If you’re looking for backyard pool ideas to enhance your outdoor space, installing a pool with a tanning ledge can be a great option. It can be a luxurious and refreshing addition to your home. It’s a great way to cool off on hot summer days, entertain guests, and even get some exercise. Although a tanning ledge might seem like a small addition to your pool, it can add an extra element of luxury and provide a space for relaxation and enjoyment. Let us explore more about its features and benefits in detail.
What is a Tanning Ledge?
A tanning ledge is a shallow area in a swimming pool designed for lounging and sunbathing. It’s typically just a few inches deep, allowing you to recline and soak up the sun while staying cool in the water. It comes in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized to fit your personal preferences.
Benefits of a Tanning Ledge
There are several benefits to adding a tanning ledge to your backyard pool, including:
- Versatility: A tanning ledge can be used for various purposes, from sunbathing to playing with young children. It provides a safe and shallow space for kids to splash around and can be a relaxing space for adults to unwind.
- Comfort: It is a comfortable spot to soak up the sun, as you can recline on the ledge while still staying cool in the water.
- Aesthetics: It can add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your pool and can enhance the overall look and feel of your backyard.
- Functionality: It can be used as a transitional space between the pool and the surrounding landscape, making it easier to get in and out of the water.
Backyard Pool Ideas: Types of Tanning Ledges
Some popular tanning ledge designs include:
Circular: A circular tanning ledge can be a great way to add a unique and visually appealing feature to your pool. It provides plenty of space for lounging and can be customized with built-in seating or other features.
Rectangular: A rectangular tanning ledge is a classic and elegant design that can be incorporated into most pool styles. Its spacious surface offers plenty of room for relaxing and can be tailored to include built-in seating or other enhancements to suit personal preferences.
L-shaped: An L-shaped tanning ledge can be an excellent option for larger pools. This design creates two distinct sections for lounging, which is great for accommodating multiple people or creating separate spaces for different activities. One section can be used for shallow-water activities like sunbathing or socializing, while the other can be designed for deeper-water activities like swimming or playing games.
Kidney-shaped: A kidney-shaped tanning ledge can be a unique and visually exciting addition to your pool. It provides ample space for adding built-in seating and other features. Because of their curved shape, kidney-shaped ledges can also create interesting pool configurations, such as combining them with other pool features like waterfalls, rocks, or planters.
Freeform: A freeform tanning ledge can be designed to fit the contours of your pool and backyard, creating a natural and organic look. It can be customized with built-in seating or other features to suit your needs. Unlike rectangular or geometric shapes, which tend to have a more formal and structured appearance, freeform tanning ledges can blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious and relaxed atmosphere.
While these are a few of the most popular shapes of tanning ledges, expert landscape designers can help you explore more backyard pool ideas.
Do All Pool Types Have a Tanning Ledge Option?
When adding a tanning ledge, your pool type can play a role in your options. Here’s a breakdown of whether each of the three main pool types has this option:
Concrete Pools
If you have a concrete pool, you have the most flexibility when adding a tanning ledge. Since concrete pools are custom-built, you can design them in any shape or size you desire. Concrete tanning ledges can also be designed to match the surrounding pool deck, creating a seamless look for your backyard oasis.
Vinyl Liner Pools
Vinyl liner pools can come equipped with tanning ledges, but the options may be more limited than other pool types. These pools are made with pre-fabricated components, meaning the tanning ledge shapes and sizes may be restricted to the manufacturer’s offer. However, many manufacturers provide a range of tanning ledge options, ensuring that pool owners can still find a suitable option for their needs.
Fibreglass Pools
Fibreglass pools are pre-fabricated, which can make it more challenging to add a tanning ledge. However, some pool manufacturers now offer models with built-in tanning ledges. If you have an existing fiberglass pool and want to add a tanning ledge, you may be able to have one added during the installation process or through a renovation.
Ultimately, whether your pool type has a tanning ledge option may depend on the manufacturer and the specific pool model you choose. With expert recommendations for backyard pool ideas from designers, you can get an ideal solution for your requirements.
Tanning Ledge, Tanning Shelf, Baja Shelf, Sun Shelf: Is There a Difference?
No, there is no difference between these terms. They all refer to the same feature of a pool, a flat, shallow area of water designed for tanning and lounging.
What Should Be the Depth & Size of a Tanning Ledge?
The size and depth of your tanning ledge will depend on several factors, including your pool size and personal preferences. Generally, it should be at least 6 inches deep and no more than 18 inches deep. This allows you to comfortably recline on the ledge while staying cool in the water. The size of the ledge also depends on the size of your pool and the amount of space you have available.
Backyard Pool Ideas to Customize Your Tanning Ledge
A tanning ledge can be customized in a variety of ways to fit your specific needs and tastes. Some popular options include:
- Built-in seating: Adding built-in seating to your tanning ledge can provide a comfortable space for lounging and socializing.
- Water features: Adding water features like fountains or jets to your tanning ledge can enhance the visual appeal and add a soothing sound to your backyard.
- Lighting: Adding lighting can create a relaxing ambiance and make it possible to enjoy your pool at night.
- Materials: Tanning ledges can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, tile, and natural stone. Choosing a suitable material can enhance the look and feel of your backyard.
How Much Does a Tanning Ledge Cost?
The cost of a tanning ledge will depend on various factors, including the size, shape, and complexity of the design, the materials used, and the location of your pool. As with any home improvement project, it’s essential to consider your budget and work with a professional pool designer and installer to create a design that meets your needs and fits your budget. They can help you choose the right materials and design features and suggest backyard pool ideas to achieve your desired look and feel while staying within your budget.
Is a Tanning Ledge Right for You?
While a tanning ledge can be a great addition to any backyard pool, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Here are a few situations where it may not be the best option:
- You primarily use your pool for laps and training: If you are an avid swimmer who uses your pool primarily for exercise and training, you may not have much use for a tanning ledge.
- You don’t have any small children in the family: Tanning ledges are a great addition for families with young children and pets, as they provide a shallow area for them to play and cool off in. Additionally, the flat surface can provide a safe and easy way for kids and pets to enter and exit the pool.
- Your pool is rarely used: If you use your pool sparingly, a tanning ledge may not be worth the investment.
- Lounging or socializing by the poolside is not your thing: If you prefer to swim or do laps in the pool, it may not be necessary.
A tanning ledge may be a great option if you’re looking to add an extra touch of luxury and relaxation to your backyard pool. It provides a versatile and comfortable space for lounging and can enhance your backyard’s overall look and feel.
Discover the Possibilities with Our Toronto Pool Design Company
Are you ready to take your backyard oasis to the next level? At Luxury Pools, we specialize in designing and installing custom tanning ledges and swimming pools in Toronto that meet your unique style and needs. Our team of experts will work with you to explore the best backyard pool ideas and create a tanning ledge that seamlessly integrates with your existing pool and outdoor space while incorporating your desired features and designs.
Don’t let another summer go by without maximizing your pool experience. Contact us today to explore your options and start creating the backyard of your dreams.
