Why Everyone is Adding a Tanning Ledge to Their Pool
If you’ve been scrolling through pool photos on Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve definitely seen them: those sleek, shallow areas where people have lounge chairs sitting right in the water. That, my friend, is a tanning ledge.
It is hands-down the most requested feature we get at DB Pool & Spa. Whether you’re building a massive oasis or trying to fit an inground pool with tanning ledge into a tight Miami backyard, it’s the ultimate way to get that “resort” feel without ever leaving your house.
What Is a Tanning Ledge?
A tanning ledge sometimes called a sun shelf or baja shelf, is a shallow platform built into the pool, usually sitting 6 to 12 inches below the water surface. It allows you to sit, recline, or place loungers while staying partially submerged.
In an inground pool with tanning ledge, this area is designed as part of the pool structure itself, creating a seamless, built-in look rather than something that feels added later.
Tanning ledges are especially popular because they:
- Offer a relaxing space without full immersion
- Work well for children and non-swimmers
- Create a resort-style feel at home
Design Ideas and Features
- Integrated Furniture: Many tanning ledge designs include built-in umbrella sleeves, in-water seating, and specialized ledge loungers that sit partially submerged for comfortable, stable relaxation.
- Aesthetics: Styles range from sleek geometric rectangles to soft freeform curves that match the pool’s shape, with finishes and tiles chosen to blend smoothly with the overall design.
- Water Features: Tanning ledges can be upgraded with bubblers, deck jets, or gentle spillovers that add movement, sound, and a resort-style focal point even when the ledge isn’t in use.
Tanning Ledge: Pros and Cons
I always tell our clients to be realistic. A tanning ledge is awesome, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s the “real talk” on the good and the bad.
The Pros:
- The Ultimate Social Hub: It’s where everyone ends up hanging out. You can sit in a chair, have a drink, and actually talk to people without bobbing up and down in the deep end.
- Safe for the Whole Family: If you have toddlers, a ledge is a total lifesaver. It’s a safe place for them to splash under your watch. It’s also great for older dogs who want to cool off but aren’t great swimmers anymore.
- Stay Cool While You Tan: You get the benefit of the sun, but you don’t get all sweaty because half your body is in the water.
The Cons:
- Cleaning is a Bit Tougher: Because the water is shallow and people spend a lot of time there, dirt and sunscreen tend to settle on the ledge. You’ll need to brush it a bit more than the rest of the pool.
- Less “Swim” Space: If you’re a marathon swimmer who wants to do laps, a ledge takes up space. In a Custom Pool Design, we have to balance “lounging” space with “swimming” space.
- Furniture Costs: You can’t just throw any old chair on there. You need “in-pool” furniture that won’t float away or ruin your pool’s finish.
Small Plunge Pools: The Perfect Fit
A common myth is that you need a giant yard for a ledge. That’s just not true. In fact, a small pool with tanning ledge is one of the smartest ways to use a tiny space.
Instead of building a medium-sized pool that’s too small for laps but too big to feel cozy, a lot of people are going for “Plunge Pools.” When you add a ledge to a small pool, you turn the whole thing into a social zone. You might only have enough room for a quick dip, but you have plenty of room for four people to sit on the ledge and chill. It’s about embracing luxury and innovation, even if you’re working with a tiny Miami lot.
Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Innovative Dbpool
This is where we come in. At DB Pool & Spa, we aren’t just looking to dig a hole in your yard. We want to Elevate Your Outdoor Space with Innovative Dbpool solutions that actually make sense for your life.
When we sit down for a Custom Pool Design session, we look at everything: where the sun hits your yard at 2 PM, where you’ll put your drinks, and how many people you usually have over for a BBQ. We have installed an inground pool with tanning ledge in some of the most awkward, tight spaces you can imagine, and we make them look like they belong there.
We also know that things happen. Maybe a pump gets loud or a light goes out right before a party. That’s why we offer Same Day Pool Services. We don’t just build the pool and disappear; we make sure it stays the highlight of your home for years.
Water Depth and Comfort: What Makes a Good Tanning Ledge?
Fashionable tanning ledge is all about comfort. The optimal level of water variation is normally 4 to 9 inches which will enable you to sit back and remain slightly under the water. The superficial depth maintains coolness of the water, makes it very comfortable to lounge and safe to children and pets also.
The comfort is also based on the finishing of the ledge. Slick surfaces make it comfortable and also lower the chances of falling. Lots of house owners prefer adding built-in loungers, umbrella sleeves, or soft steps and transform the tanning ledge into a universal relaxation area instead of a shallow shelf.
Placement matters too. A ledge that allows the tanning area to get equal amounts of sunlight, not overbearing and sunset to sunrise kind, makes the difference between a pleasant experience and a torturous one. Tanning ledge can be smoothly incorporated into a custom pool design giving the pool a smooth continuation and providing a visual appeal as well as practical use.
What About the Furniture?
To really make your pool with tanning ledge work, you need the right gear. Don’t just grab those $20 plastic chairs from the big-box store, they’ll just float away the second you get out. You want high-quality, UV-resistant chairs made specifically for pool ledges. They’re heavy enough to stay put and won’t stain your beautiful new finish.
FAQs: Your Quick Guide
What is a tanning ledge in a pool?
It’s a shallow shelf, usually 6-12 inches deep, built into the side of the pool. It’s designed for lounge chairs, umbrellas, and shallow-water play.
Is a tanning pool worth it?
If you’re someone who likes to “hang out” rather than just “swim laps,” then 100% yes. It’s the most-used feature in almost every pool we build today. It also makes your home much easier to sell later on.
How much does it cost to add a tanning ledge to a pool?
Typically, you’re looking at an extra $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the size and the materials. If you want “extras” like bubbler fountains or LED lights on the ledge, that can add a bit more.
What is the good size for a tanning ledge?
A good rule of thumb is at least 5 feet by 10 feet. This gives you enough room for two standard ledge loungers and a little walking space so you aren’t tripping over your own feet.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, looking at different Types of pool can be overwhelming. But if you want a backyard that feels like a permanent vacation, a ledge is the way to go. It’s practical, it’s stylish, and it’s where all your best summer memories are going to happen.
Ready to start? Contact DB Pool & Spa today! Let’s talk about your Custom Pool Design and get you in the water before the next heatwave hits!
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