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Category: Fiberglass Pools

Is It A True Beach Entry?

Posted on by krista

Don’t be fooled by imitations!

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

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

step down fiberglass pool

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

sloped tanning ledge fiberglass pool

So what does a beach entry look like?

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

Innovations include: 

The Top 10 Reasons You Should Own Your OWN Pool!

Posted on by cargo

Top 10 Reasons to get a pool:

Inground Swimming Pool with Tanning LedgeThere’s a pool in your community, and you’re eagerly anticipating spending your day off there … soaking up the sun, taking a refreshing dip whenever you get too warm, or closing your eyes and taking a little snooze. But when you’re sharing the pool with strangers, it’s often not quite the paradise you’re imagining. The water may be way too hot or way too cold for your taste. There may be a loud group sharing jokes that you don’t find funny. And what about the time you packed everything up to go to the pool, got yourself all settled in and realized you forgot the sunscreen? Yeah … your relaxing day at the pool is sometimes not so relaxing after all.

What if you didn’t have to share? What if you were in total control of your day at the pool? What if you didn’t have to go anywhere but right outside your back door?

Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons to get a pool! 

  1. You’ll get that precious “me time”. That relaxing day at the pool we were talking about earlier is truly yours. You can spend the day at the pool with anyone you want to invite. But, if you want the pool all to yourself for the WHOLE DAY, you can do that too!
  2. You have the perfect place to party. Having a pool, you can create fun, pool-themed events. Whether you’re sharing your pool with a few close friends or inviting all the neighbors to join the fun, your pool will be the go-to party spot!
  3. You can spend quality time with your kids (AND their friends!) Kids grow up so fast. Having a pool is a great way to keep them wanting to spend time at home as they get older. Plus, they’re likely to spend less time on their devices and more family time with you! Also, if your kids are spending more time at home, their friends are likely to be there too. It’s incredibly valuable to have time to get to know the kids YOUR kids are spending time with and develop relationships with them as well.
  4. You can improve your overall health and fitness. Swimming and other water exercises have an amazing effect on your body, including chronic pain relief and weight loss. You’ll strengthen just about every muscle group while simultaneously getting a great cardio workout. Swimming can lower your stress levels and even your blood pressure.
  5. You’ll enjoy the convenience. Packing lunches, towels, sunscreen and water every time you want to go to the pool gets old. Especially when you forget the sunblock, or worse, you forget to unpack and leave wet clothes in your vehicle overnight. When your perfect paradise is just a few steps from your back door, enjoying pool days is easy!
  6. You control the temperature. Everyone has their own idea of what the perfect water temperature is. What feels refreshing to one person might feel freezing to another. With your own pool, you get to choose what feels “just right” to you and set your heater or chiller to whatever temperature makes you happy.
  7. You control the water quality. Let’s face it. When you get into a public pool, you can never be sure of what’s in that water with you. It’s not pleasant to think about, but unless you’re doing the pool maintenance yourself, you have no way of knowing what invisible contaminants might be swimming alongside you and your family. Having your own pool means the peace of mind of knowing that the water is healthy, balanced and ready for fun all the time.
  8. You may increase your home’s value. Depending on where you live, adding an inground fiberglass pool to your backyard will most likely increase your home’s value. So, in addition to making an investment in quality family time, you’ll be making an investment in your home’s value too!
  9. You can have a staycation every day. With a pool of your own, you might feel like you never need to spend money on a vacation again. And, if you love the beach, you can even bring the shore to your own back door by getting a beach entry fiberglass pool (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an island getaway (but you can still sleep in your own, comfy bed.)
  10. You’ll be able to look out the window at your beautiful pool. A gorgeous fiberglass inground pool adds a shimmering finishing touch to any backyard. Even when you’re not swimming in it, being able to see sparkling blue water is calming and rejuvenating. With all the fabulous fiberglass pool designs available, you’re sure to find one that perfectly complements your home’s aesthetic and fits your family’s personality.

Ready to take the plunge? 

These are ten pretty great reasons to get a pool, right? Are you convinced? Ready to take the plunge with a fiberglass inground pool of your own? Enjoy all the perks that the fiberglass pool lifestyle has to offer. Get an estimate on a beautiful backyard swimming oasis all your own. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it years ago.

Get an estimate on a new fiberglass pool today! 

Thursday Pools fiberglass industry innovations include: 

Should I Buy an Inground or an Above Ground Pool?

Posted on by cargo

Getting a new swimming pool is a huge deal requiring careful planning and exploration. Given that you can roll years of vacation travel and expense into one backyard “stay-cation” that can pay dividends year in and year out, your decision to buy a pool is actually an investment decision. Like any investment, you should consider your options well. One of the first choices you’ll be faced with is between above ground pool vs inground pool. If you choose an above ground pool, you’ll be getting a vinyl liner pool, as that’s the only type of pool offered in above-ground styles. If you choose an inground pool, you’ll be choosing between three pool types. In addition to a vinyl liner pool, you’ll also have the options of gunite (concrete) or a fiberglass inground pool.

Above Ground

Let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider between above ground and inground pools, as well as the feature options and pricing to help you narrow the field.

  1. Where you live. This should be your first consideration when you’re choosing what type of pool is right for you because the choice may not be yours. Some homeowners’ associations do not allow above ground pools and may even dictate what type of inground pool you can install in your backyard. So, check any local bylaws before you spend time doing any other research.
  2. Pool Cost. If your budget is limited, and you’re really only interested in having a place to cool off every once in a while, you might prefer an above ground vinyl liner pool. Do-it-yourselfers can find above ground pool kits are the least expensive, starting at around $1,500.  Inground vinyl pools (installed) can cost up to ten times more, with small fiberglass pools (installed) costing between $20,000 and $40,000. Gunite pools (installed) will run between $30,000 and $50,000.
  3. Installation time. Above ground pool kits are designed to snap together, so you could be swimming in a day. By contrast, inground vinyl liner pools will take an average of 30 days to install while gunite pools can take as long as 90 days (in good weather). Because the fiberglass shells are manufactured and shipped in one piece, inground fiberglass pools can be installed in as little as two weeks.
  4. Maintenance. While the low upfront cost of an above ground pool might be tempting, you should be prepared to spend more time and money on pool maintenance. Gunite pools will need to be resurfaced every 7-10 years, at an average cost of $15,000. However, fiberglass pools never need to be resurfaced and require the least amount of chemicals to maintain. 
  5. Resale value.  In most areas, inground pools improve home value, whereas above ground pools will not. I
  6. Aesthetics. In terms of overall beauty, above ground pools simply cannot compare to inground pools. The compromise you’ll make in terms of upfront cost and minimal installation time means that you’ll be looking out the window at a large object sitting in the middle of your yard, just as you would a jungle gym, swing set or trampoline. Also, if you decide to get rid of your above ground pool, you’ll need to reseed or re-sod your lawn.

inground pools

Any type of inground pool offers you the ability to landscape around it, create specialty decking and add in ambiance-enhancing lighting. With gunite pools, you can choose any kind of custom shape you can imagine (but your cost will reflect that). With a quality fiberglass pool, you can choose from a huge assortment of shapes, sizes and colors, so you can get a custom look at no extra charge. You’re sure to find one that perfectly complements your backyard and your home’s overall look and feel.

In a nutshell, above ground pools are an option if:

  • Your homeowners’ association allows it.
  • You just want a quick and inexpensive way to cool off and pool cost is a big part of your decision.
  • The overall look of your backyard isn’t that big of a deal to you.
  • You might be moving soon and want to be able to take your pool with you.
  • You understand that you might be trading some of your upfront savings for additional repair and maintenance costs down the line.

Inground pools are great if: 

  • Your homeowners’ association requires inground pool installation.
  • Your inground pool cost budget allows for the upfront investment, or you are able to finance your new pool purchase.
  • Your home’s resale value and the overall look of your backyard oasis are important to you.
  • You’re planning to stay in your home a while to make your upfront investment worthwhile.
  • You’re ready to create a place that will allow you to have quality family time together for many years to come.

Ask the General: Can Dogs Swim in Pools? 

Posted on by krista

Ask the General: Can Dogs Swim in Pools?

Dear General; 

We are getting a new pool! Our kids are pretty excited about it. So is Harvey, our yellow lab. He loves to swim. However, several friends have told us we shouldn’t allow dogs in the pool. What’s your advice? Can dogs swim in pools? Do we have to ground poor Harvey when our new pool comes, or can we let him enjoy the dog days of summer? 

— Dog lovers in Dayton, Ohio 

Dear Dayton Dog Lovers; 

can dogs swim in poolsI have been asked “can dogs swim in pools” many times, as well as if we should let our pets in general use the pool. (This typically means our dogs, because I don’t know too many cats who like to swim.) Well, that’s kind of like asking if you should allow your dogs to sit with you on your furniture or sleep with you in your bed. Will it be easier to keep your furniture and bedding clean if you don’t? YES. Will you reduce the risk of damage to your expensive couch if you don’t have a dog launching itself off of it every time someone rings the doorbell? YES. But, if your answer to the question: “Is your dog one of your children?” is also YES, you might be willing to take on a little extra wear, tear and cleaning in order to have the joy of sharing your pool with your pet. But if you do, you’ll definitely want to choose the right kind of pool.

I once had customers mention during the sales presentation that one of the reasons for purchasing an inground pool was to have their dogs swim with them. This couple’s children had grown and they were “empty nesters.” They had previously owned a gunite pool, and had two golden retrievers that loved to swim with them. They didn’t want another gunite pool, but were worried about the dogs damaging a vinyl or fiberglass pool.

If you plan to let your dog swim, consider these facts

I’ll share with you the same advice I gave this couple. Basically, I’m not a fan of letting dogs swim, because of the extra pool maintenance it causes. But, if having your dogs swim with you is part of your joy in having a pool, of course you should do it. If that’s the case, here are some things you need to consider:

  • Water quality. Dogs can bring contaminants into the water. If they’ve rolled in something in the backyard, it’s going to wash off in the pool. Even if you’ve recently given them a bath, the residue from the dog shampoo is going to end up in your water. You should be especially cautious if you live near a river, stream or lake and your dog also swims there as they can transplant algae into your pool that can be difficult and expensive to get rid of. So give them a good rinse before you let them jump in, and stay on top of your water chemistry.
  • Pool equipment. Dogs shed. I have pulled big hairballs out of a pool pump’s impeller and piping that were causing poor circulation and could have caused a lot of damage to the pump. So, a good brushing before Harvey gets into the pool is a must. Install a fine filter screen in your skimmers. There are mesh filters available that will also help. (And here’s a hint from Heloise: knee-high panty hose can be put inside the skimmer basket to catch the hair before it heads to the equipment.) Always clean your skimmer basket and pump basket after your pet swims.
  • Pet health. Dogs may drink the water while they’re swimming, ingesting chlorine and other chemicals. Needless to say, this is not good for the dog, especially if your chlorine level is running high. If you see your dog lapping up water, you’ll either need to keep them out of the pool or train them NOT to drink the water. On the flip side, swimming is as good for your pet’s joints as it is for yours and it’s great exercise for you and them!
  • Pool structure. The couple with the golden retrievers were correct to wonder about damage to a vinyl liner pool. Your dog could rip a vinyl liner within the first few minutes of getting in, and it WILL NOT be covered by your warranty. By contrast, gunite pools have a rough enough surface that they can do damage to the pads of a dog’s feet. So, if having your pet swim with you is important, a fiberglass pool is the only way to go, for a number of reasons:
    1. An impervious surface. The gel coat surface of a good quality fiberglass pool will be impervious to scratches from your pet’s paws.
    2. Lower chemical use. Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals to keep your water balanced, and algae can’t roost in the nooks and crannies that both vinyl liner and gunite pools have. So, even if sharing your pool with Harvey means you’ll need more pool maintenance chemicals, you’ll still use less in the long run.
    3. Easy in and out. Most fiberglass pool designs feature wide-open, non-skid steps that will help your pet navigate entering and exiting the pool. Many have tanning ledges and there are now also beach entry (zero entry) fiberglass pool designs (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) on the market that will allow your furry kids (along with your two-legged kids) to ease into the water on a gentle slope.

Keep everyone safely in the swim

In our house, my dog thinks he’s a rescue dog. He jumps in to try to “save” us. He paddles around for a while, and then he tires, and we end up having to rescue him. Remember that some dogs are better swimmers than others. As with children, dogs need constant supervision in the pool and they need to enjoy the water safely. If you see your pet tiring, make them get out of the water and sideline them for a while. To keep both kids and pets safe, get a pool that’s auto-cover ready and keep it closed whenever your pool is not in use.

Till next time, safely enjoy your pool – The General

The world’s first truly zero entry fiberglass pools 

Thursday Pools is the creator of the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) are currently available to order, so you can bring the shore to your door with your new fiberglass pool.

Swimming Pool Myths and Facts

Posted on by JosiahSchaefer

swimming pool myths and facts

Question: Which of the following is true? 

A. You must wait an hour after eating to swim. 

B. Chlorine turns your hair green.

C. Swimming pools take a lot of time and money to maintain.

D. People who own pools don’t really use them.

E. None of the above.

The correct answer is E. None of the above. 

 

There are a lot of swimming pool myths and facts floating around (pun intended) about swimming and swimming pool ownership out there. Let’s take a minute to debunk those swimming pool myths, shall we?

You must wait an hour after eating to swim. 

Sure, mother typically knows best, but, if you have memories of being sidelined at the pool after lunch, wistfully watching your friends having fun, your mom was subscribing to an old wives’ tale. You don’t really have to wait an hour after eating to swim. The thinking behind this myth is that you’re more likely to get a “stitch” or cramp if you swim on a full stomach, but there’s no medical evidence to support it. If you’re prone to cramps, you might want to stretch a bit before swimming, and of course, you need to adhere to pool safety rules. But you can feel free to enjoy your dinner, and then jump in and swim off those calories.

Chlorine turns your hair green. 

The greenish tint that some blonde-haired swimmers sport after swimming is actually caused by copper sulfate, which is used to combat algae. You may or may not use much of it, depending on what kind of pool you have. Algae is most likely to form in inground pools with vinyl liners, where it can hide and grow in the pool seams and crevices, and in gunite pools, in the rough surface of the concrete. Inground pool owners who enjoy the low-maintenance fiberglass pool lifestyle will find they don’t need algaecides as often. Either way, chlorine has had a bad rap on this, and it’s not the culprit.

Swimming pools take a lot of time and money to maintain. 

Again, the level of maintenance your inground pool requires depends on what kind of pool you choose. Because of their durable, gel coat finish, fiberglass pools require fewer pool maintenance chemicals, which means less time and less money for the pool owner. Vinyl pools require, on average, about double the amount of pool maintenance chemicals than fiberglass, and gunite is a whopping four times more.

Sure, getting the hang of your pool maintenance schedule in the beginning can mean a big learning curve. However, if you stay on top of it, regular maintenance for a fiberglass pool should not take longer than one to two hours per week. The rest of the time, you’ll be chilling in your fabulous pool and wondering how you ever lived without it.

People who own pools don’t really use them. 

Families who own inground pools have a great way to keep their kids off their devices and engaged in family life. Homes with pools become the go-to place for kids to gather, so you’ll be able to get to know your kids’ friends. And it’s not just your kids’ friends who will enjoy coming over. Your pool is a wonderful place to host parties and reconnect with people you care about. Pool owners can enjoy the luxury of a staycation every day of the week throughout the swim season.

But there’s more to pool ownership than just socializing. Pools are good for you! Swimming is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the US, and it’s a great way to lose weight, reduce chronic pain and lower your stress level. Once you own your own inground pool, you’ll find every reason in the world to spend your time there.

Take the plunge. (And you don’t have to wait an hour after you eat to do it.) 

Now that we’ve debunked some of the myths of pool ownership, are you thinking that owning a pool may be right for you? Take the plunge today by getting a FREE estimate on a fabulous fiberglass pool. You’ll be in the swim before you know it.

 

#PSPExpo #PSPExpo2019 #NewOrleans 

10 Water Exercises You Can Do in Your Fiberglass Pool

Posted on 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

  1. The Bicycle.
    swimming pool exercises
    (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.
  2. Missile.
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  3. Jog/Sprint.
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  4. Squat Jumps.
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  5. Bicep Curls.
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  6. Noodle Plank.
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  7. Free Style with Weights.
    swimming pool exercises
    Swim laps as you normally would, but use weights to increase your resistance.
    Benefits: Strengths arms, shoulders and core.
  8. Jab Punches.
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  9. Spiderman.
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  10. One-Legged Balance
    swimming pool exercises
    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.
  11. Bonus! Leg Plank Kicks Created by Thursday’s own, Pilar Vondell
    swimming pool exercises
    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 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.

  1. Water always goes cloudy the day before a big party.
  2. Farts float (according to my grandson).
  3. The meaning of the terms “pH” and Total Dissolved Solids.
  4. It’s better to buy quality than cheap.
  5. It always rains 2 inches after you have added water with your garden hose.
  6. Blow-up toys usually last about two weeks (if you are lucky).
  7. Don’t ever say “Feel free to use the pool anytime.” They will.
  8. There’s no such thing as enough towels.
  9. Never walk barefoot on a deck or driveway that the sun has been baking all day.
  10. There always needs to be someone outside the pool to chase the ball.
  11. Never show your kids how to turn on the pool heater.
  12. Always check the water temperature before entering the pool.
  13. Water spouts and floating fountains are mesmerizing and a great stress-reliever.
  14. Small, round rocks are impossible to dig out of the deep-end.
  15. Skimmer baskets catch some amazing things.
  16. You acquire friends you never realized you had before buying a pool.
  17. Grass clippings are a bear to get out of the pool. Foot baths for kids are required.
  18. Never try to go down a dry slide. Literally can’t be done.
  19. You actually own (and will at some point probably use) a lifeguard whistle.
  20. You really can get sunburned on what seems to be a cloudy day. In places you never imagined.
  21. All concrete decks eventually crack.
  22. 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.)
  23. Never take glass of any kind into the pool area. (Doesn’t matter if you’re “careful”).
  24. You find yourself yelling the phrase “STOP RUNNING” on a regular basis.
  25. You’re obsessed with water safety and require “swimmies” or life jackets on kids until they prove themselves.
  26. Ducks and geese will always choose your pool over the pond.
  27. Your kids, who promised to clean the pool EVERY DAY, need reminding EVERY DAY.
  28. It’s always a good idea to shock your pool after the little league has been in it.
  29. You tell your teenage daughter the best way to get a tan is to vacuum the pool.
  30. You have plastic runners from the back door to the bathroom.
  31. Even with a pool, the kids occasionally like to play in the sprinkler.
  32. You can (and have been known to) jump fully clothed in the pool after mowing the yard on a humid 80-degree day.
  33. The mysterious object at the deep-end of the pool is your sunglasses.
  34. You firmly believe that no child gets to swim without supervision. EVER.
  35. Kids will get in 65-degree water in April, but complain if it’s not 85 degrees in June
  36. When walking down the steps into the pool water there is a “special depth” that requires hesitation.
  37. It is a proven fact that birds will fly 200 miles just to poop on your pool deck.
  38. Basketball is the best game to play in the pool. Volleyball requires a crowd.
  39. The decibel level of a kids birthday pool party is louder than anything you could possibly imagine.
  40. 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.)
  41. Sitting by the pool is almost more relaxing than floating in it.
  42. Having a pool in your backyard makes you feel like you’re on vacation every day.
  43. 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 by krista

pool painHave 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 by krista

beach entry fiberglass pool

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.

  1. 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!
  2.  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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 by krista

swimming for weight loss

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.