7 Steps to Keep Your Kids Safe at the Pool
Keeping your kids safe at the pool, or anytime they’re near water, is a year-round concern. But since May is National Water Safety Month, it’s a great time for a refresher on the rules of pool safety for kids. Don’t swim alone. This rule applies to all swimmers, regardless of age. In private pools, or situations where no lifeguard is present, younger children or swimmers who are not completely confident in their skills should always have a strong swimmer closely supervising them. Even strong swimmers should never use the pool alone, in case of an unexpected medical emergency. Teach basic swimming techniques. Even at a young age, a child can learn basic swimming skills. The American Red Cross suggests swim lessons for children as young as six months. If your children are comfortable enough in the water to keep themselves afloat, it can make a huge difference in terms of how much time you have to get to them should they accidentally enter the water. Create barriers-to-entry. If you do own a pool, your pool area must comply with state and local regulations for barriers-to-entry, which likely include fencing with self-latching gates, as well as locks and alarms on […]
Read MoreInvigorating Family Fun Starts with our Aspen Pool Design
Introducing the Thursday Pools Aspen Design Run DMC sang, “It’s tricky to rock a rhyme.” And like rocking a rhyme, choosing the right pool for your backyard can be tricky. This post is the first in a series we’ll be sharing to help make it easier to choose a pool that fits your family’s personality. So, say hello to our little friend that’s not so little, the Aspen. The Thursday Pools Aspen promises more than a Rocky Mountain high. Like its namesake, Aspen, Colorado, Aspen provides your family with ample space for playing in the sun or relaxing poolside with a glass of wine, or enjoying a sunset that rains fire in the sky. It’s one of our most popular fiberglass inground pool designs. Why? Some say it’s because it brings together many of the best built-in features available in one awesome patented design (#US D851,781 s). We think it’s versatile. It provides family fun, improves the appearance of your backyard, and provides a setting for socializing or relaxing. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have plenty of space to swim a few laps and maintain those toned abs that make your friends jealous. After all, what pool doesn’t […]
Read MoreSwimming Pool Games for the Whole Family
Summer is nearly upon us and swim season will be in full swing before you know it. Wading into the water to play swimming pool games is a great way to spend your days with family, but sometimes even the most water-loving among us can start to get bored. Well, we’re not going to let that happen. We’ve scoured the web (and our own backyards) for ideas to keep you and yours having fun all season long!
Read MoreAsk the General: What is a Pool Heat Pump and How Does it Work?
Dear General, I have a question about how to heat our new pool. We want to keep our pool maintenance costs as low as we can, but it’s important for us to be able to swim as much as possible during the year, so we want it to be warm! A couple of my friends with inground pools have gas heaters, but several people have told me I should consider a pool heat pump. I’m not sure how either of them work. What’s my best option? -Chilling in Charleston Dear Charleston, Thanks for the great question! You’re not the only person who’s feeling a little fuzzy on this topic. Let’s first take a look at the difference between how these two types of pool heating systems work.   The difference between a pool heater and a pool heat pump Traditional pool heaters use either propane or natural gas to generate heat. They do so by burning the fuel inside a combustion chamber. The pool water is drawn through the heater in copper coils, which warm it. Then, that warm water is returned to the pool. You can set the thermostat to whatever temperature you desire, and the heater will bring your […]
Read MoreIs My Backyard Big Enough For A Swimming Pool?
Contacting a pool builder near you for an on-site evaluation is the best way to find out what size, shape, or style of inground pools will work with your yard. Many of Thursday Pools’ independent dealers will provide a complimentary evaluation and estimate for creating a beautiful pool in your available space. When the pool builder arrives, it will be helpful if you have a copy of your surveyor report or plot plan available. This plan details your lot specifications and property lines, along with your house and any other structures, and helps ensure you get the most accurate estimate. Here are some common factors that can affect the size of the swimming pool your yard can accommodate: Property Line Setbacks: Many states, counties, and cities have regulations outlining how close your swimming pool can be to your property line, especially if your yard wraps around to the front of your house. Septic System or Underground Utilities: Before choosing the size and depth of your pool, your local utility company will have to come out and mark the locations of all septic systems and underground utilities in the yard. You may discover your yard is large enough […]
Read MoreBest Plants & Landscaping For Your Swimming Pool Area | Thursday Pools
Landscaping & Pool Plants 101 Your backyard swimming pool oasis is an extension of your home and a reflection of your personality. You want your outdoor living area to be an attractive, inviting, restful place that’s comfortable and provides a backdrop for staycations, and fun and elegant outdoor entertaining. Choosing the right plants to surround your inground pool can add dimension, drama, natural shade, privacy, and beauty to your swimming pool area. There are three qualities you should look for in potential pool plants for your swimming pool area: Mess-free. Choose plants that don’t shed a lot of leaves or create floating debris that can end up in your pool. Sun-loving. Choose plants that do best with lots of light, as most of your pool area probably gets full sun for much of the day. Hassle-free. Choose plants that are as low-maintenance as your pool is, so you have as much time as possible to enjoy your beautiful fiberglass pool! Let’s dig into some great choices for pool plants to enhance your swimming pool area. Insect-Repelling Plants Nothing can ruin a poolside party like uninvited, pesky insect guests. Plants that have natural mosquito-repelling properties are excellent choices for adding to […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in North Carolina?
Sunshine, sweet Carolina breezes, and a backyard made for lounging. What more could you ask for? If you’re dreaming of turning your outdoor space into the ultimate staycation spot, a fiberglass pool might be exactly what you need. But first, it’s smart to get the full picture of the fiberglass pool cost in North Carolina. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about the pool shell. The final price tag depends on where you live, soil type, excavation needs, accessibility, and local building codes. And then there’s the most fun part: customizing your pool to match your vision, lifestyle, and personal preferences. North Carolina’s mix of historic charm and modern growth means no two backyards, or budgets, are quite the same. Partnering with a local, experienced installer is your best move. They’ll help you navigate permits, HOA rules, and site prep so you can plan and budget for enjoying your pool for years to come. What’s the Average Price Tag for a Fiberglass Pool in North Carolina? Survey Says… Thursday Pools gathered valuable insights through a 2025 survey of our trusted independent dealers throughout North Carolina to help you better understand the average cost of installing a fiberglass pool […]
Read MoreAsk the General: What’s the Lowdown on Pool Cleaning Systems?
A look at in-floor pool cleaning systems and robotic pool cleaners. Dear General: Is there such a thing as a “self-cleaning pool”? I’ve heard neighbors talking about in-floor pool cleaning systems, and they claim their pools “clean themselves.” Another one of my friends with a gunite pool has a robotic pool cleaner. I’m not sure I understand the difference between the two, or which is the best choice for us. We’re planning to get a fiberglass pool. Can you shed some light on this topic for me? I’m definitely interested in spending as little time cleaning and as much time swimming as I can. Signed- Lazy in Lexington, Kentucky Dear Lazy: This is a great question. First of all, wanting to spend as much time as possible enjoying your inground pool instead of maintaining it isn’t lazy. It’s smart. You’re taking a great first step by choosing a fiberglass pool. They’re by far the lowest maintenance pools around, and there’s no single, best choice for everyone when it comes to choosing a system. So, let’s take a closer look at robotic pool cleaners and in-floor pool cleaning systems, considering the merits and drawbacks of each. What is a robotic pool […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Texas?
Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the possibilities for your backyard pool. With long summers and mild shoulder seasons, Texans get more swim days than most—which makes a pool less of a luxury and more of a lifestyle staple. If you’re exploring fiberglass pool cost in Texas, knowing how location, landscape, and lifestyle shape your final investment is essential. From the rocky terrain of the Hill Country to the clay-heavy soils of East Texas, excavation and site prep needs can vary widely across the state. In cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, tighter lot sizes or overhead obstructions may require specialized equipment, while homeowners in areas like Waco, Midland, or the Gulf Coast often enjoy more open space and layout flexibility. Personalizations like smart automation, deck jets, a spillover spa, or custom premium decking help make the most of homeowners’ outdoor space, but the add-ons also add to the total pool cost. Each Texas municipality may have unique pool permitting rules, fencing laws, or HOA guidelines that can affect your timeline and budget. There is a lot to cost-compare, plan, and think about. Partnering with an experienced local fiberglass pool professional will help you navigate the details and design a pool […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Kentucky?
If you’re considering installing an in-ground pool in the Bluegrass state, you may be curious about fiberglass pool cost in Kentucky and factors contributing to homeowners’ overall price. The cost of a fiberglass pool can vary widely based on your location, the pool size, and any custom features you might want to add. With warm, humid summers and chilly winters, Kentucky’s distinct climate makes fiberglass pools a wise choice due to their ability to resist cracking or warping during temperature fluctuations. The geography of Kentucky also plays a role in the cost of installation. In regions with rocky or dense soil, excavation and preparation can be more complicated, potentially raising costs. Urban areas like Lexington or Louisville may have higher labor and material costs compared to more rural parts of the state. When planning your pool, you’ll also want to consider factors like pool accessories, decking options, and local regulations, which can each impact the final price. What’s the Average Cost of a Fiberglass Pool in Kentucky? Survey Says… In 2025, Thursday Pools gathered valuable insights through a statewide survey of independent dealers to provide an up-to-date picture of the average cost of fiberglass pool installations in Kentucky. Whether you’re […]
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