
Sun shelves come in different types, as outlined below:
- Open shelf – They come as huge steps coming out of the water. ...
- Enclosed shelf – They are small, shallow bodies of water that are separated from the main pool. It is ideal for families with children.
- Sloped shelf – They are sloped ledges that lead to the deeper part of the pool.
What is a Sun shelf?
A sun shelf also called a Baja shelf or a tanning shelf, is a long flat bench, often with just a few inches of water. This is typically located in the shallow end of the pool.
How big should a Sun shelf be in a swimming pool?
This feature typically runs about 4 to 8 feet in length, at least several feet in width, and 3 to 18 inches deep in the water. Sun shelves usually are a rectangle in a pool but it can also be square, oval or a curvy shape that fits with the pools shape. Pool owners usually have a large patio umbrella to provide shade from the sun.
What is a tanning shelf in a pool?
This is a bench in the shallow end of the pool creating a sitting area where there are only a few inches of water . There are several reasons why you might want to include a tanning shelf in your pool. For example, you might want to use it as a place to rest after a long swim.
What is a Baja shelf in a swimming pool?
The small, shallow flat area associated with some inground pools is commonly called a Baja shelf, sun shelf, or tanning shelf. This is basically an area of the pool that is 6 to 12 inches deep and serves as the entryway as opposed to stairs or a ladder.

Are pool sun shelves worth it?
Tanning ledges are not worth the expense for everyone. People that use their pool for exercise will not find much use for the ledge. Besides, a protruding shelf restricts lap swimming. Some homeowners do not use their swimming pools at all.
What is a pool tanning ledge?
A tanning ledge is an addition to your swimming pool that consists of a raised platform or area within the water that is extremely shallow. This expansive shelf could be anywhere from just a few inches deep to over a foot. The idea is that you can sit in the water without having to swim or float.
What is pool shelf?
Sometimes called a tanning ledge, baja shelf, or tanning shelf, a sun shelf is a flat, shallow area at the entrance of your pool. This feature acts as an entry point and can span your pool's full or partial width. Generally, the shelf design will be 4 to 8 feet wide and typically 3 to 18 inches deep.
Should I get a pool with a tanning ledge?
If you're not much of a poolside lounger and no one in your family likes to do this either, you might not want a pool with a tanning ledge. If you only want your swimming pool for swimming laps and exercise, there's really no need to build or install one.
What is a tanning shelf?
A tanning ledge (also called a tanning shelf, baja shelf, or sun shelf) is a very shallow shelf in the pool that is usually at least 5 feet wide and 9 inches deep. This shelf acts as an entry point to your pool and can span its full or partial width.
Why do people tan ledges?
A tanning ledge or kiddie pool gives bathers the perfect spot to sunbathe or enjoy playing and relaxing in only a few inches of water. There is a simple beauty in this set up. Maybe you don't want to actually go swimming but, you don't want to be sidelined from the action either.
Can you add a sun shelf to existing pool?
A tanning shelf or tanning ledge is the perfect feature to add to an existing swimming pool while under renovation. A tanning shelf is an area inside the pool perimeter that sits just about 6-8" below water.
Can you have a sun shelf in a vinyl pool?
Can you put a Tanning Ledge on an inground vinyl pool? You sure can! Also known as a Baja Shelf or Sun Lounge, they replace the standard drop-in white thermoplastic steps, and become part of the pool itself.
How much does it cost to add a tanning ledge?
The price of a Baja shelf can range greatly based on the size of the elevated shelf and any special design features added. A Baja shelf of a typical size will cost somewhere between $1,000 – $1,500.
How big are sundecks in pools?
Typically big enough to fit at least a couple of lounge chairs and an umbrella, their size may range from 5 feet 6 inches by 12 feet to 8 feet 10 inches by 18 feet 1 inch. Their depth is usually between 6 and 12 inches, with 10 inches being an especially popular depth.
How deep is a tanning ledge?
between 9 inches and 18 inches deepMost tanning ledges are between 9 inches and 18 inches deep, but they can be even deeper, depending on the builder or manufacturer. As you'll find out, a shallower tanning ledge is much more usable and versatile than a deep one.
How big should a pool tanning ledge be?
Most ledge loungers will require at least 7 feet by 8 feet each, and you'll still want room for those who aren't lounging. As long as you're at it, you might as well get the tanning ledge possible so there will be plenty of room for everyone to chill on it. Depth. The ideal depth of a tanning ledge is 12 inches.
How Deep Should a Pool Sun Shelf be?
As we’ve seen, there are a few ways that you might want to consider installing a tanning shelf. But how deep should a pool sun shelf be?
What is sun shelf?
A sun shelf can be a great way for you to improve your pool, creating a place for you to relax. But these have only started to gain mainstream popularity recently. Previously, they were restricted to expensive pools. This meant that they weren’t included in a lot of older pools.
What are Some Drawbacks to a Tanning Shelf?
As we’ve seen, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to consider including a sun shelf in your pool.
Why do you need a tanning shelf in a pool?
For example, you might want to use it as a place to rest after a long swim. Other people might use it to ease themselves in the water . In other cases, you might want to use the bench as a way for disabled people to enjoy using the pool.
Why are tanning shelves not good?
For example, they take up a lot of space. Also, they tend to be very expensive to install.
How deep should a sun shelf be in a pool?
In general, though, most people opt for a shelf that’s around 6 to 12 inches deep . Often, this is shallow enough for you to sit comfortably while providing enough water to keep you cool.
What is a sun ledge in a pool?
A sun ledge is a small bench in the shallow end of the pool. Often, it will only contain a few inches of water, just enough to keep you cool as you are relaxing. This has made them a staple of modern pools, adding to their luxury and glamor.
What is a sun shelf in a pool?
Sometimes called a tanning ledge, baja shelf, or tanning shelf, a sun shelf is a flat, shallow area at the entrance of your pool. This feature acts as an entry point and can span your pool’s full or partial width.
What are the features of a sun shelf in a pool?
Common features that can be included are a built-in umbrella sleeve, massage jets, lights, fountains, and built-in loungers and tables.
Why Should You Add a Sun Shelf?
Adding a sun shelf can make your pool more aesthetically pleasing by bolstering its appearance and making the pool more luxurious and upscale. Beyond adding beauty, the functionality is unrivaled. It allows you to lay directly in the water without fully immersing your body which makes it the ideal place to cool off when you do not want to get fully wet.
Why do people use sun shelves in Tucson?
Many people use their sun shelves to keep cool in the hot Tucson sun or for reading, relaxing, and socializing.
How wide is a shelf?
Generally, the shelf design will be 4 to 8 feet wide and typically 3 to 18 inches deep. This allows space for lounge chairs. It is possible for the ledge to be larger so it can accommodate furniture like umbrellas and small tables, which creates an ideal location for entertaining.
Why do you need a ledge in a pool?
A ledge also increases the time you can spend in and around your pool. It warms up more quickly than the deeper areas so you can relax early in the morning or during a cooler day. This can extend your swimming season and allow you to get more use out of your pool.
What is a sun shelf?
Sun Shelves are both practical and beautiful. The large shallow area is perfect for a lounge chair, to relax in the pool without getting all the way in. A popular place to do yoga, children love playing on it, older adults don’t have to struggle to get in and out of the pool, and pets can also enjoy the water.
How deep are sun shelves?
Typically sun shelves are in the shallow end of the pool, large enough to fit a couple of lounge chairs and maybe an umbrella. They come in a variety of sizes, a popular depth is 10 inches, and range from anywhere between 5 and 8 feet wide and 12 and 18 feet long.
How to make a pool unique?
Make your pool unique by adding bubblers or a fountain to your sun shelf, add a built in umbrella, LED lighting, change the spillways that flow from the sun shelf, or customize it with a border or tiles.
Why add a sun shelf to a pool?
Adding a sun shelf into your pool design will allow you to get more use out of your pool.
What is a shelf in a pool?
This type of shelf is basically just a small, shallow pool that is separated from the rest of the pool by a low wall. The water is shared with the pool through spillways.
What is a sun shelf?
Sun shelves are also known as a Baja shelf so it would be perfect for tanning. You can also relax with your favorite drink and enjoy a magazine or book while you are lounging in a chair dipping your feet in the water. Sound nice, huh?
How much water does a pool ledge need?
Typically, these ledges are designed so that they are submerged in about 8 to 12 inches of water.
What is a beach entry style pool?
Some people perfer to have their ledges sloped or tiered leading into deeper areas of the pool, but this is generally referred to as a beach entry style rather than a tanning ledge, even though you could use it in basically the same way.
How deep are sun shelves?
Sun shelves usually between 6 and 12 inches deep, with 10 inches being an especially popular depth. Their size often range from 5 feet by 12 feet to 8 feet by 18 feet.
Do pool owners have sun shelves?
Thousands of new pools around the country are built with a sun shelf. Many pool owners that a planning a pool renovation have a sun shelf at the top of their list due to many benefits.
Advantages of a Sun Shelf
A sun shelf is simply a shallow platform in one corner of your pool that gives you the option to lounge without blowing up the floats, just dip your toes in, or play with the little ones in a safe spot. This is also a great way to catch some rays without being stuck in the unbearable heat.
Sun Shelf Design
Since a sun shelf is essentially just a raised portion of your pool floor, there are plenty of design options available. The size and shape of your sun shelf depends on the style and design of your pool, and the other features already included that you may need to work around.
Contact Rhine Pools for Custom Pools and Landscaping
From pool houses and enclosures to water slides, Rhine Pools can help realize your vision of the perfect backyard. One of the secrets to the success of Rhine Pools is that we’re all inclusive. Clients deal with one project manager and receive answers and feedback from this person.
What is a sun shelf in a pool?
A sun shelf is a raised flat area of your pool that provides shallow water where swimmers can rest, lounge, tan or keep cool. A sun shelf is also sometimes called a tanning ledge or shelf, a Baja shelf, or an Acapulco, Shamu or Cabo shelf.
Why do we need sun shelves?
Sun Shelfs Allow You to Fully Relax While Keeping Cool. People love to tan and soak up the sunshine, but as the sun beats down, you can become increasingly hot and uncomfortable. That’s why you need a sun shelf. A sun shelf allows you to lounge and tan while keeping you partially in the water, so you can stay cool.
Can you swim with a sun shelf?
While they may not be able to swim and dunk under the water, a sun shelf allows them to keep cool and splash around with the other members of your family. It’s essential, however, that anyone who cannot safely swim wear floaties or a life jacket to ensure they are always safe in the water.
Can you put a life jacket on a dog with a sun shelf?
The addition of a sun shelf, however, allows them to keep their bodies wet without the stress of swimming, though they should always be monitored at all times. (To be extra safe, you may also want to put a life jacket on your pet.)
Can dogs swim in the sun?
If you have pets who want to stay cool outside but don’t love to swim, then a sun shelf is a good place for them to rest and relax. Many dogs, like pugs, are not good swimmers, but still have thick coats that make it difficult for them to spend too much time out in the sun.
What is a tanning shelf in a pool?
This is basically an area of the pool that is 6 to 12 inches deep and serves as the entryway as opposed to stairs or a ladder.
What is the best furniture for a pool?
Another idea for in-pool furniture is barstools. These pieces sit on the bottom of the pool in deeper water and are perfect if you want to use the side of the pool as essentially a bar.
How much does a poolmaster chaise lounge cost?
Aside from the more expensive furniture specifically designed for the Baja ledge, if you’re just looking for a more affordable chair you can float around on, the Poolmaster floating chaise lounge isn’t a bad option for around $100 on Amazon.
What material should I use for a lounger umbrella?
I would probably opt for a weatherproof umbrella material and a composite or artificial pole if you plan to anchor these or leave them exposed to water for an extended period of time. Again, Ledge Lounger has you covered here.
Why invest in pool furniture?
The reason you want to invest in dedicated pool furniture is that traditional Adirondack or wooden chairs, for example, will eventually become waterlogged and may rot over time. Although some wood species like teak hold up to water pretty well, repeated exposure to water, chlorine, or salt can ruin these pieces.
Can plastic furniture be used in a pool?
Quick note: One thing to remember with cheap plastic furniture not designed for pool use , is that sunlight can fade and degrade it with time.
Can metal rust in pool?
Metal will also be attacked by chemicals in the pool and will eventually rust over time. Even those plastic lounge chairs will float when you don’t want them to, and can easily be blown over.
