Nina, love the look, but the problem sun time of day is when the sun is lower in the sky and shade is needed from the direct west. Blinds, shades, curtains, etc need to hang vertically. The deck is raised (there is a walk out basement underneath). I have quite a bit of weight already on the deck with furniture, plants, etc (I keep adding more and more :-). The look of the stretched sun shade appeals to me, but if the wind blows from the west, as it usually does, combined with the weight already on the deck, I may be putting too much strain on the structural integrity of the deck. A curtain is probably the answer, but one with vent panels for the air to pass through. I appreciate the comments I've been getting. This is the year I'll be putting something up for sure. The photo I posted is from early last summer. Since then, I had the pergola stained to match the deck and this winter I painted the deck furniture a brownish gray to match the house and the tables are an off-black. I think this will make the colors of the flowers and pillows stand out and will give me more options for colors of whatever I use for sun protection.

My only thought would be the cleaning of the plexiglass. You'd have to have a good system in place (and slight angle on the roof) to keep them clean. I think it sounds brilliant - love the idea of still feeling the sun but not being directly exposed to the elements.

I am inclined to suggest laying the decking parallel to the pavers around the pool, with the wood extending to the pavers. That way one step down from that deck would land next to the pool. What do you think? As far as the planting area next to the deck, make it a natural, flowing shape to counter all the straight lines you have so far. Use a garden hose to layout the design, then edge with a flexible edging.

I have built similar structures by myself, You can do it. Ensure however that the deck itself is fastened to the structure in case of a nasty wind storm in the future. Remember to frame the metal anchors in wood by the end. One way to go about it is to build pairs of elements -- two posts and beam - on the floor and then erect the framework of the pergola all at once. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNGG4Oy8A30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqHr9rIfpvQ