Over the last decade, one pool feature has surged above all others in Georgia: the tanning ledge, also called a baja shelf or sun shelf. What used to be a niche resort-style upgrade has now become the defining signature of high-end custom pools across Atlanta, Kennesaw, Woodstock, Marietta, and surrounding communities. And it’s not hard to see why — tanning ledges blend beauty, comfort, and functionality in a way that few other pool elements can.

A tanning ledge transforms your pool into a true backyard oasis, providing a shallow platform where adults can relax, kids can play safely, and sunlight can shimmer across the water in a spa-like way. But what most homeowners don’t realize is that a tanning ledge must be engineered correctly — especially in Georgia’s clay-heavy soil — to ensure proper water depth, structural stability, and long-term finish durability.

At Alison Pools, tanning ledges are one of the most requested features we design and build. And because we take an engineering-first approach, we ensure every ledge is not only visually stunning but also structurally sound and customized to the way your family will use it.

Let’s explore what a tanning ledge really is, why Georgia homeowners love them, where to position them, and what design choices will shape the perfect backyard escape.

What Is a Tanning Ledge? (Baja Shelf / Sun Shelf Breakdown)

A tanning ledge is a shallow platform built into the pool — usually between 6 and 12 inches of water — and designed for lounging, relaxing, and gentle play. It can span a small corner of the pool or extend across an entire entry section, depending on lifestyle and design preference.

Names You’ll Hear (All Correct):

Tanning ledge
Baja shelf
Sun shelf
Lounge ledge
Shallow platform entry

Though the terms differ, the purpose is the same: a beautifully shallow area designed for in-water relaxation.

Ideal Depth

6 inches → Best for toddlers, splash play, and small furniture
8–10 inches → Ideal for Ledge Lounger furniture
10–12 inches → Great for adults who want to sit in cool water

At Alison Pools, we tailor the depth based on intended use and the furniture style you prefer. Depth is one of the most important design choices — and one many builders get wrong.

Why Georgia Homeowners Can’t Get Enough of Tanning Ledges

Tanning ledges aren’t just trendy — they fit Georgia living perfectly. With long, hot summers and warm transitional seasons, these shallow platforms get more use here than in most states.

✔ Perfect for Georgia Heat

The shallow water cools your body without fully submerging you — perfect for:

Reading
Sunbathing
Chatting with friends
Relaxing after work

✔ Family-Friendly for All Ages

Parents love tanning ledges because they create:

A safe splash zone for toddlers
A monitored play space
Easy water entry for seniors

✔ Enhances the Luxury Factor

A tanning ledge instantly elevates your pool into a resort-worthy design, especially when paired with:

LED bubblers
Spillover spas
Modern porcelain decking
High-end loungers

✔ Adds Functional Seating Without Taking Up Space

You get built-in seating that never molds, cracks, or fades.

✔ Ideal for Social Gatherings

People naturally gravitate toward shallow areas of the pool. A tanning ledge becomes the social hub of your backyard.

Strategic Placement: Where Should Your Tanning Ledge Go?

Placement determines how much your tanning ledge gets used — and how beautiful it feels as part of your pool’s design.

At Alison Pools, we use determine the perfect location based on:

✔ Sun Exposure

A tanning ledge should get consistent afternoon sun, especially in pools shaded by tall Georgia pines or multi-story homes.

✔ Wind Direction

Wind affects:

Water temperature
Comfort while lounging
Bubblers and spillway behavior
✔ Integration With Spa Spillovers

Many Georgia homeowners prefer a tanning ledge directly in front of:

A raised spa
A spillway
A water wall

This creates the iconic waterfall-over-ledge effect.

✔ Traffic Flow

The ledge should not interfere with:

Pool steps
Deep water entry points
Seating benches
Swim lanes

✔ Furniture Placement

We pre-measure:

Ledge size
Umbrella sleeve positions
Bubbler spacing

Want a Tanning Ledge That Feels Like a Resort?

Alison Pools designs luxurious, engineering-driven tanning ledges customized for Georgia backyards.

View Our Portfolio

Designing a tanning ledge isn’t simply choosing a shallow spot in the pool. The ledge must be engineered for comfort, beauty, and long-term durability—especially in Georgia, where summer sun, heavy rainfall, and shifting red-clay soil require precision. At Alison Pools, tanning ledges are custom-built to match your lifestyle, your yard’s sun exposure, and the architectural personality of your home.

Below, we break down the most important design choices that determine how functional, comfortable, and visually stunning your tanning ledge will be.

Ideal Depth, Width & Shape for Your Lifestyle

The correct tanning ledge dimensions ensure your ledge is not just attractive—but actually usable. This is where less experienced builders often fail, producing ledges that look great in drawings but feel awkward in real life.

✔ Depth: The Most Important Factor

Different uses demand different depths:

6 inches → Toddlers, splash play, small dogs, decorative use
8 inches → Best for most in-water furniture
10–12 inches → Adult lounging & partial submersion
12+ inches → Considered “shallow lounging zone,” not a tanning ledge

When Alison Pools designs tanning ledges, we ask about:

Whether you plan to use loungers
Whether children will use the ledge
Whether you want bubblers
Whether the ledge is near a spa spillway

Depth determines everything: comfort, water movement, temperature, safety.

✔ Width & Shape

A tanning ledge can be:

A corner ledge for compact spaces
A full-width ledge stretching across the pool’s entry
A curved “resort-style” ledge with flowing lines
A geometric rectangle for modern homes
A dual-depth ledge with space for furniture and shallow play

Guidelines from Alison Pools

Allow at least 7–8 feet of width for two loungers
Curves soften the space for tropical or lagoon-style designs
Straight edges suit modern architecture
Dual ledge sections create separate lounging and play zones

Every ledge must feel intentional—not squeezed into the design.

Choosing the Right Interior Materials for Georgia’s Climate

Not all pool finishes are created equal—especially on tanning ledges, where water depth is shallow, UV exposure is high, and furniture may rest directly on the surface.

✔ Pebble Aggregate

Most durable
Textured for grip
Excellent for families with kids
Heat- and stain-resistant
Holds color beautifully

✔ Quartz

Smooth feel
Mid-range price
Rich color options
Great for modern aesthetics

✔ Standard Plaster

Least expensive
Requires more maintenance
Can show wear faster in shallower areas

Heat Considerations

Because tanning ledges sit in shallow water, they can heat up more quickly. Light finishes help:

Keep the water comfortable
Reflect sun
Maintain a clean, bright aesthetic

Built-In Features That Elevate Your Tanning Ledge

A tanning ledge is stunning on its own—but it becomes unforgettable when enhanced with the right features. Alison Pools integrates high-end, functional elements that turn a shallow shelf into a full relaxing retreat.

✔ Bubblers (With LED Lighting)

The most popular upgrade.

Benefits include:

Gentle cooling effect
Spa-like water movement
Beautiful nighttime ambiance
Kids love them

✔ Umbrella Sleeves

Allows you to anchor an umbrella in the ledge, not on the deck.

Perfect for:

Georgia’s intense sun
Reading or relaxing
Full-day shade without awkward angles

✔ Spa Spillways

Positioning a raised spa above the ledge creates a dramatic, soothing waterfall that homeowners adore.

✔ Water Bowls or Scuppers

When placed near the ledge, these enhance tranquility and aesthetic appeal.

✔ Automation Presets

Ledge features can run on:

Relax mode
Party mode
Night glow
Rain cleansing (useful during Georgia pollen season)

✔ Enhanced Circulation

Shallow water needs proper flow to avoid stagnation.

Alison Pools integrates:

Floor jets
Ledge returns
Optimal suction placement

This maintains clean, refreshing water all season long.

Need Help Choosing the Perfect Depth & Features?

Alison Pools designs tanning ledges custom-tailored to your lifestyle, Georgia climate, and backyard layout.

Request a Design Consultation

Choosing the Right Tanning Ledge Furniture

Not all in-water furniture is designed for shallow ledges—and not all ledges are built to support all furniture.

Here’s what homeowners must know:

✔ Weight Matters

Heavy furniture can:

Damage weak finishes
Cause uneven wear
Create permanent surface marks

Our engineering approach ensures the ledge is reinforced for the furniture you choose.

✔ UV-Resistant Materials

Georgia summers are intense. Look for:

Resin loungers
UV-stabilized plastics
Fade-proof fabrics for cushions

✔ Compatibility With Bubblers

Furniture must not lock:

Bubbler jets
Circulation ports
Water spill paths

✔ Popular Lounger Choices

Many Georgia homeowners choose:

Ledge Lounger Signature
Ledge Lounger Chaise Deep
In-pool Adirondack styles

We use your furniture choice as part of the initial ledge dimensions—not an afterthought.

A tanning ledge may seem simple on the surface — a shallow shelf attached to your pool — but its construction is anything but simple. Poorly engineered tanning ledges are one of the most common sources of cracking, delamination, plaster failure, and circulation issues in Georgia pools. That’s why every tanning ledge designed by Alison Pools is built using an engineering-first process specifically for Georgia’s clay soil, fluctuating water tables, varying elevations, and high sun exposure.

Below are the final components that ensure your tanning ledge is built to last a lifetime.

Engineering Your Tanning Ledge: What Most Builders Get Wrong

A tanning ledge must withstand constant water pressure, furniture weight, seasonal temperature changes, and soil movement. This is where inferior builders make shortcuts that create long-term problems.

✔ Structural Reinforcement

Alison Pools reinforces tanning ledges using:

Thickened beams
Additional rebar grids under the shelf
Extra support around bubblers and umbrella sleeves
Strengthened transitions between ledge and pool wall

This prevents:

Shell flexing
Edge cracking
Finish separation
Tile displacement

✔ Depth Consistency

Cheap builders often fail to shape ledges correctly, resulting in:

Uneven depth
Inconsistent water temperature
Furniture sitting crooked
Difficulty installing bubblers

Depth variation of even ½ inch is noticeable. Our crews laser-check every inch.

✔ Proper Hydraulic Flow

One of the biggest mistakes in tanning ledge construction is poor circulation, which causes:

Cloudy water
Algae buildup
Stagnation near edges

Alison Pools incorporates:

Ledge return jets
Proper suction routes
Flow-balancing valves
Bubbler placement engineering

This ensures water stays fresh and circulate efficiently.

✔ Spa Spillway Calibration

If your tanning ledge sits beneath a raised spa, spillway flow must be:

Sound-engineered
Level
Balanced for noise and splash
Positioned to avoid eroding the ledge finish

Proper hydraulics create a soothing, controlled waterfall — not a loud, chaotic one.

Want a Perfectly Engineered Tanning Ledge?

Alison Pools designs tanning ledges that look incredible and perform flawlessly in Georgia’s climate—built on expert structural engineering.

Request a Consultation

FAQ — Tanning Ledge Guide

Most Alison Pools ledges are between 6 and 10 inches, depending on intended use.
Yes—Alison Pools can add a tanning ledge during renovations if the pool structure supports it.
Absolutely. Bubblers are gentle, and our hydraulic planning prevents unsafe pressure levels.
UV-resistant resin loungers, such as Ledge Lounger Signatur,e work best and won’t damage your finish.
Not with proper material selection. Pebble and quartz withstand Georgia UV conditions extremely well.
It adds cost, but also major value. For many homeowners, it becomes the most-used area of the pool.

Conclusion

A tanning ledge is more than a shallow shelf — it’s the part of your pool where you’ll relax, unwind, and enjoy Georgia’s warm weather for months each year. From depth and width to finishes, features, circulation, and structural stability, every detail matters.

When you work with Alison Pools, your tanning ledge isn’t just “added on.” It’s engineered, measured, positioned, reinforced, and designed to create a stunning resort-style environment that matches your home, your lifestyle, and your backyard vision.

Whether you want a peaceful ledge for reading, a fun splash zone for kids, or a luxurious lounger platform with spillways and bubblers, Alison Pools ensures your tanning ledge becomes the highlight of your backyard oasis.

Understanding Tanning Ledges & Why Georgia Homeowners Love Them