Features
BATTLE FOR THE SUN SHELF: The Top 5 in Pool Furniture Brands
![Aquablu pool furniture](png/aquheader.png)
In the past few years, sun shelves have gained popularity like never before; being incorporated in new pool designs and remodels alike. Also known as a Baja shelf and coined the “ledge” by in-pool furniture leader Ledge Lounger, these shallow water platforms are trending as a focal point for in-pool fun, relaxation, and style.
Because of this, there’s been an influx of new in-pool and outdoor furniture brands entering the market. As life on the sun shelf becomes the standard, in-pool furniture manufacturers have beefed up their product offerings with new stylish options. In-pool chaise lounges, benches, bar stools, slides, tables, umbrellas, and more are now elevating the look and functionality of pools and outdoor spaces around the world.
With so much to choose from which is the right one for your pool? This article explores the top 5 in-pool furniture brands to help you select the best option for you or your customer. In no particular order, let’s dive into it.
1) TENJAM: Simply Bold. Retro-Style Pool Furniture
The newest manufacturer to enter the in-pool furniture category, Tenjam’s roots originate in rotomolded school furniture. The manufacturer places a very heavy emphasis on comfort, functionality, and bold, retro designs. With decades of experience in rotomolded furniture fabrication, Tenjam is certainly earning its place on the market.
Some of their most popular pieces include the Shayz Pool Lounger, the Mibster Chair, the Moon Chair, and the Amped Side Table.
Simple and bold is what describes Tenjam’s style. And rightfully so! Tenjam brings a very different and unique look to the sun shelf with a wide range of products that blend bright, bold colors with mid-century style.
Tenjam prides itself on providing comfort and functionality in every piece of furniture they design. For instance, their popular Shayz Lounger features an ergonomic, upright seated design with armrests and cup holders. They have also specially designed a counterweighted headrest pillow for the lounger to ensure comfort and ease of use, featuring a built in pocket for convenient storage of a wallet or cell phone.
The patented valve system makes filling the lounger a complete breeze. They also offer three different snap-in risers (4″, 8″, and 12″) which elevate the height of the chair, allowing use in 5 to 17 inches of water.
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2) LEDGE LOUNGER: The Original In-Pool Furniture Brand
Many say that nothing beats a classic, and Ledge Lounger is certainly the classic choice for in-pool loungers and patio furniture on the US market. Before starting the company, their CEO was in fact a pool builder, giving him insight into what consumers are really looking for to complete their outdoor space.
The Ledge Lounger furniture line is extensive, consisting of self-sinking and leveling pool bar stools, classic in-pool loungers, patio chairs, patio tables, games, and even baby slides. Their most popular in-pool collection is the Signature Series. This includes loungers, chairs, barstools, and tables.
As the originator and influencer in the industry, Ledge Lounger is known for its iconic resort-style look. Clean, modern, and streamlined, their products are available in an array of colors with supporting cushions, pillows, and sunshade accessories. The Signature Series isn’t Ledge Lounger’s only in-pool collection. Their new, luxurious Autograph Collection includes the Autograph Pool Chaise, winner of the 2022 Good Design award! The lineup certainly boasts an alluring look, appealing to all sun lovers alike.
Ledge Lounger tends to offer a more reclined seating position in their products; perfect for sunbathing and relaxing in shallow water. Seat shades, pillows, and cushions are nice add-on accessories to further enhance one’s ledge experience.
Their in-pool furniture features a threaded plug system where a plug is removed, and the furniture is filled with pool water to submerge itself and stay in place. The product lineup allows use in water depths from 9″ – 20″ depending on the chair or lounger selected. Risers are also available.
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3) FLOATING LUXURIES: Stylish & Comfortable In-Pool Loungers
Floating Luxuries offers a very simple yet powerful lineup. Available in a beautiful, classic white color, this manufacturer offers the perfect hybrid of style, comfort, and functionality. The Kai series offers a shallow and deep-water lounger, a side table, and a commercial-grade fiberglass umbrella for arguably one of the most comfortable, yet fashionable complete sun shelf sets on the market.
Their popular products include the Kai Shelf Lounger, Kai Shelf Lounger – Deep, Kai Side Table, and the Kai Luxury Umbrella to complete any outdoor paradise!
Fashion and comfort are the cornerstones of Floating Luxuries’ Design. The collection is reminiscent of iconic, resort-style in-pool furniture looks but has certainly brought its own personal touches to make them stand out.
Compared to other loungers on the market, Floating Luxuries produces oversized loungers, that sit in a more upright, forward-facing position, making them comfortable for people of all shapes and sizes. All Kai loungers have been ergonomically designed with long-term lounging in mind.
The furniture utilizes top-fill and bottom-drain ports. This allows simple filling with a garden hose to keep them securely in place. Air vents at the knee allow uninterrupted fills, while the cup and phone holders are a customer favorite.
Floating Luxuries has an extensive product offering that includes pillows, pool noodles, pool floats, and a floating drink caddy to give their customers everything they need for a fun pool day in the sun.
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4) VONDOM: High-Fashion, Modern Outdoor Furniture
Imported from Spain, Vondom brings true high-fashion pool and outdoor furniture to the US market. Their ultra-modern, contemporary furniture is designed by world-renowned designers, bringing you more than just pool and outdoor patio furniture, but elevating your pool and outdoor space with stunning works of art.
Their most sought-after pieces include the Ibiza Sun Lounger, the Faz Sun Bed, the Jut Sun Chaise, and the Surf Sun Chaise. All of which offer sleek, modern designs and comfortable functionality.
Commercially rated, and available in rotomolded and non-rotomolded designs, this furniture line is made from polypropylene-reinforced fiberglass, making it sturdy and long-lasting. Vondom is famous for its high-fashion European designs that add a unique flare to any space. From LED-lit daybeds to comfortable contemporary loungers, they bring art and design to any outdoor area.
Vondom is dedicated to the environment and in an effort to reduce pollution has created the Vondom Revolution line of in-pool and outdoor furniture. Manufactured using recycled polypropylene materials like plastics from fishnets and waste collected from our oceans, this eco-friendly initiative sets the example for other brands to practice sustainable product development, which is critical to achieving a better quality of life for all.
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5) SR SMITH: Timeless Pool Furniture
If you’re looking for in-pool furniture but you’re a fan of classic style and a modern-looking lounger just won’t do, then look no further than SR Smith! They offer comfortable and unique in-pool furniture in a timeless style.
The Destination Lounger and the Destination Rocking Chair are popular, non-rotomolded (not hollow) products that distinguish this brand from the rest. They feature a self-filling ballast system which means there are no fill ports; you’ll enjoy the easy setup!
The Destination Rocking Chair is the only in-pool rocking chair available on the market. Who says rocking chairs can only be used on porches? Now you can enjoy the comfort and old-world style while you relax in refreshing pool water on a hot summer day. You really can’t beat that!
Moreover, their products are available in 9 color options and are UV protected to ensure longevity. Plus, they’re safe for all pool types including vinyl!
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THE TAKEAWAY
Apart from Vondom, which is manufactured and imported from Spain, all the above-mentioned brands are manufactured in the USA from commercial grade, UV-resistant, chemical-resistant plastics, and resins. They are safe for all pool surfaces including plaster, vinyl liners, and tiled surfaces.
It is estimated that over 90% of new pools are being designed with a sun shelf. From sun lovers looking to enjoy their day in the pool to growing families with children, this pool design trend has skyrocketed as it offers a versatile living space.
With so many different applications and personal styles, there is no wonder why manufacturers are carving out their own piece of the sun shelf market share.
WHERE TO BUY
Some of the manufacturers listed in this article have online stores and may also be found on Amazon at full retail pricing. It’s important to note that some third-party vendors are manufacturing inferior look-alike products. It’s always best to read customer reviews and buy from a trusted source.
In some cases, builders and contractors may even be able to open dealer accounts with reputable vendors. But, with so many options wouldn’t it be great to access all brands from a single source while enjoying the very best in customer service and preferred pricing?
If the answer is yes, then we at AquaBlu invite all trades to join our AquaPRO Trade Network.
AquaBlu Mosaics isn’t just tile… As a leading supplier of pool tile and outdoor accessories, AquaBlu is now proudly the #1 destination for In Pool Furniture. Give us a call today for help getting your or your customer’s outdoor furniture set today!
Products
Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner Review
![Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner Review](jpg/beat-bot-pool-cleaner.jpg)
In the realm of robotic pool cleaners, the Beatbot AquaSense Pro emerges as a game-changer, setting new standards with its advanced features and cutting-edge technology. As the world’s first all-in-one intelligent robotic pool cleaner, the AquaSense Pro promises a comprehensive cleaning experience that extends beyond the pool floor. With its innovative design, technological prowess, and a suite of unique features, this cleaner is a standout in the competitive pool-cleaning market.
Design and Features
Beatbot has hit the mark with the AquaSense Pro’s engineering. Equipped with nine motors, 20 sensors, and onboard AI, its design is not only sleek but also robust. The unit itself weighs in at 24 pounds, conveying a sense of durability and reliability. The device’s intuitive onboard controls, featuring four modes and power buttons, make it user-friendly and accessible to both pool maintenance novices and seasoned professionals.
The AquaSense Pro boasts 5-in-1 cordless cleaning capability, covering the pool floor, walls, waterline, surface, and incorporating a built-in water clarifier system. The AquaSense Pro employs the AquaGlide™ Simulated Flight Propulsion for surface cleaning, ensuring it glides effortlessly to tackle debris and residues. The ClearWater™ clarifier dispenser is another innovative addition, distributing clarifying agents evenly to enhance overall water clarity.
![Beatbot AquaSense Pro](jpg/aquasense-pro-1024x865.jpg)
Main Features
- World’s 1st 5-in-1 Cleaning: Clarification/Surface/Waterline/Floor/Walls Powered by 9 Motors.
- Best Intelligent Path Optimization Powered by Quad-Core 1.8GHz Processor.
- Industry-Exclusive Intelligent Return to Starting Point and Surface Parking.
- Powerful Wall Cleaning with Brushless Main-Pump Motor up to 5500 GPH Suction.
- Effortless Cleaning Control with the Beatbot APP and OTA Software Upgrades.
- Award-Winning and Eco-Friendly Cordless Submarine Propulsion Design.
- Superior Cleaning Efficiency and Coverage with 2×2 Independent Roller Brushes.
- Extreme Safety and Reliability with 15 Certifications, including ETL, CEC, and IP68.
- Ultimate Convenience with Cordless Charging Dock for Plug-Free Operations.
- 9.5 Hours Surface Cleaning and 5 Hours Floor Cleaning with 10400mAh Battery.
![Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner](jpg/pool-cleaner-beatbot-1024x576.jpg)
Performance and Cleaning Prowess
The AquaSense Pro’s performance is commendable, showcasing systematic cleaning that starts with mapping the pool. Utilizing advanced sensors, including two ultrasonic sensors, the cleaner calculates the optimal cleaning path with exceptional accuracy. Its intelligent mapping capabilities allow the robot to navigate efficiently without getting stuck, offering a seamless cleaning experience.
During a full cleaning run, the AquaSense Pro adopts an S-shaped pattern for the floor and walls and an N-shaped pattern for the walls and waterline. This strategic cleaning approach ensures thorough coverage, leaving no area untouched. The automatic return feature, coupled with water purge capabilities, adds convenience to the cleaning process. Remarkably, the AquaSense Pro parks itself at the pool’s surface upon completion, eliminating the need for manual retrieval from the pool bottom.
Charging and Convenience
Beatbot has revolutionized the charging process with an innovative dock design. Instead of a traditional plug and cable setup, the AquaSense Pro docks on a charging station where exposed electrodes charge the battery. This not only simplifies recharging but also aids in draining excess water, contributing to the device’s overall efficiency.
![Beatbot AquaSense Pro Pool Cleaner](jpg/beatbot-aquasense-pro-1024x576.jpg)
Intelligence and Versatility
Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, the AquaSense Pro provides seamless control through its dedicated Android and iOS app. Users can effortlessly switch between cleaning modes, making it a convenient and versatile tool for pool maintenance. Designed for various pool types, including in-ground and above-ground, and supporting multiple surfaces such as concrete, fiberglass, vinyl, and ceramic tile, the AquaSense Pro proves its versatility.
Affordable Alternative
For those seeking a more budget-friendly option without compromising on performance, Beatbot offers the AquaSense model. While it lacks some of the luxury features of the AquaSense Pro, it remains a reliable and efficient pool cleaner. With three cleaning modes and intelligent path optimization powered by a Quad-Core 1.8GHz processor, the AquaSense is a practical alternative for pool owners who prioritize cost-effectiveness.
![Beatbot Pool Cleaner Upgrade](jpg/beatbot-pool-cleaner-1024x576.jpg)
Should You Buy the Beatbot AquaSense Pro?
In terms of cleaning performance, the AquaSense Pro excels, effectively removing both visible and invisible debris. The two-layer filter basket captures particles as small as 150 micrometers, showcasing its thorough cleaning capabilities. The dual sets of brushes, strategically placed at the front and back, work simultaneously with different speeds and directions, providing precise control and extensive coverage. This not only enhances the cleaning power but also eliminates the need for frequent manual scrubbing of pool surfaces.
PROS:
- Diverse 5-in-1 pool cleaning capabilities
- Extended battery life with up to 9.5 hours of continuous runtime
- Smart MemoryPark feature for easy retrieval from the pool surface
CONS:
- Requires periodic charging
- Unable to identify new debris in previously cleaned sections
- Possibility of larger debris floating away during surface cleaning
If you’re in search of a technologically advanced robotic pool cleaner that delivers on its promises, the AquaSense Pro is undoubtedly worth considering. Dive into innovation and let the AquaSense Pro redefine your pool maintenance experience.
Pool Service
Orenda (a HASA Company) and Skimmer to Revolutionize Pool Maintenance with New Partnership
![Skimmer - Orenda Partnership](jpg/skimmer-orenda-partnership.jpg)
Skimmer, America’s most widely-used pool service platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Orenda Technologies (a HASA Company), a trailblazer in water treatment solutions. This collaboration aims to enhance the user experience for pool professionals by integrating the Orenda Calculator™, with its Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and dosage recommendation engine, into Skimmer’s software.
The inclusion of Orenda’s LSI calculator and dosage recommendation engine within Skimmer’s platform marks a significant milestone in pool service technology. The LSI serves as an impartial measurement of water balance, specifically gauging calcium carbonate saturation. By assessing whether the water is aggressive/corrosive, balanced, or scale-forming, the LSI plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal water chemistry.
This, combined with Skimmer’s easy-to-use, all-in-one software will give tens of thousands of pool pros access to water quality insights right in the Skimmer app.
“Partnering with Orenda and HASA aligns seamlessly with our commitment to providing pool professionals with cutting-edge tools,” says Jack Nelson, CEO of Skimmer.
Integrating the Orenda Calculator™ into Skimmer empowers our customers to make informed decisions that directly impact water quality and customer satisfaction,” says Nelson.
“We are excited to integrate with partner software that helps pool professionals up their game, and that can expand upon the app we have built. Skimmer is a powerful tool that helps thousands of pros improve their business every day. This integration allows for us to help those same pool pros even further. With this partnership, Skimmer users will be able to save chemistry results and history, which is something our customers have asked of us for years. This partnership makes that possible,” says Eric Knight, VP of Pro Marketing at HASA/Orenda.
The integration is slated for launch in the coming months, promising a user-friendly experience that streamlines pool maintenance. This collaboration underscores both companies’ dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions within the pool maintenance industry.
For more information on the Langelier Saturation Index and its impact on water chemistry, visit Orenda’s blog at https://blog.orendatech.com/langelier-saturation-index.
About Skimmer:
Skimmer is America’s most widely used pool service platform. The company is on a mission to modernize the pool and spa service and repair industry through easy-to-use software and best-in-class support. Over 25,000 pool service professionals servicing 500,000 pools in North America use Skimmer to get organized, get paid faster, and grow their businesses.
About Orenda:
Orenda (a HASA Company) is at the forefront of revolutionizing water treatment solutions for pools, emphasizing the importance of proper water chemistry and sustainability. Through its advanced technology and expertise, Orenda helps optimize pool water quality by empowering pool professionals with industry-leading products and educational resources.
About HASA:
HASA, Inc. is a leading producer and distributor of high-quality water treatment products used to sanitize and maintain water systems, including swimming pools, water tanks and containment vessels for recreational, industrial, and municipal end markets. Founded in 1964, the company operates out of facilities in California, Arizona, Washington, Nevada and Texas. Over its 60-year history, HASA has established a strong reputation for supplying superior products through excellent logistics and distribution capabilities. Additional information about HASA is available at www.hasa.com
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Jes Ellacott
Pools
This Pool Was Designed Specifically For a Lamborghini
![](jpg/lamborghini_pool.jpg)
In the realm of opulence and architectural innovation, a unique project has emerged, blending the world of high-end automobiles with the tranquility of a residential swimming pool. Nestled in the waterfront properties of South Florida, a cutting-edge pool, dubbed the “Lambo Pool,” has been crafted to showcase a homeowner’s Lamborghini in a mesmerizing aquatic display. This extraordinary venture was a collaboration between Foxterra Design, Custom Pool Systems, and Jonny Nalepa, a distinguished pool professional and aquatics engineer from Smart Aquatics.
A consultant on projects throughout the Sunshine state, Nalepa’s burgeoning firm Smart Aquatics recently had the opportunity to collaborate on numerous high profile projects, the latest was completed several months ago and has already begun turning heads.
![](jpg/lamborghini-swimming-pool-1024x767.jpg)
Swimming Pool Built to Showcase a $250K Lamborghini
“The Lambo Pool” project, as Jonny Nalepa affectionately calls it, was brought to life through the vision of entrepreneur Alex Moeller, a passionate car enthusiast and homeowner in Davie, Florida. Moeller’s desire was to seamlessly integrate his prized Lamborghini Aventador SVJ into his backyard, an idea that prompted him to engage the expertise of Foxterra Design.
Foxterra Design, led by the innovative duo Justin and Nate, known for their wild and incredible designs, took on the challenge of creating a pool that would not only house the luxurious vehicle but also serve as a breathtaking water feature. The project was further brought to fruition by Custom Pool Systems, the builders responsible for transforming the conceptual design into a tangible reality.
Jonny Nalepa, in his role as a consultant, played a crucial part in transposing Foxterra Design’s conceptual renderings into a working set of construction drawings that Custom Pool Systems used to physically build the pool. With the Lamborghini being a high-value asset, Nalepa and his team took meticulous steps to prevent any potential damage. This involved extensive research, including reaching out to Lamborghini to obtain precise measurements and specifications for the vehicle.
![](jpg/lambo_pool-1024x684.jpg)
Technical Challenges Bringing The Project To Fruition
“With a vehicle that’s probably over $250,000, we wanted to make sure that we didn’t damage the car by making the water too deep or when the car is driving over the perimeter overflow there,” said Nalepa, “I mean, there’s a slot with a gutter underneath, so we have a cantilevered condition. We got to make sure this thing’s going to work right.”
“This one happened to be on a grass edge, but we also had to make sure that we could support the vehicle going over this perimeter overflow as many times as the client wanted to move it, ” explained Nalepa.
“We took Foxterra’s design and we developed it to make sure that we met all the setbacks and the codes and everything for Miami. We did our due diligence and were pretty thorough. We looked up the actual model, make and model of the vehicle. We measured the height of it. We measured the width of the wheels, because there are some bubblers in that area where the car is parked. So we don’t want the car to drive over the bubblers, or at the very least, if the car does drive over them, we don’t want them to crack because most pool fixtures are plastic,” said Nalepa.
![](jpg/lambo-pool-1024x684.jpg)
Going The Extra Mile To Research
In his detailed explanation, Nalepa mentioned, “We contacted Lamborghini, and we got all the specifications. We confirmed what the max slope was. The car can go up and down and left and right. And we wanted to make sure that we had enough water to overflow this feature so that you could visually see that it’s a water feature.”
“We had to modify what our typical perimeter overflow detail is,” explained Nalepa, “there’s a gutter beneath, in this case, a stainless steel overhang. It’s like an L bracket almost that overhangs a gutter and comes almost right up against the pool structure. So all you see is a little strip, but in the area where the car goes over, we didn’t want to have a full overhang of six or eight inches.”
“The car is pretty heavy, and you never know what’s going to happen,” said Nalepa, “someone could park it and stop. The back wheels could be sitting on that overhang, so we had to account for that and beef up the structure on that side.”
![](jpg/lamborghini-pool-1024x684.jpg)
Thinking Around Corners
The way this was done is pretty ingenious, according to Nalepa. “We removed the drop piping from that entry area and wanted to make sure that the structure was robust enough so we got rid of all the PVC plumbing that goes in a typical perimeter overflow edge condition. Doing it that way we could increase the structural integrity of the concrete. We kind of made it a minimal gutter where the overhang is only a few inches.”
“We went through a couple of different iterations, by the way, before we landed on that one. In the end, it’s kind of a simple solution to achieve the look Foxterra was going for,” said Nalepa.
Despite the difficult technical challenges, the Lambo Pool was a resounding success. Nalepa expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We were excited to work on this project, but it was definitely a challenging one.”
“Lambo Pool” Collaboration Rolled Out a Winner
One of the standout moments for Nalepa was the opportunity to drive the Lamborghini onto the feature, a surreal experience for any car enthusiast. Reflecting on the uniqueness of the project, he remarked, “It’s so far out of something that you can dream up, the fact that Foxterra was like, ‘Let’s put it in the pool.’ Most people may have just parked it next to the pool or something like that, but they went for it.”
Custom Pool Systems also knocked it out of the park on this project. “The perimeter overflow is impressive. There are no dry spots. They did an incredible job executing and building this project. There’s a level of craftsmanship that you can see a mile away. It looks and feels expensive and that’s through material selections and just the way the mitered edges are and devils in the details kinds of things,” said Nalepa.
The Lambo Pool stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of talented professionals in the fields of design, construction, and aquatics engineering. It exemplifies the intersection of luxury, creativity, and meticulous planning, resulting in a truly extraordinary fusion of automotive and aquatic excellence.
Want to learn more about the Lamborghini Pool? Listen to our entire conversation with Jonny Nalepa on the Pool Magazine podcast.
Photo / Video Credits: Jimi Smith Photography
Designer: Foxterra Design
Builder: Custom Pool Systems
Aquatics Engineering: Smart Aquatics
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