Property Longevity
Synthetic materials such as polyethylene make fabric shade structures fade- and weather-resistant. Adding fabric shade structures to your resort will extend the life of equipment and property they cover including cars, tables, chairs, playground equipment, etc. Equipment and furniture will look brand new, not old and faded – even after years of use.

10. Nothing Says You Care More…
Including fabric shade structures in your outside décor will show your guests and employees that you care about providing a healthy, cool and comfortable environment to relax and work. Nothing says you care more about your guests and employees.

Conclusion
It’s amazing how something as simple as shade reaps a lifetime of benefits. Fabric shade structures provide the perfect solution to your guests’ and employees’ need for comfort and safety, and your desire to boost your bottom line. Attracting people to take full advantage of a fabric shade structure’s comfort and safety benefits leads to an unlimited return on your investment. Bring your resort front and center in the hospitality industry.