If you’re the kind of swimmer who would rather soak in the shallows than plunge into the deep end, this pool design feature gives you a space to use your pool in the way you enjoy the most. Also called a sun shelf or a baja shelf, tanning ledges are shallow areas of your pool where you can lay comfortably without being fully submerged. Enjoy the cool water on your back and legs while your shoulders and chest embrace the warmth of the sun! Here’s our professional guide on pool tanning ledge design advice!
What is a Pool Tanning Ledge?
A tanning ledge is a shallow platform built into your pool that creates a comfortable, relaxing area before the deeper water. It is a versatile space that combines the refreshing feel of water with the enjoyment of having the warm sun on your skin.
What’s The Point?
Tanning ledges are a space where young kids can play, or where adults can read, enjoy a drink and socialise. If you’ve ever felt like taking a dip without worrying about wet hair, or just don’t feel like splashing about, a tanning ledge gives you an avenue to enjoy your pool without the need to commit to diving in every time.
What Size Should My Tanning Ledge Be?
A pool tanning ledge should be between 1-2 metres long, depending on how you want to relax and the available size you have. Shorter ledges are comfortable perches to sit down, with your legs dangling over the deeper area. Longer ledges can allow people to fully recline and even install special ledge chairs.
How Deep Should My Tanning Ledge Be?
Anywhere from 15cm to 30cm deep is ideal as it allows you to relax without being fully submerged. At about 15cm deep, a swimmer can lay down and enjoy cool water on their back and legs, without it covering their body. At about 30cm deep, people will be more submerged but can sit up to enjoy more sun exposure. Deeper is ideal if you intend to install pool furniture, like a pool lounge. Tanning ledges can be even deeper but begin to function similarly to benches, where the intended purpose is to sit down, which is perfect for socialisation and relaxing.
Design Your Pool How You Want
As custom concrete pool builders, Environ Pools brings unmatched flexibility to your tanning ledge design. Unlike pre-fabricated pools that come with standard dimensions and limited options, our concrete construction method allows us to shape every aspect of your tanning ledge exactly how you envision it. Want a curved ledge that follows the natural flow of your pool? Looking for multiple depth changes to accommodate both adults and children? Need specific dimensions to fit your perfect pool furniture? Our experienced team can make it happen.
We begin by listening carefully to how you plan to use your pool space. Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful reading nook, a social gathering spot, or a safe splash zone for the kids, we’ll help you design a tanning ledge that perfectly matches your lifestyle. Our concrete construction expertise means we can incorporate any additional features you desire – from built-in umbrella sleeves and bubbler jets to custom pool lighting and waterfall features.
Working with Environ Pools means you’re not just getting a pool builder – you’re partnering with a team that brings your vision to life while offering expert guidance on practical considerations like optimal positioning, depth recommendations, and innovative features you might not have considered. Our concrete pools are built to last, ensuring your custom tanning ledge will be a source of enjoyment for years to come.
Tanning Ledge Design Advice Positioning
Tanning ledges are made to help the swimmer enjoy the sun’s warmth while they take a dip. Because of this, positioning is key. If you position your tanning bed in the wrong spot you may find you don’t get much sunlight at certain times of the day, which may reduce how often you use it. At the same time, you may not want to directly look into the sun, so a west-facing bench may not be best if you use your pool mostly in the afternoon, the same is true for east-facing ledges for early swimmers. Usually, a north or west-facing ledge works well, so the sun is positioned on either side of you, just make sure to position it further away from structures that may cast a shadow over the pool like the house or a patio cover.
Customising your tanning ledge
When you work with Environ Pools, you can fully customise every aspect of your tanning ledge. From length, width and depths, through to other features like water or lighting fixtures. Many people want their tanning ledge to be brighter, because they tend to be more social spaces. Nearby water features can also create a calming atmosphere, where you can chillax with the soft babbling of a waterfall in your ear. Bubblers can also be installed to shoot jets of water at you to create a massaging sensation.
Tanning Seats
If you want to take your time in the sun to the next level, consider installing a dedicated tanning seat. These specially designed chairs are made to withstand pool conditions while providing comfortable seating that’s perfect for reading, relaxing, or socialising in the water.
Umbrella Shade
For added comfort and sun protection, consider incorporating umbrella sleeves into your tanning ledge design. These built-in holders allow you to easily install and remove pool umbrellas, giving you the flexibility to create shade when needed while enjoying your tanning ledge throughout the day.
Want a Pool With a Tanning Ledge?
If you’re dreaming of the perfect pool with a customised tanning ledge, Environ Pools is here to help turn that vision into reality. With decades of experience in custom concrete pool construction, we understand that every homeowner’s needs are unique. Our team takes pride in creating pools that aren’t just beautiful, but perfectly tailored to how you’ll use them. Contact us today to get started on the pool of your dreams.
