The swimming pool is a terrific way to enjoy time outside with family and friends while staying active. Many Connecticut homes have pools, and many homeowners who don’t have a pool are considering adding one. A traditional in-ground pool is always popular, but a tanning ledge might be the ideal addition to an existing or a future swimming pool.
A tanning ledge is growing in popularity and ranks among the top trends in pool construction. Many homeowners recognize the value of having a shallow area in which they can enjoy lounging in the pool without becoming submerged. Those who enjoy soaking in the sun while poolside will enjoy doing the same while on the tanning ledge.
How a tanning ledge works
A tanning ledge is a very shallow area that might be located at one end of your pool or along one side. It could extend the entire length of one end or side or just take up a part of it. The ledge is submerged in a few inches of water that make the tanning ledge very shallow and convenient for sitting in the water or adding a lounge chair that is elevated above the water.
The purpose of adding a tanning ledge to your CT Pool Design is to enable you to lounge in the cooling water while taking in the sun and getting a tan. Depending on the water level, you could lie down face up in the water and enjoy tanning without overheating. You also could place a lounge chair on the tanning ledge and stay dry while getting some sun without the area beneath you heating up from the sun’s UV rays.
What makes a tanning ledge ideal?
A tanning ledge is perfect for those who like to be in the water without necessarily swimming. If you enjoy wading at the beach but aren’t really big on swimming in deeper water, a tanning ledge is a terrific addition to your pool. You can relax in the water or elevate your entire body above it with a lounge chair and spend quality time outside. You could read a book, enjoy a beverage, and soak in the sun’s rays.
A tanning ledge also is great for families with small children. The shallow water of a tanning ledge makes it harder for small children to become endangered by going into water that is too deep. Adding a removable barrier near the edge of the tanning ledge can help keep a small child corralled on the tanning ledge while having fun in the water. As always, close supervision is needed to keep small children safe while in water of any depth.
Minor drawbacks of a tanning ledge
A tanning ledge does take up space within your pool, so it won’t have as much deeper water when the pool construction adds the ledge. You can still swim in the deeper areas of your pool, but it won’t have as much of a deep area. If you are among those who don’t do a lot of swimming, the reduced deep water area won’t affect your enjoyment of your pool. The tanning ledge could add to your enjoyment, though.
It’s also important to ensure the tanning ledge won’t create a significant risk of slipping and falling while in your pool. The construction material should include a non-slip covering that makes it easier to maintain traction while standing and walking while on the tanning ledge. If you want to lie down while on the tanning ledge, you should choose the non-slip covering very carefully to ensure it won’t irritate exposed skin or feel like you’re lying down on sandpaper.
You also will need to keep the tanning ledge clean and free of algae. Algae buildup will make the surface area slippery and possibly cause an infection or other health problems if you ignore it. Fortunately, a tanning ledge is relatively easy to clean and shouldn’t make it any harder for a pool cleaning service or your family if you handle the pool cleaning chores yourself. A suitable amount of chlorine will also help prevent algae buildup on your pool’s tanning ledge.
