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Ask the General: Cartridge Filters vs. Sand Filters; Which is Best for Your Pool?

Dear General- We’re getting a new fiberglass pool this summer! We’ve chosen our fiberglass pool design and our add-on features. Now, we’re wondering what kind of filtration system we should get. We’ve heard pros and cons about both cartridge filtration systems and sand filtration systems. We want what’s best for our pool long-term, but of course we’re excited about low pool maintenance too. What guidance can you give us? Signed- Figuring out filtration in Fairfield Dear Figuring in Fairfield- Great question! If you’re a regular reader of my articles, you’ve heard me talk about sand filtration already. Cartridge filters are great too. There’s no one system that’s superior to the other, and I’ve used both over the years. But, let’s see if we can filter through some more details and help you choose what’s best for you. Let’s first take a look at how they work. Sand filters Sand filters work quite simply by pushing your pool water through sand that catches the dirt and debris and returns clean water into the pool. You clean your sand filter by backwashing it. This means running water backwards through the filter until the filter is clean. Sand filters are a pretty popular […]

Ask the General: When is the Best Time to Open My Pool?

Dear General– Spring finally made it! The weather is warming up, and the summer swim season is almost upon us. We’re ready! We’re dreaming of spending our days relaxing in our inground fiberglass pool! When is the best time to open our pool? Signed- Amping in Ann Arbor Dear Amping– Your pool opening and closing schedule will vary based on where you live. But the short answer for YOU is … now! Once we’re past the danger of a damaging freeze, it’s time to kick it into gear. The sooner you get your fiberglass inground pool open, the sooner you’ll be having fun in the sun with all your family and friends. While you may have already scheduled a pool maintenance pro to come and open up your pool, there are still some things you can do to get the ball rolling so you’ll be in the swim ASAP. Here are some things you should be thinking about right now in order to maximize your swimming time in the days to come: Check your water level. Even with your pool tightly covered, water will find its way out over the winter. Your water level needs to be up to mid-way […]

Thursday Pools Makes News with Four Trailblazing Fiberglass Pool Innovations

Indiana fiberglass pool manufacturer, Thursday Pools, is relentlessly dedicated to improving the fiberglass pool experience and creating the best fiberglass pools. Thursday Pools is never satisfied with the status quo when it comes to pool innovations. They’re like mad scientists on a mission to create ways to simplify installation, protect pool owners’ investments and offer previously unheard-of fiberglass inground pool experiences. They’re invited to fiberglass pool conferences around the country to speak about their “intent to invent.” And, they’ll soon garner national attention as they’re featured on the television show, “Success Files with Rob Lowe,” a show that highlights trailblazers in every industry. First of the Trailblazing Pool Innovations: The Beach Entry (Zero Entry) Fiberglass Pool (Utility Pool Body US Patent No. 10,358,837 Utility Pool System US Patent 10,472, 839) Thursday Pools introduced the beach entry fiberglass pool in 2018. And their two designs, Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry are now available to order. Like the sunken living room, the beach entry feature was previously only available in upscale resorts and custom private home installations. Now, fiberglass pool owners can have the experience of a day at the beach in their own backyards. “In just a few weeks, we’ll […]

Fiberglass Pool Durability and More Reasons to Choose Fiberglass

First, congratulations on deciding to look into a fiberglass pool! More and more families are going this route. A swimming pool is great for making memories and fantastic for exercise, socializing, and relaxation. It can also increase the resale value of your home. Whether or not you are planning on selling your home, most homeowners ask at some point before buying, How long does a fiberglass pool last?” In this post, we’ll answer that and give you even more reasons pool buyers choose a fiberglass pool, starting with reason one: fiberglass pool durability. Reason 1: Fiberglass is arguably the most durable of pool types. With proper maintenance, fiberglass pools have been known to have a lifespan of 50 years or more. Fiberglass manufacturers craft the shell in multiple layers, with each layer serving to maximize the strength and durability of the entire structure. The layers help the fiberglass withstand weather conditions while retaining flexibility and resisting cracking. Unlike vinyl liner pools that need regular liner replacements or gunite pools that require acid washing and replastering, fiberglass pools can remain in service without major repair for several decades. Reason 2: Fiberglass is accepted as the lowest to maintain among […]

The Top 9 Reasons Pool Builders Recommend Fiberglass Pools

Thinking of getting an inground pool? If so, you’ll have three types of pool to choose from: vinyl, fiberglass and gunite. You’ll probably want to do some research to determine which type of pool most suits you. If you have friends that have previously bought pools, you can ask them what they love about their pools and what they wish they had known before buying a pool. As with any big investment, it’s good to ask the salespeople what they would choose for themselves. In recent years, pool builders are increasingly recommending fiberglass pools over vinyl and gunite. Let’s take a look at the top ten reasons why. Low upfront investment. Of the three types of pools, vinyl typically has the lowest upfront investment, but fiberglass is not far behind. Unless you live in the Sunbelt, gunite will typically have the highest upfront investment. Quick turn-around times. Fiberglass pool shells typically have a turn-around time of less than a month, so your pool builder can get it quickly, complete your pool project on schedule and get you in the swim! Less dependent on fair weather. Like all outdoor work, pool installation schedules are affected by the weather. However, vinyl and […]

Fiberglass Pools are the Best Choice for Furry Family Members!

If you’re thinking of getting a new inground pool and are wondering which type of pool is the best choice for pets who like the water, read on… Inground pools are fun for the whole family. If your family includes four-legged kids, don’t forget to consider them when you’re choosing the best swimming pool for your new backyard oasis. When you’re selecting an inground pool, you’ll be choosing between three types of pools: vinyl liner, gunite (concrete) or fiberglass. Each type of pool has its own set of benefits. However, if having a pool that’s dog (or other pet) friendly is important to you, there are some things you need to know. Let’s take a look at the upfront investment, durability factors and ease of entrance and exit on each pool type and see which one gets the furry friend seal of approval! Vinyl Liner Pools Upfront investment. Folks who are looking for the lowest upfront investment for their pool project will often choose a vinyl liner pool. (However, while low upfront costs are attractive, it’s also important to factor in the cost of vinyl liner repairs and maintenance over time.) Durability factor. If allowing your pets to get in […]

Ask the General: What Do I Need to Know About General Pool Maintenance?

Dear General- We live in Kentucky and just got a new pool last year. It’s almost time to open our pool for the season, and we feel like we could use a refresher course on pool maintenance as spring approaches. Can you give us some general (no pun intended) pool maintenance tips to ensure we’ll be in good shape the whole season long? Sincerely, New Pool Peeps in Petersburg Dear New Peeps- Thanks for writing, and go Wildcats! You didn’t say whether you have a vinyl, gunite or fiberglass pool, so I’ll cover a little bit of everything. Obviously, the first step is to get your pool open. If you are using a pool service company, ask what they need you to do before they arrive. Companies often have a “to do list” that will help them efficiently open your inground pool. For example, all your equipment (and parts and pieces that were removed at closing) should be accessible. Be sure to have power available to the equipment area. If you aren’t home when the technician arrives, and a breaker is off in a locked house, it will be a wasted trip. Being prepared when the pool service arrives will […]

The Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing A Fiberglass Pool Design

If you’re looking ahead to summer, that probably means you’re trying to decide if a beach vacation is in the cards for you this year. Instead, you might want to consider the fun, luxury, and convenience of a new inground pool. It’s the perfect alternative and will bring that vacation home to your backyard, year in and year out. For sheer flexibility, quality, beauty, and value, it’s tough to beat an inground fiberglass pool. Durable and easy to maintain, they’re available in a fantastic variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and with ultra-cool new innovations like the beach entry or zero-entry option (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). Here are the top five things to consider when you’re choosing the best fiberglass pool design: Soak or swim (or both)? How will you use your pool? Do you see yourself and your friends and family soaking up the sun and relaxing in your new swimming pool? Or are you interested in using your new pool for exercise? Or do you prefer some combination of both? There is a fiberglass pool design available. However, you decide to take the plunge. To cover or not to cover? If you have young children in the house or […]

Ask the General: What Do I Need to Know About Groundwater in the Spring?

Dear General; Our family got a new inground pool last summer, and our pool installer told us that we need to keep an eye on our groundwater pressure and levels in the springtime. What advice can you give us pool owner newbies about springtime pool maintenance, and what do I need to know about the possibility of groundwater damaging our pool in the spring? Signed; Waiting for Spring in Walnut Ridge Dear Waiting; Your pool installer is correct. There IS quite a lot to think about in the spring, and the risks from excess groundwater pressure should be top-of-mind as we get ready to open our pools for the season. When your pool was installed, your pool builder probably explained all about groundwater pressure and how their installation process was intended to protect your pool from it (along with a host of other forgotten tips). No one really expects pool owners to memorize every detail about their pools. So, I’m glad you asked about groundwater and spring pool maintenance. Here’s what you need to know: Groundwater pressure is no joke. I can’t stress this enough. Spring showers, coupled with thawing snow, saturate the ground around your pool. Your pool […]

February Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Burton Pools and Spas, Springdale, Arkansas

Every month, we chat with Thursday Pools dealers to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to David Burton, co-owner of Burton Pools and Spas in Springdale, Arkansas. Tell us a little about yourself and about Burton Pools and Spas My brother Dan and I started our business in 1978. At the time, I was 22, working at Kroger and at the fire station. But while all the other guys I knew were sitting around the fire station reading magazines, I was looking for a business opportunity. I knew I wanted to own my own business. My brother was working construction. Somebody sent me an article about the pool business, and I thought, “Yeah. This is something we could do.” It made a lot of sense to me. Gas prices were high, and people were looking to entertain themselves at home. So we created a business called Tallman Pools of Fort Smith. We started out in my garage with a truck, a couple of tools and $7000 in working capital, installing vinyl pools. Dan did all the pool construction, and I took care of the business end of things. Since Dan and […]

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