What Is a Ledge Lounger and Are They Worth the Money?

There is a saying that goes: it is not a great view without the right seat! And for a swimming pool, the best seat is a ledge lounger. Ledge loungers can make you ‘feel like you’re on vacation in your own backyard.’

A ledge lounger – also known as a swimming pool chair or a pool chaise lounger – is a contoured, comfortable lounging chair that you place in the pool (typically on a ledge no deeper than 9 inches). You can also set the ledge lounger on the sun shelf, Baja step, or tanning ledge.

You simply fill the polyethylene lounger with chlorinated pool water and seal the holes provided to hold the water in. This allows the lounger to remain steadily on the pool’s ledge. You can relax on the lounger right in the pool to catch some sun without getting wet.

Ledge loungers will transform your swimming pool, patio, and yard. They are a great way to make you and your loved ones create lasting memories in the countless sunny days ahead. This makes ledge loungers worth buying.

In this guide, we will talk about 

• Types of ledge loungers
• Best ones to buy
• And more…

The Basics of a Ledge Lounger

A ledge lounger is a pool chair or chaise lounger specially designed to sit on the pool’s ledge. It provides a contoured, comfortable lounging chair for you to sit, sleep, and relax in the pool. It is designed to steadily remain (not float) on the pool’s tanning shelf or ledge, Baja step, or sun shelf. 

High-quality pool ledge loungers are made of sun-resistant marine fabric or molded UV-resistant polyethylene or plastic. They are designed to withstand more than 15000 hours in the sun – so you won’t have to worry about them cracking, fading, or getting damaged.

We’ve had our ledge loungers for a couple of years, and they show no sun damage at all. When I first got them, I didn’t think they would stay in place, but they do; you simply fill the lounger with pool water by submerging it.

It is a bit challenging; you have to roll it around to get the air out and ensure it fills. Once the water is inside, you plug in the holes with screws and position the lounger on the pool’s ledge or steps.

When I clean the pool I generally lightly brush the ledge loungers and it keeps them looking new. You can slide them relatively easily to brush underneath, which I do twice a month.

Are Ledge Loungers Worth the Money?

Ledge loungers are expensive. When my wife told me a pair cost $1,400.00, I was stunned. So, we agreed to shop for used ones and eventually found a set on FaceBook Marketplace for half the price of a new pair.

So, are ledge loungers worth the money? That depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a comfortable reclining chair to use in your pool, then a ledge lounger may be a good investment.

We love laying back comfortably in the water on hot days, so for us; they are definitely worth what we paid; however, at full price, I don’t know if I would feel the same.

What Are Ledge Loungers Made Of?

Floating ledge loungers are made of a variety of materials. You can find them in high-quality rotomolded materials, vinyl, UV-resistant plastic/resin (having a rating of UV 8 to UV 20), marine-grade fabrics, or ultra-strong polyethylene. 

You fill them with the pool’s chlorinated water, so they remain afloat on the ledge. They are tested extensively to withstand over 15,000 hours in the sun and are color stabilized to prevent fading and discoloration.

Some pool loungers are made with aluminum frames and paired with water-proof and UV-resistant Textilene fabric. These cannot be filled with water. They only can be used in the pool near its ledge or sun shelves.

How Big are Ledge Loungers?

Most standard-sized loungers are 71 x 23 x 24.5 inches (L x W X H) to accommodate an average-sized adult easily for depths up to 9 inches. You also get smaller pool lounge pillows and lounge tables in various dimensions.

Some ledge loungers are designed for depths up to 10-15 inches.

Can You Fill Ledge Loungers with Sand?

Yes, if you plan on using your ledge loungers in deeper water than the depth recommended by the manufacturer (most loungers work at a depth of up to 9 inches), you can fill them up with sand instead of water. This will help you take the lounger to the pool’s deeper parts. 

You may also fill ledge loungers with sand if you want them to have a permanent position on your pool’s tanning shelf, sun shelf, or Baja step. But be aware that it will be extremely heavy and difficult to move.

They are Not Designed to Float

Pool loungers are not designed to float. If used at the recommended depth, they will stay in place without bobbing, rocking, or sinking. If your chaise lounger keeps moving, then add more water. Please make sure you only use the lounger at a depth they are recommended to be used.

Types of Ledge Loungers

Chaise Lounges

These have a chair shape, but they go far back, so you almost sleep on them. They are long enough for you to prop your legs up on them.

Upright Lounge In-Pool Chairs

These loungers have a vertical non-inclined back, so you remain upright instead of horizontal as on the chaise.

Low-Back Recline Chairs

These do not have room for propping up the legs. They usually have upright backs but with a lower seat.

Tall Barstool

Contoured to provide back support, the in-pool barstool settles on the pool’s ledge without floating or rocking.

Benefits of Using a Ledge Lounger

When most people think of pool loungers, they envision the traditional plastic float that has been around for decades. However, a new type of pool lounger is quickly gaining popularity – the ledge lounger.

Ledge loungers are designed to sit on the ledge of a pool, providing a comfortable place to sunbathe or take a dip. There are several advantages to using a ledge lounger over a traditional float.

Tanning and sunbathing

Why go to expensive tanning salons or the beach when you can get tanned in your backyard?

Sunbathing has so many benefits:

• Increases vitamin D
• Reduces depression
• It helps you sleep better
• Boosts the immunity
• Prevents risks of pregnancy and delivery complications.

So start lounging today (but don’t forget that sunscreen!).

Creates a luxurious resort-like environment right in your backyard

You don’t have to go to those expensive resorts to relax. With ledge loungers, you will feel you’re in one – right in the comforts of your home.

The loungers incline backward, so you’re almost in a sleeping position. Perfect for relaxing with a book or a cool drink. Many loungers even come with cup holders and phone holders for added convenience.

If you’re looking for ways to spruce up your yard or frequently host poolside parties, then ledge loungers will impress your guests. Ledge loungers also come in various colors to suit any decor, and you can use them to add pops of bright colors to your poolside decor.

Ledge loungers are not just comfortable for lounging; they are great to look at.

Keeps you cool

You can sit in the pool, half in and half out of the water. I like to read while sitting in one, and I don’t have to worry about getting my book wet because ledge loungers are stable and easy to get in and out of without tipping over.

Creates extra seating around the pool

Elegant ledge loungers offer great seating space to adults who want to supervise their kids while in the pool. You can easily watch your kids while they splash around in the pool while you relax on the pool’s ledge.

Places to Use a Lounger

Commercial/residential uses

Loungers are safe for commercial and residential applications. Basically, they are designed to be used along pool ledges, sun shelves, Baja steps, or tanning ledges. The recommended depth to use loungers is 9 inches.

Their ultra-strong polythene makes them resist harsh UV rays and pool chemicals. So, you can use them at the beach, for a commercial spa, in resorts, and in residential pools. You can use them on patios, decks, under umbrellas, etc.

They come in attractive colors, making them suitable for different decors. 

Poolside parties

Lightweight pool ledge loungers are easy to carry from the deck to the pool or patio. They are perfect for poolside parties or when you entertain.

6 Best Ledge Loungers – 2022 Top Picks (With Reviews!)

PURPLE LEAF Patio Chaise Lounge 

This ledge lounger is slightly different from the resin or rotomolded loungers described above. It is not filled with water but can be simply placed on the pool’s step or sun shelf in a few inches of water.

Purple Leaf chaise lounge is made of aluminum and water-resistant textile fabric. The fabric is UV-resistant and quick-drying. PURPLE LEAF patio/in-pool loungers can be inclined into four positions for comfort.

You can use this lounger on an 8”-10” deep sun shelf. PURPLE LEAF lounge chair set also comes with an in-pool table for keeping your phone, book, or drink on.

Features

• 69.3″D x 25.2″W x 13″H
• Made with weather-resistant powder-coated aluminum and UV-resistant Textilene fabric
• Unique curved armrest design to quickly get on/off and keep arms comfortable
• Holds up to 256 lb.
• Made for depth between 8-10 inches

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Lightweight and easy to move around
• It holds plenty of weight
• Durable
• Rust-resistant, wear and wrinkle-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Breathable fabric
• Ergonomically designed for maximum comfort

Cons

• Non-stackable; difficult to move and store.

Ledge Lounger in-Pool Chaise Lounge for 0-9 in. of Water

These are the ledge loungers we have in our pool. I would’ve listed them as number one but for the price. However, they are comfortable, durable, and stable; if you can afford them, these are the ones to buy.

Ledge Loungers™ are the original in-pool loungers. They are made of vinyl with a UV rating of up to 16 – so they can withstand almost 16,000 hours in the sun.

Ledge Loungers™ also makes deeper versions, especially for placing in 10-15 inches of water.

Features

• Made with UV-resistant and color-stabilized vinyl with a UV16 rating
• Compatible with all pool types
• Includes a neck pillow
• Available in 6 colors

Pros

• The original ledge lounger
• Sleek and elegant
• Easy to assemble and set up
• Stay in place

Cons

• You must drain the chairs every time you add chlorine to the pool.
• Expensive
• Prone to scratches

Floating Luxuries Kai Shelf Lounger

The ergonomically designed Kai shelf lounger from Floating Luxuries™ comes with cup holders and phone holders. It is designed for use in pools of up to 9-inches of water.

I’ve used these at a resort in Cabo and found the cupholder useful. The lounger was also exceptionally comfortable and stayed in place.

This sturdy and durable lounger is made with a UV 20+ rating that allows it to withstand 20,000 hours in the sun without fading.

Features

• Actual resort width of  26.5in (67.3cm).
• Weight 41 lb.
• It comes with a drain port to drain water easily
• Made in the USA.
• Built-in cup and phone holders
• UV20+ rated material 
• It can be used in chlorinated pools or salt water

Pros

• Resort-style loungers for optimum comfort
• Durable
• Easy to assemble

Cons

• Expensive

Luxury Lounger Classic Upright in-Pool Chair Set for Pool Ledge

These Luxury lounger chairs help you maintain a neutral position instead of reclining or laying flat on your back. Worry not:  they are as comfortable as our other entries here.

The in-pool upright chair is designed for a depth of 0-12 inches.

Features

• Made with UV-resistant plastic
• Contoured shape for the neutral position.

Pros

• Stylish
• Comfortable
• Versatile
• Easy to set up

Cons

• Not for vinyl-lined pool surfaces
• It does not have plugs to stop the water from flowing out once filled. This tends to cause them to float up.
• Prone to yellow stains after rains

S.R Smith RS-1-2 R In-Pool Chaise Loungers

It’s essential to measure the water level of your ledge before buying a pool lounger. We were able to get ours from Facebook Marketplace because the original owner’s ledge was too deep.

They needed the S.R.Smith pool loungers, made for 0-12 inches of water, whereas the one they bought was made for up to nine inches.

These loungers are made in the USA with rotomolded materials and will enhance your pool’s decor.

Features

• Weight limit of 250 lb.
• It can be used in water depths of up to 12 inches
• UV-resistant rotomolded materials
• USA-made
• Five attractive colors and different textures are available

Pros

• Cheaper than similar in-pool loungers
• Lightweight and portable
• Ultra-comfortable

Cons

• Tend to float
• It could be too narrow for larger individuals.

Pool Mate Luxury Swimming Pool Patio Chaise Lounge Chair

The Pool-Mate chaise lounger can be converted into an in-pool ledge lounger for your tanning shelf by drilling holes on the bottom and adding air holes in strategic areas to let the air out.

They will stay put on the tanning shelf in shallow water up to 9-inches.

Features

• 63 (long) x 24(wide) inches
• Available in 3 colors
• Foldable for portability and storage
• Rattan style

Pros

• Portable and foldable for storage
• Multi-use

Cons

• Requires you to drill holes to convert them into in-pool loungers.

Conclusion – What is a Ledge Lounger?

If you spend a lot of time at the pool and your pool has a sun shelf or tanning step, a pool ledge lounger is a must-have accessory. You won’t regret buying it: it is sure to enhance your pool’s decor, you will experience ultimate relaxation, and earn plenty of compliments for them from your guests.

We recommend the non-fillable PURPLE LEAF Patio Chaise Loungers, which are durable, wear-resistant, and easy to set up. They also hold plenty of weight and will last for several summers. They are also a lot cheaper than plastic/UV-resistant rotomolded/vinyl ledge-filled in-pool ledge loungers.

If you prefer the fillable ledge loungers, go for the Ledge Lounger in-Pool Chaise Lounge. These original ledge loungers have received rave reviews for their sleek and elegant design. If budget is not a concern, you can also opt for the resort-style Floating Luxuries Kai Shelf Lounger that can withstand up to 20,000 hours in the sun.

Do check out our other recommendations as well.

Below is a helpful YouTube video showing how to install your new ledge lounger.

FAQs – Ledge Loungers