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What is a Baja Shelf?
Cost, Depth & Design Options
Everything You Need to Know About Baja Shelves
When you’re building a pool, you might hear a lot of words that you’ve never heard before. Scupper, bond beam, Baja shelf; we promise we aren’t making up words! Design trends come and go, but a Baja Shelf stands the test of time!
A Baja shelf, a tanning ledge, sun shelf, or extended step, is a wide, flat, shallow area in a swimming pool typically 6–18 inches deep. It's usually built at the pool's entry point, creating a smooth transition from the deck into the water. Baja shelves are designed for lounging, sunbathing, playing, and cooling off and can be a good option for people who like to relax in shallow water, have children or want a variety of depths in their pool.
How Deep is a Baja Shelf?
Baja shelves sit submerged underwater, but how deep under the water do they typically sit? A Baja shelf can sit anywhere from 6” – 18” under the waterline, depending on your preference.
If you’re looking into a Baja shelf, it’s essential to remember that any custom pool builder will offer various options for the depth. Depending on your preference for functionality when using your sun shelf, having the water at a shorter depth might make sense. At California Pools & Landscape, we typically build 6”, 12”, or 18” below the pool's waterline.
6" Baja Shelf
Creating a Baja shelf 6 inches below the waterline lets the water cover your legs while you relax in your chair. This shallow tanning ledge is popular for homeowners with children and small dogs. Dogs can easily hop in for a quick dip to cool off. Additionally, the shallow depth provides a safe area for small kids to play in the water.
12" Baja Shelf
Building a Baja shelf 12” below the waterline will allow the water to come up to your midsection while seated. This is a nice depth for you to kick out your legs and relax. This is a very popular depth for those looking to create a kiddie pool water height for children to splash around in the shallow water.
18" Baja Shelf
Building a Baja shelf 18” below the waterline will allow the water to come up to your arms while you are seated. It is at the same level as a pool bench. This is a popular selection for pool enthusiasts who want to put a lounging chair on the Baja shelf and relax with the lower half of their body in the water while the top of their body is above the surface.
What Design Options Are Available For A Baja Shelf?
When it comes to designing your Baja shelf, you have many options. The shape, size, and depth are all important decisions. This means the choices are endless when planning a Baja shelf because the configuration can be completely customized to fit geometric or freeform pools.
Your Baja shelf should mirror the design characteristics of your pool, with either straight lines and sharp angles or a free-flowing feel with round curves.
First Step Baja or Second Step Baja?
Do you want your shelf to be the first step into your pool? This initial entry is a popular option. Another trending design option is having a normal entry step and having your baja shelf below that. You likely haven’t thought about this decision before, but these two options have a different appearance.
First Step Baja Shelf
A first-step Baja shelf is an extended entry step into your pool. This design choice provides an immediate large landing zone for entry and exit out of your oasis. Typically, these are created with a shallower depth than a second-step Baja shelf.
Second Step Baja Shelf
A second-step Baja shelf typically sits deeper than a first-step Baja shelf. These are also customizable to the size and shape of your choice. The first step will be connected to the Baja shelf, which can be small or large and located at a preferred entry point into your pool.
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Upgrade Your Tanning Ledge with Custom Features
Transform your pool into a luxurious retreat with additions like stylish umbrellas, comfortable tanning chairs, and elegant specialty tiles. These enhancements not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of your pool but also create a personalized and relaxing space, making your backyard the ultimate destination for comfort and enjoyment.
Shaded Oasis with Umbrella Sleeves
Adding umbrella sleeves to the design of your Baja shelf will enable you to easily add an umbrella to your environment. This can be a great addition whether the kids are playing on the Baja shelf or if you’re looking to escape the sun and relax.
Depending on the size of your shelf, you might be able to include multiple sleeves in your design. This would allow you to create an option for extra relief in places that get a lot of sunlight year-round, like Arizona, while relaxing in the water.
Enhance Your Pool with Water Features
Water features are another popular design feature to add to your Baja shelf. They can be added to create symmetry in the design and add ambiance to the yard. Parascoping fountains are popular additions. They shoot water up above the pool’s water line, creating a relaxing look and sound in your backyard.
Elevate Your Pool Design with Specialty Tiles
If you’d like to enhance the design of your Baja shelf with some specialty tile, there are several that you could add. We’ve seen rows of tile added near the step edge, mosaic designs and custom creations over the years.
Tile options provide you with a chance to add some flair or personality to your project. A Baja shelf is prime real estate for a specialty tile because it sits so close to the surface. Often, these tiles will be an upgrade and add to the cost of your project.
Poolside Fun with an Integrated Pool Table
You can also enhance the design of your tanning shelf with a raised table to sit around. This will instantly create a popular watering hole to congregate around in the shallow water.
It is also possible to insert planters, creating an island effect in the middle of a Baja shelf. This can add a dramatic design pop, a tropical feel, and a ledge for sitting on or resting drinks on.
How Much Does a Baja Shelf Cost in Arizona?
A Baja shelf pool, sun shelf, or tanning ledge typically costs between $1,000 and $1,500, varying based on size, depth, and additional design features.
At California Pools & Landscape, we understand that each backyard design is unique and should meet your specific needs and budget for outdoor living. To help you determine how much your dream pool area will cost, visit our Project Estimator.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Baja Shelves
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Warren Price
Excellent work and service. Had our pool installed 5 years ago. Still great.
Marc Steadman
Nicholas was the project manager for our pool/yard remodel and stayed involved from beginning to end. His design analysis and expertise was always appreciated. But most of all we were thankful that Nicholas took personal responsibility that our project would end well. We could always count on Nicholas to respond quickly, and to find the right person to get our concerns resolved. Thank you.
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Our pool was just finished last week and the whole project went so smooth. The most stressful part was the design but our designer, Jacob was very patient with us and helped up design our dream pool. We had absolutely zero complaints once construction started. Darrin made sure that the process was very smooth. If we had any questions or concerns he was on it and we were always able to get in touch with him. Communication was great and you can tell he really cares about the end project. California pools has a great team set up to make sure your pool is everything you dreamed of.
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Our supervisor was Nathan Reyes and he is my reason for this 5 star review. Nathan was truly the best!! Our designer left half way through the project but Nathan never missed a beat and got everything done and more!! Thank you Nathan and California Pools did an amazing job.
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We love our pool. Steve ,our construction manager, is a stickler for detail. Making sure everything is done right. Answering our concerns. And making sure everything was done to our liking. It was a pleasure working with both Steve and Jessica. I think the scheduling could be a little tighter but we would recommend California Pools to anyone looking to build their dream pool.
Craig Noel
I am one that rarely gives reviews because of their subjective nature but in this case as a business owner who understands the value of those reviews, I just had to give one and 5 stars it is. From the competent staff to communication up front and throughout the process, was remarkable given the large project at hand. The results are even better than the design and I could not be any more elated. I also will say that as we compared pricing before committing, my advice would be that you can't put value or quality in a "low dollar amount" as the final product and experience holds that for us. Absolutely must recommend California Pools!
Greg Ridgley
Cole Marvin is an asset to California Pools ! Cole is very knowledgeable, Great designer and Knows the Pool business prompt, returns calls & always on time. Good Person
Ron and Linda Uhle
Design of our pool and spa by Cal Pools was a work of art! The construction of the pool and spa took 7 months and had its ups and downs with construction quality . These issues were fixed by Cal Pool during the construction period. With about 1.5 months left to complete the pool, the Cal Pool construction manager quit or was let go. Cal Pool provided us with a fantastic new construction manager (Stephen Dreher) and he got our pool and spa construction back on track. Stephen provided us with clear explanations of the final steps to complete the project. He also explained in detail how the equipment worked and gave us tips on pool maintenance. Stephen Dreher rocks!
Katherine Regier
I have really enjoyed working with Nathan. He is knowledgeable and professional. California pools and landscape is very fortunate to have him as an employee .
Jill Raeburn
You will not be disappointed if you choose Cal Pools and Landscaping for your pool and yard project. They were all great to work with. From designer Robby to Stephen the project manager, it was an awesome experience. Thanks for making everything beautiful at my home and thank you for all the hard work!
Colin G.
California Pools built and entirely custom pool, deck and gazebo for us for our vacation property in Arizona. Building a pool remotely is challenging but they provided good updates and made the process enjoyable. We had some challenges with the pool after year one but when we contacted the owner they engaged an amazing support team that provided a detailed and through repair inspection and part replacement process to solve the problems. Gabe and Jessie were both outstanding and went above and beyond to solve the problems immediately with detailed communications. They stood behind their products and did not charge us for any repairs regardless of warranty policies. We would definitely recommend them to anyone and would ONLY use them to build another pool!! Thank you Gabe and Jessie for your outstanding customer service!!
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Carrie D.
From the very beginning Our experience with California Pools has been top notch. We were blown away with the exceptional design skills Cody was able to bring to life on a zoom meeting on our very first meeting. Cody was able to take every little detail and made it a reality before our eyes. I had so many compliments on how unique our pool was designed when it was still dirt and rebar. Jordan came out for the first time and answered all our questions with a realistic timeline. He always answered or returned our calls with a solution. Made sure every step of the way was paved and did what he said he would do without fail. If he didn't know the answer he found one, we were never left wondering. He kept tabs on all the projects and crews on site to keep us moving forward very quickly with a smile on his face! He was very personable. Then there was Sara! She handled all the scheduling of the project. Some days we would have 3 or more crews here and she kept them coming rapid fire it was outstanding the way it came together in such a short amount of time. Always going the extra mile to get what we needed done and at lightning speed!! Her calm friendly "Sunshine" attitude was a warm genuine experience. She always responded in the app right away with an answer or a solution. So far we couldn't be happier with our experience. I have waited my whole adult life and California Pools made my dream a reality in my back yard!!! Thank you
Eric Weston
Great experience, Pete, Les and Frank did a great job from design through construction.
Sean Leute
In a time of construction delays and problems facing all of Arizona's construction industry, CA Pools handled our project with the upmost integrity, honesty and professionalism. Our Pool and backyard is everything we could have ever hoped for. Joel Parron did a wonderful job designing our pool using references of a pool my late father built when we were growing up. Eric Collins our construction manager was up front and honest about every step of the way helping navigate a very difficult time with the construction industry during the pandemic. Nadine Chapman helped keep our schedule in order so I was never surprised when a construction team would show up. The company's app helped make communication a breeze. My family and I would recommend them completely!
Lonnie J.
With so many choices we think we found the best. Our sales rep Travis gave us many options and sold us on value over lowest price. Value that means a lifetime warranty on decking. The product he showed was truly amazing and a must have in the hot AZ summer days. You can feel a huge difference between cool deck and concrete. The scheduler was amazing! Marcee was responsive, timely and very detailed in her communication. Without her we would be left wondering what's next! The construction manager Shawn gave us the time and individual attention we needed. Made sure that every detail met our needs. There are so many other little things that make CalPools great but I can sum it up this way. We started our search on the BBB website and there are a lot of choices of pool and landscape companies. Save your self time and heartache; go with CalIfornia Pools and landscape and you won't be disappointed. On time completion No surprise charges or fees No subcontracting Great communication Amazing final product. A huge financial investment well worth every penny! PS that's the best dog ever Marshall! An amazing beagle mix rescue from Friends of Orange County
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I am a home builder and few times it happens to me to meet companies so good! They were the less expensive of 4 estimates, their schedule was perfect, no delays, I made some change of orders and they were very accommodating, (and also I had some refunds because they used less material and labor!), very communicative, and the pool is beautiful and working good.Thank you Brian Fox and Rebecca Schulte, see you at the next project!
Scott Stevens
Our rep presented a great plan for our build. Took the time to explain the details of the contract, warranties and the continuing aftercare for us and the work they preform. Heads above the rest.
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