Tanning Ledges: The Feature Everyone Underestimates Until They Have One

Tanning ledges (also called Baja shelves or sun shelves) are shallow, wide platforms built into the pool, typically 6–12 inches of water over a flat surface. They’ve quickly become one of the most requested features we build into Latham Grand designs, and they’re a lot more functional than they might sound:

• A safe zone for little ones to splash without being in deep water
• A lounging spot for in-water furniture, floats, or just stretching out with your feet in the pool
• A natural gathering point for parties — it’s often where people end up congregating instead of standing around the deck

Because tanning ledges are formed right into the fiberglass shell, there’s no extra construction phase — it’s simply part of the shape you choose from our Latham Grand lineup.

Decking: The Piece That Ties the Whole Yard Together

Your pool shell might be the star, but the decking is what makes the space feel finished. A few directions homeowners in the Metroplex tend to go:

• Stamped or textured concrete — affordable, durable, and available in patterns that mimic stone or travertine
• Pavers — more design flexibility, easier spot-repairs if a section ever settles, and a wide range of colors
• Travertine or natural stone — the premium option, and one of the coolest underfoot surfaces for bare feet in Texas summers

Decking also does more than look good — proper slope and drainage around your fiberglass shell protects the pool’s structure long-term and keeps water from pooling where you don’t want it.

Building It as One Project vs. Adding On Later

We get this question a lot: should I do everything at once, or add features over time?

Here’s the honest answer. If a spa, tanning ledge, or specific decking material is on your “someday” list, it’s almost always smarter to design for it upfront — even if you phase the actual construction. Plumbing lines, electrical for spa jets and lighting, and equipment pad sizing are far easier (and cheaper) to plan for at the start than to retrofit into a finished backyard. Decking, on the other hand, is one of the more flexible add-ons — it can usually be extended or upgraded later without touching the pool itself.

Our design team offers free design services specifically to help you map this out — figuring out what to build now, what to rough-in for later, and what your budget actually supports.