Discover the Charm of Sun Shelves in Custom Pools

Living Rock Pools
Nov 10, 2025
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

What is a Sun Shelf?

A sun shelf is a shallow, gently sloping platform built into the pool. It often features just a few inches to a foot or more of water depth. Positioned near steps, along one side, or spanning the width of the pool entrance, it’s designed for lounging, wading, and safe fun rather than purposeful swimming. It replicates that comfort zone you feel at the edge of a lake or beach: water cool, feet wet, and you relaxed.

Dimensions & Placement

While every pool is unique, here are typical ranges we work with:

Depths from 3–6 inches for minimal water coverage — perfect for sun-lounging chairs with just a refresh of water around the legs.
Around 9 inches deep when you want to include in-pool chaise lounges or allow for slightly more immersion.
Up to 12–18 inches deep if the shelf will serve as a seating zone, splash pad for kids, or gradual entry for older adults.
Width and surface area vary: At least 5 feet wide is common to accommodate lounge furniture and foot traffic. We’ve designed shelves much broader when the property allows and when clients want multi-purpose zones for lounging, playing, and socializing.

When working with Living Rock Pools & Hardscapes, placement is also key. Align the shelf where the view, shade/sun rhythm, and pool-hardscape transition feel right for your outdoor lifestyle.

Why It’s Worth It

Family-Friendly Fun

A sun shelf is shallow, safe, and accessible. Kids can play, pets can dip their paws, and older adults can sit and feel part of the water without full immersion.

Relaxation & Comfort

Imagine setting back a lounge chair, tablet in hand, with your toes in 9 inches of water. It creates a sweet vacation vibe at home. You can add umbrella holders, a built-in side table, or maybe a bubbler or water feature for gentle motion.

Aesthetic & Design Upgrade

A sun shelf visually celebrates the merging of deck and pool. You can use decorative tile borders, integrated lighting, and sculptural bubblers or waterfalls. When harmonized with custom hardscapes like stone coping, paver decking, and fire-pit seating areas, the result is more resort than backyard.

How to Add One to Your Pool / Hardscape Plan

Get Inspired

Browse our portfolio of Living Rock Pools & Hardscapes projects. Pin images you love and note features like water depth, chaise styles, lighting, and adjacent hardscape.

Schedule a Design Consultation

Our team evaluates your layout and determines how a shelf affects circulation, pool volume, maintenance, and aesthetic flow with surrounding patios and hardscape elements.

Build or Renovate

For new construction, we integrate the shelf into the design phase.

Outfit for Lounge Mode

Choose furniture designed for shallow water, such as in-pool chaises and upright chairs. Consider built-in umbrella sleeves and low-profile tables. Add water features or ambient lighting to deepen the effect. Living Rock’s hardscape experts help pick coping, paver materials, fire-side zones, or seating walls to visually connect the shelf to the rest of your outdoor space.

See It In Action

From the soft glow of early evening light on the shelf to kids wading while parents lounge with a drink, the shelf becomes the central “hang-out zone” of your pool.