Fiberglass Pools Archives - Page 4 of 10

10 Water Exercises You Can Do in Your Fiberglass Pool

Posted on August 1, 2019July 14, 2022 by krista

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Swimming in Your Own Backyard!

An inground pool is a lovely addition to one’s home and is a great place to host gatherings for family and friends. Pools allow the family to get out of the house and still escape the intense summer heat. But your fiberglass pool can be more than just a social spot. In this post, we will give you some ideas for swimming pool exercises that you can do alone or with others to maximize the health benefits of your time in the pool.

Health Benefits of Swimming Pool Exercises

Did you know that swimming pool exercises are one of the best ways to burn calories with minimal risk of injury? Movements in the pool are lower impact than the hard ground allowing for a more joint friendly workout. And, water is around 784 times denser than air which provides a stronger resistance resulting in more calories being burned. What’s more, swimming uses every muscle group in both your upper and lower body, so you’ll get a great whole body workout.

Summertime is the perfect time for starting a resolution to get in shape, and your own backyard pool is an enjoyable, private place to exercise. While swimming laps are effective, it can be boring and cause many to lose sight of their resolution. That’s why we came up with ten swimming pool exercises that will help you burn calories, strengthen your muscles, and get fit for summer!

Water Exercise Equipment Checklist

Before you get started, make sure you are equipped for the exercises. You will want to have the proper equipment ready including water goggles, aquatic dumbbells and water floaties. Here’s why:

Goggles. Goggles are a necessity for water exercising. They help your body create a steady form and direction while protecting your eyes.
Aquatic Weights. Weights allow for greater resistance. Adding weights can help improve smaller muscle groups that get missed in a normal workout.
Water Floaties. Can be useful to have nearby in case of a cramp, and they are helpful when maneuvering around the pool.

How to do Swimming Pool Exercises

The Bicycle.

(Note: Please do not bring your actual bicycle into the pool!) Rest your elbows on the side of the pool, face toward the pool and move your legs into a crouched position. Then, move your legs to make an imaginary type of bicycle motion. Do this exercise for 2 minutes, rest 30 seconds, then repeat three to five times.
Benefits: Burns calories fast and strengthens core, shoulders and legs and also helps by improving form.
Missile.

Begin near the wall, facing the pool floor. Place your your legs in a squatting position with your hands parallel to the pool floor. Next, push your feet from the wall and explode away. Repeat two to five times. Then, flip over and perform the same swimming pool exercise facing upward with the same number of repetitions.
Benefits: Strengthens calves, glutes and hamstrings. Improves muscle explosiveness.
Jog/Sprint.

A light jog around the pool is good for the lower body. Once you have warmed up your body (three to five minutes), move your knees up higher and move across faster to get a more intense workout. 15-30 minutes total should suffice.
Benefits: Helps with rehab, walking gait and muscular explosiveness in the lower body.
Squat Jumps.

Start in a squatting position as low as you can, then jump as high as you can. Do five to 10 consecutively followed by 60 seconds of walking in place. Repeat three to five times.
Benefits: Strengthens quads, glutes and hamstrings. Improves explosiveness and balance.
Bicep Curls.

Standing chest-deep in water, lift aquatic weights in front of you toward your chest. Make sure to keep the full range of motion under the water. Do ten curls, rest for a ten count. Then repeat the cycle three times.
Benefits: Strengthens and tones biceps.
Noodle Plank.

Hold onto the noodle down on the stairs and get into a push-up position. The water resistance against the noodle will make holding the position difficult. Try holding the position for at least two minutes. Rest for a ten count and repeat 3 times.
Benefits: Strengthens abdominal muscles, core, and is a light workout for arms and shoulders.
Free Style with Weights.

Swim laps as you normally would, but use weights to increase your resistance.
Benefits: Strengths arms, shoulders and core.
Jab Punches.

Reenact Rocky 1,2,3,4,5 and 6! Squat until your shoulders are underwater, then punch underwater as fast as you can.
Benefits: Improves explosiveness and strengthens back, shoulders, arms and core.
Spiderman.

Climb the wall like Spiderman! Get in the pool, and stand by the edge. Hold on to the side of the pool and stabilize your upper body while you put one foot on the wall. Next, let go of the wall and start moving your hands back and forth to keep your balance while running your feet up and down the side of the pool. Try for 30 seconds of climbing at a time, and repeat two to four times.
Benefits: Burns calories and strengthens quads.
One-Legged Balance

Do your best one-legged flamingo! Keep one leg under water and bend your knees slightly. Then, raise one leg closer toward the water surface. Try to hold for 30 seconds, and alternate legs. Repeat 5 times per leg.
Benefits: Strengthens core and balance and improves flexibility.
Bonus! Leg Plank Kicks Created by Thursday’s own, Pilar Vondell

This swimming exercise is best accomplished in the Thursday Pools Aspen design! Get into a plank position on the Aspen’s stairs, then raise one leg as high as possible into the air. Once you have raised your leg on both sides fives times, flip so your body is facing the sky and repeat.
Benefits: Improves flexibility and range of motion, and strengthens core.

Get in the swim!

If you’re ready to have fun and get fit and enjoy the health benefits of swimming exercise, find a Thursday Pools dealer near you today and get your weekend started early!

43 Interesting Things About the Pool Lifestyle

Posted on July 25, 2019June 14, 2021 by krista

Once you’ve joined the club of swimming pool owners, certain truths about pool lifestyle become self-evident. Over my years as a member of this backyard-living, pool-owning club, these things have proven themselves to be true over and over again. Whether you currently own a fiberglass pool or you’re ready to take the plunge with a new inground pool, you’re sure to get a kick out of this list of 43 interesting things that all pool owners eventually come to know.

Water always goes cloudy the day before a big party.
Farts float (according to my grandson).
The meaning of the terms “pH” and Total Dissolved Solids.
It’s better to buy quality than cheap.
It always rains 2 inches after you have added water with your garden hose.
Blow-up toys usually last about two weeks (if you are lucky).
Don’t ever say “Feel free to use the pool anytime.” They will.
There’s no such thing as enough towels.
Never walk barefoot on a deck or driveway that the sun has been baking all day.
There always needs to be someone outside the pool to chase the ball.
Never show your kids how to turn on the pool heater.
Always check the water temperature before entering the pool.
Water spouts and floating fountains are mesmerizing and a great stress-reliever.
Small, round rocks are impossible to dig out of the deep-end.
Skimmer baskets catch some amazing things.
You acquire friends you never realized you had before buying a pool.
Grass clippings are a bear to get out of the pool. Foot baths for kids are required.
Never try to go down a dry slide. Literally can’t be done.
You actually own (and will at some point probably use) a lifeguard whistle.
You really can get sunburned on what seems to be a cloudy day. In places you never imagined.
All concrete decks eventually crack.
There is no such thing as a chemical that turns color if a kid pees in the pool (but don’t tell the kids that.)
Never take glass of any kind into the pool area. (Doesn’t matter if you’re “careful”).
You find yourself yelling the phrase “STOP RUNNING” on a regular basis.
You’re obsessed with water safety and require “swimmies” or life jackets on kids until they prove themselves.
Ducks and geese will always choose your pool over the pond.
Your kids, who promised to clean the pool EVERY DAY, need reminding EVERY DAY.
It’s always a good idea to shock your pool after the little league has been in it.
You tell your teenage daughter the best way to get a tan is to vacuum the pool.
You have plastic runners from the back door to the bathroom.
Even with a pool, the kids occasionally like to play in the sprinkler.
You can (and have been known to) jump fully clothed in the pool after mowing the yard on a humid 80-degree day.
The mysterious object at the deep-end of the pool is your sunglasses.
You firmly believe that no child gets to swim without supervision. EVER.
Kids will get in 65-degree water in April, but complain if it’s not 85 degrees in June
When walking down the steps into the pool water there is a “special depth” that requires hesitation.
It is a proven fact that birds will fly 200 miles just to poop on your pool deck.
Basketball is the best game to play in the pool. Volleyball requires a crowd.
The decibel level of a kids birthday pool party is louder than anything you could possibly imagine.
You should invite your goofy neighbor to pool parties, or your guests might see him burning leaves in his underwear. (I know this from experience.)
Sitting by the pool is almost more relaxing than floating in it.
Having a pool in your backyard makes you feel like you’re on vacation every day.
When you walk into the backyard, your pool will never fail to make you smile.

These are just a few of the pool lifestyle things that every pool owner knows. The joys of backyard summer living poolside are too many too count. I’ll add more as time goes by and I’m sure you have some of your own. (Now, just imagine that if anyone ever Googles “do farts float,” they may get to read this blog.) And if you’d like to join the club of pool owners, give my friends at Thursday Pools a shout. They can hook you up.

With that in mind it is time to go enjoy my own pool. Have a great and safe pool season. Until next time…

-The General

Chronic Pain? Try Water Exercise for Pain Relief

Posted on July 16, 2019April 3, 2024 by krista

Have you heard of Pool Pain? Rarely! See how low-impact pool exercises relieve joint pain

If you bend down to tie your shoes and find yourself thinking, “What else can I do while I’m down here?” you may be dealing with chronic pain. Chronic pain can really cramp your style. Little things that used to be easy have become a struggle, like doing laundry, lifting a grandbaby or carrying in groceries. Other than medication, what can you do to alleviate the pain? You can swim.

Water exercise, particularly in the warm water of a heated inground pool, has provided dramatic relief from pain and stiff joints for many chronic pain sufferers. The gentle, low-impact resistance the water provides gives them a great workout with less potential for falls, as well as a lower risk of joint stress and tissue injury. In this blog post, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about pool exercise.

HOW WILL SWIMMING HELP ME?

Here’s just a short list of conditions that can be improved by swimming exercise:

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Migraines
Fibromyalgia
Pinched nerves and nerve pain
Ankle and foot pain
Hand, arm and shoulder pain
Hip pain
Knee and leg pain
Neck pain
Lower and upper back pain
Generalized muscle and joint pain

That list covers pretty much all of us at some point, right? So, even if you’re not a strong swimmer, getting in the water and doing some gentle resistance exercises can have a great impact.

Swimming for overall health and wellness

Pain relief is not the only health benefit of swimming. According to an article from Harvard Medical School, swimming also improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels, energy levels, heart and lung health, and an overall sense of happiness and well-being. Swimming laps is certainly an option, but there are many other invigorating and fun ways to get exercise in the pool, using water exercise equipment or playing games in the pool with your family.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SWIM?

Make a weekly commitment.

In order to get the maximum health benefits from swimming, you’ll need to commit to spending at least two hours per week in the pool.

WHERE SHOULD I SWIM?

To make sure you stick with it, find your ideal pool experience.

You can join a local gym that has a pool, go to your community pool or use a friend’s pool, if any of those are available to you. However, you’re more likely to get in a pool that’s just outside your door, so having an inground pool in your own backyard is an even better option! With your own private pool, you can control the temperature yourself. You can exercise any time you want—morning, noon or night. You might even be able to get more than one workout in a day. Although it is possible to have pool pain, it is less likely to occur due to the low-impact nature of the exercise.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY OWN POOL?

The swimming pool lifestyle

With an inground fiberglass pool, you’ll always have a spot to entertain friends, spend quality time with your kids and grandkids and unwind at the end of a busy day. After you’ve gotten your exercise in for the day, you can enjoy the backyard paradise you’ve created. You can even enhance your swimming pool area with a sound system, an outdoor kitchen and a wonderful shade structure.

Inground fiberglass pools are low-maintenance and will provide your family with a place to create memories for years to come. If you’re ready to reach your fitness goals and enjoy all the other benefits that owning a swimming pool offers, it’s time to get an estimate on a new fiberglass inground pool today.

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.

Swimming for Summer Weight Loss

Posted on July 11, 2019March 28, 2024 by krista

Get in Shape with a Thursday Pool: Swimming for Weight Loss

While running and biking can be great ways to lose pounds, the summer weather provides obstacles, often in the form of intense heat, that can be too strenuous (and dangerous) if you’re not properly equipped, stretched and hydrated. Swimming exercises are an excellent alternative to stay cool and shave off the pounds. In this post, we’ll discuss swimming for weight loss in your own fiberglass pool.

With a fiberglass pool, you can exercise in the comfort and convenience of your own private, personally customized space and control aspects of your workout that a facility doesn’t allow. For example, you are able to decide when you want to workout, for how long, how intense, and with how many breaks. Plus, it’s much easier to stay hydrated when you can simply retrieve a tall glass of water whenever you want.

Swimming for weight loss and exercising in a (Thursday Pools) fiberglass pool can be safer because the fiberglass coating is smooth (yet non-slip). While stretching or jogging in the pool, you don’t have to worry about the rough bottom (as in a gunite pool) irritating your feet. Whereas running and biking have the potential of injury from falling or pulling something, swimming is a very joint friendly workout.

Water exercises can be beneficial for people of all ages to lose weight at their own pace. With exercises as simple as stretching, you can help warm up your muscles and lose calories in the process. At a moderate pace of freestyle swimming, you can expect to burn 300 calories in 30 minutes.

One of the most common myths of swimming is that it is not effective because you cannot see the sweat, but in all actuality, swimming is a great choice to build muscle endurance and cardio—perfect for losing weight.

The speed of weight loss also depends on how experienced of a swimmer you are. A person who has a less fluid motion and has to concentrate to keep the technique together is more likely to lose weight faster than an experienced swimmer. Learning how to do different swim strokes can help you lose weight because being inexperienced in the technique makes your body work harder to perform the motion.

Drafting a plan to lose weight continuously gets more challenging as you become more experienced in the water and your cardio improves. Don’t give up! To stay motivated, create a buddy system with a neighbor and/or friend who is also trying to lose weight so that you have support and accountability.
Or why not make it a family activity? As for your swimming techniques, shorten your breaks, change strokes more frequently and increase the intensity (time per lap) to keep up the weight loss over time.

Start swimming in your fiberglass pool today! It’s the cool way lose weight.

The Best Thursday Pools Designs for Exercising in Your Pool

Posted on July 2, 2019May 15, 2024 by krista

Enjoy every aspect of your new fiberglass pool–including the health benefits of swimming!

The fiberglass pool lifestyle is … what’s the word we’re looking for? Oh yes. Spectacular.

With a fiberglass inground pool, there are marvelous parties to be thrown, plenty of reasons to unplug and spend time with the family and loads of excuses to drop that to-do list and just chillax in the sun. In addition to the joy of backyard summer living by your low-maintenance fiberglass pool, you’re sure to profit from all the health benefits of swimming. Water exercises and swimming have been proven to improve strength and flexibility, lower stress levels and blood pressure, aid in weight loss and increase energy levels. Plus, swimming is a good low impact exercise for those with certain injuries and conditions. If you’re ready to enjoy all the benefits of the fiberglass pool lifestyle, and get fit and fabulous at the same time, let’s check out the top Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs for swimming and exercise!

Monolith. At 40 feet long, Monolith gives you the maximum possible space for both lap swimming and game-playing. There’s a wide-open swim lane for those who are on a mission to get their strokes in, and the 3’4” uniform-depth shallow-end is ideal for water games like basketball and volleyball. There’s ample room for everyone in the family to have fun and get fit at the same time.
Goliath. Goliath is available in three sizes: 16’ x 33’, 16’ x 37’ and 16’ x 41’. Get the biggest one your yard will accommodate to create the maximum area for fun and exercise. The wide-open swim space gives everyone plenty of room for lap swimming and playing water games. Dual corner entry steps in the shallow-end and dual deep-end benches with swim-outs make it easy for swimmers of all ages and abilities to get in and out of the pool and relax when the games are done!
Aspen. While Aspen’s huge, built-in tanning ledge might invite you to lounge, there’ll be plenty of time for that after your workout! So before you chill, you can get a great cardio session in your Aspen, whether it’s volleyball, basketball or a good, old-fashioned game of Marco Polo.
Lil Bob LX. Lil Bob LX is built for fun and games. At 13.5’ x 35.5’, with a uniform, 4’6” sport-bottom depth, Lil Bob LX is the ideal pool for the family that plays together. Whether you’re into water aerobics, or something more competitive, this fiberglass pool design will get everyone moving … even the youngest of swimmers! The 12” deep tanning ledge leads into an 18” deep wading area that’s perfect for toddlers just learning to safely enjoy the water.
Spirit. Our Spirit fiberglass pool design is 40’ long with a 4’6” uniform sport pool depth throughout. So, true to its name, the Spirit pool design encourages spirited games that will bring the whole family together. And the wrap-around bench seating throughout provides the perfect place for the cheering section on the sidelines!

Exercising in your new inground fiberglass pool can make your whole family happier and healthier while bringing everyone together. Whether you’re swimming laps and building up your strength, or teaching your kids how to land a dunk shot, your fiberglass pool will bring hours of fitness and fun.

6 Secrets to Creating Family Time with Your New Fiberglass Pool

Posted on June 27, 2019March 28, 2024 by krista

Family Time Swimming Pool | Creating Memories with your New Fiberglass Pool

Amidst a sea of obligations, families often struggle to find ways to spend more time together. And we all know that finding something that the whole family enjoys can be tough. Why not gather the family in the backyard around your new fiberglass pool? In this post, we will share some secrets that we have learned along the way that will help you create a fiberglass pool experience that’s perfect for each and every family member.

Family Pool Night. Mark one evening a week on your calendar as family pool night. Make this evening a priority all summer long. If you have to, consider limiting your kids or your own activities. When you make family pool time a priority, your kids will too. And what better way to demonstrate family first than to actually start putting family time first? Family pool night is spent by the pool, grilling out, swimming and enjoying a relaxing evening outdoors.
Tech-Free Pool Zone. Consider making the pool area an electronic free zone. Tech-free zones encourage conversations and interactions. With the rise in the use of technology among younger children, studies have shown that having tech-free zones in the home can improve relationships, increase reading and conversations, improve moods and allow time for self-reflection. We could all benefit from those! Be sure to keep one phone near the pool in case of an emergency.
Pool Chores. Make taking care of the pool a fun family routine. Working alongside each other helps establish teamwork among siblings, builds trust and teaches accountability. Allow children to take part in the effort by giving them chores that best suit their abilities and interests. Perhaps you have a daughter who is into science—she would be the ideal person to test the pool water. Another could skim off any floating debris or bugs (some kids love this job). Here are some other chores that could be part of the chore list: empty the skimmer basket(s), vacuum the pool, wipe down the scum line, etc. Together, you can power through your pool maintenance checklist while bonding over the experience. Remember, children should be supervised at all times and only age appropriate chores should be given.
Play Pool Games. Lose the board games, and play some pool games. Taking time to play together in the pool is about taking the time to laugh and splash together. These are the memories that will be cherished by all for a lifetime.
Host An Event. This little secret brings can really bring out the teamwork. Make it an event that everyone can be excited about by hosting the baseball team, youth group, a family reunion or the neighborhood block party. Give everyone an important role in preparing for the event. And make sure to plan ahead so you can all sit back, relax and enjoy your company on the day of the event.
Swim Together. It is amazing what you will learn about your kids when they don’t have their phones or video games in front of them. And despite whether or not you have decided to make the pool a tech-free zone, it is pretty difficult to be on the phone and in the water at the same time. Pick a perfect spot in the pool to chillax and take advantage of this time with your loved ones. You might be surprised about what you learn from each other’s day when distractions like mobile phones aren’t within arm’s reach.

We hope you try these six secrets to creating family time with your new fiberglass pool. Come back to our blog often for more ways you can enjoy the pool life.

Five Cool Swimming Pool Lifestyle Ideas

Posted on June 11, 2019April 3, 2024 by krista

Enhance your swimming pool area with these top outdoor summer living features

It’s hard to beat outdoor living. Food tastes better when it’s eaten outside, fresh off the grill. And there’s just nothing like the feeling of falling into bed at night, relaxed and tuckered out from spending a whole day in the sun. Once you have found the perfect fiberglass pool, you can add some features into that mix that will turn your outdoor living area into an over-the-top, backyard paradise you’ll never want to leave.

Where and how do you start creating your lifestyle around your inground pool? Awesome backyard living ideas abound on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Still, that can be a little overwhelming. So let’s narrow the possibilities with some great backyard living ideas that will enhance your swimming pool area and help make your backyard the perfect place for friends and family to hang out all summer long!

An outdoor kitchen. If you love to cook and entertain outdoors, a simple grill might not be enough. Adding an outdoor kitchen lets you cook your entire meal outside and chat with your guests while they enjoy the pool. Depending on how much space you have, think about adding a cooktop that has burners as well as a grill, ample counter space, and under-counter refrigeration alongside a bit of storage for utensils and plates. You’ll never have to miss any of the good times around your inground fiberglass pool.

A kickin’ sound system. What party is complete without a playlist? A little music can set the mood, reinforce your pool party’s theme and bring your swimming pool area to life. Outdoor speakers come in a variety of options and can be incorporated into your landscaping design. Keep in mind, most outdoor speakers on the market are weather-resistant, not weather-proof. Weather-resistant speakers are made to be mounted under a porch with some sort of protection. If amazing sound quality is important to you, reach out to a professional who can do an outdoor sound design for your backyard living space. The days of carrying a boombox around are gone. (Thank heavens because our backs can’t handle all that heavy lifting!) Pick up an inexpensive portable Bluetooth speaker, pair it with your smartphone, and get your poolside groove on.

A shade structure. When the sun is beating down on your backyard living area, it doesn’t matter how comfy your patio furniture is. It’s no fun to sit and sweat. Of course, it’s easy enough to jump in the pool and cool off (and you can always have your cake and eat it too by enjoying the sun and the water simultaneously on your tanning ledge or built-in beverage bench!) But the whole point of creating a backyard living area is that you can enjoy spending time both in the pool and around the pool. Having some type of shade structure over part of your pool area is a must-have. Shade helps shield non-swimming folks from the scorching sun and provides pool-goers with an opportunity to relax, dry off and reapply that all-important sunscreen. Consider a pergola or an awning. And if your structure will support it, you may want to consider adding a weather-resistant outdoor fan to up the cooling quotient and keep bugs at bay. If you can’t add a structure, at least add some landscaping that will offer shade without raining debris down into your pool and on top of your automatic pool cover.

An outdoor bathroom. When you have a swimming pool, it can make you cringe to watch wet people running in and out of your house, dripping water on your floors and carpet, to use the restroom. (Although it’s better than the alternative, if you know what we mean … ) You’ll also find that bugs like to hitch a ride inside every time the door opens and closes. If you have large enough pool house, consider adding a small bathroom in it to save your home from the dripping pool water. You can add a bit of your pool decor to make it fun, and keep towels and other necessities out there too.

An outdoor shower. An outdoor shower is another great way to enhance your backyard swimming pool area. A quick rinse to get rid of the chlorine or salt on your skin feels great before an al fresco dinner. Having a poolside shower so your guests can take a quick rinse before they swim will keep your swimming pool water healthier too. It will help eliminate body oils, lotions and hair products that can cause a scum line around your pool’s edge. And if you have swimmers coming to your pool straight from the lake, it’s doubly important that they rinse off before they hop in to avoid upsetting your pool water balance. Look for a solar-powered outdoor shower that warms the water for your guests’ comfort.

So, there you have them. Five cool ideas for enhancing your swimming pool area with outdoor summer living features that will help you, your family and your guests make the most out of your pool and every precious moment the swim season has to offer.

Five Fun and (Almost) Free Swimming Pool Games for Kids and Families

Posted on June 4, 2019March 28, 2024 by krista

Summer swim season is almost here! Are you ready to have a blast in your inground pool? Yeah you are. You enjoy soaking up rays on your awesome fiberglass pool tanning ledge, swimming laps to get fit and strong, and throwing epic beach-themed parties. Pools are made for games and fun. And, you can buy lots of pool accessories and toys. But, you don’t always have to spend money to have fun. Sometimes you can use what you already have, make up your own rules and play all day. However, you must always keep the rules of pool safety in mind! So, make sure all the games you’re dreaming up encourage safe play. Here are five ideas to get you started.

Duck races

Get some bathtub rubber duckies at the store. Divide your swimmers into teams and have them each choose a name for their team. Get out one duck per team, and write a team name on the bottom of each one. All players start at the same end of the pool. Drop the ducks in the water and yell “Go Duck Go!” The teams must move their duck to the other end of the pool without using their hands or touching the ducks in any way. They can splash or blow the ducks, or make waves in the water by swimming alongside them. The first team that makes it to the other end of the pool wins. (And, if the ducks get criss-crossed in the water from splashing and a team moves their opponents’ duck across the finish line, their opponents win!)

Water hunt

Remove the label from a clear, two-liter water or soda bottle that has a white, clear or blue cap. Fill it with pool water. Divide your swimmers into two teams and have them line up along opposite ends of the pool, facing away from the water. Throw the bottle into the center of the pool and yell, “Water hunt!” Both teams swim as quickly as they can to find the bottle, which is nearly invisible in the water. The first team to find the bottle wins.

Beach ball soccer

Divide your swimmers into two teams and have them face off in two lines in the center of the pool. Designate which end of the pool is each team’s goal line. Toss a beach ball into the center of the pool. Each team must move the ball towards their goal line without using their hands. So, they can use their noses, elbows, legs and feet. The first team to reach their goal wins.

Music video

Divide your swimmers into two teams. Have each of them choose their favorite song, and then have them water-choreograph it. Encourage your swimmers to use props and create impromptu costumes. Give a prize for the most creative music video. (And don’t forget to film it for posterity!)

Atomic whirlpool

This game is not a competition—it’s just fun! Line all your swimmers up along the edges of the pool, evenly spaced and facing the same direction. On your command, have them all start walking as fast as they can around the edge. Then, have them jog for another few minutes. When you yell, “Atomic whirlpool!” everyone should stop running. The current will carry them along. Then yell, “Reverse whirlpool!” Everyone should turn around and try to run against the current. They probably won’t be able to!

Get social!

Swimming pools bring families and friends together. So, no matter what games you play, you’re bound to have a summer of fun in the sun in your inground fiberglass pool. Have your kids created a fun pool game? Share it with other families on our Facebook page!

May Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: B&B Pools, Indianapolis

Posted on May 30, 2019May 15, 2024 by krista

Each month, we enjoy learning more about a member of the Thursday Pools fiberglass pool dealer family for our dealer spotlight. This month, we chatted with Bill McGraw, owner/operator of B&B Pools in Indianapolis.

B&B Pools is based on Indy’s south side. They install both fiberglass pools and vinyl liner pools throughout the greater Indianapolis area in Marion County, Hamilton County, Hancock County, Johnson County, Morgan County and Boone County.

Some of the communities in which they’ve built pools include: Indianapolis, Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, Carmel, Southport, Homecroft, Beech Grove, Martinsville, Mooresville, New Palestine, Franklin, Brownsburg, Avon and Plainfield.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Well, we’re a pretty small operation. It’s just me, my son John, and our one other crew member, Quirino. Nobody can pronounce that, so we just call him Memo. The three of us do the pool installation, and we have a team of subs that do the concrete and electrical work.

This is my 40th season in the pool business, but I’ve been out on my own for seven years. My son, John, has been working next to me since he was 15 years old, so that’s 20 years now. I hope he’ll take over the business from me when I’m ready to sit down.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I’ve always loved working outside. I like to build things. It’s what I do on my days off. I build things around the house. I’m a hands-on kind of guy, and I’m not really a salesman. I just like to do the work.

For me, it’s great to look at what I’ve done over the course of the day and say, “Man, that looks good.” I feel best when everybody’s happy.

What percentage of your business is vinyl vs. fiberglass inground pools?

It’s probably about 50/50. When people choose vinyl liners, I think it’s because they’re after a really big pool. When they choose fiberglass, I think it’s mostly because they like the low pool maintenance and those built-in features, like wide steps and tanning ledges.

Which Thursday Pools fiberglass pool designs and colors are the most popular among your pool buyers in the greater Indianapolis area?

Well, I know everybody says the Aspen. I do too. It’s just a great pool. It checks all the boxes. People love the steps and the tanning ledge. I also sell a lot of the Lil Box LX, for people who have smaller yards. It still has that great tanning ledge and the built-in benches are a big draw.

Several of my customers recently have chosen the Goliath for the swim lane. And last year, I installed the new freeform, Sun Day, which just looked great. In terms of color, it used to be mostly California and Maya, but now they have Graphite, which is a nice dark gray. That’s getting really popular around here.

What are the most popular add-on features in the fiberglass inground pools you’re installing right now?

People really like water features and specialty lighting, like Laminar, that they can control with their phones.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry fiberglass pool designs?

I really think they’re interesting (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). I haven’t installed one yet, but I did have a customer inquire about it.

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of the country?

Honestly, I think we’re pretty lucky. Our soil is generally pretty good, and we don’t run into too many access issues like some of the other guys do in different areas. But every job is an adventure. So we just take it as it comes.

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you, and what do you include as standard?

Our standard installation would be in the mid-50s. Some of our installs will go into the 60s. We include the pump, filter, heater, chlorinator, an APC automatic pool safety cover and handrails. Unless somebody asks for something else, I use Hayward brand equipment. We also include two lights and two fountains as standard in all our projects. Since I’m a small operation, I can keep my overhead pretty low. So, I can pass that savings onto my customers.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Most of our buyers are families in their 40s. They’re all different, but they’re all looking for ways to keep the kids home and get them to talk to each other. Grandparents are doing the same thing. Pools are a great way for families to spend some fun time together.

What works for you in terms of marketing?

We don’t advertise at all. We get all our leads through word-of-mouth and our website. Thursday Pools helped me get my website up and running when I first got into the business.

I used to have all kinds of pamphlets and brochures around to give people, but I’ve found that I don’t really need those anymore. Everybody does a lot of research online, and they pretty much know what they want before they even talk to me.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools has been great to me. Like I said, they helped me get my start in the business. And they still help me whenever I need it. They make a great product, and they make my life easier. I like working with the best, and I think Thursday Pools makes the best quality fiberglass pools.

What’s the secret to B&B Pools’ success?

I think people like us because we’re small. We do one pool at a time, and the pool buyers deal directly with me. They like being able to call the owner on his cell anytime if they have a question about their pool. I’m dealing with my customers on a one-on-one basis. There are no project managers.

And I think the secret to success is pretty simple: You just do what you say you’re going to do. Then, your customers are happy, and they’ll tell all their friends about you.

You are by this NOTICE advised that pools manufactured by Thursday Pools are sold by independent dealers and dealerships. Each dealer is an independent business entity, that is completely separate from the manufacturer, Thursday Pools. Each dealer is an independent contractor, and no dealer is an owner, agent (in fact or law), or employee of Thursday Pools, the manufacturer. Thursday Pools, the manufacturer, hereby disclaims any liability for an intentional or negligent act by any dealer, dealership, or installer, or any damage to any Thursday Pools pool caused by an act of any dealer, dealership, or installer.