Relax, Lounge, and Level Up Your Backyard
The Secret Ingredient to a Resort-Style Pool
Ever dream of having a pool that feels like a five-star resort? Whether you're lounging with a drink in hand, watching your toddlers splash safely, or catching some sun without diving all the way in — a sunshelf is the game-changing pool feature you didn't know you needed.
Also known as a Baja shelf or tanning ledge, a sunshelf is a shallow platform — usually 5 to 12 inches deep — perfect for lounging, wading, and enjoying the water at your own pace. It's more than just a pretty feature — it's an experience enhancer.
Let’s dive into what makes a sunshelf a must-have for your pool project.
What a Sunshelf Really Does
The Functionality of a Sunshelf:
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Acts as a built-in lounge area (perfect for baja chairs or a ledge lounger)
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Great spot for small children or pets to play safely
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Perfect for low-impact water therapy or stretching
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Seamless transition between pool steps and full-depth swimming
Why Homeowners Love It
According to Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living, sunshelves have become one of the most requested pool features because they add style and function. They also increase property value and appeal to families with kids or retirees looking to soak up sun safely.
Design Tip: Add a bubbler or umbrella sleeve to your sunshelf for extra flair and shade.
Creative Ways to Use a Sunshelf
A sunshelf isn't just for laying out with a magazine. Get creative:
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Kid Zone: A safe place for supervised toddler play with shallow toys.
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Pet Splash Pad: Dogs love cooling off in a sunshelf without getting too deep.
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Party Perch: Set up umbrella-covered lounges during backyard get-togethers.
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Hydro-therapy Space: Perfect for gentle stretching or soaking after a workout.
Bonus: Pair it with water features like bubblers, waterfalls, or deck jets for a luxury look. Here's an example from PebbleTec’s Inspiration Gallery to spark ideas.
Building It Right: When to Add a Sunshelf
Planning a New Pool? This is the perfect time to build a sunshelf directly into your design. SNF Pools can help you plan the ideal layout for functionality and aesthetics.
Already Have a Pool? A sunshelf can be added during a pool remodel. It's a great upgrade when resurfacing, retiling, or reshaping your pool.
When You're Ready, We'll Be There At SNF Pools, we help homeowners throughout South Florida design dream backyards. If you're building new or remodeling, let us help you create the perfect pool experience with a custom sunshelf.
Contact us for a free quote or explore our remodeling gallery for more inspiration.
Whether you want a chill-out zone, a safe spot for kids, or just the perfect place to sunbathe with your toes in the water — a sunshelf is your answer.
They say don’t go off the deep end... but maybe the shallow end is where all the fun really happens.
