14+ Inspiring Small Pool Ideas with Sun Shelves

Imagine stepping into your backyard oasis, where a small pool with a sun shelf awaits to whisk you away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Let’s explore some fantastic ideas that will inspire you to create a dreamy and inviting pool space, perfect for soaking up the sun or cooling off in style.

1. Create a Cozy Sun Shelf Nook

A cozy sun shelf nook with cushions for ultimate relaxation.
A cozy sun shelf nook with cushions for ultimate relaxation.

A sun shelf is a shallow area perfect for lounging in the water. In my own backyard, I’ve seen how adding a few comfy cushions can make this spot a favorite retreat.

A few helpful options:

  • Waterproof Outdoor Cushions: Add comfort with these stylish, durable cushions perfect for poolside relaxation on your sun shelf.
  • Non-Slip Pool Mats: Ensure safety and comfort on your sun shelf with these non-slip, water-friendly pool mats.
  • Inflatable Pool Loungers: Enjoy luxury lounging with compact, inflatable pool loungers ideal for sun shelf relaxation.

2. Design a Multi-Functional Pool Space

A multi-functional design for versatile poolside fun.
A multi-functional design for versatile poolside fun.

Create a multi-functional pool area for swimming, lounging, and more. I’ve seen how this approach maximizes enjoyment for the whole family.

Try these:

  • Adjustable Pool Chaise Lounger: Relax in style with a comfortable, adjustable pool lounger perfect for sunbathing or reading.
  • Large Patio Umbrella with Base: Stay cool and protected with a large patio umbrella, ideal for sun-drenched pool areas.
  • Outdoor Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers: Enjoy your favorite tunes poolside with waterproof Bluetooth speakers that blend perfectly into any setting.

3. Incorporate Modern, Clean Lines

Modern design with clean lines for a chic poolside look.
Modern design with clean lines for a chic poolside look.

Sleek, modern designs with clean lines can give your pool a contemporary touch. Many homeowners appreciate the crisp aesthetics this brings.

Might be a good match:

  • Minimalist Outdoor Chaise Lounge: Elevate your poolside relaxation with a sleek, contemporary outdoor chaise lounge for ultimate comfort.
  • Modern Poolside Planters: Enhance aesthetics with stylish planters that bring a natural touch to your sleek pool environment.
  • Luxury Pool Towel Set: Complete your modern pool with premium towels offering a chic and clean appearance.

4. Create a Natural Poolside Retreat

A natural poolside retreat blending water, stone, and greenery.
A natural poolside retreat blending water, stone, and greenery.

Design a natural retreat with a mix of water, stone, and plants. This approach is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature.

A few suggestions:

  • Outdoor Stone Fountain: Enhance your retreat with a soothing outdoor stone fountain, adding serene water sounds.
  • Native Plant Garden Kit: Elevate your garden with native plants that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
  • Natural Stone Pavers: Complete the natural look with durable stone pavers for a rustic and elegant finish.

5. Integrate Natural Stone Elements

Natural stone elements bring an earthy feel to the pool area.
Natural stone elements bring an earthy feel to the pool area.

Using natural stone elements around the pool creates an organic look. I often recommend this for clients wanting a seamless blend with nature.

You might like:

  • Natural Stone Pool Coping: Enhance your pool edges with natural stone coping for a seamless, organic appearance.
  • Flagstone Patio Pavers: Create a rustic poolside area with flagstone pavers for a charming and durable walkway.
  • Decorative River Rock: Add decorative river rocks around your pool for a natural look that complements any landscape.

6. Opt for a Compact Pool Design

A compact pool design making the most of a small space.
A compact pool design making the most of a small space.

A compact design maximizes space efficiency, perfect for small backyards. I love seeing how clients creatively fit pools into their unique spaces.

A few things you might like:

  • Compact Pool Heater: Warm your compact pool with an energy-efficient heater, ensuring comfortable swims year-round.
  • Inflatable Pool Lounger: Relax in style with an inflatable lounger, perfect for sunbathing on your pool’s sun shelf.
  • Underwater LED Pool Lights: Enhance evening swims with vibrant underwater LED lights for your compact pool.

7. Add a Splash of Color with Umbrellas

A vibrant umbrella adds both color and shade to the pool area.
A vibrant umbrella adds both color and shade to the pool area.

Introduce colorful umbrellas to provide shade and style. I’ve found that this simple addition can dramatically enhance the pool’s aesthetic while keeping you cool.

Consider these options:

  • Vibrant Patio Umbrella: Transform your pool area with a vibrant patio umbrella, providing shade and style effortlessly.
  • Poolside Sun Umbrella: Enhance your outdoor space with a colorful sun umbrella for cool comfort and visual appeal.
  • Adjustable Tilting Umbrella: Add a splash of color and flexibility with an adjustable tilting umbrella around your pool.

8. Design with Eco-Friendly Materials

Eco-friendly materials create a sustainable poolside paradise.
Eco-friendly materials create a sustainable poolside paradise.

Consider using eco-friendly materials for a sustainable design. I’ve helped many clients achieve beauty while being kind to the environment.

Useful items to consider:

  • Recycled Plastic Decking Boards: Enhance your pool area with eco-friendly decking, offering durability with a sustainable touch.
  • Solar Pool Lights: Illuminate your pool with solar lights, conserving energy while creating a serene ambiance.
  • Eco-Friendly Pool Lounge Chairs: Relax by the pool on lounge chairs made from sustainable materials, combining comfort with eco-consciousness.

9. Install Ambient Pool Lighting

Ambient lighting turns the pool into a nighttime retreat.
Ambient lighting turns the pool into a nighttime retreat.

Set the mood with ambient lighting for evening swims. My clients often rave about the magical atmosphere it creates at night.

Explore these options:

  • LED String Lights: Enhance your poolside with soft LED string lights for a cozy evening ambiance.
  • Submersible Pool Lights: Illuminate your pool with vibrant submersible lights for a mesmerizing aquatic glow.
  • Solar-Powered Lanterns: Light up your patio with solar lanterns for an eco-friendly and charming nighttime atmosphere.

10. Add a Touch of Luxury with Fire Features

Fire features add warmth and luxury to the pool setting.
Fire features add warmth and luxury to the pool setting.

Introduce fire features for a luxurious touch. In my experience, they add warmth and elegance, perfect for evening gatherings.

May just do the trick:

  • Outdoor Fire Bowl: Enhance your poolside with this stylish fire bowl for warmth and ambiance during gatherings.
  • Propane Fire Pit Table: Create an inviting atmosphere with a propane fire pit table, perfect for evening relaxation.
  • Tabletop Fire Bowl: Add elegance with a compact tabletop fire bowl, ideal for cozy nights by the pool.

11. Enhance with Lush Landscaping

Lush landscaping transforms the pool area into a tropical paradise.
Lush landscaping transforms the pool area into a tropical paradise.

Surround your pool with lush greenery for a tropical vibe. In Austin, I’ve helped clients create mini oases with strategic plant choices.

Check these products out:

  • Tropical Plant Seeds: Transform your poolside into a lush paradise with easy-to-grow tropical plant seeds.
  • Outdoor Patio Umbrella: Add shade and style to your pool area with a durable outdoor patio umbrella.
  • Automatic Irrigation System: Keep your garden vibrant effortlessly with a versatile automatic irrigation system.

12. Incorporate Unique Water Features

Unique water features add a playful dynamic to the pool.
Unique water features add a playful dynamic to the pool.

Add unique water features like bubblers for a playful touch. These have become a favorite among my clients for their dynamic effect.

You might give these a try:

  • Pool Water Bubbler: Add a playful touch to your pool with dynamic water movement from bubblers.
  • LED Pool Fountain: Enhance your pool’s ambiance with a beautiful LED-lit water display.
  • Pool Waterfall Spillway: Create a tranquil atmosphere with a stunning waterfall effect in your pool.

13. Incorporate In-Pool Lounge Chairs

Relax in style with in-pool lounge chairs on your sun shelf.
Relax in style with in-pool lounge chairs on your sun shelf.

Add in-pool lounge chairs for a touch of luxury and comfort. These chairs are a hit with my clients, offering the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the sun without leaving the water.

Possibly handy products:

  • Floating Pool Lounger Chair: Relax in style with a floating pool lounger that combines comfort with effortless aquatic leisure.
  • In-Pool Reclining Lounger: Enhance your sunbathing experience with a reclining lounger designed for in-pool relaxation.
  • Waterproof Pool Chaise Lounge: Immerse yourself in luxury; a waterproof chaise lounge perfect for sun shelves and poolside comfort.

14. Make It Pet-Friendly

Pet-friendly pool design ensures fun for your furry companions.
Pet-friendly pool design ensures fun for your furry companions.

Design your pool to be pet-friendly with shallow areas for your furry friends. Many pet owners appreciate this thoughtful consideration.

Maybe worth checking out:

  • Non-Slip Pool Ramp for Pets: Ensure your pet’s safety by adding easy exit options with a non-slip pool ramp.
  • Floating Dog Toy Set: Keep your pets entertained with floating toys designed for poolside fun.
  • Pet Safe Sunscreen: Protect your pet’s skin from harmful UV rays with specially formulated pet-safe sunscreen.

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Text: Joyce Peterson