Tanning Ledge and Pool Step Additions in Rockwall, TX

The residential chapter of the code never uses the words tanning ledge or sun shelf. Its nearest rule keeps the flat surface of underwater seats, benches and swimouts no more than 20 inches below the design waterline. Ledge Lounger, a maker of in-pool furniture, builds for these shelves, which it puts at typically 6 to 9 inches of water: its standard Signature Chaise fits water up to 9 inches deep, and its Signature Chaise Deep is longer (74 inches against 70) and taller (31 inches against 22), with a larger footprint (64 inches against 44), for ledges with more water over them.

Ledges at HOA and apartment pools

At a public pool, which in Texas takes in HOA and apartment pools, the code is stricter: a tanning ledge or sun shelf that serves as the required way in and out sits no more than 12 inches below the waterline. The CDC's model code, voluntary guidance, allows underwater shelves up to 24 inches deep beside water 3 feet 6 inches deep or shallower, with a slip-resistant, color-contrasting nosing on the leading edges that should be clearly visible from the deck or underwater. A sloped way in instead of a flat shelf is a beach entry, which has slope limits of its own.

A ledge on an existing pool puts new concrete against the old shell. The American Shotcrete Association says a bonding agent is neither required nor recommended when new shotcrete goes onto existing concrete: a properly prepared surface in a saturated surface-dry condition is best, and some bonding agents can act as a bond breaker. It recommends at least 7 days of curing and warns that windy, hot or dry weather raises the chance of shrinkage cracking in young concrete. Lavon Dam, the nearest NOAA station with temperature normals, averages 94.8 days a year at 90°F or above (1991–2020).

Ledges and freezing weather

The National Plasterers Council counts steps, benches and sun ledges among the surfaces most at risk from freezing and thawing when they sit at the waterline or hold ponded water, and it advises covering them with at least 4 inches of water. Its bulletin on freeze damage shows a top step damaged with the water drained 2 inches below it, and a bench with the water 1 inch below; the same Lavon Dam normals give 44.4 nights a year at or below 32°F.

A ledge can be one part of a larger pool remodeling project with a new finish, tile and coping. Whether it needs a City permit is for Rockwall's Building Inspections Department to say; ask before work starts, and see the guide to pool permits in Rockwall. Rockwall Pool Resurfacing will talk through both at the free estimate.