Could you show us a picture of The Super Ugly Umbrella Base and its surroundings? Could be you should spend your money (price no object) on a new umbrella.

So we just got in new landscaping which is why the place looks bare. Umbrella is staying until at least two summers ...but yes I agree on your comment but DH loved the “great deal”. Anyway. Here’s a pic...I’m open to any ideas to make it “disappear”...cuz...it super ugly lol

That is an odd umbrella. It doesn't look meant to go in the middle of a table. Where does the umbrella go when it is open? Over the pool? Perhaps a big bright inflatable innertube around the base would go with the water park theme.

Lol. It’s a huge cantilever 11” umbrella. We get the sunset which can be killer

I don’t think it looks bad at all. Fake flowers might not look too good. Your backyard looks great! Open up the umbrella and relax in a lounge chair.

I would spray paint the base a color that would blend with the patio

I had the same thought as Dreda Young. There is spray paint that works on plastic.

Do you move the umbrella around or does it stay where it is?

It's an umbrella, everyone who looks at it knows its an umbrella with a stand. Don't draw attention to it, especially by putting fake flowers around it. It's like people who decorate their toilet to make it "look pretty". Just let it be, no one cares what the umbrella base looks like. And it's not even close to be as ugly as you think it to be.

IMO the fake plants will look a lot worse than what you have and probably cost as much as new umbrella which BTW will still need a base.Maybe post pics of the whole space and we might be able to suggest something else IMO sunset does not last long so just use the other part of the pool for that time of day.

How about one of those iron benches that circle trees...a perch for those chatting with those in the pool.

11 foot, not 11 inches

Putting my vote in for just enjoying the functionality of the umbrella while ignoring how it looks. The float raft in the pool doesn’t enhance your decor, either, but it probably provides lots of enjoyment to whoever uses it.

A pool requires a lot of equipment and the people who use it also require “equipment” (bottles of sunscreen, water bottles, towels, goggles, toys, etc.) and there’s no way all that can look pretty. The base of the umbrella is pretty tame compared to a lot of pool equipment, so I think before long you will barely notice it.

How about keeping a few storage baskets or such. you could keep towels, sunscreen etc. in them. There are some fancy looking straw, wicker or rope woven baskets, totes, boxes etc. in all shapes and sizes you could find to cover the stand.

Thanks everyone for your help. Don’t know what I was thinking re faux plants since I don’t even have faux plants anywhere in my house! I think storage baskets around is good idea and also maybe painting it color of cement....I think the heat of the sun combined with putting it together had me starting to hallucinate. This is my first time posting on Houzz and the Response of people willing to help is awesome!

I have a similar umbrella and hated the base, plus it's a hazard. I buried it below the astro turf in the soil and sand.

Bolt it directly to the concrete with concrete screws.

If you still hate it after a few days, they make "covers" for the base.

I agree with an earlier recommendation that spray-painting beige is the easy, and safe way out. "Building up" with anything else, whether it be flowers or wood is at risk of enlarging the problem and making it worse.

So glad everyone talked you out of fake plants outside. For some reason the neighbors behind me lined the fence line between us with multiple fake trees. The stupid things shed all over my yard and I'm constantly picking up fake leaves. Would be even more irritating if I had a pool.

I like that wood slat option suedonim showed you . Or painting it light gray to match the cement.

@videovik You made me LOL with "I think the heat of the sun combined with putting it together had me starting to hallucinate. "

I can so relate to the heat issues ... aren't we lucky someone invented umbrellas? ... btw though, the suedonim solution may provide seating? I think that could be a winner. And it looks nice imo. It might be a bit low - it looks like maybe a foot high? I guess it depends how spry one is. And then, you could add cushions for more height too.

Either that, paint it or just ignore it. I don't think it's that bad anyway. Although, I do sympathize.

So decided on the paint solution!

That looks really nice @tvtori!!

Much better. Makes the base look smaller too which I don't understand.

yes you're right...maybe I'll be rethinking my wardrobe now, if grey makes me look smaller :)