spacious backyard with inground pool, tanning ledge and raised patio

Tanning Ledges for Fiberglass Pools

Many fiberglass pool designs include integrated tanning ledges. Others can be enhanced with a standalone ledge—adding more space to relax, lounge or play.

large backyard with vinyl liner inground pool with built in tanning ledge

Tanning Ledges for Vinyl Liner Pools

Choose from pre-engineered models or opt for a custom-crafted tanning ledge, overlaid with vinyl to give your pool a seamless finish.

Form Meets Function with Fiberglass Tanning Ledges

Our fiberglass gel coated tanning ledges are crafted to complement your pool’s layout—seamlessly integrating with both fiberglass and vinyl liner pools.

Genesis/Synergy Semicircle Side
Genesis/Synergy Semicircle Side

Genesis/Synergy Semicircle Side

A perfect complement to the curves of freeform pools, the Genesis/Synergy creates a serene spot for relaxation.

Dimensions

9’4” x 16’5”

Depth

10”

Gallons

400
Hermosa
Hermosa

Hermosa

Ideal for plunge pools or smaller models, the Hermosa’s dimensions add more space to entertain and play in a more compact ledge.

Dimensions

5’9” x 10”

Depth

10”

Gallons

310
Rectangle
Rectangle

Rectangle

Crisp, clean lines make the Rectangle ledge an elegant addition to modern rectangular pools. 

Dimensions

7’8” x 15’8”

Depth

10”

Gallons

400
Semicircle
Semicircle

Semicircle

The Semicircle ledge lends a crowning touch to any pool shape, maximizing space to entertain, relax, or play.

Dimensions

8’4” x 16’

Depth

10”

Gallons

250

Endless Possibilities, Designed for Vinyl

Exclusive to vinyl liner pools and engineered from non-corrosive polymer or galvanized steel, vinyl liner tanning ledges offer crack-resistant performance and enduring beauty. With limitless design possibilities, ledges can be tailored to your vision.

modern backyard with inground pool, beautiful landscaping and inground pool with tanning ledge
Custom Dimensions

Custom Dimensions

Length, width, and depth can be fully customized to your pool’s layout, from sculptured curves to a sleek end-to-end ledge design.

Steps & Railings

Steps & Railings

Make a graceful entrance without sacrificing style or safety. Nonslip steps and railings seamlessly integrate with tanning ledges.

Tiles & Mosaics

Tiles & Mosaics

Personalize your ledge’s aesthetic with custom tile and mosaic accents to add color, texture and an elegant touch to your waterline.

Ready to Get Your Pool Project Started?

Let Latham match you with the perfect independent pool builder in your area that has the best experience to bring your unique project to life.

  • Design your pool, cover or replacement liner project.
  • Request and compare estimates.
  • Learn about financing options.

Request More Information

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More Features. More Fun.

Explore custom features to create a pool that’s uniquely yours.

inground swimming pool with spa and light concrete decking

Spas

tranquil backyard with stone work, water features and inground pool

Water Features

inground pool with spa at night with led lighting

LED Lighting

Common Questions About Tanning Ledges

A tanning ledge 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.