An outdoor public swimming pool's decision to charge visitors $40 to sit in the shade has been labelled highly concerning.

Parnell Baths in Auckland has seven large umbrellas available for hire but if people don't want to pay, they are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Cancer Society CEO Claire Austin said it's highly concerning the baths would be charging people for shade.

"We already have enough health inequities in this country and given that ..we have the highest rate of melanoma in the world, I question why we would start charging for shade when really it's a public responsibility."

Auckland Council said it will be looking at other shading solutions next year.

But Ms Austin said that's not good enough.

"Given that this is the time of year when a lot of young people and their families are swimming, waiting until next year is too long."