The Art of Submerged Sunbathing For The Ultimate Relaxation
Creating a sun shelf with pool chaise loungers on it is one of the most luxurious and practical features you can add to your backyard oasis. This innovative design element transforms the traditional swimming pool experience by allowing guests to enjoy the refreshing sensation of water while soaking up the sun’s warmth.
The Perfect Balance of Sun and Water
The shallow sun shelf, also known as a tanning ledge or Baja shelf, typically extends from the pool’s edge into the water at a 6-18-inch depth. This carefully calculated depth provides the perfect balance—deep enough to enjoy the water’s cooling effects yet shallow enough to comfortably relax without floating away.
Pool chaise loungers integrated and placed directly on the sun shelf take the concept to the next level. Rather than placing separate furniture on the pools deck, these loungers become a part of your pool’s architecture. The result is a seamless transition between your pool’s aesthetics and functionality.
Design Considerations
When designing your sun shelf with chaise loungers, several factors deserve careful consideration:
Size and Placement: The sun shelf should be spacious enough to accommodate your desired number of loungers while leaving room for movement. Many homeowners prefer positioning the shelf on the pool’s southern or western edge to maximize sun exposure throughout the day.
In addition, if the sun shelf is used for small children to play while the adults are lounging, ensure enough space.
Comfort Features: The most luxurious sun shelf chaise loungers incorporate ergonomic designs with contoured surfaces that support the body’s natural curves. Some include adjustable headrests or lumbar supports to enhance comfort during extended relaxation sessions.
Material Selection: The materials used for both the ledge and loungers must withstand constant water exposure and temperature fluctuations. Options must remain cool to the touch even under direct sunlight.
Water Circulation: Proper water circulation is essential to prevent stagnation on the shallow shelf. Strategic placement of return jets helps maintain water quality and comfort by ensuring continuous movement across the sunning area.
Enhanced Features to Consider
To elevate your sun ledge from merely functional to truly exceptional, consider incorporating these premium additions:
Umbrella Sleeves: Built-in sleeves allow for the installation of umbrellas directly into the sun shelf, providing optional shade during peak sun hours without requiring you to leave the water.
LED Lighting: Waterproof LED lighting embedded around the loungers creates a magical atmosphere for evening relaxation while improving visibility for safety.
Bubbler Jets: Gentle bubbler jets installed within the sun shelf provide a spa-like massage effect, turning passive relaxation into active rejuvenation.
Drink Holders: Integrated cup holders positioned within easy reach of each lounger eliminate the need to exit the water for refreshments, enhancing convenience.
Temperature Control: For the ultimate luxury, consider installing heating elements beneath the sun shelf surface to maintain comfortable temperatures.
The Social Dimension
Beyond their practical benefits, sun shelves with chaise loungers transform the social dynamics of pool gatherings. This versatile space is a transitional zone between fully immersive swimming and completely dry lounging, perfect for those who want to participate in poolside conversations without committing to full submersion.
Parents particularly appreciate these features as they provide a safe, shallow area where young children can play under close supervision. The ledge becomes a multi-generational gathering spot where family members of all ages can enjoy the water together.
And even our pets!
Installation Process
Installing a sun shelf is most effectively accomplished during new pool construction, allowing for seamless integration with the overall design. However, skilled pool renovation specialists can add these features to existing pools, though this typically involves more extensive reconstruction.
The process begins with precise measurements and engineering to ensure proper depths and angles for optimal comfort and functionality. Formwork for the ledge is constructed before the concrete shell is poured. After curing, the surface receives its final finishing treatment, whether plaster, pebble finishes, or tile work.
Maintenance Considerations
While sun shelves require the same essential maintenance as the rest of your pool, their shallow depth does present some unique considerations.
The larger surface area exposed to sunlight may accelerate chlorine dissipation, requiring more attentive chemical balancing. The shallow water can also heat more quickly than deeper sections, potentially leading to increased algae growth if improperly maintained.
Regularly brushing the ledge and lounger surfaces helps prevent biofilm accumulation in these less turbulent areas. Additionally, ensuring automatic pool cleaners can access the shelf area will save significant maintenance time.
Return on Investment
From a property value perspective, a well-designed sun shelf with placed ledge loungers on it represents one of the highest-return pool features available. This distinctive element elevates your pool from standard to resort quality, creating a compelling selling point should you eventually market your home.
More immediately, the investment pays dividends in lifestyle enhancement, transforming ordinary summer days into luxurious retreat experiences without leaving home. In an era where “staycations” have become increasingly popular, creating a backyard that rivals commercial resorts offers financial and practical benefits.
Your Paradise Awaits
The shallow sun shelf with chaise loungers represents the perfect synthesis of form and function, beauty and practicality. It’s not merely an addition to your pool but a transformation of how you experience outdoor living. This thoughtful design creates a space where relaxation meets refreshment; conversation flows as freely as the water, and everyday moments become lasting memories.
Contact JT’s Custom Pools & Spas today to begin creating your perfect poolside paradise. The experienced design team specializes in innovative features like custom sun shelves that perfectly complement your lifestyle and property.
Let JT’s Custom Pools transform your backyard into the private retreat you’ve always imagined – where luxury isn’t just about appearance but about creating experiences that enhance every moment spent outdoors.