15 Ways to Stop Your Parasol Spinning in The Wind

A parasol is like a little slice of paradise in your own garden. You can enjoy the outdoors, whatever the weather, shielded from the elements. 

But has your parasol recently started spinning? This can be beyond irritating, especially when you’re trying to relax. What’s more, a spinning parasol can be dangerous, so it needs tending to. 

This article explores how to stop your parasol from spinning. Let’s get right to it and give you 15 ways to stop your parasol from rotating in the wind. 

15 Ways to Stop Your Parasol From Spinning

1. Check the Base’s Hole Isn’t Too Big

The usual culprit of a spinning parasol is the hole at the base. Does the parasol pole sit snuggly in the base, or does it wobble around?

A pole with a significantly smaller diameter than the hole it’s slotting into has lots of wiggle-room. This is why it’s spinning.

Is there also a table keeping your parasol in place? If the base’s hole is too big for the parasol pole, this spinning will likely be accompanied by a hideous scratching noise. This is because, as the post is spinning, it’s scraping across the table hole. 

2. Steady Your Parasol

Is your parasol firmly rooted to the ground? Or is it a little unsteady? The pole may start spinning if it’s not stood correctly on the ground, so ensure there’s nothing underneath it causing your parasol to tip or wobble!

3. Pick a Weighty Parasol Base

Without a suitable base, your parasol won’t work correctly. It’ll either spin around like there’s no tomorrow or blow over at the slightest gust of wind. Maybe it does both! 

Get a sufficiently weighty base – 25kg+ for a freestanding parasol, or a 15kg base for one that’s supported by a table. 

And to be on the safe side, it’s always best to buy your parasol and base from the same manufacturer. If the components come together, you can be sure they fit together. If they come separately, stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations!

4. Invest in a Cone Wedge

This little (typically rubber) part is the perfect quick fix for a spinning umbrella. Just attach it to the umbrella shaft, then connect it to the umbrella, and you’re away! It fills the gap, stopping your umbrella from spin, spin, spinning!

It’s a cheap, easy way to stabilise your parasol. It’ll fix that screeching sound caused by the pole scraping against the table, too!

5. Tighten the Bolts

No one wants loose parasol bolts. You need a strong parasol that’ll withstand the UK elements. You’re more likely to find loose bolts in areas of high winds. The heavy gusts can cause the parasol to rattle and loosen the bolt over time. 

So, check the bolt keeping your umbrella secure. If it’s loose, tighten it. This may be all you need to stop your parasol from spinning! It really is that simple. 

6. Fix Your Parasol to the Ground

Securing your parasol pole to the ground stops this nonsense of a spinning post. You can create a ground anchor by digging a hole and cementing your bar in place, much like a fence post.

Alternatively, purchase a ground socket or mounting plate. These also work great at fixing your parasol to the floor. 

7. Weigh it Down

Already made the mistake of buying a lightweight base? Don’t worry, you can still fix this! Adding weight to your base can make your parasol sturdier and less likely to spin. 

Why not try some DIY with sandbags, lead bags, or gravel? These will do the trick! They’ll add weight to your parasol, stopping it from blowing away and keeping the pole firmly in place. 

If you’d rather fork out for readymade weights, weight bags are also available. If you check with your manufacturer, they may have weight bags that fit perfectly around your parasol pole!

8. Open Your Umbrella Sparingly

An open umbrella is more likely to swivel because it catches the wind. A simple solution is to only have your umbrella open when using it. 

Yes, your parasol looks pretty when it’s opened up, but the spinning is enough to drive anyone insane. On particularly windy days, it’s best to keep your parasol closed. This instruction is even on most manufacturers’ recommendations, but most people miss it!

9. Swap Your Parasol for a Cantilever

The very nature of the cantilever parasol makes it less likely to spin than the standard, centre post parasol. Cantilever parasols are freestanding, with a weighted base that sits at the side of the umbrella rather than directly underneath. Because the pole arches and the umbrella hangs, the pole doesn’t spin. 

But if you’re after this upgrade, expect to pay for it. Cantilever parasols are typically more expensive than centre post parasols.

10. Fix-Up Your Table Ring

A table ring that’s not keeping your parasol in place is practically useless! Table rings are what manufacturers put around the table’s central hole to ensure the parasol doesn’t scrape against the table. 

But with time comes wear and tear, and cheaper tables fall victim to this much earlier than the expensive varieties. If you notice your table ring is cracked, missing, or damaged, this may be what’s causing you a problem. 

Either replace this with a cone wedge or get yourself a new table ring. 

11. Buy a Strong Frame

Low-quality frames are more likely to spin. Why is this, you ask? Because they’re made of cheap materials that don’t stand up well against the UK’s ferocious winds. Cheaper frames are usually more lightweight, making them easier to move. 

Opt for a robust and sturdy frame that’s coated in rust-preventing paint. This will be sure to keep your parasol in place, not spinning or toppling over. 

12. Use an Ice Lolly Stick

Thumbscrews can let you down – they don’t do their job, keeping your umbrella from spinning. But that’s where the ice lolly stick comes in. 

Just loosen your thumbscrew slightly, and pop the ice lolly stick between the pole and the screw. Tighten the screw, and voilà! This provides enough friction to stop your parasol from rotating.

13. Wedge it in Place with a Doorstop

Another easy trick is using a simple doorstop. Have you got one lying around the house? Just stick your doorstop between your parasol pole and the table. This will close up any gap, much like a cone wedge, and keep your parasol tight in place. 

Ok, so this solution isn’t the best to look at. But it sure does work!

14. Try a Nut and Bolt

If you’re handy with a drill, the nut and bolt method is a top option to stop your parasol from spinning.

Ensure your bolt diameter matches up with your drill bit, then drill a hole that goes into the stand, through the pole, and out the stand’s opposite side. Then, insert your bolt, and use the nut to secure it in place.

You know your parasol isn’t going to spin anymore because you’ve fixed it, so it can’t!

15. If In Doubt, Use Bungee Cords

This is another excellent choice if you’re on a budget. You’ll need a small bungee cord and a longer one. Simply get your small bungee cord and wrap it around the pole. Then, attach your cord to the longer one. Pull the long bungee, so it reaches the canopy centre. Then, attach it to the frame. 

Again, this isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but it does the trick. 

READ NEXT: Sorara Roma Cantilever Parasol Review

Final Words

A rotating parasol pole is a big no-no. It shows that your parasol isn’t working how it’s supposed to, and it’s just plain irritating. 

But how do you fix it? Getting a sufficiently weighty base is parasol base-ics. And investing in solid and sturdy materials is a parasol must. Replace any broken elements and tighten the bolt, or just swap out your centre post parasol for a cantilever one. 

If you’re looking for a quick, budget solution, arm yourself with ice lolly sticks, bungee cords, or wedge your pole in place with a cone or doorstop. 

So, what will it be?