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Category: Fiberglass Pools

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

Posted on by krista

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.

 

Add Personality to Your Pool  Add Personality to Your Pool  Add Personality to Your Pool

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. Tanning LedgeA 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.Deep End Bench
      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”

Cathedral LX 16’ x 36’ x 5’8”

  • 16’ x 40’ x 6’

Cathedral LX 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?”

Posted on by krista

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

Posted on by cargo

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! 

Reap the Health Benefits of Exercise in Your New Fiberglass Pool

Posted on by krista

Get healthy and have more fun this year in a new fiberglass pool. 

If your goals for the new year include getting healthier and more fit, a new inground fiberglass pool might be just the water exercise, swimming exercise, health benefits of swimming, fiberglass pools thing to help you accomplish those goals. Water exercise has loads of health benefits, including weight loss, increased strength and muscle tone, joint pain relief, improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and increased fun (which is also very good for you!)

Choose a fiberglass pool that’s designed for water exercise—one that has wide-open swim lanes and is deep enough to accommodate both lap swimming and water aerobics. You’ll be crushing your health and fitness goals before you know it! 

Let’s take a look at all the amazing health benefits of swimming exercise: 

  1. Weight loss. 

According to Prevention magazine, swimming just 30 minutes can burn between 300-400 calories. Compare that to just 100 calories burned for 30 minutes of brisk walking, and it’s easy to see why swimming is a great choice for folks who want to lose weight. (Not to mention the fact that you’re in the pool cooling off instead of sweating during your workout!) 

  1. Increased strength and muscle tone.

According to Livestrong.com, swimming laps in an inground pool is a great full-body workout. Swimming works your back and shoulders, as well as major muscle groups in your legs and hips. It’s a great core workout as well, particularly when you’re swimming freestyle or doing the backstroke. And if you aren’t feeling like laps, even treading water helps build muscle and strength because the water offers resistance as you move through it. As you gain strength and endurance, you can add water exercises to get even more results.

  1. Joint pain relief. 

Aquatic therapy is an excellent pain management tool for anyone with arthritis, chronic joint pain their backs, knees, hips or necks, or anyone trying to rehabilitate from an injury. An article on PainScience.com suggests that even floating in a swimming pool provides joint pain relief because the water offers relief from gravity, allowing joints and muscles to feel cushioned and safe. Aqua-jogging and other water aerobics reduce inflammation and combine the benefits of reduced joint impact, muscle development and pain relief.

  1. Improved cardiovascular health. 

Studies have shown that swimming lowers blood pressure, which in turn, can reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), regular cardiovascular exercise, like swimming, also lowers “bad” cholesterol levels, which decreases heart attack risk. 

  1. Reduced stress.  

Harvard Medical School’s online journal addresses how aerobic exercise reduces the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, which means you’ll feel better physically and mentally. 

  1. Increased fun! 

In addition to being a super healthy choice for you, swimming is just plain fun! There’s nothing like the feeling of splashing around in the water, spending quality time with your friends and family and letting the cares of the day fade away. There are tons of games you can play in the pool, and you’ll still get some exercise while you’re having fun! Plus, if you’re having fun while you’re exercising, you’re much more likely to keep doing it. That’s what you call a win-win. 

https://thursdaypools.com/blog/2020/01/09/reap-the-health-…-fiberglass-pool/Ready to wade on in? 

If you’re ready to experience all the amazing health benefits of swimming in your own, private backyard oasis,  it’s time to wade on in with a low-maintenance, inground fiberglass pool of your very own. After just a few months of exercising in your pool, you’ll feel better, look better and be happier! Fiberglass pools are an investment that pays off in every way. 

How Did We Choose the Name “Thursday Pools”?

Posted on by cargo

We Chose the name Thursday Pools because it’s fun, easy to remember and, most importantly, because Thursday is the new Friday!

fiberglass poolsBack in the early 2000s, the company now known as Thursday Pools was just a twinkle in our eyes. Our owner and founder Bill Khamis had been tinkering with fiberglass since he was a kid … making model trains, planes and helicopters. Before he even finished college, he had started a fiberglass manufacturing business.

Inspiration struck when Bill ordered a fiberglass pool for his home. When the fiberglass pool shell was delivered, he looked at it and immediately started envisioning ways he would make it differently and better. He created his own mold and realized there was a viable business opportunity at hand.

Bill looked up his buddy Ed Vondell, with whom he had been friends in college. He told Ed he wanted to start a fiberglass inground pool manufacturing company with him. Ed was in, and a partnership was born.

What’s in a name? 

So now, the task at hand was to name the new company. Ed and Bill brought in a team of marketing experts. They knew they wanted a name that was easy to remember and made people feel good. And, of course, they needed something with an available domain name.

After lots of brainstorming, it was actually Bill’s wife Liz who came up with the name Thursday Pools. Why? Because when you own a fiberglass pool, you can’t wait for the weekend to enjoy it … you want the weekend to start early! Everyone loved the idea, and it stuck.

We want our customers to equate the name Thursday Pools to our commitment to growth, innovation and excellence. 

Thursday Pools started out as a 40,000 square-foot facility, manufacturing 3 different fiberglass pool designs. As 2020 approaches, we’ve expanded our facility to 100,000 square feet, more than 2 times its original size, and we’re producing over 20 different fiberglass pool designs (and counting!) We’ve recently doubled our pool storage capacity and created dedicated production spaces for our ever-growing list of innovations, including the world’s first fiberglass beach entry pools (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) and our soon-to-be-released, world’s first sunken living area fiberglass pools. We’ve also added some amazing members to our team along the way, all of whom are contributing to the good name of Thursday Pools.

Are you ready to get YOUR weekend started early? 

So, there you have it. The story of how Thursday Pools became Thursday Pools. Are you ready to get YOUR weekend started early? If so, get a free estimate on a new inground fiberglass pool today.

What’s the Best Time to Buy a Pool?

Posted on by cargo

The best time to buy a pool is NOW! Planning of your new fiberglass pool oasis should begin well in advance of when you want your swimming pool installation to begin. You’ll want to start reaching out to inground pool builders a minimum of six months prior to your anticipated installation time. Some builders are booked a year in advance! So, the earlier you start planning, the better.

best time to buy a poolObviously, summer is the time when we think about pools the most (especially when we don’t have one). But if you shop in the summer, you’ll likely have to wait until the following summer to enjoy your new pool. Starting in the spring will at least give you a headstart on pool installation season, but it still might be too late to get on your builder’s calendar for that year. So, fall and winter are great times to think about getting a new fiberglass inground pool. However, no matter when you start shopping, the only thing that really matters is finding the perfect pool for your family. And, as they say, there’s no time like the present. There are reasons to shop for a new fiberglass pool in every season, so let’s take a deeper dive!

Fall

Fall is a great time of year to plan your fiberglass pool project. First of all, pool installers are just wrapping up their summer installation schedules. They’ll take a moment to catch their breath, and then they’ll be ready to dive into the spring installation schedule for next year. If you move quickly, and it’s a warm fall, you might even be able to get started on installation before the snow flies! Fall is also a great time to plant trees and flowers, so if your pool is installed in the fall, you can finish the landscaping around your new backyard swimming pool oasis as well.

Winter

Winter is the best time to shop for your new fiberglass pool. Imagine the looks on the kids’ faces if you wrapped up a picture of a beautiful new pool and put it under the tree, or if you showed them a video of a new fiberglass swimming pool on Christmas morning.

If you get all of your pool project’s details nailed down before the ground is covered in snow, you might be first on the list for spring installations, and you’ll be enjoying your new fiberglass pool the minute it’s warm enough to do so.

And here are a few more reasons why the best time to buy a pool is winter: Some (not all) pool builders offer discounts for winter purchases. Also, new fiberglass pool designs typically become available around the first of the year.

Spring

Spring seems like an obvious time to start thinking about spending the upcoming summer lounging by your new pool. And what better way to spend that tax refund than to help finance your new fiberglass swimming pool? However, if you wait until April or later to begin planning your pool project, you might find that your pool builder of choice is already booked through the end of summer. At the same time, it’s never too late to begin planning. If you start in the spring and plan your pool project quickly, you might still be able to get in the swim before the summer starts to cool down, or at least get on the waitlist before someone else.

 

best time to buy a pool

Summer

To summer pool shoppers, we say, “Welcome! Better late than never!” Feel free to call your local pool builder, but don’t be disappointed if they don’t get back to you immediately. Trying to order a pool in July is like waiting until noon on Valentine’s Day to order flowers. It’s not impossible, but a lot of other people have already had the same idea, and you’ll most likely have to try harder. Still, it’s worth the effort!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take the plunge.

 

#fiberglasspools #beachentrypools #zeroentrypools #ingroundfiberglasspools #poolcost #fiberglasspoolcost #beachentrypoolcost

Cool Pool Patio Options for Your Fiberglass Pool

Posted on by cargo

 

When you’re first thinking about a new  fiberglass swimming pool, you’re probably thinking about the pool itself— how much does a fiberglass pool cost? Should you choose a  rectangular design or a  freeform? A  big pool or a  small pool? Once you’ve made all the pool design decisions, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll finish it all off. Your pool patio will become the heart of your outdoor space, setting the stage for everything from relaxing summer days to lively gatherings. 

Is Any Patio Included in the Pool Installation?

As part of the installation quote, many pool builders include 3 to 4 feet of standard concrete patio around your pool. This basic patio can be a good starting point, allowing for some furniture, but you should leave a minimum of 3-foot width for pathways and traffic areas. If you plan on entertaining a lot or have a larger family, you may want to invest in a bigger patio space. Some builders offer patio upgrades directly, while others may recommend a landscape designer. Regardless of who installs it, there’s a pool patio option for almost any lifestyle and aesthetic.

Classic Concrete – Affordable, Simple, and Customizable

Concrete is often the most budget-friendly patio choice, making it a top pick for homeowners who want a durable surface without breaking the bank. They are straightforward to install and provide a minimalist aesthetic that appeals to many. However, if you want to add a touch of personalization to this standard look, consider adding a decorative border around the pool. A 10- to 14-inch border with stamped concrete, pavers, or brick can create a polished and unique look that enhances the overall design. When selecting concrete, ask your contractor if they’re experienced with pool decks. Pouring a concrete patio around the edges of a fiberglass pool requires precision, and an experienced hand will ensure a flawless finish.

Stamped and Colored Concrete – A Plethora of Patterns and Hues

Gone are the days when concrete only came in basic gray. Today, you can choose from many colors to complement your backyard’s aesthetic—beige, brick red, slate blue, or even custom shades to match your home’s exterior. With stamping techniques, concrete can mimic traditional materials like brick, slate, flagstone, tile, and even wood, giving your pool area a high-end look for a fraction of the cost.

You might choose a slate or flagstone pattern in rich, earthy colors for a classic Mediterranean-inspired design. If you prefer a more modern look, geometric stamping in cooler shades like grays or blues might be your style. A Roman-shaped fiberglass pool, for instance, looks stunning with a complementary flagstone-stamped concrete finish.

Exposed Aggregate – Natural Texture with Visual Appeal

Exposed aggregate is an excellent choice for a truly unique texture and aesthetic. The process involves removing the top layer of cement to reveal the underlying stones, resulting in a durable, slip-resistant, and visually striking surface. The exposed rocks create a natural, riverbed-like effect that is perfect for a rustic or organic design in your backyard.

This patio type fits beautifully around freeform fiberglass pools, especially if you want to create a more relaxed, natural space. The finish also pairs well with lush landscaping and other organic elements, giving your pool area the feel of a natural oasis.

Pavers – Versatile and Stylish for Endless Design Possibilities

For homeowners looking to add both texture and color, pavers are an excellent choice. Pool deck pavers come in various colors, materials, and styles, so you can mix and match shapes and colors to achieve a one-of-a-kind look. Pavers also offer the benefit of easy repairs; if a section is damaged, you can replace individual pavers without having to redo the entire patio.

Patio pavers are durable and can be arranged in different patterns, such as herringbone, basket weave, or a simple staggered design, to create a visually appealing look. For rectangular pools, pavers in neat, geometric patterns create a sophisticated look, while freeform pools pair well with more organic, irregular shapes that blend seamlessly with the pool’s curves.

Natural Stone – Timeless Beauty and Enduring Strength

For unmatched beauty and elegance, choose natural stone like flagstone that is highly durable and adds a touch of class to any poolside area. Natural stone is also slip-resistant and maintains a comfortable temperature in hot weather, making it ideal for pool areas where comfort and safety are essential. Natural stone pairs especially well with freeform pools, as its irregular shapes and textures bring an organic feel to the space. Consider combining it with lush greenery or even a small water feature for a resort-like feel to create a relaxing, spa-like poolside retreat.

The Finishing Touch to Your Backyard Oasis

A well-designed pool patio brings out the best in your fiberglass pool, blending form and function to create an inviting outdoor living area. Whether you opt for budget-friendly concrete, artistic stamped patterns, or the elegance of natural stone, your pool patio will become the hub of relaxation and fun and set the scene for countless memories. Once you have a few patio ideas in mind,  consult with your pool builder or contractor about the specifics of your backyard space.

Five Fantastic Tips to Close Your Fiberglass Pool Right

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Close your pool right in the fall to have a great spring!

Tips For Closing Fiberglass PoolsThey say all good things must come to an end. In the Midwest, that’s a sad but true reality for inground pool season. It’s nearing time to close the pool. To ensure a quick and easy spring fiberglass pool opening, close it properly in the fall. So, here’s a list of five fantastic tips to close your fiberglass pool right.

  1. Balance your water chemistry. We recommend having your water tested by a professional. If your pool maintenance schedule is a little out of whack because you’ve been in it less since school started, achieving a properly balanced pool can take a couple of days, so don’t wait until the day before closing to check levels. While test strips are good for a quick dip test, you should have a professional do a complete water analysis. A complete water analysis will check all important chemistry levels including, but not limited to, total alkalinity, pH, free chlorine, total chlorine, calcium hardness, salt, stabilizer, metals and total dissolved solids. Remember, clean and sparkling pool water does not always mean that your pool water is properly balanced. Looks can be deceiving. Some of the prettiest pool water can be the most destructive.
  2. Wipe down the scum line (or tile line.) Body oils, suntan lotions, and airborne contaminants can sometimes build up on the pool surface along the water line. These can easily be wiped away. Microfiber cloths work great. If necessary, you can use a mild detergent, fiberglass or vinyl cleaner. Remember to never use abrasive cleaners, automatic dish detergent, steel wool, metal scrapers, or other brushes or tools because they can cause permanent damage to your beautiful gel coat finish.
  3. Give it a final clean. A few days before your closing, give your pool a final clean. Skim off any debris floating on the top and vacuum any debris or leaves that may have settled on the bottom of the pool. This is also an excellent time to rinse off your pool deck and automatic safety cover tracks.
  4. Add your winterizing chemicals. The day before your pool pros are scheduled to come, add in your winterization chemicals. They’ll need several hours to circulate before your pump is shut off. Clean out your skimmer basket and remove any remaining debris that may be in the pool.
  5. Tidy up. Take the time now to organize and properly store your chemicals. Give your deck furniture and cushions a good cleaning (or you might want to leave them out for any warm and sunny days still to come). Sort through the pool toys, noodles and floats. Toss any that you plan to replace next year and tuck the rest away.

That’s it! Once you’ve zipped through this list, you’ll be prepared for your pool pros to come and finish the job so you can look forward to an easy spring opening.

Six Money-Saving Tips to Lower Your Pool Installation Costs

Posted on by krista

You have decided to purchase a fiberglass inground pool—congratulations! As you’re narrowing your choices and making plans for your backyard’s new addition, you may want to consider a few ways to save money on your pool installation cost. What you pay for a  fiberglass pool can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, but a few options can help lower the overall price. Getting the right fiberglass inground pool is a big decision, and homeowners need information on their options. This blog post explores advice and ways to help lower your initial construction costs.

  1. Choosing the Right Pool Pros

Everyone has their specialties and things at which they excel. As a homeowner, there’s no expectation that you’re an expert in pool installation. Trusting a fiberglass pool dealer you’ve researched and feel comfortable working with can help you save money in the long run.

If the pool dealer is established, highly experienced, and comes personally recommended, that can help save you from many potential headaches (or even swimming pool buyer’s remorse). Trying to save a few bucks on your inground pool cost upfront can result in significant repairs and maintenance expenses in the long run. 

  1. Buy Your Pool in Winter

The winter swimming offseason is a great time to buy a pool. While dealers can install pools year-round in the southern and western regions of the country, colder weather can slow down pool installations in the Midwest and similar climates. You might even be able to take advantage of additional cost-savings if you’re willing to commit to a spring installation but make your pool purchase the fall or winter before. It’s always worth asking.

  1. Select a Simpler Design

While springing for the largest and most elaborate fiberglass pool design is tempting, opting for a more straightforward shell and fewer additional features can significantly reduce costs. Consider selecting a smaller design without intricate surroundings or extra elements like attached spas or elaborate water features. Scaling back such amenities saves homeowners money on the initial purchase, required materials, and the labor involved. A conservative approach to your backyard pool project makes for a more affordable installation and a faster, hassle-free experience.

  1. Build Your Perfect Pool in Phases

Maybe some features and options you’re interested in aren’t the cheapest inground pool options. That’s okay! You don’t have to pay upfront for every bell, whistle, and additional feature.

If your pool budget is tight, ask the dealer to design the project so you can add additional features later. Maybe the fire pit or some of the surrounding landscaping can wait until next year. While options like robotic pool cleaners and automatic pool covers are great, you can always upgrade and purchase them later.

  1. Can You DIY Anything?

Thursday Pools does not recommend DIY installations for fiberglass pools. 

However, some homeowners, who may be electricians or skilled tradespeople, could perform electrical work or pour concrete into the patio. Green-thumbed homeowners can likely do some grading, seeding, and landscaping. They may even be able to purchase building permits and variances as needed. Others may remove trees, install fences, build retaining walls, move sprinkler systems, lay electrical lines, reroute water lines, move septic systems, remove old wood decks, or install gas lines.

You could save on pool installation costs if you have the necessary training and skills. However, if you’re not an experienced contractor, you might cost yourself more in the long run. Ultimately, having an insured, independent dealer do the dirty work is probably best.

  1. Explore Your Financing Options

Explore various financing options for managing installation costs and making your dream pool more attainable. Many dealers offer financing plans that spread pool costs over several years with a competitive interest rate, making monthly payments more manageable on your budget. Look for special promotions, low-interest offers, and flexible terms to find the best deal for your financial situation. Home improvement loans or home equity lines of credit are other cost-effective possibilities to finance your pool through your bank, credit union, or specialized lender.

Save Money with Thursday Pools 

The sooner you do it, the more money you may be able to save on your pool installation cost. Like most other great things in life, industry watchers don’t project the price of pools to drop anytime soon. It goes without saying, but the sooner you do it, the more money you’ll save. Ready to go ahead, take the plunge, and make a splash?

If you’d like to receive a ballpark pricing estimate for your dream fiberglass pool project, check out our innovative inground pool cost estimator! The  Pool Cost Calculator can give you an idea of how certain factors impact pricing.

Learn more about the options and possibilities for financing a fiberglass pool project with our free ebook, “Financing the Pool of Your Dreams,” and reach out to book a design consultation and learning session with a local independent dealer in your area.

What Kind of Swimming Pool is Best for Dogs?

Posted on by krista

Four reasons why fiberglass pools are the best inground pools for dogs

inground poolYou love your dog. Not just like, “He’s a good boy,” kind of love. It’s more like, “He is my baby” kind of love. Your dog is a member of your family. So, if you’re thinking of getting an inground pool, among the other factors you’re considering, you might be wondering what type of pool is best for dogs. You’ll be choosing among three types of inground pools; vinyl, gunite and fiberglass.

Spoiler alert. The answer is a fiberglass pool, and here are four solid reasons why:

  1. The smooth gelcoat surface of a fiberglass pool is pawsitively perfect for pets. Gunite (concrete) inground pools can scratch your pet’s paws, preventing him/her from really enjoying the pool. But with the smooth, durable interior of fiberglass pools, your entire family can enjoy smooth, scratch-free fun in the pool. You’ll never have to worry about snags on your swimsuits or sore feet from rough surfaces.
  2. Fiberglass pools help you avoid claw catastrophes.If you have a vinyl pool, your dog’s claws can penetrate your vinyl liner. And that kind of damage WILL NOT be covered by your warranty. With a fiberglass pool, you can play games with your pet in the pool without worrying about damaging the surface or causing scratches or tears.
  3. Wide-open steps and beach entries on fiberglass pools mean easy in and out for pets. While some dogs seem to get a kick out of splashing everyone who’s in the pool, many pets, especially puppies and older dogs, need a way to ease into the water. The best fiberglass pools have nice, wide-open steps, and many designs have tanning ledges, which make a perfect perch for pets. And now, there are true beach entry fiberglass pool designs (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) that allow for the ultimate way to walk into the water on the non-skid surface.
  4. You’ll enjoy lower overall maintenance with fiberglass. If you’re planning to let your pet swim, you’re automatically committing to a lot more skimming, no matter what type of pool you have.  But in addition to hair, dogs’ coats and mouths can carry bacteria into your pool. However, the impervious surface of fiberglass means it’s easier to keep your water balanced and spend less time on pool maintenance.

Fetch yourself a fiberglass pool! 

So, here’s the takeaway … If you want the best pool for every member of your family, including your furry kids, your number one choice is fiberglass. Get a free estimate on a new fiberglass pool today.