We always rent an umbrella from Craig at Packlight. Most days I don't bother to get it set up, but I have it. And you are correct, there are not usually many umbrellas on the beach at all. In fact, there's usually not many PEOPLE on the beach, which is darn fine with me! Around the pool deck, there really is not a good way to use an umbrella. I always sit under the gazebo. In the afternoon, one side of the deck is mostly in the shade. Or you always have your own patio with two loungers in the shade, at your unit.