Abstract: An improved mounting apparatus for providing shade, sport, banner and recreational equipment for swimming pool and other locations. The base of the mounting apparatus is comprised of at least one lever activated strong suction cup member easily manually attached to a receptacle unit for accepting and holding vertical pole units, the top sections of which have various athletic, recreational and shade providing equipment. The improvement resides in allowing the mounting apparatus to be affixed to a vertical or horizontal surface, either wet or dry, thus not limiting its positioning or location in a swimming pool or on other hard, smooth, clean and flat surfaces such as on recreational vehicles and boats. These mounting apparatus are readily removable for convenience and light weight and economical to manufacture. Novel handle designs as levers for activating the suction cup members are also presented.