A Guide to Patio Umbrella Lights

 

Patio umbrella lights are a great way to light up your patio, deck, or other outdoor living area. The lights from the umbrella will bathe the table underneath with soft light – not glaring, but enough light to eat by. If you’ve been thinking about patio lights, don’t overlook the convenience and beauty of patio umbrella lights.

 

What are patio umbrella lights?

 

Patio umbrella lights are a series of small lights that are permanently attached to a patio umbrella, usually along the umbrella ribs. That means you never have to worry about stringing the lights, removing the lights, or storing the lights. When you put away the umbrella, the lights fold up automatically.

 

Different types of patio umbrella lights  

 

Generally speaking, the biggest difference among patio umbrella lights is their power source. Some run on a battery, some on solar power, and some have to be plugged into an electrical outlet.

 

Most of the battery-powered patio umbrella lights are powered by a battery that’s re-chargeable. Most use size D batteries and provide enough light to see by, but not enough to attract mosquitoes and other annoying insects. These lights last a long time, and if one burns out, the rest remain lit. With this type of patio umbrella lights, you’re not limited to location due to the need for an electrical outlet, so you can have lighted table seating anywhere.

 

Solar patio umbrella lights are very popular. Like the battery-powered umbrella lights, these don’t need a power source. They make their own energy from sunlight. A solar panel on the umbrella collects sunlight all day and transforms it into usable energy for the umbrella lights. When it gets dark outside, the lights come on automatically. The next morning at sunrise, the lights turn themselves off.

 

For the patio umbrella lights that need an electrical outlet, the best kind is the one that has a “power pod” on the umbrella or table. You’ve probably seen this same concept with artificial Christmas trees – where the lights can be plugged directly into the tree, and the tree is plugged into the wall. The same principle applies to this type of umbrella light. As an added bonus, the power pod often has an extra electrical outlet, so you can also enjoy a radio, a small television, or an electric grill at the same time the table is being illuminated. Better yet, plug in the blender and make a few frosty drinks!

 

How much do patio umbrella lights cost?

 

Patio umbrella lights are surprisingly affordable. You can find a string of battery-powered patio umbrella lights with a timer for around $20. Umbrella lights with a power pod receptacle can be found for about $70. If you want to buy a patio umbrella with lights already attached, expect to pay at least $75.

 

Where to buy patio umbrella lights

 

You can probably find some patio umbrella lights at your local pool and patio store or at home improvement centers. To find the largest number of choices and to do some comparison shopping, however, search for patio umbrella lights online.