Beach Entry Fiberglass Pools Archives

Beach Entry or Tanning Ledge? Choosing a Fiberglass Pool Design for Your Lifestyle

Posted on March 18, 2025 by kristin

Perhaps you have always loved the aesthetic of a zero-entry pool, but you have heard it takes up too much space, so you’re also considering a tanning ledge fiberglass pool design. Choosing between a beach-entry fiberglass pool design or one with a tanning ledge for your backyard is not just about building a pool. It’s about building your home life. A place where you’ll drink your coffee in the morning, splash with your kids at noon, and watch the sunset over rippling water. The choice isn’t about which one is more luxurious—both are. Think about your lifestyle and imagine the moments you’ll create. Here’s how each option shapes up and how you can decide.

What’s a Beach Entry?

A beach entry is just what it sounds like—a gentle slope into the water that starts at zero depth. It’s like stepping into the ocean, except the sand doesn’t come home with you. The beach entry portion of the pool gradually slopes from 0 inches at the edge to approximately 18 inches deep, where it transitions into the main swim area. The water comes up to you around nine to twelve inches near the end of the downslope.

Why You’ll Love It

Natural, Easy Access: Whether you’re five or seventy-five, descending into the water feels effortless and welcoming. It’s particularly great for families with young children or older adults.
Built for Togetherness: The gradual slope creates a large wading area where kids can splash, friends can gather, and you can sit and relax without fully submerging yourself.
A Resort in Your Backyard: A beach entry evokes a high-end, vacation-like vibe, perfect for turning your backyard into a private escape.

What’s a Tanning Ledge?

A tanning ledge is a flat, shallow platform—about 12 inches deep—designed for lounging. With no slope, the water comes up to you around six to eight inches across the whole ledge.

Why You’ll Love It

Relaxation Central: The tanning ledge is a dedicated space for sunbathing or unwinding with a book and a cool drink.
Keeps Swim Space Open: Unlike a beach entry, the tanning ledge is compact, preserving most of the pool for swimming, games, or floating.
Versatile for Families with All-Aged Children: It’s great for sunbathing and for small children to play while you keep an eye on them. At the same time, it leaves a larger open space for the active swimmers.

Grace and Aspen: Modeling the Differences

The Grace and Aspen pool designs from Thursday Pools can help illustrate how these two shallow-end features work. Both are rectangular, beautifully designed fiberglass pools with identical dimensions—16 feet wide, 40 feet long, and a deep end of 5 feet, 10 inches. The key difference? The shallow end.

Feature	Grace (Beach Entry)	Aspen (Tanning Ledge)
Design Specs
Shallow End Design	Gradual slope from 0 inches to ~18 inches	Flat platform, ~12 inches deep
Swim Space	Reduced due to slope	Larger area for active swimming
Relaxation Zone	Large wading area	Compact, dedicated lounging space
Overall Mood	Resort-like, luxurious	Modern elegance with practicality

Your Pool, Your Story

How will you use your pool? A beach entry is ideal if your vision includes young kids splashing in the shallows while grandparents dip their toes. Its gradual slope creates a shared space for play and relaxation that everyone can enjoy. On the other hand, if you prefer defined spaces for different activities, like lounging on a tanning ledge while others swim freely, the tanning ledge offers more structure. It keeps the deep end wide open while providing a relaxing spot.

The mood you want to set can also guide your choice. A beach-entry pool creates a resort-like atmosphere that feels luxurious and relaxed. This pool type is perfect for homeowners who want their backyard to feel like a private vacation spot. Meanwhile, a pool with a tanning ledge blends sleek practicality with a stylish aesthetic. This pool design delivers a polished, contemporary look and fits beautifully into a contemporary backyard.

The Final Word: Build the Life You Imagine

Here’s the truth: it’s not really about the beach entry or the tanning ledge. It’s about the memories you’ll create and the life you’ll live around your pool. Either way, you’re not just choosing a pool feature. You’re choosing how you’ll spend your mornings, your weekends, and your summers for years to come. Are you ready to stop debating and start creating? Your pool is waiting for you. Schedule a design consultation with a dealer today.

Will a Fiberglass Beach Entry Pool Fit in My Yard?

Posted on March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 by kristin

Installing a fiberglass beach-entry pool can transform your outdoor space into a favorite staycation destination. Its smooth, gradual transition into the water is reminiscent of a natural shoreline. However, before deciding on any pool design, you should know whether it will fit nicely in your yard. Evaluating your space, learning about local and HOA regulations, and understanding delivery logistics can help determine whether your yard can accommodate a fiberglass zero-entry pool.

Estimating Your Available Space: Imagine How You’ll Use It

Fiberglass pools are pre-manufactured and come in fixed sizes and shapes. Beach entry pools are no exception. One of your first steps in determining fit is calculating how much usable space you have in your yard. Consider the following:

Pool Dimensions: Measure the available area in your yard to see if it can accommodate the size of the pool itself. For instance, Thursday Pools’ fiberglass beach entry models, Grace and Sandal, are designed with fixed widths and lengths. Grace comes in 14’x36’, 16’x36’, and 16’x40’. Sandal comes in 16’x34.5’ and 16’x39’.

Decking: With the pool accounted for, add in the space you’ll need for your pool deck. You should count on at least three feet around your pool’s perimeter for safe walking areas, but you may want a more substantial deck to accommodate other outdoor features.

Landscaping: Incorporate pool landscaping into your calculations. Landscaping around your pool creates a cohesive and inviting space. Tropical plants, natural stones, or small water features can enhance the beach entry’s aesthetic and seamlessly integrate the pool into your yard.

Outdoor Amenities: If you’d like features like an outdoor kitchen, dining area, pergola, or fire pit, confirm you’ll have enough space for these elements. Even if you don’t install them right away, you’ll want to make sure you plan for them to avoid extra expense and hassle in the future.

Pro Tip: Using stakes and string to outline the pool’s footprint in your yard will give you a better sense of how much space the pool will require and how much you’ll have left for landscaping and outdoor living areas.

Homeowners Associations (HOAs): What to Check

If your home is part of an HOA community, you’ll need to comply with their rules in addition to local zoning and building codes. HOAs enforce Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that may have specific pool requirements, including:

Pool Placement and Visibility: HOAs may restrict where you locate your pool on your property, prohibiting them in front yards or areas visible from the street. They may also require landscaping or fencing to screen the pool from neighbors, cutting into your available pool yardage.

Fencing and Barriers: Beyond the safety fencing required by building codes, HOAs often have aesthetic requirements for fences, such as specific materials or measurements that may have space considerations.

Approval Process: Many HOAs require you to submit detailed plans for review and approval, including proposed:

Pool dimensions and placement.
Materials and colors for the pool and decking.
Landscaping plans to integrate the pool into your yard.

Navigating Local Regulations: What You Need to Know

Zoning and building codes help ensure safe and appropriately placed installation on residential properties. These codes can affect whether your fiberglass beach entry pool will fit in your yard.

Setback Requirements: Zoning codes specify how far the pool must be from property lines, houses, and other structures. For example, a setback requirement might state that a pool must be at least 10 feet from the property line and 5 feet from your home.

Utility Line Restrictions: Contact a utility marking service before excavation to identify any underground lines, such as gas or water. Pools cannot be installed directly over or too close to these lines, and their location can affect your available yard space.

Delivery and Installation Logistics: Make Way for Your Pool

Fiberglass pools arrive at your home in a single piece, so logistics factor in determining whether the pool will fit. Some items to think about include:

Access Routes: A clear path from the delivery truck to your yard is essential. Narrow driveways, low-hanging power lines, or tight corners can make delivery challenging or impossible.

Clearance Requirements & Excavation Space: Consider any obstacles or neighboring structures that might limit access. Not only do you need room for the pool, but you also need room for the excavation equipment to dig the pool’s footprint and maneuver during installation.

Yard Adjustments: If you don’t have room, make some. You may be able to temporarily remove fencing, trim trees, or relocate landscaping to facilitate delivery and installation. Once the pool is in place, you can restore these features to their original locations or redesign them to complement your new backyard setup.

Get Advice From a Pool Professional

Fiberglass beach entry pools offer a unique blend of functionality and aesthetics, turning your backyard into a luxurious retreat. Determining whether one will fit in your yard requires careful consideration of your outdoor space, local regulations, and delivery logistics. By measuring your yard, understanding the pool’s dimensions, and accounting for clearances needed, you’ll have a better idea of the possibilities. If you’d like professional guidance and assurance that your chosen pool design is a perfect fit, contact us to schedule a design consultation with an independent dealer today.

Top Accessories to Complete Your Beach-Entry Pool Experience

Posted on March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 by kristin

Your beach-entry pool will be the center stage of your backyard—the spot where every lazy morning, lively summer afternoon, and starlit evening comes to life. A beach entry pool is already a statement, but why not complete the beach experience with accessories? From in-pool lounging to evening ambiance, these additions will make each moment of your pool brighter, better, and more luxurious. Let’s look at beach-entry pool accessories to transform your backyard into a place where everything feels just right—like your favorite beach vacation.

1. Elegant Loungers

No beach experience is complete without the perfect place to relax and unwind in style. Whether you go for ones you can put in the pool or out, comfort is key.

Ledge Loungers: LEDGE makes a variety of pool accessories, and these chaises are designed for in-pool use and sit right in the shallow area of your beach entry, letting you stay cool while basking in the sun. They’re sleek, durable, and available in a range of colors to match your pool’s aesthetic.
Frontgate Balencia Loungers: Line them up and soak up some rays, then stack and store them when you want to use your deck for other activities. These resort loungers are crafted with weather-resistant materials and are perfect for the patio.

2. Premium Shade Options

Even sun worshippers need some relief from the heat sometimes. Add shaded areas to your poolside for breaks. Whether you choose portable or permanent shade, or both, you won’t regret the addition.

Tuuci Shade Products: With sleek, modern product designs, Tuuci’s cantilever umbrellas, cabanas, and lounges are elegant poolside shade options that complement a beach-entry pool.
Custom Pergolas: Install a pergola near the pool to blend shade and architectural beauty. Choose wood or metal materials to match your backyard design, and consider adding string lights or flowing curtains for an inviting, Instagram-worthy vibe.

3. Floating Luxury

What’s a pool day without a little time spent floating? Upgrade your water experience with high-end floating accessories.

FUNBOY Inflatables: If you’re going to get an inflatable, you might as well get something unusual. FUNBOY floats bring a playful, fashionable atmosphere from chic daybeds to whimsical swans.
Big Joe’s Loungers: Who wouldn’t want to float around on a big bean bag? No air is required. Sturdy enough to sit on the pool deck or in the pool, their buyers seem to love their products.

4. Water Features: Beauty in Motion

Enhance the soothing vibe of your beach entry pool with water features that add movement and sound. Deck jets are thin streams of water originating from your deck that arc into your pool, adding a touch of elegance and fun. Custom cascade waterfalls are sleek and modern and can be installed along the edge of your pool, creating the relaxing sound of flowing water.

5. Poolside Fire Features

Extend your pool’s usability into the cooler months or late evenings with fire features that provide warmth and atmosphere. Whether it’s a firepit, fire table, or fire bowl, the visual contrast of the fire and your pool water creates a dynamic, inviting space you’ll never want to leave.

6. Poolside Lighting for Evening Magic

Ambient lighting can transform your pool area into an enchanting nighttime retreat. Along with the string lights we mentioned earlier, consider adding a whimsical touch with floating lights that drift across the water, perfect for evening swims or parties. Highlight the edges of your pool and walkways with subtle, modern lighting. Combining different lighting elements offers a layered, practical, and stunning look.

7. Smart Pool Automation Systems

Why adjust pool settings manually when you can control everything with your phone? These systems make it easy to customize your pool experience, whether you are planning a quiet evening or a lively party.

Hayward OmniLogic System: Manage lighting, temperature, water features, and more with a few taps on your smartphone.
Pentair IntelliCenter: A robust automation system that keeps your pool running smoothly while you sit back and relax.

Ask your pool dealer if they have any recommendations if you are looking to add SMART technology to your beach-entry pool experience.

8. Outdoor Kitchens and Bars

Nothing says “complete experience” like cooking and serving poolside. Having an outdoor kitchen and bar near your pool eliminates the hassle of running back and forth indoors for snacks, drinks, or supplies. Everything you need is there, allowing you to stay connected with your guests or family while preparing and serving food.

Set the Stage

Every addition, from elegant loungers to fire features and smart technology, brings your home closer to staycation perfection. So why wait? Start turning your dreams into a reality, one thoughtful detail at a time, beginning with booking a design consultation. An independent pool dealer can help make it everything you imagined—and more.

What is a Beach Entry Fiberglass Pool, and is it Right for You?

Posted on July 28, 2020May 24, 2024 by krista

Grace. It can mean courteous goodwill and simple elegance or refinement of movement.

Meet our Grace. The Grace Beach Entry Fiberglass Pool (Patent US 10,472,839) gives you the feel of the beach and the simple elegance of a luxury, rectangle-shaped pool design.

HOW IS A BEACH ENTRY FIBERGLASS POOL DIFFERENT?

A beach entry, or zero-entry pool, is an inground swimming pool designed with an entry that has a very slight slope into the pool, providing you with a slow, gradual entry into the water. For every seven feet in distance, the pool can have no more than one foot in depth.

If you’re looking for a pool that is easy to get into, provides great space to dip your toes in the water, or swim a few laps in the pool, the Grace Beach Entry might just be the perfect fit for the beach lover in you.

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FIBERGLASS POOLS ARE THE SOCIAL CENTERPIECE OF THE 2020s

Pools are now and will likely continue to be social hubs—a place where friends and family can gather to enjoy time together that turns into the fondest memories. Creating your beach atmosphere with the Grace Beach Entry fiberglass pool as the centerpiece is only limited by your imagination.

A word of caution: Inground fiberglass pools have been associated with extremely high levels of entertainment, joy, and fun. Check with your doctor to ensure that your heart can withstand the excitement that a new Thursday Pools Fiberglass Inground Pool can bring.

And surely your mother told you to wait 30 minutes after eating before you swim. That has never been a proven thing but listen to your mother.

FIND OUT ALL ABOUT GRACE BEACH ENTRY TO SEE IF IT’S FOR YOU

The Grace Beach Entry comes in three sizes.

Grace Beach Entry has enough room for all the beach lovers in your life. Let’s see how you can enjoy it.

1. Beach entry. The zero-entry transition brings the shore to your door. Want to tan without sitting in the water? The gentle slope itself makes a great tanning area or two ledge loungers fit nicely in the beach entry area while providing swimmers plenty of room to enter and exit the pool.

2. Wading area. Step a little further into the beach entry and you’ve got a wading area to cool off. Plus, it can double as a play area for smaller children.

3. Wide-open non-skid steps. The steps’ non-skid surface provides sure footing to exit and enter the pool. A young child that’s 4’5” in height will find the water comes up just to the neckline when standing at the bottom of the steps.

4. Extended Bench. The extended bench provides a nice area to relax and take a break from your water exercise routine or enjoy conversation with some friends.

5. Dual deep-end swim-outs. The Grace Beach Entry Fiberglass pool offers two deep-end swim-outs that can be used for exiting the pool or just chilling out. Your kids might find some other fun uses for them as well.

6. Wide-open swim or play area. Are you looking to stay in shape and ensure a long life? Grace Beach Entry provides plenty of space to get those laps in or enjoy some other fun sports.

7. Courtesy Ledge. The courtesy ledge extends around the entire deep end of the pool and provides places to stand and take a break from swimming.

8. Auto-cover ready. Like the Sandal, Grace Beach Entry fiberglass pool is auto-cover ready. Automatic pool safety covers are a fabulous choice for inground fiberglass pool owners. They ensure that no one can enter the pool without your knowledge, reduce time spent on pool maintenance, and lower your maintenance costs.

Ready to get an estimate or contact a dealer?

See for yourself what a beach entry fiberglass pool is by taking a 360 tour of the Grace Beach Entry fiberglass pool.

See where the water comes up to you from different areas of the pool.

Do you wonder where the water might hit you (or your family members) based on your height? Our wet tour will give you a sense of what it feels like as you enjoy every aspect of this artfully crafted pool.

How much does the Grace Beach Entry fiberglass inground pool cost?

Fiberglass inground pool prices will vary based on a variety of factors, including where you live and how accessible your yard is. You’ll need to contact a Thursday Pools dealer for an actual estimate, but you can usually plan on about $1500 per linear foot for most pools, including installation. However, for the beach entry designs, the cost will likely run you about 15 to 20 percent more. To get a more in-depth view of inground pool project costs, try our handy Pool Cost Calculator.

Are you ready to find a Thursday Pools dealer near you?

Thursday Pools fiberglass pools are available throughout the U.S., in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.

About Thursday Pools

Thursday Pools designs and manufactures fiberglass pool shells that are handcrafted with the highest standards and craftsmanship. Our one-piece, inground fiberglass swimming pool manufacturing facility is based out of Fortville, Indiana. At Thursday Pools, we aspire to be the world’s most respected fiberglass pool manufacturer. Our innovations, commitment to quality, and beautiful designs set us apart. Thursday Pools is known for its innovations within the fiberglass pool industry, such as the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool (Patent US 10,472,839), as well as the fiberglass sunken living room pool. Get inspired about a backyard swimming pool oasis of your own and get a free estimate on the fiberglass pool of your dreams today. Making that dream a reality is easier than you might think. Thursday Pools: your weekend starts early with us!

Looking for the Best Beach Entry Fiberglass Pool?

Posted on July 16, 2020May 24, 2024 by krista

Fiberglass Pool Beach Entry Designs

Meet the Sandal Beach Entry by Thursday Pools (Patent US 10,472,839). It’s a beautifully designed fiberglass pool beach entry. Its perks include a zero-entry, free-form shape that gives beach lovers the experience of the beach without the sand in the pants.

The entry area provides plenty of room for the toddlers in your life to splash around while still leaving space for a couple of ledge loungers. The true zero entry allows you to dip your toes to cool off or enjoy a gradual entry into the water.

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Start making memories with one of our most popular and innovative designs.

It’s been said, in life, we don’t remember days; we remember moments. The first step into your beach entry fiberglass pool is likely to be a very memorable moment in your life. Whether you’re lounging at the water’s edge, watching the kids splash around or chilling on the swim-out, the Sandal gives you plenty to enjoy.

Customer Testimonials

fiberglass pool beach entry “If you love the beach and want to relax, it’s great. It’s a good size, and the care on it has been very easy.”

– David Siegel

“We got married at the beach. It offers a space for my sisters and me to relax, while the kids and the dads play in the deep end. ”

– Kelly Siegel

Dealer Testimonial

“What’s nice about this pool is it has a lot of good gathering areas for friends and family. Selling Thursday Pools is easy because of the quality of the pool. ”

– Dave Burton, owner Burton Pools

Check out some of the features you’ll enjoy most with Sandal, one of our fiberglass pool beach entry designs.

The Sandal comes in two sizes:

Take a look at the Sandal Beach Entry’s features that will help turn your backyard into a beach lover’s paradise.

1. Beach Entry. The zero-entry transition makes the Sandal one of the easiest pools to get in and out. And with tanning ledges being one of the most popular features of today’s fiberglass pools, you’ll be happy to know you can fit two loungers in the beach entry area and still give guests plenty of room to enter and exit the pool.

2. Wading area. Tread a little further into the beach entry, and you’ve got a wading area to cool off. It can also be a nice play zone for younger non-swimmers.

3. Wide-open steps and bench. The Sandal’s steps and bench provide a comfy seating area to enjoy a cool conversation, and the non-skid surface provides sure footing to exit and enter the pool. Sitting on the bench, a young child who is 4’6” in height will find the water comes up just to the neckline.

4. Wide-open swim or play area. Your kids have plenty of room to make waves in the beach entry. While we haven’t come out with a wave pool yet, we know kids’ imaginations can fuel plenty of backyard adventures.

5. Sun shelf/swim-out. After a nice long swim, you can take a rest on the swim-out or soak up some rays. A 5’ 11” person can sit comfortably with his waist out of the water while a 5’ 6” person can sit on the lower bench with her shoulders just above the waterline.

6. Courtesy ledge. Extending around the deep end of the pool, the courtesy ledge gives swimmers an area to stand and take a quick break before getting back into the action.

7. Auto-cover ready. Automatic pool safety covers are a fabulous choice for fiberglass inground pool owners. They ensure that no one can enter the pool without your knowledge, reduce time spent on pool maintenance, and lower your maintenance costs.

Ready to get an estimate or contact a dealer?

Hear more about what our customers think about the Sandal.

Take a 360 tour of the Sandal pool design.

See where the water comes up to you from different areas of the pool.

How much does the Sandal fiberglass inground pool cost?

Fiberglass inground pool prices will vary based on a variety of factors, including where you live and how accessible your yard is. You’ll need to contact a Thursday Pools independent dealer for an actual estimate, but you can usually plan on about $1500 per linear foot for most pools, including installation. However, for the beach entry designs, the cost will likely run you about 15 to 20 percent more. To get a more in-depth view of inground pool project costs, try our handy Pool Cost Calculator.

Are you ready to find a Thursday Pools dealer near you?

About Thursday Pools

Thursday Pools designs and manufactures fiberglass pool shells that are handcrafted with high standards and craftsmanship. Our one-piece, inground fiberglass swimming pool manufacturing facility is based out of Fortville, Indiana. At Thursday Pools, we aspire to be the world’s most respected fiberglass pool manufacturer. Our innovations, commitment to quality and beautiful designs set us apart. Thursday Pools is known for its innovations within the fiberglass pool industry, such as the fiberglass pool beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool (Patent US 10,472,839), as well as the fiberglass sunken living room pool. Get inspired about a backyard swimming pool oasis of your own and get a free estimate on the fiberglass pool of your dreams today. Making that dream a reality is easier than you might think. Thursday Pools: your weekend starts early with us!

Fiberglass Pools: What’s Trending and Why It May Be the Pool You Need

Posted on June 9, 2020October 28, 2024 by John Wigand

Homeowners like you are looking for ways to turn their backyard into a great place to get away. Now more than ever, a fiberglass pool is the perfect investment in an escape that will pay dividends year in and year out. Pool owners love them because they’re beautiful, come with an array of fun, convenient, and comforting features, and–aside from being a staycation location that you can come back to time and again–they may increase the value of your home. Pool builders recommend fiberglass inground pools for their versatility, durability, and lower pool maintenance requirements and cost. As innovations in fiberglass pool designs come out and staycations become more popular for families across the country, pool buyers choose the luxury and elegance of inground fiberglass pools. Knowing these things, you may be wondering, “are fiberglass pools becoming more popular?” Yes! Let’s take a deeper look at why so many homeowners are choosing fiberglass for their outdoor living space.

They’re Lower Maintenance.

Many pool buyers ask, “are fiberglass pools low maintenance?” Fiberglass pools, compared to other inground pool types, have the lowest maintenance threshold due to their non-porous surface. Fiberglass pools’ gelcoat finish prevents algae buildup, resulting in fewer chemicals needed—fiberglass pool maintenance averages about 1 hour per week with periodic water testing and balancing.

They Can Last a Long Time.

Another question we often see is, “How long will a fiberglass pool last?” A pool is often as good as its maintenance. How you take care of your pool plays a significant role in how it will look five, 10, or even 50 years from now. Fiberglass pools can last quite a long time, especially with innovations like the Geo-Anchoring Pool System that anchors your pool to the earth and adds to the pool’s durability once installed.

They Are The Quickest Inground Pool Type To Install.

“How long does a fiberglass pool take to install?” On average, fiberglass installation takes as little as three weeks in typical circumstances. Since the pool comes as a pre-made, one-piece shell, much of the construction work is removed compared to other pool types built from scratch on-site.

Now that you know the why of fiberglass, here are the top fiberglass pool trends today:

The Backyard Beach.

Some of the best family memories happen at the beach! But unless you’re fortunate enough to live near one, those visits are few and far between. That’s why beach lovers around the country are choosing to add a beach entry fiberglass pool to their backyard escape. Once only available in concrete pools, the beach entry is now available for your inground fiberglass pool (Patent US 10,472,839). Enjoy the luxurious feel of a day at the beach in the privacy and convenience of your backyard.

Tanning Ledges.

Tanning ledges have been around for a while, and they keep getting better. Originally called sun shelves, tanning ledges used to be smaller than they are today. But as fiberglass pool owners asked for more spacious ledges, fiberglass pool manufacturers answered the call.

What is a tanning ledge? A tanning ledge is a shallow lounging area at one end of the pool, typically about 12 inches deep. A well-designed tanning ledge can accommodate two lounger chairs with room for other swimmers to enter and exit the pool. You can even customize them with water features such as jets and bubblers to add to the ambiance.

If you’re still on the fence, here are a few more reasons to love tanning ledges:

They’re great for sun-worshippers. Tanning ledges provide a perfect perch to relax and unwind while you soak up the sun and indulge in “me time.”
They’re great for kids. Tanning ledges make an excellent landing pad for kids to splash and play as they grow accustomed to the water and learn pool safety rules.
They’re great for pets. Let’s not forget our furry friends, who also like to cool off on a hot day! Pets, particularly puppies and older dogs, need a shallow spot to get in and out of the pool. Plus, the gel coat is more resistant to scratches from a dog’s nails.
They’re smooth to walk on. Many potential pool buyers ask, “are fiberglass pools slippery?” Fiberglass pools often use a non-skid texture on the surface that keeps everyone up and moving safely.

Big Luxury and Elegance for Smaller Backyards.

If you want the convenience of urban living and a backyard oasis, you need to look no further than the Aspen (Patent US D851,781) fiberglass pool designs.

Coming in 5 different sizes, including as small as 12′ x 25′, these designs are among the best fiberglass pool trends that give you all the features and fit just right in smaller backyards.

Swimlanes.

Pools are for fun and relaxation. But the opportunity to get a great cardio and strength workout while enjoying the water is also a significant benefit of pool ownership. Wide-open swim areas are one of the evergreen fiberglass pool trends. Fiberglass pools can be just as functional as beautiful when you add a swimlane to the other fun features, like tanning ledges and built-in benches for socializing with friends.

Darker colors.

If you don’t love aqua blue, you don’t have to have it. A timeless trend in fiberglass pools is to opt for darker shades of blue and even grays to add a touch of elegance to your backyard fiberglass pool oasis.

Don’t wait. Now that you have an answer to “are fiberglass pools becoming more popular?” and know what’s out there, contact Thursday Pools to get in on the innovations that will make you the envy of the neighborhood. We can help your search for “fiberglass pools near me” by getting you in touch with your local independent Thursday Pools dealer. Do you have some favorite fiberglass pool trends to share? Let’s talk on social media!

Is It A True Beach Entry?

Posted on September 26, 2019May 24, 2024 by krista

Don’t be fooled by imitations!

Are you considering a beach entry fiberglass pool? Are you confused about the options out there? Don’t be! We are here today to educate you on what constitutes a beach entry inground pool design. We have worked hard to design a fiberglass pool that meets the definition of a beach entry. Our beach entry designs (US Patent 10,472,839) start you at a point of zero water depth giving you that zero entry pool you dream of!
Having said that, there are a lot of folks trying to catch some of the beach entry buzz, and their claims can be misleading. Not every pool that claims to be a “beach entry” is technically “zero entry.” Let’s take a look at some fiberglass pool designs that might claim the name “beach entry”, but do not offer you the experience of, or meet the definition of a beach entry fiberglass pool.

Simple Step. Some pool designs touted as a “beach entry” actually have a four-inch step-down onto a large landing area or sun ledge. While these are nice designs, they are not a beach entry. The four-inch step-down may not seem like a lot, but it also doesn’t take into account the thickness of your pool coping or cantilever concrete which sits on top of the pool shell. With the average height of pool coping at four inches, that takes your initial step into the pool to eight inches. Once your pool is installed, you’ll realize you have quite a distance to step down into before you actually get to the “beach.” Swimmers who are less than steady on their feet may have a hard time safely negotiating this type of entry, which negates one of the main benefits of having a beach entry to begin with.

Sloped Tanning Ledge. This version also begins with a four-inch step down, onto a sloped tanning ledge. Again, this design does not have the same effect as a beach entry. You’re not starting from a dry point and stepping into water—you’re in water from the point where the pool begins. The same coping height applies to this design as well, making your first step an eight inch step-down onto a WET, sloping surface. This option also fails to offer the luxury of the zero entry beach experience and could make it tricky for both two and four-legged swimmers to safely enter and exit the pool.

So what does a beach entry look like?

A beach entry pool can transform your backyard, creating a place for family staycations for years to come, and be the inspiration for fabulous beach-themed parties and celebrations. But, if you’re considering getting a beach entry pool, you need to ask your pool builder: “Is this really a beach entry pool?” Do your research upfront and make an informed decision. Then, it’s off to the beach!

Innovations include:

The Beach Entry (Zero Entry) fiberglass pool designs: Available in a rectangular design called Grace and a freeform called Sandal (Patent US 10,472,839).
The Backfill Eliminator ® : A patented system (US Patent 10,450, 766) for installing fiberglass pools with large built-in tanning shelves.
The Lucky 7 Skimmer ® : A skimmer designed exclusively to accommodate the angled walls of fiberglass pools.
The Double-O7 Skimmer®: A skimmer (US Patent 10,961,736) designed with all the benefits of the Lucky 7 Skimmer® and makes for easier installation.

5 Things You Should Consider When Buying Beach Entry Fiberglass Pools

Posted on July 15, 2019May 29, 2024 by krista

Beach entry fiberglass pools are the epitome of many of the unique design trends taking the fiberglass pool world by storm (Patent US 10,472,839). These hot fiberglass pool designs are both luxurious and versatile and are the perfect addition to almost any backyard. Having said that, there are some things you should be aware of before making the big purchase. In this post, we discuss the top five things you should know before you make that new addition to your backyard.

Make sure it’s really a beach entry. Don’t be fooled or disappointed with market knockoffs. With everyone going nuts over all the latest fiberglass pool trends, folks have been clamoring to get a piece of the business. There are some fiberglass pool manufacturers claiming to have a beach entry design, but these designs begin with a step-down and are instead providing you with a tanning ledge or sloping tanning ledge. And while these designs have merit on their own, you don’t want to be misled. Many folks looking at beach entry or zero entry pool designs do so not only for the exquisiteness of the design but also for the ease of entry and accessibility. You may be disappointed if you are not expecting a step-down into the pool and, in the end, you have one. Be sure to review the fiberglass pool design closely and make sure you know what to expect. Setting clear expectations with your pool builder about how you want your finished pool to function is a must!
Swim space is limited. Since they are built in a factory-controlled environment and then transported to the job site, fiberglass pool designs have size limitations because of transportation. To create a beach entry pool design, we need to create a long, gradual entry, which takes up part of the overall swim space. In our Sandal Beach Entry design, the beach entry extends approximately 14’ out into the pool area at its longest point. In our Grace Beach Entry design, the beach entry extends approximately 15.5’ out into the pool area at its longest point. The remaining portion of the pool designs are dedicated to swim space. So if plentiful swimming space is a priority for you, take into account the limits of a beach entry.
Water run-off. A standard pool deck slopes away from the pool and descends typically ¼” per foot. This allows for rainwater and run-off to fall away from the pool and not towards the pool which aids in keeping away dirt and debris that may have found its way onto the deck and into the pool water. Because of what a beach entry or zero entry pool is, the pool deck on the entry portion will slope into the pool. Consequently, that area of the pool deck will allow for rainwater and run-off to enter the pool. For most, this won’t pose any problem. If you plan to have a lot of trees or landscaping around your pool area where debris will regularly fall onto the pool deck, then it may be something you consider and discuss with your pool builder. In this situation, a properly installed deck drain could be a good solution.
Backfill. Beach entry fiberglass pool models have an expansive and shallow lounging area that can be difficult for pool builders to pack and backfill properly. This difficulty is a problem for all fiberglass pool designs with large shallow lounging areas or tanning ledges. Ensuring your tanning ledge is properly backfilled and installed is important. The Backfill Eliminator is offered through Thursday Pools as a solution; however, it certainly isn’t the only one. We have seen a lot of pool builders who have their own method of backfilling these areas. Nonetheless, it is a topic that you will want to cover with your pool builder. Be sure to ask them about their technique.
Not ADAAG compliant. Not all beach entry pools are ADAAG compliant, meaning that they do not comply with the American Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. So, while they may provide easier access for folks with a disability, they do not meet all required ADA Accessibility Guidelines. For more information on those guidelines, visit Access-Board.gov.

There’s a pool design out there for everyone, and each one has its merits, but what’s most important is that you choose a pool that best fits your family or personal lifestyle.

Five Reasons You and Your Family Will Love a Beach Entry Fiberglass Pool

Posted on November 27, 2018May 24, 2024 by riley

You could really use a getaway. Your days are a jumble of soccer games, dance lessons, lunch-packing and chauffeuring. A break sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Where would you go? Picture your whole family at a magnificent resort. Palm trees are swaying gently in the breeze and you’re hangin’ with the rich and famous next to a magnificent fiberglass beach entry pool (Patent US 10,472,839). The kids are splashing in water–just deep enough to play, but not so deep that you have to worry– so you’re at the water’s edge, soaking up some rays, with pool boys waiting on you hand and foot. Sounds pretty great, right? If only you had your own private jet…

Well, guess what? Fiberglass Beach entry pools aren’t just for the rich and famous anymore and you don’t have to get away to a high-end resort to experience one. You can have the luxury of a resort getaway every day in your own backyard. Thursday Pools offers inground fiberglass pools, two of which are beach entry designs– a fun and flirty freeform or a stately and classic rectangle with gracefully curved edges. Either way, you can enjoy the extravagance of a fiberglass beach entry pool at a more affordable price– considerably less than a private jet! From grandparents to toddlers, the whole family will love it (including your four-legged kids!) There are so many reasons why your family will love a fiberglass beach entry pool— here are just a few:

Ease on in. Fiberglass beach entry pools provide easy access to the pool, especially for toddlers who are just learning to love the water and may need to slowly acclimate themselves. The kiddos can gradually work up the courage to enter the pool a few steps at a time. And with a beach entry, you can walk right into the water with the kids, hand-in-hand, which is a lot easier than getting in first and trying to coax them to follow.
The beach without the hassle. You love the beach, but you might not love the hassle of preparing and packing all the stuff that has to go into spending a day at the beach— chairs, towels, sunscreen, a cooler and an umbrella– for starters! A fiberglass beach entry pool in your own backyard gives you all the fun of a day at the beach just steps from your back door (with a bathroom and fridge just inside.) Plus, you’ll never again have to worry about a swimsuit full of sand!
A depth for all. Fiberglass beach entry pools take you gradually from a zero water depth all the way to the deep-end with lots of options in between. The varying water depths provide everyone in the family the ability to wade in, hang out and swim at a water depth that’s comfortable for them. Whether your family is comprised of toddlers, tweens or teens, everyone will find a spot they love, all while being safe at the pool. Fur babies will love the ease of entry and exit too, because fiberglass pools are pet-friendly. So everyone in the family can get in the swim.
A spot to chill. Sometimes a busy parent just needs a time-out. With your own fiberglass beach entry pool, you can chill out on a ledge lounger with a beverage and book while still being just an arm’s reach away from the kiddos. Talk about the best of both worlds.
A place to party. An inground pool provides a place for the whole family to bond and the ideas for beach-themed parties are endless. You’ll never run out of reasons to celebrate at the beach in your own backyard.

There’s no better time than right now to talk to your local, independent inground fiberglass pool dealer about bringing the beach home next year. If you act now, you could be living the resort life by the time the warm weather returns in your new beach entry fiberglass pool. However, please note: pool boys are not included.

Thursday Pools designs and manufactures fiberglass pool shells that are handcrafted with the highest standards and craftsmanship. Our one-piece, inground fiberglass swimming pool manufacturing facility is based out of Fortville, Indiana. At Thursday Pools, we aspire to be the world’s most respected fiberglass pool manufacturer. Our innovations, commitment to quality, and beautiful designs set us apart. Thursday Pools is known for its innovations within the fiberglass pool industry, such as the beach entry (zero entry) fiberglass pools (Patent US 10,472,839). Get an estimate on a beach entry fiberglass pool of your very own today and bring the vacation home.

Host a Backyard Beach Party at Your Home’s Pool

Posted on November 15, 2018October 24, 2024 by riley

The beach is a special place—it’s a “shore” thing! There’s nothing quite like a day at the beach to ease away stress, recharge your batteries, and soothe your soul. Beach living is easy living. Meals are grab and go, schedules are merely a suggestion, and make-up is definitely optional. Read on to discover tasty inspirations for your next backyard beach party around your beach entry pool.

Have you ever wished you could live right at the beach? Now you can thanks to Thursday Pools’ patented (US Patent 10,472,839) fiberglass beach entry pools. With the Sandal or the Grace in your backyard, you’ll have the freedom to enjoy a day at the beach with the conveniences of a full kitchen and private bathroom just on the other side of the door.

Landscapes and hardscapes can help create a sense of place at the beach, too. And once you’re living on the beach, there’s no limit to how many different beach-themed parties you can host. Easy beach party menus help you bring the shore to your door, whether it’s just a casual weeknight dinner or a celebration full of family and friends. Where would you like to party this week?

Bring on a bit of Florida flair.

Grouper, crab cakes, and hush puppies are the de rigueur on Florida menus. Shrimp cocktails and ceviches will enhance the Florida beach feel, too. Serve a chilled seafood buffet or blacken some grouper and throw it on the grill. For dessert, key lime pie is, of course, a must.

Mix up a little Mexican cuisine.

Beach pool parties should be casual and easy. Set up a build-your-own-taco or nacho bar poolside complete with fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and cilantro to garnish. Scatter baskets of chips and salsa around the tables for easy snacking, then sit back and relax at your own private beach.

How about a taste of the Caribbean?

Tropical fruits like papaya, mango, and guava paired with fresh-grilled fish, jerk chicken, shrimp, pork, or steak are the epitome of Caribbean cuisine along with Jamaican-influenced dishes like red beans and rice. Throw some kabobs on the grill to pair with a fresh fruit salsa and side of seasoned rice and beans and your Caribbean beach party is ready to go.

Or, perhaps, a Thai-Inspired Meal?

Satays are everywhere in Thailand, including on the beach. They’re similar in style to the kabobs of the Caribbean, but with a completely different flavor profile. Marinate chicken, shrimp, pork, or steak in coconut milk and Asian spices for an hour or so, thread onto wooden skewers (soaked in water first so they won’t burn), and throw them on the grill. Serve with a quick and easy peanut sauce on the side, and maybe a chilled cucumber salad or noodle dish, and you have a deliciously

authentic Thai dinner ready for your beach party.

When you decide how to throw a beach party around your backyard’s zero entry pool, you can enjoy the casual luxury of beachfront living any night of the week. Fiberglass beach entry pools are now available in both a stately rectangular design and a curving, flirty freeform. Choose the design that best fits the vibe you want to create in your backyard beach oasis and get an estimate today!