Swimming Pools With Baja Shelves & Tanning Ledges
The deepest parts of a swimming pool aren’t always the most useful.
A Baja shelf or tanning ledge creates a shallow area for lounging within a new pool. Tell us about the pool you want and who will use it; we can discuss whether a ledge fits without crowding the swimming area.
Hillside Pool Builder uses features such as these in swimming pool designs throughout California.
Proportion is critical in design. A ledge should be big enough to be useful and comfortable, and still allow enough swimming space to be useful as well.
Decide the Shallow Area's Functionality
An understanding of a design’s function is critical to creating that design.
An area may be needed where several family members can sit in shallow water. Or, a design may be needed to provide a gradual slope leading to deeper water.
Determining the function of the ledge design will help determine the size.
You may need a ledge to provide an area for:
- Sitting in shallow water
- Tanning in shallow water
- Conversation while seated in water
- Relaxing while other family members swim
- A gradual slope to leading to deeper water
- A smooth transition into the swimming area
When you understand the function, the ledge provides a greater potential for pool design. Otherwise, it is simply an unthinking addition to a design.
What’s in a Name? Tanning Ledge, Baja Shelf, Sun Shelf.
These terms describe similar features of a swimming pool design.
The names vary, but the questions for the pool designer are generally the same. How much and where should shallow water elements be incorporated into the pool design?
It is more important to understand the answers to the following:
- How deep should the shallow water area be?
- How wide should it be?
- Where should it be in the pool?
- How will swimmers access the shallow water area?
- What will the water level be in the pool in the remaining area?
- Does the design of the shallow water feature harmonize with the overall design of the pool?
The best design of a pool integrates all of the features of the pool in a harmonious way.
The Best Size for the Job
The worst design decision for a pool is to add a large tanning ledge just because there is space for it in the design.
Nothing is really ‘free’ in a pool design. Every design element of the pool takes space away from other potential elements.
A large tanning ledge design may make sense if a pool is used by a large family. A design that integrates a smaller ledge may provide more swimming space if the main user is an adult.
A design should integrate a swimming pool ledge to provide a place to sit water’s edge and still provide a swimming area. The area should not be so large that it dominates the pool design.
DEPTH ADDS DIMENSION
When designing a pool with a shallow shelf, many factors apart from the footprint of the shelf need to be taken into account.
- How deep is the water in the pool?
- What type of furniture will be placed on the pool deck?
- How will the shelf interact with other edges and steps in the pool?
If other elements of the pool design are not integrated with the shelf, there may not be enough usable space and the edge may become congested.
All aspects of pool design: the edge, the ledge and the depth should be considered at the same time.
Most pool designs incorporate a shallow water area, but this area may not always be in the most convenient location.
Things to consider may include:
- How will swimmers enter and exit the pool?
- Where will pool users sit?
- Will the feature obstruct swimming lanes?
- Does the location provide a good transition to the steps?
- Is the feature designed in a pleasing manner from the house?
Incorporating the entire back yard into the design may help answer some of these questions.
Maintain the Status Quo for the Main Swimming Area
A tanning ledge can be an alternate means of enjoying the swimming pool and does not require the pool to be designed as a lounge pool.
- This design consideration is particularly relevant for smaller and average sized swimming pools.
- Active family swimming and use of the pool plays a major role in swimming pool design and the ledge should be sized to accommodate this.
- A swimming pool designer should take into consideration the priorities of the homeowner. For example, if the homeowner wishes to have a large tanning ledge and spa, ample seating ledges and pool entry ledges, then the pool may not be large enough to swim in.
- It is better to design the swimming pool with the tanning ledges and other seating ledges to entry the pool to integrate the swimming pool entry.
- This entry should not require swimming pool users to cross the swimming pool to reach the ledges.
- Tanning ledges can integrate other seating ledges to swimming pool entry.
- A swimming pool designer can provide additional seating ledges other than tanning ledges for water enjoyment.
- Built-in benches can be a good alternative to seats that are submerged in deeper water in a swimming pool.
- Both design elements can be employed to achieve different things. A ledge, for example, can be used to create a shallow lounge area. Built-in seats can be used to create places to rest and talk, but still allow swimming.
- The main objective is to avoid using all, or even most of the edges of the swimming pool for seats.
- Leaving part of the swimming pool unobstructed gives swimmers the sense that they can use the water freely.
- If a pool design includes a spa, it also needs to be integrated in such a way that it maintains balance with the other design elements.
- A large shelf next to a spa makes the edge of the pool busy and disproportionate, especially if the other elements of the pool are simple and balanced.
An integrated or elevated spa can be situated on the pool’s main element, while a tanning ledge can be integrated on the other less-used element.
Create a Logical Connection Between the Ledge and the Deck
The deck defines the edges of the pool that are approached by users and where pool furniture is placed.
A ledge that is placed near the deck edge where the greatest amount of use occurs, will appear to be more logical than one placed remotely.
Swimming pools collect and reflect the images of their surroundings.
Poor design can result in a pool appearing to be too small, even if the ledge is well designed.
The design of the pool and the adjacent areas should be integrated.
The Ledgebegins Where the Deck Ends
Tanning ledges can complete the design of a pool by providing a visually satisfying transition to a pool wall.
The geometry of a tanning ledge should be integrated with the design of the pool.
A pool with clean lines needs a simple, sharp edge in its design. Other pools use ledges to create soft lines.
The ledge shouldn’t be the central part of a pool design.
Often, a ledge should be designed to be part of the background of the pool design, and only be incorporated to separate the water at various levels for multiple uses.
Consider Your View of the Pool from the House
The ledge of a pool creates a changed water line in a pool. And, because water depth is changed, it influences the design of pool furniture.
The placement of a ledge alters the design of a pool.
Be aware of the lines the ledge creates, and how it influenced the overall design of the pool.
Where do lines of the ledge create a wall effect, and where do lines create a boring, empty effect?
Often, these design effects are influenced by the dimensions of the pool, and are difficult to change after a pool is constructed.
Tanning Ledges with Regard to Infinity Edged Pools
An exception may be made for a shallow shelf with regard to an infinity edged pool, providing it does not detract from the predominating line of sight.
If the edge of the pool merges with the horizon, the shelf may be used to provide a relaxed surface from which to enjoy the view.
A hillside location provides similar design challenges.
Among the many buildings and light fixtures already present, the deck and pool may further add to the complex design of the slope, and every element should be placed to serve a specific function.
Furnishing Tanning Ledges
Pool owners often envision a tanning ledge equipped with loungers.
If you wish to incorporate loungers, you should describe your intentions as soon as possible.
Your ledge may be of a particular depth to provide a pleasant seating level from which to enjoy the pool, and the ledge should be of a depth to serve its intended function.
Don’t assume a shelf shown in an inspiration picture is the right size to put in your pool.
Shelf size is determined by many factors including the dimensions of the furniture placed on the ledge, the amount of clear water beyond the ledge, and the ability to easily access the ledge from the pool.
Designs should consider function first.
Make Space for People who Don't Want a Ledge
Different people like to use a pool in different ways.
Some people may like to sit in shallow water.
Others may want to swim and not have their space restricted.
Designs should ensure both types of users are able to enjoy the pool.
Dominance of the ledge may restrict users who may want to use the deep water for swimming.
Most enjoyable and useful features of a pool are attained by considering the different ways the pool will be used
incorporates a variety of decisions related to function, size, and position to make a tanning ledge design.
1. Define Function
First determine how you will use the shallow area of the pool. This will impact how many people can use that area at one time.
2. Evaluate Pool Size
The length of the ledge needs to be determined prior to removing swimming area space from the pool.
3. Decide Location
It’s important to place the ledge in a spot that improves the overall flow of the pool and deck, and provides a good view from the house.
4. Adjust Water Depth
The shallow area should be the right depth to integrate the pool edge to edge.
5. Analyze Relationships
Other features located in the pool should be placed in relation to the ledge.
6. Evaluate Deck
The ledge should not restrict the use of the deck or other outdoor areas.
7. Add to Final Plan
Once the ledge design is incorporated into the final pool design, construction of the pool ledge can be constructed.
Button: Schedule Pool Design Consultation
Is a Tanning Ledge a Good Addition to Your Pool?
Depending on the design, a pool may or may not include a tanning ledge.
One of our design consultants can help determine if a tanning ledge would help you enjoy your pool even more.
Generally, ledges work well if you like to relax in the pool. They also help create a larger design element in a pool plan that features a shallow zone.
Swimming pool ledges do take up additional space, especially if the pool design is on the smaller side.
When it comes to a pool ledge, the cost is tied to the overall pool design and project.
The shape and dimensions of the ledge are just some of the design elements that impact the overall cost of the pool project.
The ledge is just one feature of the entire pool project. If you know the role you want the ledge to play, we can help you design the rest of the pool to play that role, too.
Pools Designed for California
Hillside Pool Builder has offices located in Sherman Oaks, CA and serves clients within Los Angeles County. We extend our services throughout Southern California, including San Diego and Orange Counties.
Shallow-water elements vary from pool to pool. For small backyards, shallow water elements are often designed as ledges to save swimming space. Larger designs have more options. Properties with a view often incorporate design elements to control sight lines. Deck elevation plays a role in shallows design too.
The design should be tailored to the specifics of the pool first and the locale second.
You don’t have to know specific measurements, but determining usage can be very helpful. For example, is the shallows element primarily for children? Is a spa being considered? Is swim space a concern? What is the overall design element for the pool? Pictures of the back yard are helpful. Providing pictures of pools you like can also be useful.
We aren’t looking to copy pool designs. The information provided will help us design to your tastes.
Tell us about your pool ideas.
Tanning Ledges and Baja Shelves: The Basics
What is a tanning ledge in a pool?
Tanning ledges are locations in a pool where the water is shallow and is designed for a person to sit or relax and/or to give a person the opportunity to be in water and out of the sun. Tanning ledges are also referred to as Baja shelves.
Are tanning ledges and Baja shelves the same thing?
The terms tanning ledge and Baja shelf are interchangeable terms that define a shallow area in a pool that is designed for a pool user to sit or relax and/or to give a person the opportunity to be in water and out of the sun.
How big should a tanning ledge be?
The size of the tanning ledge is determined by the amount of people that may use the ledge, the quantity of furniture that may be placed on the ledge, and the size of the swimming area that is left.
Can a tanning ledge be designed with a spa?
Yes. An attached spa and tanning ledge can be planned together when the design leaves enough room for swimming and circulation.
Can a tanning ledge be designed with built-in seats?
Yes. If the design of the pool allows, a shallow ledge can be designed with other seats to give a variety of seat locations in a pool.
Do tanning ledges limit swimming area?
Yes, a tanning ledge provides a shallow area in a pool and takes away pool area for swimming. The design of the ledge is to provide a balance between swimming area and a shallow area for tanning.
Should the tanning ledge be designed after the general pool design is finished?
Yes, it is easier to work out the details such as the size, depth, and position when the design of the general pool features is still being worked out.
What is the approximate cost of adding a tanning ledge?
The cost of a tanning ledge varies with the design of the ledge and other features of the pool. To get an accurate cost, you need to have the design of the pool.
Ready to Add a Shallow-Water Area That You Will Actually Use?
A well designed tanning ledge provides additional usability to the pool without taking usability away from the main swimming area.
We are interested in learning what type of features near the swimming area you would find most appealing. Would you find a small ledge, a larger Baja ledge, or other swimming area features most appealing?
Once we learn of your preferences, we can determine the dimensions and location of the features in relation to the rest of the swimming pool design.