Ask 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?
Based on a 2026 survey of independent fiberglass pool builders in the Thursday Pools dealer network, a standard fiberglass pool installation in Kentucky averages $76,667 for a small pool, $100,000 for a medium pool, and $116,667 for a large pool. Your final cost will depend on details like pool size, yard conditions, local permit requirements, and the optional upgrades you choose. Kentucky’s varied geography creates variation in pool installation costs from one part of the state to another. In metro areas like Louisville and Lexington, local permit requirements, tighter lots, and access constraints in established neighborhoods can add to the overall project cost. Rocky conditions in the Appalachian foothills of Eastern Kentucky and in parts of Central Kentucky can require specialized excavation equipment and additional labor. Clay-heavy soils, common throughout the Bluegrass region, can create drainage challenges that need careful site preparation. In Western Kentucky, looser soils may require reinforcement to properly support the pool shell over time. Optional upgrades like pool heaters, automatic covers, and custom patio surfaces add to your total cost but also extend your swimming season and enhance the overall value you get from your pool. AÂ local independent Thursday Pools dealer can help you decide which […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in South Carolina?
Based on a 2026 survey of independent fiberglass pool builders in the Thursday Pools dealer network, a standard fiberglass pool installation in South Carolina averages $75,000 for a small pool, $87,500 for a medium pool, and $97,500 for a large pool. Your final cost will depend on details like pool size, yard conditions, local permit requirements, and the optional upgrades you choose. South Carolina’s geography creates real variation in pool installation costs from one part of the state to another. In coastal markets like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head, sandy soil conditions and flood zone considerations can affect site prep requirements and permit complexity. In the Upstate around Greenville and Spartanburg, clay-heavy or rocky terrain can require more excavation work and add to the project cost. In the Midlands around Columbia, conditions vary enough that a site assessment before installation is always worth doing. Regardless of where you are in the state, South Carolina’s long swim season is one of the best arguments for getting the pool decision right from the start. Optional upgrades such as pool heaters, automatic covers, and custom patio surfaces add to your total, but they also determine how much use and year-round value you […]
Read MoreReap the Health Benefits of Exercise in Your New Fiberglass Pool
Get healthy and have more fun this year in a new fiberglass pool. If your goals for the new year include getting healthier and more fit, a new inground fiberglass pool might be just the thing to help you accomplish those goals. Water exercise has loads of health benefits, including weight loss, increased strength and muscle tone, joint pain relief, improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and increased fun (which is also very good for you!) Choose a fiberglass pool that’s designed for water exercise—one that has wide-open swim lanes and is deep enough to accommodate both lap swimming and water aerobics. You’ll be crushing your health and fitness goals before you know it! Let’s take a look at all the amazing health benefits of swimming exercise: Weight loss. According to Prevention magazine, swimming just 30 minutes can burn between 300-400 calories. Compare that to just 100 calories burned for 30 minutes of brisk walking, and it’s easy to see why swimming is a great choice for folks who want to lose weight. (Not to mention the fact that you’re in the pool cooling off instead of sweating during your workout!) Increased strength and muscle tone. According to Livestrong.com, swimming laps […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Alabama?
How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Alabama? Based on a 2026 survey of independent fiberglass pool builders in the Thursday Pools dealer network, a standard fiberglass pool installation in Alabama averages $80,000 for a small pool, $100,000 for a medium pool, and $120,000 for a large pool. Your final cost will depend on details like pool size, yard conditions, local permit requirements, and the optional upgrades you choose. Alabama’s diverse geography creates real variation in pool installation costs from one part of the state to another. In metro areas like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, local permit requirements and zoning regulations can add to the project cost. In the Appalachian foothills of North Alabama, rocky terrain often requires additional excavation equipment and labor. Along the Gulf Coast, sandy soils may need extra stabilization measures. In the Black Belt region of central Alabama, clay-heavy soils can create drainage and stability concerns that affect installation complexity and cost directly. Optional upgrades such as pool heaters, automatic covers, and custom patio surfaces add to your total, but they also determine how much use and year-round value you get from the pool. A local independent Thursday Pools dealer can help you […]
Read MoreAsk the General: How Do I Troubleshoot the Heater and Chlorinator on My Fiberglass Pool?
Some pool troubleshooting tips to try before you call in the pros. Dear General- We are fiberglass pool owner newbies. We love it, but we did have to call an inground pool service pro a couple of times—once for our heater and another time for our chlorinator. Both times, it turned out to be a fairly simple fix and we wished we had tried to troubleshoot the problem ourselves before we called. Do you have some pool troubleshooting tips to share? Signed- Newbies in New Orleans Dear Newbies- Of course, I’m happy to share pool troubleshooting tips, especially for new pool owners. You didn’t say what kind of heater or filtration system you use, so I’m just going to go with one of the most common combinations: a gas heater with a sand filter and a chlorine-sanitized system. Let’s start with the heater. Do a visual inspection. Your first pool troubleshooting step is simply taking a look at the unit. You’re looking for leaks, rust or burn marks. Any of these visual clues most likely mean trouble inside the unit, and you probably need to bring in a pool maintenance pro to check it out. Clean it off. You should […]
Read MoreWhat to Expect When You’re Expecting (a Fiberglass Pool, That Is!)
Congratulations! You’ve taken the plunge, and your growing family excitedly awaits its forthcoming bundle of joy: an inground fiberglass pool! That’s amazing, and it will be a fabulous addition to your family—maybe even with lower  maintenance and less cost than raising a child over time. A proactive and customer-focused pool builder typically shares their projected schedule with how long you can expect your fiberglass pool installation process to take. There are things you should know and ways to get ready before the work begins. Knowing what to expect when expecting your fiberglass pool can help everyone prepare for your pool’s big opening day. Expect a Mess. There’s no way of getting around it. A construction crew will bring heavy equipment and dig a giant, pool-sized hole in your backyard. An experienced, trusted pool builder will work to ensure there is as little mess and disruption as possible during the excavation process. However, you’ll still have piles of dirt, mud, gravel, boxes, and equipment in your yard. Heavy machinery, trucks, and other equipment will move around your project site. Protect children, neighbors, and pets during the pool installation by entirely keeping them out of the construction area. You might also want […]
Read MoreAsk the General; How Do I Troubleshoot the Pump on my Fiberglass Pool?
Five pool pump troubleshooting tips before you call the pros. Dear General- It’s still pretty warm in Atlanta, and we haven’t yet closed our fiberglass pool. Over the last few days, our pool pump has started making some strange noises. It doesn’t happen all the time, but we’re not sure what we should do about it. Do you have any swimming pool pump troubleshooting tips for us, or is it time to call in the pros? Signed- Addled in Atlanta Dear Addled- While northerners are thinking about winter pool maintenance, we realize that other places across the country are still enjoying swim season. That said, I appreciate your question and do have a few tricks up my sleeve that you can try before you call the pros. Check your water level. Your pool pump may be struggling to get water. Pool pumps can only operate in a “closed” system. This means that they’re only designed to pump water—not air. When your water is low and it cascades into the skimmer, it’s bringing air along with the water into the system, which is not a good thing. If you want to know the physics behind how your pump works, here it […]
Read MoreFiberglass Pool Installations Done Right: Timing Is Everything
What may have begun as a simple curiosity and an online search of “fiberglass pools for sale,” “fiberglass pool cost,” or even “fiberglass pools near me” has now come down to how long it will take to install your fiberglass pool. Good news! A fiberglass pool installation can be quick and painless when it’s done right. Becoming familiar with the fiberglass pool installation process can help ease your mind and manage timeline expectations as you go through this all-new inground pool journey. LET’S TALK FIBERGLASS POOL INSTALLATION TIMELINE Waiting is the most challenging part of getting a new quality fiberglass inground pool! However, fiberglass installation is faster than other pool types. How fast can an inground pool be installed? An experienced and efficient pool professional can install a new fiberglass pool and have it swim-ready in as little as three weeks! By comparison, vinyl liner pools can take up to eight weeks, and concrete (gunite) pools can take up to six months. But remember, every project is different, and actual timings can vary. Project timelines may increase during busy install seasons or due to unforeseen supply chain issues. Effective communication with the local pool professional will give you the most […]
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