These awnings are retractable so when they are not needed the awning retracts into the housing.

Sun sails are still going to require supports for the corners and they will be up 24/7 because they are too difficult to put up and down as required.

Posts on the four corners of your deck would work for a small sail. If evening sun is more of an issue, you might put two posts on the west end of the deck and two out in the landscaped area and angle the sail downward on the landscape side to block the low sun. Depends on what part of the day you're most likely to be out there.

Ok so. What do you think about using the same kind of supports they use for birdhouses that can be raised and lowered?

Ok so see ecoenthusiaste I love the lines of what you posted. How do I do that?

You really need sturdy posts. I used 4x4’s on mine and the wind bowed them a bit.

Go to a sun sail manufacturers web site. They will show how they Have To Be and can be installed so they don't sail away. Your real issue is whether or not the HOA wants to call a sun sail a permanent structure.

Good comment Christopher C Nc I thought the same thing. But what I’m proposing is able to be removed when not in use. There are folks who have been using the pop up tents (secured to docks) and leaving them up.

It would not surprise me if sun sail makers have portable take down options for you to buy with all the necessary parts to put it up so it doesn't sail away.

My sun sail is square, connected to the house on two sides and to two trees on the other, it is lower on the house side (south) and higher in the trees on the north side. Maybe taller posts or supports on the deck and shorter ones in the landscaping. Something that telescopes would be precarious if you get much wind. Sturdy square posts that match your decking material would be ideal. They could also be used to suspend a hammock.

Update on my thought here. It’s a No from the HOA. Guess I’ll go with two umbrellas.