You’ve invested a lot in your hotel’s poolside furniture and aesthetic. Don’t let the sun ruin things! UV exposure poses a real threat to the durability and appearance of your hotel’s outdoor oasis. While you can’t completely avoid UV exposure, you can take smart steps to extend the useful life of exterior furniture and pool textiles at your luxury hotel or resort. 

Below, we’ll explore the impact of UV exposure on outdoor furniture and linens, as well as tips to combat this element. 

Understanding UV Radiation & Its Impact

Photodegradation is the process by which the sun’s rays break down the chemical bonds that hold molecules together. Changes at the molecular level translate to changes in the actual object itself, such as its appearance or durability. And the sun’s rays become even more intense when there’s a reflective surface nearby, like a pool or the ocean. 

When it comes to outdoor furniture and fabrics, UV exposure causes:

• Plastic tables and chairs to crack and yellow
• Wooden furniture to gray, splinter, and become brittle
• Lounge chair covers, pool towels, and other fabrics to fade, weaken, and tear
• The metal coating on chairs, tables, and umbrella stands to peel, exposing the underlying metal to rust 

Over time, you’re left with worn furniture that’s unappealing and uncomfortable. Two things no guest expects when they’re relaxing poolside. 

Ways to Manage the Effects of UV Exposure at Your Hotel

While you can’t change the weather, you can control how you organize, set up, and purchase poolside furniture and outdoor textiles. 

Use Umbrellas & Natural Shade

Install umbrellas and cabanas near the pool and dining areas to create shade. And take advantage of existing shade from buildings, trees, porches, and other outdoor structures. Place poolside furniture and outdoor dining furniture in shaded areas to minimize direct UV exposure during daylight hours. Shade isn’t just great for the furniture; it’s also a great way to help protect your guests and extend their time spent outdoors. 

Rotate Furniture

You can’t place every chair and table in the shade, but you can spread out UV exposure. Regularly rotate your outdoor chairs, side tables, dining tables, cushioned couches, and other outdoor seating. Swap furniture that’s fully exposed to the elements with furniture that’s shaded or covered. This can help prevent uneven fading and wear.

Use Lounge Chair Covers

Chaise lounge chair covers aren’t just about guest comfort and hygiene. They also instantly elevate the furniture that’s already showing signs of fading and wear by providing a uniform appearance. Consider white chaise lounge chair covers that can easily be bleached. They’re functional and look luxurious, too. 

Choose Fade-Resistant Fabrics

When shopping for umbrellas and outdoor cushions, select fabrics advertised as fade-resistant and UV-resistant. Quick-drying, easy-to-clean materials that resist mildew and mold work great for outdoor settings. When shopping for hotel pool towels, look for terms like “colorfast” or “vat-dyed” for fade-resistant options. 

Store Furniture & Towels Out of the Sun

Store pool towels and chaise lounge covers in a lidded bin or other covered area. Limiting UV exposure can help extend the useful life of pool linens, reducing the cost per use. During the offseason, use weatherproof furniture covers made of UV-resistant fabrics or store pool furniture and outdoor dining furniture in an enclosed area away from the elements. 

Invest in Quality Outdoor Hotel Furniture

Only put furniture designed to withstand the elements outside. Spending more upfront for higher-quality materials, such as teak or marine-grade polymer, could cost less per season over time than purchasing cheaper furniture. Weather-resistant furniture designed to handle UV rays, salt air, chlorine, sunscreen, and heat will last longer. 

If you aren’t in the market for new outdoor furniture, apply a UV protectant spray to your current furniture. It will help to block out UV light and protect the furniture from damage. 

Don’t Let UV Exposure Ruin Summer Fun at Your Hotel

By implementing a few strategies to combat UV exposure at your hotel or resort, you can create an outdoor space that’s comfortable, functional, and luxurious. Let Venus help with small but impactful moves like high-quality swim towels and lounge chair covers that effortlessly update any space. Speak to a textile expert today by calling 800.421.6599, or emailing sales@venusgroup.com.