A tanning ledge, also known as baja shelf, is a shallow, elevated platform that sits just above the main area of a swimming pool. A tanning ledge offers a shallow place to sit and soak up some sun without completely submerging yourself in the water. It can also be a great wading area for small children to play.

Also known as “sun shelves” or “Baja shelves,” tanning ledges offer a spot to lounge and soak up some extra rays without having to leave the water – or getting too wet. They can also be used as benches, making them perfect for pool parties, entertaining, or any occasion where you need extra pool seating. Plus, their placement gives you a fun spot in the center of the action — not from a distance on your deck. Whether you want to enjoy a cocktail, a good book book, a nap or a party, tanning ledges help you get more mileage (and fun) out of any pool size or design.

Tanning ledges create more opportunities to socialize, entertain, relax, and unwind. They also add a touch of distinction, increasing the beauty and elegance of your pool for a fully functional showpiece. Whether you’re spending quality time with your children, soaking up rays with your dog, or chatting with your new neighbor, a Baja shelf offers something for everyone. Get more value, enjoyment, and functionality out of your swimming pool by adding a custom-made tanning ledge — without the stress or hassle of installing it yourself. If you’re ready to upgrade your family’s pool experience this summer, visit or contact a Latham dealer near you to learn more.

Tanning ledges are available in a variety of sizes and styles. That means you have a range of options to choose from, but will also need to think carefully about the dimensions of your pool — and how you plan to use it. Most tanning ledges measure at least seven to eight feet long, which provides ample room for one person to stretch out comfortably, or a small group of people to share as a bench. You may want to install multiple ledges and/or leave space for additional pool features, which will also impact the size and placement of each ledge.

While sun shelves are available ranging anywhere from nine to 18 inches deep, we generally recommend that you select a tanning ledge with a depth of at least 12 inches. A minimum 12-inch depth ensures that you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy both the sunshine and the water, making it easy to splash and cool off whenever you want a little refreshment.

Fiberglass tanning ledges are standalone independent structures that can be added to virtually any type of inground swimming pool, including fiberglass and vinyl liner pools. You’ll often see these types of tanning ledges installed adjacent to one side of the pool wall and raised up a step or two so the ledge can spill over and create a water feature that softly flows into the pool. Vinyl liner tanning ledges are built using polymer or steel forms, then covered with the pool’s vinyl liner for a finished look. Vinyl tanning ledges are fully integrated into the pool’s inside perimeter so the best time to add a vinyl tanning ledge is either at the time of new construction of the actual pool or possibly during a renovation of an existing pool liner.

Fiberglass has several qualities that make it ideal for tanning ledges. Its smooth texture prevents painful snags or scrapes, while its unique chemical composition ensures high durability. This translates to huge savings over time, since less maintenance and fewer repairs are required.

Vinyl is a high-performance alternative to fiberglass, boasting its own unique set of distinctive features. Like their fiberglass counterparts, vinyl swimming pool ledges are also soft to the touch and quick to construct, delivering excellent value for your investment and providing a highly customizable social area.