Wanting a Pool in Your Small Yard?
No matter the size of your yard, creating a staycation-worthy backyard is within reach. Small fiberglass pools fit compact spaces without sacrificing style, comfort, or function. They offer a low-maintenance, budget-friendly solution with options like plunge pools and other ultra-compact designs, making it easier than ever to add a beautiful, refreshing pool to even the smallest backyard. Is a Small Pool Worth It? Absolutely! Small pools offer a smart, stylish solution for homeowners who want all the benefits of a pool without overwhelming their outdoor space. With a compact design, you’ll have more room for other backyard features—like a lounge area, firepit, or outdoor kitchen—so you can truly enjoy a well-rounded outdoor living space. Smaller pools also mean easier upkeep, lower chemical use, and reduced energy costs, making maintenance a breeze. And when it comes to your budget, going smaller can free up funds for extras like built-in seating, a tanning ledge, or an automatic pool cover. Best of all, small fiberglass pools come in a variety of layouts to suit how you plan to use your space—whether that’s relaxing, exercising, or entertaining a few close friends. What Are Some Small Pool Options? Before exploring specific designs, it’s important […]
Read MoreThursday Pools Rectangle Fiberglass Pool Shell Options by Size, Depth, and Features
Rectangle fiberglass pools come in more variety than many buyers expect. The shape is consistent, with clean lines, straight walls, and sharp corners, but size, depth, and built-in features vary by model. The right shell depends on your yard size, how you plan to swim, and whether you want lounging space, sport depth, a beach entry, a spa, or a deep end. Compact Rectangle Fiberglass Pool Shells These models are part of Thursday Pools’ Plunge Pool Series, built for smaller backyards, courtyard spaces, and homeowners who want a genuine pool experience in a compact footprint. All three share the same 8’4″ x 16′ rectangle shell at 4’8″ flat-bottom depth. Sea Turtle offers a slightly larger 9.5′ x 19.5′ rectangle shell. The smallest sizes of Aspen and Goliath are also part of the Plunge Pool Series with 12’ x 25’ rectangle shells. The Drift The Drift is designed for lounging as much as swimming. Its full-length wraparound bench supports social gatherings, cool evening dips, and extended relaxation. A full-length wraparound bench creates a comfortable seating zone without giving up the swim area. Built-in steps and a non-skid surface throughout provide safe, easy entry and exit for all ages. The Nest […]
Read MoreWhat is the Maximum Depth of a Fiberglass Pool?
A couple of frequently asked questions we get as a fiberglass pool manufacturer involve pool depth. In that regard, people often want to know, “Can a fiberglass pool have a deep end?” and, “What is the maximum depth of a fiberglass pool?” This post will answer these questions and more about fiberglass pools. Can a fiberglass pool have a deep end? If so, how deep is the deep end of a pool? Many fiberglass pools have a deep end. However, most designs that are manufactured today aren’t diving depth. The typical fiberglass pool has a deep end of five and one-half feet, but pool depth varies by design. Because many pool-goers spend most of their time in areas of the pool where they can stand with their head above the water, having too deep of a deep end could be perceived as wasted space for some. How deep does a pool need to be for a diving board? There are many different specifications for the five types of diving pools, but the required pool depth is typically eight-feet or more for the diving well. Pools with diving boards are approximately one-third diving well, one-third hopper area (slope between shallow and […]
Read MoreIs a New Fiberglass Pool a Good Investment?
Adding a swimming pool to your outdoor space transforms what time at home means. For some, it means staycationing at will. For others, it means getting social, staying healthy, or having more memories with the family. Regardless of why you want an inground pool, it’s natural to ask, “Is a new fiberglass pool a good investment?” Many factors make a fiberglass pool a good investment. Some will be universal to pools in general (like inground pool cost), some personal to you (like shape and size), and others specific to fiberglass versus other types of pools. A FEW THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT FIBERGLASS POOLS Here are a few quick facts about fiberglass pools that are helpful as you make your assessment of value: Fiberglass pools are quick to install. Fiberglass pools typically take just a few weeks to install. The shell is pre-built in a controlled factory environment and arrives ready to put in at your site. Fiberglass pools are aesthetically pleasing. They look good! The gelcoat finish of a quality-made and maintained fiberglass pool retains its beautiful appearance long after installation. Fiberglass pools are not slippery. The shiny gelcoat finish appearance may lead you to think fiberglass pools […]
Read MoreHow Do I Find Pool Installation Near Me?
Shopping for an inground swimming pool is a big deal. It’s not an easily reversed purchase; the last thing you want is pool buyer’s remorse. Choosing between a gunite, vinyl liner, or a fiberglass pool is often a homeowner’s first step in research. Once you have narrowed your selections, the next online search may be “pool installation near me.” That query can lead to a wide variety of results to wade through.  Some of the pool-building companies you’ll find are large corporations with tons of marketing and teams of installers juggling multiple projects at once. Other pool builders are smaller operations, and you may have the business owner personally handling your pool project. One is not necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to who you want to work with, whether you’re happy with the price or terms, and your comfort level or trust that they will honor their word in the timeframe they propose. If possible, you’ll want to get multiple estimates and go through each one carefully. When comparing one builder to another, identify whether they include the same design features, installation strategies, or timeline assurances. Additionally, compare their credentials and relevant consumer reviews to ensure […]
Read MoreWhat Does the Cheapest Inground Pool Cost?
Quick Answer: What is the Cheapest Inground Pool? Vinyl liner pools carry the lowest upfront installation cost at $25,000 to $65,000. Fiberglass pools typically run $45,000 to $100,000 or more installed. Gunite pools have the widest price range at $50,000 to $120,000 or more. Upfront cost tells only part of the story, though. Annual maintenance, vinyl liner replacement cycles, and concrete resurfacing requirements affect long-term ownership cost significantly. Finding the cheapest inground pool type to install is a reasonable starting point, but it doesn’t accurately reflect inground pool cost over 10, 20, or 50 years of ownership. What Is the Cheapest Inground Pool to Install? Vinyl liner pools are the least expensive inground option for initial installation. Fiberglass pools typically fall in the middle, while gunite pools carry the widest range and most often land at the high end. Vinyl Liner Pool Cost: $25,000-$65,000 Vinyl liner pools are generally the most affordable inground pools to build, with an average installed cost of $25,000 to $65,000. That range makes them the entry point for most buyers choosing an inground pool on a tighter budget. The lower upfront cost comes with a recurring expense built into the pool’s design. Vinyl liners […]
Read MoreHow Much Does a 12′ x 24′ Inground Pool Cost?
Quick Answer: How Much Does a 12’ x 24’ Inground Pool Cost? A 12′ x 24′ inground pool typically costs about $25,000 to $79,000 or more installed, depending on pool type, site conditions, region, and project scope. Vinyl liner pools usually have the lowest upfront cost around $25,000, fiberglass pools often start around $48,000 for core installation, and gunite pools can range from about $28,800 to $72,000 or more. At 288 square feet, a 12’ x 24’ inground pool is one of the most common starting points for homeowners comparing pool sizes. It’s a size compact enough to fit most backyards and practical enough for recreational swimming and family use. Inground pool cost at this size varies widely depending on which type of pool you choose. Vinyl liner, fiberglass, and gunite pools carry different price ranges, use different cost-estimation methods, and come with different long-term ownership costs. Why Do Pool Builders Estimate 12’ x 24’ Pool Costs Differently by Pool Type? The measurement unit a builder uses to estimate a pool’s cost isn’t arbitrary. It reflects how each pool type is built and priced. Vinyl liner and gunite pools are typically priced by square footage. Both pool types are […]
Read MoreWhat is the Downside to Fiberglass Pools? 3 Myths & 3 Truths
If you are considering an inground pool, you will quickly realize that much information is available. You will likely first consider what type of pool is right for you as you compare the three different inground pool types. Looking for the pros and cons of fiberglass pools vs. concrete or vinyl liners can help you narrow down your preferred pool type. If you’ve already narrowed it down to fiberglass pools, you may even have Googled, “What is the downside to fiberglass pools?” or “How long do fiberglass pools last?” to see what results you may get. (Smart move). Though it may seem odd that a fiberglass pool manufacturer is addressing this question, it would be even more strange to pretend that a fiberglass pool is for everyone. Everyone should buy the best pool type for them, so this post will address some myths and truths about the downside to fiberglass pools. What are the perceived negatives of a fiberglass pool? Myth 1: Fiberglass pools are slippery. Between the clear water shimmering in the sun and the high-gloss finish of a fiberglass pool, it’s logical to think it’s slippery. However, over the years, technological advances have resulted in a gelcoat […]
Read MoreWhat Type of Pool is Easiest to Maintain?
What type of inground pool is the easiest to maintain? Is it concrete (gunite)? Or vinyl? Maybe it’s fiberglass? It’s an important question for the prospective pool owner. Maintenance is part of the budget and the pool lifestyle. The pool maintenance conversation is interesting in that the pool types that require the most maintenance require the most explanation. That’s not meant to scare you away from something you have your eye on, but to let you know what to expect when it comes to the time and financial resources you will pour into your pool once it is purchased. The variety of pool types exists for a reason. Each leverages different materials and technology toward specific purposes. Fiberglass is unique and manufactured in a controlled setting and then shipped as a unit to its site. Concrete can be very custom, is built on site, and can be quite expensive. Vinyl is also built on site, but it is relatively inexpensive to install. Let’s review the pluses and minuses of each pool type and then talk about where maintenance fits into the purchase decision for different buyers. For this conversation, we’ll assume you are an inground pool buyer. Above-ground pools are […]
Read MoreWhat Are the Main Problems with Fiberglass Pools?
While fiberglass pools are elegant, have loads of built-in features, are recognized in the industry as the lowest maintenance option available among pool types, and last a very long time, we understand why some may still ask, “what are the main problems with fiberglass pools?”. An inground pool is a significant investment of time and money, and potential pool buyers want to know if they will be happy they chose a fiberglass pool in the end—after all, no one wants to experience fiberglass pool regrets. We applaud you for looking into it. Searching for possible negative aspects will bring perspective and prepare you to be a more informed pool buyer because: It helps dispel common misperceptions of fiberglass pools. It clarifies the type of care and quality you should expect from manufacturers and installers. It sets realistic expectations for annual and ongoing maintenance. Let’s review common questions related to what people think are the main problems with fiberglass pools and weigh the validity of the concern. Is a fiberglass pool worth the money? This question often comes from perceptions based on dated or unlikely occurrences. The top three perceptions we hear are: A fiberglass pool is thin and flimsy and […]
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