
Shallow sun shelves where loungers sit in the water, kids play and the party gathers.
A tanning ledge, also called a baja shelf, is a wide, shallow platform inside the pool. A few inches of water covers it, and loungers sit right in it. It is a favorite spot for sunbathing, for small children and for anyone who wants to stay cool while sitting upright.
We design the shelf for the people who will use it: depth for loungers, space for chairs, a shape that works with the rest of the pool, and steps or a walk-in entry to get there. It can also hold bubblers, an umbrella sleeve or a few lights.
A few inches of water over the ledge is ideal for lounging. We set the depth and slope for comfort and for safety.
In-water loungers are heavy and need flat support. We size the shelf for the furniture you want and for easy movement around it.
Bubblers, umbrella sleeves and low lights add comfort and charm. We build them into the shelf rather than adding them later.
A shelf in full sun can be hot for long stretches. Umbrella sleeves, a pergola edge or nearby trees make it comfortable.
Drag the handle to compare.

BeforeAfterShallow shelf made for chairs.
Easy for children and relaxed adults.
Gentle moving water.
Soft glow for evening.
Built-in shade options.
Shelf that blends with the pool shape.
Every topic has its own page with what to expect and how we approach it.
Pool situationFamiliesA family pool balances play, safety and comfort. Here is how to plan shallow areas, layers of protection…Learn more
Pool situationEntertainingA pool for gatherings needs seating, shade, a bar or kitchen and great lighting. Here is how to…Learn more
Pool situationResort StyleBring a vacation home with lagoon shapes, cabanas, bars, waterfalls and lush planting.Learn more Pick a shape and enter the length, width and depth to see the surface area and an estimate of gallons.
We listen to how you want to live outside, walk the site and talk through ideas, budget and timing.
We draw the pool, deck, planting and lighting together and walk you through the views.
We finalize plans, manage permits and engineering, then excavate with care for soil and landscape.
Reinforcing steel, plumbing and electrical go in, with inspections and photos before anything is covered.
The shell, tile, coping, deck, interior finish and landscape come together.
We balance the water, test every feature and teach you the controls before the first swim.
Usually just a few inches of water. We set the exact depth around your furniture and your family.
Sometimes. We check the shell and the layout to see whether a ledge can be built or retrofitted.
Shallow water is appealing to young children. Safety layers such as fencing, covers and close supervision remain essential.
Aluminum and resin lounge chairs rated for pool use are common. We recommend options that fit the shelf.
Yes. Bubblers add gentle motion and a pleasant sound on the shelf.
Resort Style Lagoon PoolsFree-form water with boulders, ledges, grottos and planting, so the backyard feels like a private retreat.Explore
Swim Up Bars and Wet LoungesIn-water bar seating and conversation lounges that bring the resort pool home.Explore
Cabanas and Living RoomsCovered lounges with seating, screens, lighting and heat that make the yard feel like a room.Explore
LED Pool LightingColor-changing and warm white LED lights that make the water glow and the whole yard feel alive at…Explore Tell us about your yard and we will call you back to talk it through.
Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.