Fiberglass Pool Lovers who Enjoy a Good Sun Daze, this Sun Day is for You.

thursday pools sun day

 

Meet the Sandersons: Al and Phyllis Sanderson live in Petoskey, Michigan. They moved to Michigan from Chicago when Al retired in 2011. They’re both very active: they love to ride bikes and walk, and Phyllis is a former collegiate swimmer. They know that a good day of rest and enjoying the sun can make a big difference in staying healthy.

 

Their grandkids, nine-year-old Amanda, and Cody, who just turned six, are the lights of their lives. The kids come to visit every summer for three weeks, and the Sandersons are always looking for fun ways to spend quality time with them at their Michigan home.

 

thursday pools sun dayThe Sandersons decided to get a pool, and while exploring the many fiberglass pool designs that Thursday Pools has to offer, they landed on the freeform Thursday Pools Sun Day fiberglass pool design.

 

Amanda and Cody both love to swim, and Al and Phyllis have a big surprise in store for the kids: there’s going to be a brand new inground pool in the backyard when they arrive this summer!

 

 

 

Let’s look at the features that make the freeform Thursday Pools Sun Day a huge hit for the Sandersons.  

  • Large landing pad and side entry stairs. The landing pad creates a nice play area for toddlers with parents keeping a close eye on them. The side entry stairs make it easy on the knees to enter and exit the pool. A four-foot six-inch person will find that the water on the first step will come up just below the shoulders.
  • Wrap-around benches. Your friends and family will have plenty of room to cool down and daze the day away with the wrap-around benches. They’ll also provide a good resting place for the more active pool lovers in your life. 
  • Deep-end courtesy ledge. Need a place to take a break in the deep end while keeping your head above the waterline? The courtesy ledge will help you do just that. It also gives those learning to swim an additional area for some added help. A four-foot five-inch person will be able to keep their head well above the water in the deep end on the courtesy ledge.
  • Swim-out and sun-shelf. You’ll love the easy deep-end exit and perfect perch to soak up the sun while enjoying the cool water. A five-foot five-inch person sitting on the sun-shelf will find the water hits just above the waist. 
  • Wide open swim or play area. The kids have plenty of room to play while the adults hang out on the benches. Or maybe you’d like to get the whole family racing laps. Swimming is one of the best ways you can stay fit. 
  • 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 as well as help reduce the time spent and the costs of pool maintenance. 
  • Non-skid surface throughout. All Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs feature our exclusive gel coat finish. It’s non-skid, so you can be assured that swimmers of all ages can safely get in and out of the pool. It’s also impervious to algae, which means easier maintenance and fewer chemicals. Plus, it’s easy on swimmers’ bare feet, pet’s paws, and swimsuits! 

Ready to get an estimate or contact an independent dealer

Available Sizes: 15’ x 30’ 5’3”, 16’ x 34.5’ 5’8”, and 16’ x 39’ 6’ 

Now, let’s look at some additional reasons why the Sanderson’s chose the Thursday Pools Sun Day: 

A realtor friend told them that an inground fiberglass pool would most likely increase the resale value of their house, so they feel that fiberglass is definitely their best bet. In addition to being a good investment, here are a few other factors that influenced their decision: 

  • Their yard isn’t huge, and they want to leave some room for grass and landscaping.
  • Aesthetics matter to Phyllis. She wants something pretty, and she’s much more into curves than straight lines.
  • Al wants a place where he can sit and read his book in the sun and still stay cool.
  • Phyllis wants to be able to do water calisthenics, so she doesn’t want it to be too deep.
  • It’s important to both of them that the pool has easy in-and-out stairs.
  • The kids want to swim, swim, swim all day long.

The Thursday Pools Sun Day fiberglass pool was the perfect answer to the family’s swimming pool needs.

thursday pools sun day

Phyllis exercises in the pool every morning. It’s perfect for keeping her knees and hips moving (while keeping her hair dry, which is essential!) She’s starting to notice that her joints ache less than they did before. Al loves the sun shelf so much that he named it “Grandpa’s Ledge.”

Amanda and Cody swim from sunup to sundown, until they turn into prunes. They never ask to go to the neighbor’s house anymore. Why would they, when there’s a backyard pool paradise right outside Grandma and Grandpa’s door? They look forward to their time in Petoskey even more than they did before, and they’re making memories with their grandparents that will last a lifetime.

After all is said and done, the Sandersons and their grandkids are in pool heaven!

The Sandersons found their perfect pool, and you can too. If you’re ready to start making a lifetime of memories in a new inground fiberglass pool, contact an independent dealer today or get an estimate. Your pool heaven awaits.

#sunday #perfectpool #ingroundfiberglasspool #funinthesun #happilyeverafter #petoskeypools #fiberglasspoolsMichigan

*Based on the personalities, demographics, and fun-loving spirit of our Thursday Pools customers, we’ve created some fictional families and paired them with their perfect pool!

 

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). 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

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.tanning ledges 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!

Splendor, Enjoyment, and Relaxation are Yours With the Cathedral LX Inground Fiberglass Pool

If you’re an aficionado of Greco-Roman style architecture, you’ll immediately notice that the centerpiece tanning ledge and walk-in stairs combine to create a stately and classical posture for this elegant, medium-size pool. But don’t let this pool design’s grand presence fool you, there’s still plenty of room for fun in the sun.

The personality this pool takes depends a lot on your style.

 

   

As you’re exploring the lifestyle that fits you, you’ll want to consider how your pool deck and the amenities that surround it will enhance the experience you’re seeking. Whether you’re a backyard fire pit kind of gal, a pergola-with-a-fireplace lover, or a purist who thinks pool areas are for sun-time, you’ll find the Cathedral LX fiberglass pool design amenable.

One thing’s for sure, this pool’s tanning ledge is all about bringing out the sun god or goddess in you. 

Check out the unique features of this fiberglass pool design.

Learn more about the water depth, the bench seating, and what your backyard could look like with the Cathedral LX.

Let’s explore the features that make this pool a customer favorite. 

      1. A nine-foot diameter sun shelf to keep you cool and your tan dark. This ledge is for those who love a relaxing day soaking up the rays. The only real decision you’ll have to make is which Ledge Lounger chaise suits you best.
      2. Ample Swim and Play Area. Sure, it might be hard to pull you off the tanning ledge, but there’s no shortage of space for pool games or a refreshing swim to stay in shape.
      3. The deep-end bench provides a gathering place for your guests to chat, soak, and unwind.
      4. Wide entry/exit steps that double as a bench are perfect for sunning, conversation, and for enjoying pool time with little ones who need to stay in shallow areas.
      5. 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, they offer less pool maintenance, and they lower your pool maintenance costs.
      6. Non-skid surface throughout. All Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs feature our exclusive gel coat finish. It’s non-skid, so you can be assured that swimmers of all ages can safely get in and out of the pool. It’s also impervious to algae, which means easier maintenance and fewer chemicals. Plus, it’s easy on swimmers’ bare feet, pet paws, and swimsuits!

Ready to get an estimate or contact a dealer?

Our Cathedral LX fiberglass pool is available in two sizes: 

  • 16’ x 36’ x 5’8”

  • 16’ x 40’ x 6’

Take a 360 tour of the Cathedral LX pool design. 

See where the water rests from different areas of the pool. 

No matter your height, our wet tours will give you a sense of where the water will hit you in this classically designed fiberglass inground pool.

How much will the Cathedral LX inground pool cost?

 
As you might know, pool prices will vary based on many factors, such as where you live and the accessibility of your yard. It’s usually safe to guess about $1,500 per foot of pool length for your planning purposes. You can also use our handy Pool Cost Calculator to get a rough idea of the cost you might pay for your inground pool project,.

 

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. 

If You’re Searching for a Fiberglass Inground Pool, it’s Time to Ask, “What about Lil Bob?”

Bob, it’s a common name, and when spelled backward, it’s still Bob. And yet, this fiberglass inground pool gem is not so mainstream. Its name was inspired by a famous Bob who enjoyed being the life of the party, but also wanted to ensure as many of his friends as possible could enjoy a hot day in the cool water.  

 

No, it wasn’t Bob Ross the painter, Bob Barker, Bob Hope, or even Bob Dylan—although we think each of those Bob’s might have enjoyed the essence of entertaining that this pool design emphasizes. Here’s a hint, he’s a smaller Bob with a big radio personality.

 

Our Lil Bob is mighty for entertaining.  

 

Its classic rectangle shape gives your family an elegant-looking area to sit and cool down, soak up some of the sun’s healing rays, or enjoy a pick-up game with a few friends. 

 

fiberglass inground pool

 

Lil Bob pours on the therapy you need with dual benches that provide ample seating for all of your friends to enjoy a spectacular backyard view, while not missing out on any aspect of the conversation. You’ll make some great memories with a small or large group of friends who enjoy each other’s time. 

 

 

Get inspired by some of our favorite Lil Bob backyards. 

Like an upcoming vacation, this video will give you something to anticipate. 

 

 

Let’s look at the features that make Lil Bob a huge hit. 

  1. Dual benches 12’ x 18” deep (14” deep from seat to water level, depending on how much water is in the pool). Staying cool in the hot summer sun and having ample room for friends or family to join you is the marquee feature of Lil Bob. The steps give you easy entry in and exit out of the pool. 
  2. Open swim or play area. The kids have plenty of room to play while the adults hang out on the benches. There’s plenty of room to float around, enjoy a game of water volleyball, or even swim laps down the center of the pool. 
  3. 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, offer less pool maintenance, and lower your pool maintenance costs. 
  4. Non-skid surface throughout. All Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs feature our exclusive gel coat finish. It’s non-skid, so you can be assured that swimmers of all ages can safely get in and out of the pool. It’s also impervious to algae, which means easier maintenance and fewer chemicals. Plus, it’s easy on swimmers’ bare feet, pet’s paws, and swimsuits! 

 

Ready to get an estimate  or contact a dealer

 

Our Lil Bob pool design comes in one size that you’ll find just right: 

  • 13.5’ x 27.5’, with a depth of 4.6’

fiberglass inground pool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a 360 tour of the Lil Bob pool design. 

 

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 Lil Bob 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 foot of pool length, installed. To get an idea of the costs for your own inground pool project, use 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. 

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.

 

Games to play in the swimming pool

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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 the windows and doors of your home that face the pool area. However, in addition to complying with those regulations, consider an automatic pool safety cover. Automatic pool covers give you the added peace of mind of knowing no one (from inside or outside your home) can enter the pool without your knowledge when your cover is closed. 
  4. Be aware of the dangers of the drain. Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to keep swimmers safe from drain-related injuries. Teach your children that they should avoid the drain area in any pool they swim in, and instruct them to ask for help if a toy gets stuck near the drain. 
  5. Monitor kids constantly. Parents (or other responsible adults) should tag-team each other on kid-watching duty at the pool to ensure constant supervision. If a child is missing, check the water first, as seconds matter if a child is under water. 
  6. Insist on safe pool area behavior. Don’t allow children to dive or push each other into the pool or run around the pool area. Teach your children that it’s never okay to push a friend under water, splash friends excessively, or pretend to need help in the water as a game. Don’t allow toys in your pool that aren’t specifically designed for swimming pools, and do insist on regular time-outs for all swimmers. 
  7. Learn CPR. Parents should consider taking a CPR class from the American Red Cross or local healthcare facilities. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re equipped with potentially life-saving skills should a water-related accident occur. 

Safety first

Swimming pools are great places for families to spend quality time, get exercise and have fun. However, pool safety for kids must be top-of-mind for all pool owners and parents. As swim season approaches, take time to review the rules of water safety with your family. To make it fun for your kids to learn the rules of pool safety, download 10 Cool Pool Rules for Kids and read through it with them today! 

The beach entry (zero entry) fiberglass pools 

Thursday Pools is the creator of the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool designs. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) are currently available to order, so you can turn your home into instant waterfront property with your new fiberglass pool! 

Invigorating 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.

 

thursday pools 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 go well with a six-pack?

Take a glimpse at what your backyard will look like with the Thursday Pools Aspen.

 

You know the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, then what’s a video worth? See for yourself.

Let’s look at the features that make this pool such a crowd-pleaser.

  • A huge 12” deep tanning ledge. If soaking up some summer sun like a bronze goddess is your thing, you’ll dig this ledge that provides room for a couple of ledge loungers, while leaving plenty of space for swimmers to enter and exit the pool. Plus, depending on your water level, you’ll be able to cool off in six to eight inches of water while basking in the sun.
  • Full-length steps and an extended bench. Sometimes even the bronze goddess just has to get cool. The gracefully curving steps that stretch across the width of the pool lead to an extended bench. Together, they offer easy entry and exit from the pool, as well as a nice spot to enjoy a cocktail or engage in great conversation.
  • Wide-open swim area. Remember that six-pack we referenced. You’ll have plenty of room to work on yours. The Aspen pool design gives you loads of wide-open swim space and is ideal for swimming laps.
  • Courtesy ledge throughout the deep-end. Some say courtesy leads to friendship. These courtesy ledges will give your neighbors a nice place to take a break from swimming. Inviting the right neighbors over is up to you.
  • Dual, deep-end swim-outs and benches. Your family members will love these deep-end seats. Each one is a perfect solo perch for sun-worshipping, relaxing, or watching other swimmers do their thing.
  • 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, they offer less pool maintenance, and they lower your pool maintenance costs.
  • Non-skid surface throughout. All Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs feature our exclusive gel coat finish. It’s non-skid, so you can be assured that swimmers of all ages can safely get in and out of the pool. It’s also impervious to algae, which means easier maintenance and fewer chemicals. And it’s easy on swimmers’ bare feet, pet’s paws, and swimsuits!

 

The Thursday Pools Aspen design is available in five sizes:

  • 12’ x 25.5’, depth TBA Coming in the Fall of 2020
  • 14’ x 30’, with a depth of 5’6” Coming in June 2020
  • 14’ x 35’, with a depth of 5’6”
  • 16’ x 35’, with a depth of 5’6”
  • 16’ x 40’, with a depth of 5’10”

 

Take a 360 tour of the Aspen pool design.

See where the water will hit your waist from different areas of the pool.

No matter your height, our wet tours will give you a sense of what it feels like as you enjoy every aspect of the Aspen.

 

 

How much does the Thursday Pools Aspen 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 near you for an estimate, but for a ballpark estimate, plan on about $1500 per foot of pool length, installed. To get an idea of the costs for your own inground pool project, use 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.

Best 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:

  1. Mess-free. Choose plants that don’t shed a lot of leaves or create floating debris that can end up in your pool. 
  2. 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. 
  3. 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 the enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Geraniums, lavender, basil and marigolds are annuals that are known for their mosquito-repelling properties.

Citronella 

pool plantsRecommended: Citronella.

Citronella is a perennial small shrub, so you can plant it in the ground. Year after year, your citronella plant will return with a fresh, lemony scent that keeps bugs from crashing your pool parties! 

 

Ornamental grasses pool plants

Ornamental grasses are an excellent choice for your backyard oasis. They add height, texture and variety to a garden bed. Use ornamental grasses toward the back of your beds, as most varieties will grow fairly tall. Because ornamental grasses are perennials, they’ll come back year after year with very little attention from you, and they’re even pretty when they’re snow-covered in winter. 

Recommended: Dwarf Zebra Maiden Grass.

This variety of ornamental grass grows to around five feet tall. The variegated leaves provide a sunny splash of color to any poolside patio.

 

pool plantsTall planters and hanging baskets 

You can easily add dimension to your outdoor living space by elevating some of your annuals. Consider tall, footed planters around your patio, and/or hanging baskets on your perimeter fence or pergola. 

Recommended: A mix of colors, textures and heights.

Fill your planters with a nice mix of colors and bloom sizes with at least one trailing ivy and one tall, spiky plant for maximum contrast and impact. Be sure to add a few mosquito-repelling annuals so you have both form AND function!

 

Succulents pool plants

Succulents and cacti come in a great variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Because they hold on to moisture, they require very little watering and are quite low-maintenance. However, if you choose cacti, make sure you’re choosing plants without spiny tips or thorns, as barefooted swimmers may accidentally bump into them. 

Recommended: Ornamental cabbages and sedum.

These succulents will thrive in the hot sun all summer long, but will also provide color well into fall.

 

Shrubs

Shrubbery can add low-maintenance, high-impact beauty and privacy to your outdoor living space. If you have a chain link or shadow-box fence around your pool, lining your fence with a hedge lends much-needed privacy to your yard. 

pool plantsRecommended: Emerald Green Arborvitae.

Arborvitae are an excellent choice, as they’ll quickly grow as tall as 8-12 feet, require little maintenance, and don’t create debris or drop leaves. Plus, they’ll be bright green all year-round, so if you live in a colder climate, you’ll always have a pop of color in your yard. 

 

Trees

A few strategically placed trees in your backyard swimming area can create shade and add beauty. Palm trees are an obvious choice to add a tropical feel to your pool area, if your climate supports them. Smaller fruit trees are also wonderful for providing shade with the added benefit of producing some delicious fruit you can enjoy poolside! 

pool plantsRecommended: Pindo palms.

Pindo palms are the only cold-hardy feathered leaf palm tree. They can thrive in  temperatures as cold as 5℉, so they’re a great way to bring a tropical feel to swimming pools in the Midwest and eastern states. 

 

Gather ideas.

We hope you found value in this post. Enhancing your outdoor living area with no-mess, sun-loving, low-maintenance plants will certainly add elegance and beauty to your already gorgeous inground fiberglass pool design. Bookmark webpages, download eBooks and make an idea board until you are ready to start planning your planting around your pool.

 

Groundbreaking innovations 

We are the creators of the beach entry fiberglass pool, and our innovations, commitment to quality and beautiful designs set us apart. View our exclusive designs for the Grace Beach Entry and the Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). You might also want to get on the waitlist for the Sunken Living Area Fiberglass Pool!

 

Get a free estimate on a new fiberglass pool today. With Thursday Pools, your weekend starts early!

How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Texas?

Thursday Pools fiberglass pools are an affordable, durable and elegant choice for any backyard in San Antonio, Dallas/Fort Worth, or the surrounding communities in Texas. 

If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, there are loads of things to do and places to see. You might spend an afternoon taking in art at the Dallas Museum of Art or the Nasher Sculpture Center. You could choose to soak up nature at the stunning Dallas Arboretum for a day. You might take a trip to San Antonio for the weekend and enjoy the amazing shops and restaurants along the Riverwalk. Or, you might find yourself looking for something to do around the house. Like looking at fiberglass pool cost and how fitting a fiberglass pool would be for your backyard. 

Sometimes it’s nice to just stay home and enjoy your own backyard? (Especially when the summer heat and humidity sets in!) Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a staycation with your own beautiful fiberglass inground pool? You can create your own, private backyard oasis by choosing a Thursday Pools fiberglass pool for your family. You’ll get a lifetime of low pool maintenance enjoyment and quality family time.  

Why choose a fiberglass pool?  

  • Fiberglass pools are highly compatible with Texas’ clay soil. The clay soil in Texas soaks up moisture slowly, but has a very high moisture capacity. This means it’s prone to shrinking and swelling. That pressure can be hard on gunite (concrete) or vinyl pools. The best quality fiberglass pools are better equipped to deal with shrink-swell pressure, particularly when coupled with innovations like the Geo-Anchoring Pool system. 
  • Fiberglass pools are easier and less expensive to maintain than vinyl or gunite. The crevices in vinyl pool liners and the rough surfaces of gunite pools are havens for algae, which means more time spent on maintenance and more money spent on chemicals. However, the smooth, gel coat surface of a fiberglass pool holds bacteria and algae at bay, which means more time swimming and less time maintaining as well as lower chemical use over the life of your pool. 
  • Fiberglass pools are more durable than vinyl or gunite. There are no liners to replace, and they never need resurfacing. They’re quick to install, and the smooth, non-skid finish is safe and easy on swimsuits and tender feet. And, if you want to share your pool with the four-legged members of your family, the gel coat finish means they’re also way more pet-friendly than either vinyl or gunite pools. 

What’s the average price of a fiberglass pool, installed? 

Fiberglass pool prices vary based on the size of pool you want and where you live. You’ll need to contact a Thursday Pools dealer near you to get a quote on your fiberglass pool project. But if you’re just getting started on your research and want a ballpark price for your own fiberglass pool, you can approximate $1500 per linear foot. 

Let’s take a look at how that ballpark formula might apply to some Thursday Pools designs.

Sun Day 

If you’re after the graceful curves of a freeform pool, our Sun Day design might be the perfect complement to your backyard. It’s available in three sizes with a maximum length of 39’. The smallest size is 30 feet long by 15 feet wide. At an average cost of $1500 per linear foot, a basic installation might run around $45,060.

Aspen

If you have a large yard and truly want the best of both worlds—both wide-open swim space and lots of built-in spots for relaxing—Aspen is the pool for you. With a built-in, 12-inch deep tanning ledge, you’ll have the perfect perch to sunbathe or watch over the kids while they swim. The Aspen is available in three sizes. Let’s check out the largest, which is 40 feet long by 16 feet wide. Applying our formula of an average cost of $1500 per linear foot, a basic installation would be $60,072.

What about a beach entry? 

You can turn your Texas home into instant beachfront property with one of Thursday Pools’ beach entry fiberglass pool designs (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). They’re the only truly zero entry fiberglass pools on the market. There are two to choose from: Sandal is a curvy, flirty freeform design, and Grace is a classic rectangular design. Beach entry designs will average $1800 per linear foot.

Since we like to “go big or go home” in Texas, let’s take a look at what the largest size of the Grace design might cost. It’s 40 feet long by 16 feet wide. Applying our formula of an average cost of $1800 per linear foot, a basic installation would be $72,000. 

What does a basic fiberglass pool installation include? 

The definition of a basic installation varies from one pool builder to the next. So it’s crucial to inquire about what’s included (and more importantly, what’s not) as you’re collecting bids on your new fiberglass pool. This will help ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.

For example, some pool builders include as standard: lighting, heaters, a set amount of pool decking, and even an automatic pool cover in all their quotes. Others will price these items ala carte. Additionally, there are costs involved in pool installation that may or may not apply to your project, depending on where you live and how accessible your backyard is. You’ll want to inquire about these costs as you’re interviewing prospective builders.

Potentially hidden costs of installing an inground fiberglass pool.

  1. Site Preparation. Site preparation refers to anything that would get in the way of setting the pool in the ground. For example, the removal and/or relocation of under and above-ground utility lines or cables such as gas, phone, sewer and septic would fall under site preparation, as would moving irrigation systems and downspouts. And once your pool builder starts to dig, any underground “surprises,” such as a layer of rock no one expected to find, could add to your bottom line pricing. If additional equipment needs to be rented, or the excavation ends up taking several days longer than expected, that expense may well be listed by your pool builder as “additional site preparation”, a cost they will pass onto you. You should ask your pool builder to clarify what factors involved in your pool installation project could potentially cause site preparation issues.
  2. Access. Your new inground fiberglass pool will be delivered in one piece, which means your pool builder needs clear access to your yard for the pool and necessary construction equipment. Access issues could include trees, brush, or fencing that might need to be moved or removed prior to installation. Your pool builder might also need to build a “temporary driveway” with gravel or protection mats to gain needed access. These costs could also end up on your total bill, so be sure to ask each pool builder to include in the bid what accessibility issues might need to be addressed on your project.
  3. Permits. As with any other building project, permits are required prior to installing an inground swimming pool. Some builders take on that task for you and include the cost in the contract, but some don’t. So during the project’s estimation phase, be sure to ask if they’re taking care of procuring and paying for the permits or if that’s on you. If you’re responsible for obtaining the pool permit, call your local municipality for pool permit prices. There may also be other costs involved, depending on your local ordinances. For example, you may also be required to put up a temporary fence during construction or implement erosion control measures.
  4. Restoration. Heavy construction equipment can cause sidewalks and driveways to crack. Unless otherwise stated in the pool contract, the repairs of your existing driveway and/or the removal of any temporary driveway installed for accessibility to the site will be your responsibility. You’ll also want to think about new and existing landscaping after the project is complete. A “rough grade” is typically part of your pool contract but a “finish grade” is not, and a finish grade is what you need to seed or sod your lawn. You might also need to add top soil. Large landscaping and hardscaping designs can often cost as much as the pool, so it’s important to have a complete plan and estimated costs ahead of time. Remember, not everything has to be done at once. You can start enjoying your pool right away and add on to your landscaping over the years.
  5. Electrical. An electrician will have to run the wiring for the pool equipment and lights. Few pool builders include electrical in their quotes because they don’t typically have an electrician on their team. If you already know an electrician you trust, you might prefer him or her to do the work to the pool builder’s specs. Your current electrical system may or may not have enough power or space in the breaker box to meet the needs of the pool equipment, so you may need to add a sub-panel or upgrade your electrical system.
  6. Dirt Hauling. When you dig that big hole, you have to put all that dirt somewhere. If you don’t have a spot for it (or don’t know someone who wants it), then you’ll have to pay someone to haul it away. The cost of this will be determined by how many truckloads of dirt there are and how far away the dump site is. Your pool contract might specify that only a certain amount of dirt will be hauled away, or it may say that dirt hauling is your responsibility. Unless you have a plan for the dirt, be sure to read your contract closely and ask your pool builder how much dirt will result from the excavation as well as how much of it is up to you to remove.

Texas swimming pool regulations. 

Some states, like Alabama, leave swimming pool regulations up to individual counties. The same is true for South Carolina. However, in Texas, state-wide laws apply to residential inground pools

Here’s what you should know: 

  • A barrier fence at least 48 inches high is required around the pool, with self-latching gates. It cannot be made of chain link, and cannot have any gaps or openings larger than 4 inches. 
  • The supporting crossbars on wooden fences must be on the interior of the fence to keep anyone from climbing the fence into the pool area. 
  • If the wall of your house serves as one of the four barrier walls, you must have: 
    • Alarms on any doors or windows with direct access to the pool area and deactivation switches at least 54 inches above the threshold of the door. These doors must also be equipped with deadbolts. 

Fencing, alarms, automatic pool covers and other barriers-to-entry are not usually part of your pool contract, so it’s a good idea to get fencing estimates ahead of your pool estimates. (Or, check to see if your existing fence meets the requirements.) Your pool builder will be able to advise you on these matters. 

Enjoy the benefits of the fiberglass pool lifestyle. 

Fiberglass pools create a spot for legendary parties. Texans are known for entertaining and looking for new ways to make a splash. Recently, the world’s first and only fiberglass pools with beach entries (zero entries) and sunken living areas were introduced on the market. So, if you’re a trendsetter who loves to throw a party, you could be among the first to have one of these innovative and unique fiberglass pool designs. Your pool parties will be the talk of the town! 

You’ll get the best of both worlds. Fiberglass pools have loads of built-in features like tanning ledges, wrap-around benches and swim-outs that make it so easy to visit and relax. But most fiberglass pool designs also have wonderful, wide-open swim lanes. So, if you’re looking to include swimming exercise in your workout routine, a fiberglass pool with open swim lanes can help you accomplish that goal. Once you’ve experienced the fiberglass pool lifestyle and all the health benefits of swimming, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. 

Thursday Pools has a fiberglass pool design for every family and every budget.

No matter what part of the Lone Star state you live in, whether it’s San Antonio, Austin, Houston or up in Dallas/Fort Worth, there’s a Thursday Pools design that will fit right in to your backyard’s style. 

Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. You’ll want to consider how much pool your yard will fit (and how much pool you really need and want). You should also think about how you’ll use your pool, and choose a pool that fits your family’s personality. As you get further along in your research, check out our handy Pool Cost Calculator and Pool Selector Tool to get a better idea of how much your total pool project might be. (But the only way to know for sure is to get an estimate!

Ready to take the plunge? 

Are you ready to take the plunge and get a FREE estimate on your very own fiberglass pool? There’s only one way to find out the true cost of your dream pool… Contact a Thursday Pools dealer today!

How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost in Kentucky?

Thursday Pools fiberglass pools are an affordable, durable, and elegant choice for any backyard in Louisville or the surrounding communities in Kentucky. 

If you live in or around Louisville, Kentucky, you’re never short of things to do and places to go. Spring is all about Derby season in the “Ville”, so it’s off to Churchill Downs. And the Bourbon Trail is a must-do when out-of-town guests arrive, any time of year. Downtown, the Speed Art Museum and the gallery in the 21c Museum Hotel offer thought-provoking places to contemplate the works of artists from around the globe. (Not to mention a knock-out brunch at Proof on Main!) 

But isn’t it nice sometimes to just stay home and enjoy your own backyard? (Especially when the summer heat and humidity sets in!) Wouldn’t it be amazing to have a staycation with your own beautiful fiberglass inground pool? And though there are definitely factors to consider when it comes to these pools, like fiberglass pool cost, local regulations where you live, etc., there are resources to help you plan. You can create your own, private backyard oasis by choosing a Thursday Pools fiberglass pool for your family. You’ll get a lifetime of low pool maintenance enjoyment and quality family time. 

Why choose a fiberglass pool?  

  • Fiberglass pools are easier and less expensive to maintain than vinyl or gunite. The crevices in vinyl pool liners and the rough surfaces of gunite pools are havens for algae, which means more time spent on maintenance and more money spent on chemicals. However, the smooth, gel coat surface of a fiberglass pool holds bacteria and algae at bay, which means more time swimming, less time maintaining, and lower chemical use over the life of your pool. 
  • Fiberglass pools are more durable than vinyl or gunite. There are no liners to replace, and they never need resurfacing. They’re quick to install, and the smooth, non-skid finish is safe and easy on swimsuits and tender feet. And, if you want to share your pool with the four-legged members of your family, the gel coat finish means they’re also way more pet friendly than either vinyl or gunite pools. 
  • Fiberglass pools are highly compatible with Kentucky’s Crider soil. The loamy soil in Kentucky is easy to excavate, which will facilitate your inground swimming pool project. Crider soil also has a high capacity to retain moisture so it can shrink and swell with varying weather conditions. The best quality fiberglass pools are better equipped to deal with the shrink-swell pressure than either vinyl or gunite pools are, particularly with innovations like the Geo-Anchoring Pool system. 

What’s the average price of a fiberglass pool, installed? 

Fiberglass pool prices vary based on the size of pool you want and where you live. You’ll need to contact a Thursday Pools dealer near you to get a quote on your fiberglass pool project. But if you’re just getting started on your research and want a ballpark price for your own fiberglass pool, you can approximate $1500 per linear foot. 

Let’s take a look at how that ballpark formula might apply to some Thursday Pools designs.

Sun Day 

Fiberglass Pool CostIf you’re after the graceful curves of a freeform pool, our Sun Day design might be the perfect complement to your backyard. It’s available in three sizes with a maximum length of 39’. The smallest size is 30 feet long by 15 feet wide. At an average cost of $1500 per linear foot, a basic installation might run around $45,060.

Aspen

If you have a large yard and truly want the best of both worlds—both wide-open Fiberglass Pool Costswim space and lots of built-in spots for relaxing—Aspen is the pool for you. With a built-in, 12”-deep tanning ledge, you’ll have the perfect perch to watch over the kiddos while they swim. The Aspen (Design Patent US D851,781 S) is available in three sizes. Let’s check out the largest, which is 40 feet long by 16 feet wide. Applying our formula of an average cost of $1500 per linear foot, a basic installation would be $60,072.

What about a beach entry? 

You can turn your Kentucky home into an instant beachfront property with one of Thursday Pools’ fiberglass beach entry pool designs (Patent US 10,472,839). They’re the only truly zero entry fiberglass pools on the market. There are two to choose from. Sandal is a curvy, flirty freeform design, and Grace is a classic rectangular design. Beach entry designs will average $1800 per square Fiberglass Pool Costfoot. 

Since we like to “go big or go home” in Kentucky, let’s take a look at what the largest size of the Grace design might cost. It’s 40 feet long by 16 feet wide. Applying our formula of an average cost of $1800 per linear foot, a basic installation would be $72,000.

What does a basic fiberglass pool installation include? 

The definition of a basic installation varies from one pool builder to the next. So it’s crucial to inquire about what’s included (and more importantly, what’s not) as you’re collecting bids on your new fiberglass pool. This will help ensure you’re comparing apples to apples.

For example, some pool builders include as standard: lighting, heaters, a set amount of pool decking, and even an automatic pool cover in all their quotes. Others will price these items ala carte. Additionally, there are costs involved in pool installation that may or may not apply to your project, depending on where you live and how accessible your backyard is. You’ll want to inquire about these costs as you’re interviewing prospective builders.

Potentially hidden costs of installing an inground fiberglass pool.

  1. Site Preparation. Site preparation refers to anything that would get in the way of setting the pool in the ground. For example, the removal and/or relocation of under and above-ground utility lines or cables such as gas, phone, sewer, and septic would fall under site preparation, as would moving irrigation systems and downspouts. And once your pool builder starts to dig, any underground “surprises,” such as a layer of rock no one expected to find, could add to your bottom line pricing. (However, this is unlikely in Kentucky, due to the great quality of our soil.) If additional equipment needs to be rented, or the excavation ends up taking several days longer than expected, that expense may well be listed by your pool builder as “additional site preparation”, a cost they will pass onto you. You should ask your pool builder to clarify what factors involved in your pool installation project could potentially cause site preparation issues.

    Note: Excavation issues are less like in Kentucky, due to fiberglass pools are highly compatible with Kentucky’s Crider soil. The loamy soil in Kentucky is easy to excavate, which will facilitate your inground swimming pool project. Crider soil also has a high capacity to retain moisture so it can shrink and swell with varying weather conditions. The best quality fiberglass pools are better equipped to deal with the shrink-swell pressure than either vinyl or gunite pools are, particularly with innovations like the Geo-Anchoring Pool system.
  2. Access. Your new inground fiberglass pool will be delivered in one piece, which means your pool builder needs clear access to your yard for the pool and necessary construction equipment. Access issues could include trees, brush, or fencing that might need to be moved or removed prior to installation. Your pool builder might also need to build a “temporary driveway” with gravel or protection mats to gain needed access. These costs could also end up on your total bill, so be sure to ask each pool builder to include in the bid what accessibility issues might need to be addressed on your project.
  3. Permits. As with any other building project, permits are required prior to installing an inground swimming pool. Some builders take on that task for you and include the cost in the contract, but some don’t. So during the project’s estimation phase, be sure to ask if they’re taking care of procuring and paying for the permits or if that’s on you. If you’re responsible for obtaining the pool permit, call your local municipality for pool permit prices. There may also be other costs involved, depending on your local ordinances. For example, you may also be required to put up a temporary fence during construction or implement erosion control measures.
  4. Restoration. Heavy construction equipment can cause sidewalks and driveways to crack. Unless otherwise stated in the pool contract, the repairs of your existing driveway and/or the removal of any temporary driveway installed for accessibility to the site will be your responsibility. You’ll also want to think about new and existing landscaping after the project is complete. A “rough grade” is typically part of your pool contract but a “finish grade” is not, and a finish grade is what you need to seed or sod your lawn. You might also need to add topsoil. Large landscaping and hardscaping designs can often cost as much as the pool, so it’s important to have a complete plan and estimated costs ahead of time. Remember, not everything has to be done at once. You can start enjoying your pool right away and add on to your landscaping over the years.
  5. Electrical. An electrician will have to run the wiring for the pool equipment and lights. Few pool builders include electrical in their quotes because they don’t typically have an electrician on their team. If you already know an electrician you trust, you might prefer him or her to do the work to the pool builder’s specs. Your current electrical system may or may not have enough power or space in the breaker box to meet the needs of the pool equipment, so you may need to add a sub-panel or upgrade your electrical system.
  6. Dirt Hauling. When you dig that big hole, you have to put all that dirt somewhere. If you don’t have a spot for it (or don’t know someone who wants it), then you’ll have to pay someone to haul it away. The cost of this will be determined by how many truckloads of dirt there are and how far away the dumpsite is. Your pool contract might specify that only a certain amount of dirt will be hauled away, or it may say that dirt hauling is your responsibility. Unless you have a plan for the dirt, be sure to read your contract closely and ask your pool builder how much dirt will result from the excavation as well as how much of it is up to you to remove.

Kentucky swimming pool regulations. 

Some states, like Alabama, leave swimming pool regulations up to individual counties. However, in Kentucky, state-wide laws apply to residential inground pools. 

Here’s what you should know: 

  • A barrier fence at least 48” high is required around the pool and the maximum allowable gap from the bottom of the fence to the ground is 4”. 
  • If the wall of your house serves as one of the four barrier walls, you must have one of the following: 
    • An automatic pool safety cover
    • Alarms on any doors with direct access to the pool area with deactivation switches at least 54” above the threshold of the door. 
    • In some cases, self-closing, self-latching doors may be accepted but are subject to inspection. 

Fencing, alarms, automatic pool covers and other barriers-to-entry are not usually part of your pool contract, so it’s a good idea to get fencing estimates ahead of your pool estimates. (Or, check to see if your existing fence meets the requirements.) Your pool builder will be able to advise you on these matters. 

Enjoy the benefits of the fiberglass pool lifestyle. 

Fiberglass pools create a spot for legendary parties. Louisville is a city that loves to entertain and we’re always looking for new ways to make a splash. Recently, the world’s first and only fiberglass pools with beach entries (zero entries) and sunken living areas were introduced on the market. So, if you’re a trendsetter who loves to throw a party, you could be among the first to have one of these innovative and unique fiberglass pool designs. Your pool parties will be the talk of the town! 

You’ll get the best of both worlds. Fiberglass pool have loads of built-in features like tanning ledges, wrap-around benches and swim-outs that make it so easy to visit and relax. But most fiberglass pool designs also have wonderful, wide-open swim lanes. So, if you’re looking to include swimming exercise in your workout routine, a fiberglass pool with open swim lanes can help you accomplish that goal. Once you’ve experienced the fiberglass pool lifestyle and all the health benefits of swimming, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one. 

Thursday Pools has a fiberglass pool design for every Louisville family and every budget.

Whether your home is in downtown Louisville, or a beautiful surrounding community like Indian Hills, Hurstbourne Acres, Langdon Place, Anchorage, Crestwood, Northfield, Pewee Valley, Douglass Hills, Windy Hills, Prospect, Graymoor-Devondale or Jeffersontown, there’s a Thursday Pools design that will fit right in to your backyard’s style. 

Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs come in a great variety of shapes and sizes. You’ll want to consider how much pool your yard will fit (and how much pool you really need and want). You should also think about how you’ll use your pool, and choose a pool that fits your family’s personality. As you get further along in your research, check out our handy Pool Cost Calculator and Pool Selector Tool to get a better idea of how much your total pool project might be. (But the only way to know for sure is to get an estimate!

Ready to take the plunge? 

Are you ready to take the plunge and get a FREE estimate on your very own fiberglass pool? There’s only one way to find out the true cost of your dream pool… Contact a Thursday Pools dealer today!

Ask the General; Do You Have Some Winter Pool Safety Tips?

Dear General-

Where did our pool go? We had nearly ten inches of snow overnight and now, when I look out the window, it’s hard to tell where the yard ends and the pool begins. We just got our new fiberglass pool this past summer, and we’re all very familiar with summer swimming pool safety tips and how to take care of our pool in swim season. But now that the snow is flying, winter pool safety tipsI’d like to know if you have any tips on winter pool safety covers to share.

Signed, Shivering in Chicago

 

Dear Shivering-

In the Midwest, there are three different types of people when it comes to snow: The ones who head south for the winter, the ones who love snow and skiing, and the ones who hope for a white Christmas but spend the rest of the winter wondering how soon they can reopen their pools.

As a new fiberglass pool owner, you’re smart to wonder about winter inground pool safety tips. Sometimes people forget about their pools in the winter. Based on where you live, you’ll have different winter-time considerations.

Here are three tips on winter pool safety covers to make sure your family stays safe and your pool is swim-ready ASAP in the spring.

1. Keep safety in mind.

Here are some excerpts of actual conversations I’ve had with my kids in the winter over the years:

Some questions I have been asked (by my kids):

Q: Should I shovel the snow off of the cover?
A: NO, it will eventually melt.
Q: Is it ok to build a snowman in the middle of the pool?
A: NO, build it in the yard.
Q: Can we run and slide across the pool?
A: NO, you could break your neck.
Q: Can we make snow angels on the pool?
A: NO, for the last time, stay off of the pool.

What I am trying to explain to them is winter pool safety. Just like lakes and ponds, thin ice is a major danger. Winter pool safety covers are meant to withstand the weight of water, snow and ice, but they’re not meant for running and jumping on. Teach your kids to avoid the pool area in the winter months. They can have loads of fun and games in and around the pool when it’s swim season again.

2. Keep an eye on it.

I’ve talked about pool winterization before. It’s critical for protecting your swimming pool investment and having a worry-free winter. If you’ve properly prepared your pool for closing by balancing your water chemistry, removing your equipment, draining your plumbing and closing your automatic pool cover, you won’t have too much more to do in the snowy months. But that doesn’t mean completely ignoring your pool until you reopen it. Once that blanket of snow melts away, go out there and take a walk around the perimeter of the pool. You’re looking for any damage to your automatic pool cover track or any tears or fraying of your pool cover. A compromised cover can be hazardous for your family and your pool.

3. Keep your water level equalized.

Keeping your pool water at the proper level is your most important winter pool task! When all that snow melts, you don’t just have a swamp on your pool cover. You also have ground around your pool that’s saturated with water. When you’re pumping water off of your cover, don’t do it without first equalizing the water pressure around the pool. This is done by ADDING water to your pool before you pump off the cover. In a fiberglass pool, your winter water line should never dip below the skimmer level. If it does, you’re risking structural damage to your pool from the external groundwater pressure, and there’s nothing safe about that.

Keep in mind that it won’t be too long…

Once you get used to all the family fun you can have in your inground swimming pool, winters sure can feel long. Whether you love the snow or not, you should still get outside and try to have some quality family time. Soon enough, it will be time to haul out the floats and pool accessories and start having pool parties again.

Until then, stay warm.

-The General

 

Who is The General?

The man, the myth, the legend….we just call him The General. His organized, systematic approach to pool installations over the years had his crew members calling him “The General” and it stuck. The General has over 30 years’ experience in the pool and spa industry, working for one of Pool and Spa News’ “Top 50 Pool Builders.”

Over that time, he designed, sold, project-managed and installed over a thousand inground swimming pools. As a pool owner himself, he’s the perfect authority to give you the inside scoop, with amazing tips and tricks to make pool ownership a breeze!