What is a Baja ledge?

Asked by: Sergio Guevara

A Baja step, or shelf, is a ledge that can be built along the side of your pool or even in the middle of your pool. It can sit just a few inches below the water’s surface, or it can be a foot or so below the surface. The ledge allows you to sit in the cool water without immersing yourself all the way.

How big is a Baja shelf in a pool?

A tanning ledge (also called a tanning shelf, baja shelf, or sun shelf) is a very shallow shelf in the pool that is usually at least 5 feet wide and 9 inches deep. This shelf acts as an entry point to your pool and can span its full or partial width.

Can I add a Baja shelf to existing pool?

A Baja shelf on a swimming pool delivers a big win for both relaxation and convenience. And for existing pool owners, the good news is that you can add this handy, attractive feature during a major pool renovation.

How deep is a Baja ledge?

A baja shelf is large and shallow. It’s often the same depth (about 3 – 6 inch water depth) as the first step of a pool, but some can have an even deeper entry step after stepping in from the first step of the pool.

What is a Baja ledge in a pool?

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.

Is a Baja shelf worth it?

If lounging in shallow water while catching some Arizona sun is how you can picture enjoying your pool, a Baja shelf is a great investment. If having a shallow area for children to enjoy is high on the list, a Baja shelf is worth including in your pool budget.

Do I need a tanning ledge in pool?

If you’re not much of a poolside lounger and no one in your family likes to do this either, you might not want a pool with a tanning ledge. If you only want your swimming pool for swimming laps and exercise, there’s really no need to build or install one.

Are pool sun shelves worth it?

Tanning ledges are not worth the expense for everyone. People that use their pool for exercise will not find much use for the ledge. Besides, a protruding shelf restricts lap swimming. Some homeowners do not use their swimming pools at all.

What is the shallow part of a pool called?

Whatever name you decide to call it, a sun shelf is a flat, shallow area in your pool, before the deep end of the swimming pool. Pool owners usually incorporate this feature into their pool for several reasons.

What is a sun deck on a pool?

With water just about as deep as a kiddie pool, but with much more room to play, the sun deck allows tiny swimmers to splash around and play in a comfortable depth of water. Of course swim vests are still required since the deeper parts of the pool are accessible from the sun deck.

What is a Baja entrance?

A Baja step, or shelf, is a ledge that can be built along the side of your pool or even in the middle of your pool. It can sit just a few inches below the water’s surface, or it can be a foot or so below the surface. The ledge allows you to sit in the cool water without immersing yourself all the way.

How big are sundecks in pools?

Typically big enough to fit at least a couple of lounge chairs and an umbrella, their size may range from 5 feet 6 inches by 12 feet to 8 feet 10 inches by 18 feet 1 inch. Their depth is usually between 6 and 12 inches, with 10 inches being an especially popular depth.

Are pool bubblers worth it?

Bubblers also do a great job adding in the calming sound of rushing water. This not only adds a level of peace to your backyard, but also blocks out any unwanted noise when you’re in the pool. Third, when compared to most water features, bubblers are relatively inexpensive.

Are pool deck jets worth it?

The pros of deck jets are plenty. Putting aside that they’re visually pleasing, they add a lot of tranquility to your outdoor space. In fact, when you’re in the pool, the sound of the water arches will drown out most outside noise, aiding in relaxation.

What type of pool is gunite?

Gunite pools use a rebar framework that is sprayed over with a concrete and sand mixture. Gunite is exceedingly durable, so swimming pools made of this substance are built to last. The versatility of gunite swimming pools means more than the ability to create an unlimited array of shapes.

How do you add a jet to a pool?

Now when you get to that point you push a little further. And then it will stop completely now that resistance is the spot where open. So now the jet is open. And now this way it's shut.

What direction should pool returns face?

It’s good practice to point your return jets in a direction that will circulate the water in your pool. If your pool only has one jet, point the jet toward the skimmer and downward. This will circulate the water, and push the water at the bottom of the pool to the surface.

How many returns should a pool have?

While many professionals install two returns, some prefer more as a general rule. Builder Guy Wood, for instance, often will place four returns in pools that measure 250 to 600 square feet. A vessel of 600 to 800 square feet will generally have six returns to start.

Why are there 2 holes in the bottom of a pool skimmer?

A skimmer is a necessary element of keeping a pool clean. The skimmer sits at the waterline and catches leaves, bugs and trash so they do not clog the filter. Skimmers with a second hole help keep the pump from running dry if the water level is unstable.

How do I get more suction on my pool skimmer?

Just give that a bit of a clean-out. Make sure that the hole is facing the in pipe to pump you check your o-ring. That's so that's make sure it's there secure the lid back nicely on the pump.

Should the pool drain be open or closed?

For proper water circulation, it is best to position the flap so that it is about 2/3 closed. This will allow for more flow through the main drain than through the skimmer, which will promote a “bottom-to-top” circulation throughout the pool.

How many hours per day should I run my pool filter?

8 hours

The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool’s size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool’s turnover rate is.

Is it better to run a pool pump at night or day?

It is best to run your pool’s pump during the day when the sun is out to reduce the risks of algae bloom and because there is generally more debris and contaminants that will enter your pool in the day.

Is it OK to run pool pump 24 hours a day?

A Rule of Thumb



Generally running your pool pump for 12-hours a day is a good option. This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period.

What time of day is best to run pool pump?

The best time to run your pool pump is during the warmest hour of the day; however, keep in mind that this means you will have higher energy consumption, which may lead to an increase in your electric bill. If you want to save on your energy costs, you can run your pool pump at night to avoid peak hours.

Should you turn off pool pump while swimming?

Chemicals that you add to your pool while the water is circulating don’t need to be recirculated; they will stay mixed even if you don’t pump the water continually. Although it’s generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time.

Should I turn off pool pump when raining?

If your pool pump manufacturer has declared your pump is rain safe, you can leave it on in rainfall. Nevertheless, during a thunderstorm, it is highly recommended that you switch off and unplug your pool pump to prevent any costly and irreversible damages to your pool equipment.