Elevating Backyard Experiences: Integrating Tanning Ledges, Water Features & Slides Into Pool Designs

Along with strictly decorative features, remember to ask about features that will enhance your pool’s functionality—and your enjoyment level. With these construction methods, materials, and decorative options, the table and seating installation that’s possible in a concrete pool is not only downright useful but highly attractive. Because the table and seats get built during the pool’s steel and concrete applications, you’ll enjoy a distinctive, seamless result in your aquatic resort.

Sun Tanning

You can incorporate built-in umbrella holders for shade, add bubbler jets for a spa-like experience or install colored LED lighting for dramatic nighttime effects. Some homeowners opt for raised tanning ledges that double as water features, creating gentle waterfalls that cascade into the main pool area. The landscape surrounding your pool is just as important as the pool itself, creating the foundation for your entire backyard oasis.

Spas: Your Personal Aquatic Retreat

A natural rock grotto will have a large natural stone with a bench under it. The size of the grottos range from a 3 tons which is for one person to sit underneath to 5 tons which allows for two people to sit underneath. A tanning ledge, also known as a Baja shelf, is a shallow platform built into a pool, typically extending a few feet from the edge. These ledges are usually 6 to 18 inches deep, providing just enough water to keep you cool while lounging. Also called a “sun shelf” or “Baja bench,” a tanning ledge is a solid span along a pool perimeter that’s similar to a wide, shallow step or bench—usually about 4 to 8 feet in length and 3 to 18 inches deep. In fact, a popular approach is to build a large, extended first step on the pool entry that doubles as a tanning ledge.

Details That Matter: Customizing your Swimming Pool Steps

Whether you’re designing a pool for relaxation, family fun, or entertaining guests, a tanning ledge offers something for everyone. Features like shaded tanning ledges, in-pool dining tables, and depth configuration options like sports pools will boost your comfort and convenience levels to new heights. Ledges built a bit deeper under water—about 12 to 18 inches—provide an ideal spot to set out chaise lounge chairs right in the pool. When you get hot and want to take a dip or to splash some H20 on yourself to cool off, the water is always just a few inches away. That’s because the shallow ends are about 3 to 4 feet deep, and the deep portion is around 5 feet deep. The strategic depth configuration provides increased usable area for families with young children, short adults, and swimmers who primarily like to splash around in shallow water. You can have an umbrella sleeve—a cylindrical tube for the umbrella’s pole—built directly into the bottom of your tanning ledge during pool construction. It’s easy for your pool builder to form a 1.5-inch-diameter hole to accommodate it.

ready to transform your backyard into a luxury oasis?

• Tanning ledges, also known as sun shelves, are a popular custom feature in modern pool designs.
• The opening of a sheer descent can range from half a foot to several feet wide.
• Also known as sun shelves, Baja shelves, or tanning shelves, these shallow, spacious areas in custom swimming pools provide a perfect blend of style, relaxation, and versatility.
• Todd Thomasson, founder of Rock Water Farm Landscapes & Hardscapes, grew up on his family’s working beef cattle farm in Danville, where he learned the value of hard work from his parents.

Thoughtful landscaping transforms a basic swimming pool into a resort-style retreat that feels naturally integrated with your outdoor environment. Professional pool landscaping combines aesthetic beauty with functional benefits that enhance both your enjoyment and property value. A tanning ledge is a versatile and attractive addition to any vinyl or fiberglass pool. Let us help you create the backyard of your dreams – a personal paradise where relaxation, entertainment, and luxury meet. Most people already have some familiarity with swimming pool tanning ledges. If you are someone who envisions using the pool for a lot of lounge time, then a ledge might be a great choice for you.Sometimes these spaces are designed large enough for one or more chaise lounges. Some homeowners love the idea of having this space to be “in” the water but not really submerged. Our tanning ledges can be customized with various depths, shapes, and sizes to suit your preferences and pool design. Add built-in umbrella sleeves for shade options or incorporate water features for added visual and auditory appeal. These portable features can be moved as needed and provide flexibility for different entertaining scenarios. For more dramatic impact, integrated fire features built into raised walls, water features, or standalone pillars create permanent focal points that anchor your entire pool design. Since they are designed for lounging instead of exercising, tanning ledges are intentionally shallow — often, containing less than a foot of water.

Spas & Tanning Ledges

A good tip is to elevate the tabletop on the pedestal at about 3 inches above the water level, so the bottom third of the tabletop is actually in the water. To a large extent, the answer will dictate the size—and potentially the shape—of the table. Armed with this information on your needs and preferences, your builder will advise you on the best options. Ledges come in rectangles, circles, semicircles, or custom, free-form shapes.

Spillover Spa or Spillways

For example, our Gemini, Semicircle, and Picasso tanning ledges are each 10 inches deep, despite measuring different widths and lengths. Swimming pool tanning ledges are also sometimes big enough to include an umbrella stand and umbrella. Of course, they can also be designed smaller—just big enough for a bench seat for two. You may have heard this referred to as a “cozy cove.” If you have a pool with a really amazing view or maybe an infinity edge, it might make a lot of sense to have a seat where you can sit and enjoy it. For those preferring more contemporary aesthetics, sleek spillway features offer clean lines and modern appeal.

Swimming Pool Design: How Professionals Can Add Custom Features

This design creates a stunning cascade effect while maintaining energy efficiency through shared equipment and plumbing systems.  stainless steel pool construction  of cascading water has an almost magical ability to transform any space into a tranquil retreat. Waterfalls and water features serve as both visual centerpieces and natural sound barriers, creating a sense of privacy and serenity that masks neighborhood noise and creates your own personal paradise. Standalone spas offer maximum flexibility in placement and design, allowing you to position them anywhere in your backyard for optimal privacy, views or convenience. These independent units can be round, square or custom-shaped to fit your space perfectly. Vinyl is a high-performance alternative to fiberglass, boasting its own unique set of distinctive features. From sleek fire bowls to tranquil water bowls, we design elements that ignite ambiance and elevate your outdoor space. Spillovers are incorporated custom-built into a spa that’s raised above the swimming pool. It functions as a type of functional water feature since it trickles or spills into the pool.

What Do You Put under an above Ground Pool on Sand?

You can cover the ledge surface in the same interior finish as your pool, or incorporate material—such as flagstone—that’s used elsewhere in your pool or deck. Include these options on your project, and your personal resort will win a gold star for a resort-like experience. • Install framing securely into the ground, following manufacturer’s instructions.

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As with any option there are various considerations (what might be a “benefit” to some could be a downside to another, so keep that in mind as you read). When designing your dream backyard retreat, there’s one pool feature that continues to grow in popularity — tanning ledges. Also known as sun shelves, Baja shelves, or tanning shelves, these shallow, spacious areas in custom swimming pools provide a perfect blend of style, relaxation, and versatility. Whether you want a spot to soak up the sun, enjoy a drink, or let the kids play safely, tanning ledges can transform your swimming experience. Tanning ledges, also known as sun shelves, are a popular custom feature in modern pool designs. These shallow areas provide the perfect space for lounging, offering a comfortable spot to relax and get some sun while still being partially in the water.