Options and Accessories | Swimming Pool Accessories | Tanning Ledges
Have you ever wanted to take the recliner from your living room and set it up in your pool?
Maybe you'd like to stretch out on the couch underneath the summer sun while basking in the water.
Okay, that sounds like a bad idea, but the good news is, there’s a lot of potential for pool furniture.
These days, your pool is more than just a place to swim. It’s a place for you to relax, entertain, and cool off when summer gets hot.
If you have an inground pool with a tanning ledge (aka baja shelf or tanning shelf), you can use in-pool furniture to customize your experience.
At River Pools, we specialize in fiberglass pools (and fiberglass pools with tanning ledges), so we know exactly how much space an average tanning ledge or baja shelf offers and can give you a realistic idea of how much furniture you can fit on yours.
Let’s start with the first in-pool furniture category that comes to everyone’s mind: tanning ledge chairs.
In-Pool Chairs
Chairs are one of the most popular types of pool ledge furniture, and for that reason, you’ve got a big selection.
You can get a variety of loungers that are upright, reclined, or adjustable, and no matter what you like, there’s something out there for you.
You can get inexpensive chairs that look kind of like patio furniture, or you can go for contoured tanning ledge chairs that conform to your body. You may even opt for a couple of simple Adirondack chairs to sink into at the end of a long day.
Since this is the most popular in-pool furniture category, you’re not going to run out of options.
How much your in-pool chairs will cost depends entirely on what kind you get.
The cheapest chairs are around $50 while the most expensive can cost around $900. That said, if you’re looking for a quality chair or lounger that won’t break the bank, expect to pay between $150 and $700 for each one.
The average tanning ledge should be able to fit at least one chair, but many can fit two or more.
In-Pool Tables
In-pool tables are almost as popular as chairs, and they also come in a range of styles and prices.
They’re great if you want to bring your drink, sunglasses, sunscreen, or book into the pool (or anything that you might want to keep within reach while in the water!).
In-pool tables can look like those big outdoor tables you put on your deck, or they can come as little side tables to put next to your lounge chair. Most of them are on the smaller side to fit on smaller tanning ledges.
Some tables come with their own seating and umbrella, too. These have enough space for you to sit with a few friends while you chat or snack, offering more of a backyard picnic table experience.
Just like in-pool chairs, table prices vary considerably. You’re looking at anywhere from $50 to over $1,000 with an average cost of around $300 to $500.
In-Pool Umbrellas
Sometimes, in-pool umbrellas come with in-pool tables, but not always!
You might be able to purchase one separately to put in the center of your table (if your table has that option), and there are also freestanding or floating versions that drift around your pool.
Umbrellas come in virtually unlimited styles and colors, and they’re one of the easiest ways to customize your pool ledge furniture to your liking. You can get a canopy or buoy umbrella, and there are even some options for half umbrellas (which are exactly what they sound like).
You can get a good in-pool umbrella for around $250 to $400.
In-Pool Couches
Again, not the one from your living room, but they’re still super comfy. They’re softer and cozier than a chair or lounge and they offer space for groups to socialize.
Believe it or not, you can also find in-pool beds that are almost the size of a regular bed!
In-pool couches and beds might be on the pricier side of in-pool furniture and can cost several thousand dollars each.
Also, keep in mind that these are best suited for very large tanning ledges. Always check your tanning ledge dimensions before investing in a piece of furniture like this.
In-Pool Stools
In-pool stools are one of the most versatile types of pool ledge furniture. Some look like standard bar stools while others have a lot more personality.
They’re easy to place, and they come in different sizes and heights, too. If you want to get a few to put around your table or under your umbrella, they’re not hard to find.
Some stools come with other features as well. For example, if you want tanning ledge furniture for evening use, you can get stools with LED lights. Perfect for a pool party.
Plus, in-pool stools are easily removable if you don’t want to commit to bulky furniture. They’re also a cheaper option, and the least expensive are only around $40. They don’t usually go for any more than $250 for the higher-end styles, but this depends on the manufacturer.
Since stools are generally compact, you can likely fit at least a few on your tanning ledge.
In-Pool Coolers
This is a staple for anyone who wants to keep their drink cool while in the pool.
There are a few in-pool side tables that also act as coolers, making getting your next drink a breeze while relaxing in the water. To give you a cost estimate, here's one from Ledge Lounger that costs $299.
The downside? There aren’t too many of these options available as you will mostly find the floating kind of pool cooler.
In-pool furniture is adaptable, and it’s easy to get creative with it. Find what suits your style, and have fun mixing and matching different pieces to show off your personality.
If you’re still in the stages of shopping for an inground swimming pool and you’re interested in getting in-pool furniture, our personal recommendation is to choose a pool with a durable surface. Vinyl liner pools tear easily and are not a good option for tanning ledges or tanning ledge furniture.
Concrete and fiberglass pools are your best options because their surfaces are resistant to wear. However, the plaster in concrete pools is rough and can cause scrapes and otherwise be very uncomfortable.
Fiberglass pools have the smoothest surfaces while being slip-resistant and are much more comfortable for sitting, standing, and playing, with or without furniture.
At River Pools, we specialize in fiberglass swimming pools. We offer several models with built-in tanning ledges (perfect for in-pool furniture) at no additional cost. Browse our catalog today to check out the shapes and sizes that we have to offer.
Curious about how much fiberglass pools cost? Try our inground fiberglass pool cost calculator or contact us directly for a quote.
If you're not sure which inground pool is best for you, be sure to download our free ebook below before you go.
Up Next:
Inground Swimming Pool Maintenance Costs: Chemicals, Electricity, and More
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Fiberglass Pool?
Customizing Your Tanning Ledge: Lights, Bubblers, and More
Editor's note: This article was updated on October 12, 2023.