Hula hoops to hold EZ up top taut in rain?

Posted by Linnea Lahlum on August 9, 2011 at 3:50pm

I use my old EZ Up only for one day shows, but occasionally do set it up the night before a one day show. I’ve heard people mention using hula hoops to hold the top taut and prevent water pocketing during a rainstorm. With rain expected at my last one day show, I bought 4 hula hoops enroute to the show. But I couldn’t figure out how to use them: where they should go. I kept stuffing them up there, and they either fell right out, or when they stayed, they didn’t really stretch anything. One got very bent up in my attempts. The effort rather negated the time advantage of not having to set up the “good” canopy.

I have heard of “pool noodles” too, but had even less idea how to use those, plus they were $12 EACH at Walmart.

Does anyone have a picture they can show me, of how the hula hoops are placed? Thanks!

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Replies

Linnea Lahlum August 11, 2011 at 12:08am

Thanks, all. I don’t want to make a permanent alteration of the canopy. I only use this one a few times a year, and only rarely is it raining overnight when I do (hope I didn’t jinx myself just now).

My canopy top has no grommets. Unlike the newer tops, it is not permanently attached to the frame. It comes off completely, and attaches only with the Velcro at the corners.

Steve, how are those flexible rods attached? Do you mean you duct tape them to the struts?

I was in a dollar sore today, but no pool noodles. Besides, I already have the hula hoops. I don’t want to buy yet another item I don’t know how to use. I know a lot of people use hula hoops. I just want to figure out how, and hopefully, before I need to use this canopy in the rain, not after.

Spring clips are what I am using now. But the ones big enough to grip really well are too hard for me to squeeze open, due to having carpal tunnel.
deb upright August 10, 2011 at 10:07am

We make sure the corners are pulled down well and use these spring clips to hold it tight and keeps the top from pooling. http://www.homedepot.com/buy/tools-hardware/hand-tools/2-in-spring-...
Robert Wallis August 10, 2011 at 3:16am

If your EZ has the eyelet holes in the middle of each side valance, make sure those are attached to the chrome screws. It makes it harder to lock the canopy legs in place, but it pulls the top very taut. Most people leave them unconnected and they wonder why the tent pockets water badly ;-/ Don't forget that after the legs are in place and the struts locked, go back to each corner, peel off the velcro and re-snug taking as much slack out as possible in each corner. Do all that that, and there should be very little sag along the diagonal seams.
Steph Mader August 10, 2011 at 1:42am

I've also heard that putting a frisbee on the top of the center pole will tighten the canopy top and help the water run off better.
Patty Tiry August 9, 2011 at 6:39pm

There was a gentleman walking around Stone Arch festival in MN that had an entire set for Sale that Larry is referring too. You don't have to drill a hole for this. William G. Vetruba (Tech Art Services) provided a replacement screw for the cross bar and a bracket that is attached to this crossbar to support the flexible rods. $34

His # 612-889-4620 or 763-537-0845

No email on business card.
Amy Ikenn August 9, 2011 at 4:54pm

Look for Dollar Store (or similar). I found Pool Noodles (different purpose...) for $1 each
- steve appel > Amy Ikenn August 9, 2011 at 6:04pm
  
  Another thought and i used them years ago. go to walmart and get a flexible rod that goes on the back of bikes with a small flag on them. not sure what they are called but they are flexible enough to fit in the corners of your ez-up. i used to use them and they were great looks like the pool noodles are a sort of rubbery styrofoam. can always wrap duck tape around the rod and tent.
Larry Berman August 9, 2011 at 4:24pm

Here's the article on my web site:
http://artshowphoto.com/pages/supporting-the-roof.htm

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100