Pettit Fiberglass Pools does not recommend tanning ledges (also called swim shelves or sun shelves) on fiberglass pools because furniture on that shallow shelf often gouges or scratches the gelcoat — damage that is not a manufacturing defect and is not covered under warranty. That advice applies to fiberglass pools in Tampa Bay and across Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough, and Pinellas — from Port Richey and Land O’ Lakes to Brandon, Largo, and Homosassa. We would rather be upfront about that risk than sell a feature that looks great in photos and causes warranty headaches later. For buyers who want a place to lounge in the water, we point to an overflow spa with built-in seats and jets instead.
Call 727-847-7665 or request a free estimate.
What a tanning ledge is
A tanning ledge is a wide, shallow shelf — usually less than a foot of water — so people can sit or lie in the sun while still “in” the pool. On concrete pools that shelf was often finished in tile, which handles patio furniture better. On fiberglass, the ledge is gelcoat. That difference matters. A big shelf also steals swimming water from the footprint — see swimmable interior size vs. advertised size and our fiberglass pool models.
Furniture, gelcoat, and the warranty
Most people who want a tanning ledge also want chairs or loungers on it. Fiberglass gelcoat should be treated like a hardwood floor: durable for its purpose, easy to scratch when hard or abrasive furniture is dragged across it. Metal feet and grit under plastic runners leave gouges and scuffs.
Those marks are owner-caused damage, not a manufacturing defect. A manufacturing defect comes from how the shell was built; a furniture gouge comes from how the shelf was used. That is why furniture damage is not covered under the shell warranty — see our warranty page. Other fiberglass makers often sell the ledge look without clearly warning that furniture is at the owner’s own risk. We say it before you sign.
Shallow water, sun, and algae
A tanning ledge holds a thin sheet of water that heats up quickly in Florida sun. Warm, shallow water is comfortable to sit in — and friendly to algae if circulation or chemistry slip. You spend money on less than a foot of water that needs extra care and can still be scratched by furniture. That is a poor trade for most of our buyers from Weeki Wachee and Brooksville to Riverview, Dunedin, and Palm Harbor.
What we suggest instead: an overflow spa
If the goal is a dedicated place to relax in the water — not a photo of a shelf — we recommend adding an overflow spa to the pool. In practice, an overflow spa ends up at about the same price as the added gallons you would pay for a tanning-ledge option, and you get a lot more out of it:
- A dedicated lounge seat molded into the spa — no patio furniture required
- Recessed captain’s chairs with jets at each seat so you can soak without dragging chairs onto a gelcoat shelf
- Deeper, useful water instead of a thin sun shelf that grows algae easily
- Flexible placement — the spa can sit on either side of the pool or at the deep end
Our Overflow Spa 6′×7′ includes captain’s chairs and a lounge seat so you can relax without furniture on gelcoat. The Overflow Spa 5′×7′ fits tighter yards. Both install higher than the pool so water overflows back into the shell. Financing: Starting at $400 a month W.A.C. — see financing.
Why we would rather talk you out of a ledge
We are both the manufacturer and the licensed Florida pool contractor (CPC1459625) — one company builds, installs, and stands behind the warranty. Selling a ledge that invites furniture damage, then denying the claim, is not how we treat customers. If another quote leads with a tanning-ledge photo and never mentions furniture risk, ask in writing who pays to repair gelcoat gouges from chairs.
Tanning ledge FAQs
Why doesn’t Pettit recommend tanning ledges on fiberglass pools?
Because people put furniture on the ledge, and that furniture often gouges or scratches the gelcoat. That damage is not a manufacturing defect, so it is not covered under warranty. We would rather steer you to a better option than sell a shelf that creates warranty problems later.
Is furniture damage covered under the warranty?
No. Gouges and scratches from furniture are owner-caused damage, not a manufacturing defect. Treat gelcoat like a hardwood floor: beautiful when cared for, easy to mark when hard furniture is dragged across it. See our warranty page.
What do you suggest instead of a tanning ledge?
An overflow spa with a dedicated lounge seat and recessed captain’s chairs with jets at each seat. No furniture needed to relax. The spa can go on either side of the pool or at the deep end. See our spas.
Is an overflow spa much more expensive than a tanning ledge?
In our experience, an overflow spa ends up at about the same price as the added gallons you would pay for a tanning-ledge option — and you get molded seats, jets, and deeper water instead of a thin shelf.
Can the spa go on either side of the pool?
Yes. You can add the overflow spa to either side or to the deep end, depending on your layout, setbacks, and how you want to use the yard. We plan that placement with you before the shell is ordered.
Talk through the layout before you order
Fiberglass pool installation across Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas — including New Port Richey, Tampa, Clearwater, and Spring Hill. Citrus County homeowners in Inverness, Crystal River, Homosassa, and Beverly Hills are welcome too. See our service areas hub for every city we cover from Port Richey.
Call 727-847-7665 or contact us online. Pettit Fiberglass Pools, 6651 Industrial Ave, Port Richey, FL — factory-direct fiberglass pools and overflow spas. One company builds and installs the shell under one warranty.