New pool with a large baja shelf holding an umbrella sleeve and two in-water loungers, three bubblers on the shelf, two deck jets arcing into the pool, sheer descent from a low wall, warm sandstone deck, clear Arizona sky

Mesa Pool Features

Baja Shelves & Water Features in Mesa, AZ

Sun shelves, bubblers, jets and sheer descents planned into your new pool from the first drawing.

Planning a Baja Shelf in a New Mesa Pool

A baja shelf, sometimes called a tanning ledge or sun shelf, is a shallow step of water that's usually under a foot deep. It's where small kids play, adults set in-water loungers and an umbrella sleeve gives you shade in July.

Features like these are cheapest to get right before the gunite goes in. Each one needs plumbing, and the bubblers and jets need their own lines and valves, so we plan them into the first drawing instead of adding them later.

Water features also make sound, which helps on lots where neighbors or a busy road sit just beyond the block wall.

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In-water lounge chair on a shallow baja shelf of a new pool, shade umbrella in a sleeve beside it, clear shallow water over light pebble finish

Features to Plan In

Large shallow tanning ledge at one end of a new pool, a few inches of water over light blue finish, umbrella sleeve and bubbler visible

Baja shelf

A wide, shallow ledge for loungers, an umbrella and little kids.

Three small bubblers lifting water a few inches above a pool's shallow sun shelf, sparkling in sunlight

Bubblers

Small domes of water rising from the shelf, a favorite with toddlers.

Laminar deck jets arcing clear water from a deck into a new pool, afternoon sun

Deck jets

Arcs of water from the deck into the pool, often on a timer.

Stainless sheer descent waterfall pouring a smooth sheet of water from a low raised wall into a new pool

Sheer descents

A smooth sheet of water falling from a low raised wall.

Choosing Water Features for a New Pool

FeatureWhat it addsGood to know
Baja shelfShallow lounging and play spaceTakes some of the pool's swimming length
BubblersGentle movement and soundUsually set in the shelf
Deck jetsMotion and a lively lookWind can carry spray onto the deck
Sheer descentA steady sheet of falling waterNeeds a raised wall behind it
Rock waterfallA natural desert lookTakes more space and deck area

Baja Shelves & Water Features Questions

How deep is a baja shelf?

Most are under a foot of water, shallow enough for loungers and young kids to sit. We set the exact depth for how you plan to use it.

How big should a baja shelf be?

Big enough for the loungers or umbrella you want. Two loungers and an umbrella sleeve need more room than a play spot for kids. We size it on the drawing with your furniture in mind.

Do water features need a separate pump?

Some do. Bubblers and small features often run from the main pump with valves. Larger waterfalls or sheer walls may need a dedicated pump.

Can I run features on a schedule?

Yes. With pool automation, you can run jets and lights on timers or turn them on from your phone.

Get a Free Water Feature Estimate

Tell us which features you like. We'll show where they fit and how they're plumbed.

Call 602-780-1954

Free estimate, no obligation

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Baja Shelves & Water Features Around Mesa