How To Construct Tanning Ledge

[DBissett]

When replastering soon we're interested in constructing a small tanning ledge, 4x10', where the steps are and adding steps off the side of it. This is small, but we've been told that the gunite companies have a minimum charge that could make this small ledge expensive. The same guy also said there is another way to build the ledge that he didn't think was as solid as using gunite so he didn't want to do it. So what other way(s) are there to build a small tanning ledge without using gunite, and how solid are they? Thanks.

 

[DBissett]

Here's a photo of the existing steps that measure 4x10'. The top step is 8" of water depth and that will be the top of the ledge. The rest of the ledge will take up just the next two steps, and then two steps will need to be added off the ledge (maybe half as wide as the ledge) so constructing this won't take a lot of material.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Building the reef step structure with block or other types of non compatible materials is a very common practice.
Shotcrete would be the ideal method of constructing the reef step along with a rebar cage.
Having the new steps built off the side of it and the construction of the reef step may be within the minimum amount of product for a short load.
Consider the cost of a later failure of the reef step from having the structure filled in with blocks/crushed concrete if that was to happen.

 

[MAPR-Austin]

If you are keeping things square, they could form and pour the sunshelf and steps with concrete. Vibrate it correctly and it will be very strong. I would not do it using cement block.

Wherever the new concrete and old meet I like to cut in a keyway a couple of inches deep. Make sure they use plenty of rebar and properly dowel it into the existing shell.