The days are getting longer and the temperature is rising. Before you know it, pool season will be upon us! Whether you’re installing a brand new pool or remodeling your current one, be sure your plans include a Baja shelf. Never heard of a Baja shelf? No worries! We’ll tell you exactly what a Baja shelf is in a pool, and why you need one.
What is it?
Sometimes referred to as a tanning ledge or sun shelf, a Baja shelf is a wide, top step in your pool, typically 8-16 inches deep. It’s actually kind of like having a pool within the larger pool.
Very popular at high-end hotels, a Baja shelf adds luxury as well as functionality to your pool.
Why You Want a Baja Shelf
We’ve all been there. Hot summer days that are maybe a bit too warm to lay by the pool reading that page-turner. Enter the Baja shelf. Place a couple of lounge chairs on the shelf, dip your feet into the cool water, and lean back and relax. It’s a recipe for the perfect weekend afternoon!
Your pool is your relaxation zone. After a long day, it’s where you want to wind down. On the weekends it’s where you want to entertain friends and family. With so much time spent poolside, make sure you get the most out of it!
Have plans later and you don’t want to take the time to change into a swimsuit and cool down? No need! With a Baja shelf you can cool off while still in your street clothes.
Who It Benefits
A Baja shelf isn’t just great for adults who want to kick back and sunbathe with a cocktail. This is also perfect for guests who may not be able to fully submerge themselves in the deep end of the pool. They don’t have to miss out on enjoying the refreshing feel of taking a dip in the pool – they can use lounge chairs to cool off while visiting with others.
A Baja shelf is pretty much like having a kiddie pool built right into your swimming pool! Place your little ones, along with a few of their pool toys, on the Baja shelf and they can safely play while you sit with them or watch from the main part of the pool. A floating safety line in the Baja shelf can help kids who are just learning to swim to easily be able to get back to shallow waters.
Let’s not forget our four-legged friends. Pets can dip their paws in the shallow waters of the Baja shelf without having to submerge themselves in the deep end of the pool.
Furnishing Your Baja Shelf
To really enjoy your Baja shelf to the fullest, you can furnish your Baja shelf with Ledge Loungers and a built-in umbrella stand for those especially sunny days. Take it a step further and create a built-in table top to your Baja shelf for the ultimate in-water dining experience! Table tops can even be customized to include a chess board surface for a relaxing way to enjoy a poolside game.
The Look
The beauty of a Baja shelf is that it can fit into most pool designs. You can choose to have the Baja shelf match the style of the rest of the pool or use this as an opportunity to create some flair. Add different stone, mosaic tile and other features to set it apart from the deep end of the pool.
Let our team at The Green Scene Landscaping & Swimming Pools help design your Baja shelf. We’ll offer expert advice, guide you through the process and give you the perfect relaxation destination. Call us today to get started!
