Fiberglass Pools Archives - Page 8 of 11

3 Easy Steps to Hosting the Perfect Labor Day Pool Party

Posted on August 10, 2018March 28, 2024 by Karen

The arrival of Labor Day means the kids are back in school, fall is just around the corner and the joys of the holiday season will be here before we know it, but it’s far from time to close up the pool. We still have some great swim time left! Designated to appreciate the hard work Americans do all year long, many use the day off by hosting (or attending) a pool party. In this post, we share some of our favorite recipes and Labor Day pool party ideas for an all-American pool party.

Step One: The Decor

Red, white and blue decor–tablecloths, plates, napkins, streamers and other festive Americana table decor is easy to find this time of year. Check out your local party goods store, or look online. Since this decor will also look great at your Fourth of July pool parties, you might think about investing in some decor that you can use for years to come.

Step Two: The Buffet

Labor Day parties should be easy, laid-back and fun for you as well as your guests. Do yourself a favor, and set up buffets for all your food and beverage. Put the food table near the kitchen and/or the grill, whichever is most convenient for your menu. If you’re hosting a larger group, put the beverages on the opposite end of your pool area to keep your guests from creating a traffic jam. If your group is small, you can keep everything closer together.

Cover your buffet table with a flag themed cloth, and add height with cake towers and vases to it to make it more visually appealing.

Step Three: The Menu

All recipes serve six.

Easy Watermelon Feta Salad with Fresh Basil and Reduced Balsamic

Sure, we’ve eaten plenty of watermelon all summer long. But this salad gives watermelon a sweet-mixed-with-savory twist your guests will love!

Ingredients:

10 cups seedless watermelon, scooped into balls and placed in a large serving bowl (preferably clear to show the color!)

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped immediately prior to serving

Reduced balsamic glaze (available in the vinegar section of most grocery stores)

Instructions:

Immediately prior to guest arrival, toss the feta in with the watermelon balls. Stir gently, just to mix. Drizzle reduced balsamic glaze in a crisscross pattern over the salad. Garnish with freshly chopped basil.

Blackened Chicken Sliders with Fig Jam and Arugula

Burgers are an obvious choice for a cookout, but everyone loves chicken, and these spicy but sweet, bite-size sandwiches will keep everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients:

2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Blackening spice to coat (approximately ⅛ cup)

Fig jam (found in the jelly aisle of most grocery stores)

2 packages Hawaiian rolls (slider buns)

2 cups fresh arugula

24 4-inch bamboo skewers

Instructions:

Toss the chicken thighs in the blackening spice and let marinate up to two hours. The chicken thighs can be grilled the morning of the party and refrigerated or grilled immediately prior to making the sliders. They’re great hot or cold. Grill the thighs to an internal temperature of 155 degrees. Don’t overcook. Each chicken thigh will yield about two sliders if you cut each one in half after grilling.

About an hour before guests arrive, assemble the sliders. Cut the buns in half and spread the top of the bun with fig jam. Place the chicken on the bottom bun and top with a handful of arugula. Place the lid on and secure with a bamboo skewer. Arrange on a platter.

Grilled Parmesan-Crusted Sweet Corn

The end of summer means saying farewell to sweet corn until next year, so make sure you include it in your end-of-season soiree! This recipe is easy to make and adds a little zing to a classic summer treat.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

6 ears corn, husk and silk removed

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat your grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil grate. Brush a thin layer of mayonnaise on each ear of corn. Sprinkle the corn with the Parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Wrap each ear with aluminum foil and place on the grill. Grill, turning occasionally, until the kernels begin to brown, about 10 minutes.

Summer Berry Trifle

Berries are one of summer’s greatest joys. Toss in some angel food cake, yummy pudding and whipped cream and you have the easiest, lightest, summeriest dessert there is.

Ingredients

Two 3.4 oz. packages instant cheesecake flavored pudding mix

4 cups milk

Angel food cake (about 12 oz), cut into pieces

1 cup chopped strawberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup chopped raspberries

12 oz. cool whip (or homemade whipped cream)

Instructions:

Add the pudding mix and milk to a large bowl and make according to package directions. Next, build your trifle in a clear, footed bowl as follows: Add about half of the angel food cake pieces to the trifle dish. Top with about 1/2 of the prepared pudding. Add a layer of berries (about 1/2 cup of each kind of berry.) Top the berries with about half of the cool whip. Continue layering and finish off the trifle with a decorative layer of berries on top. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, and remove from refrigerator just before serving.

Happy Labor Day!

We hope you enjoy these quick and easy Labor Day pool party ideas so you’ll have loads of time to enjoy your food, your guests, and especially your pool!

Our Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight; Signature Pools in Chicago

Posted on July 5, 2018May 15, 2024 by Karen

Every month, we chat with a Thursday Pools dealer to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Todd Emmerson, regional sales manager and lead designer at Signature Pools in Sandwich, Illinois. One-and-a-half hours from downtown Chicago, they install pools throughout the Chicagoland area.

Tell us a little about Signature Pools:

Signature Pools has been in the fiberglass pool business in the Chicago area since 2003, but we all have a long history in the pool business. We have a full-time staff of about ten people. Tom McNelis is our president. Both he and I are very hands-on. We’re all obviously working pretty hard at this time of year, but we all of us also really value spending time with our families.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I love seeing a dream become a reality. People come to us with an idea, but they’re not 100% sure what they want. I get really excited about taking their idea and turning it into a design and then seeing that design come to life. I never get tired of seeing the joy that a new fiberglass pool brings to a family.

What trends are you seeing in terms of pool buyers’ demographics?

That’s an interesting question. As far as fiberglass pool buyers in the Chicago area are concerned, I’d say three things:

The coolest thing I’m seeing lately is grandparents buying pools so that their grandkids have something fun to do when they come to visit. Pools are a great way for families to spend time together.
Also, I think because people are feeling good about the economy, more people are willing to finance their pool projects. A lot of people are deciding that they’re going to stay in their homes for a while, so they’re investing in making their homes as comfortable as they can.
And lastly, customer knowledge. I’m finding that people now really understand the advantages of fiberglass. They’re actively seeking out fiberglass. After eighteen years in the business, I don’t spend as much time telling people why I think fiberglass pools are the best anymore. They just know they want them.

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

Tanning ledges, without a doubt. More than half of our installations last year had one. Built-in tanning ledges are one of the best innovations we’ve seen in the fiberglass pool industry.

Thursday Pools' Aspen design installed by Signature Pools — Thursday Pools’ Aspen design installed by Signature Pools

Also bubblers, because they add such a nice ambiance to the pool. That’s why the Aspen design is such a home run for Thursday Pools. It allows us to combine the features that customers want most. The Aspen continues to be one of our top sellers.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

Well, obviously the Thursday Pools Beach Entry design (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) is pretty interesting. As always, Ed (Vondell) and Bill (Khamis) are super creative. I haven’t seen the final designs yet, but I’m really excited to.

What fiberglass pool colors and shapes are the most popular in the Chicago area?

Deep blues and grays are definitely the most popular, and gray is my personal favorite. It really brings a touch of elegance to the pool. Maya is our biggest seller, and we installed our first Graphite Gray earlier this season.

As far as shapes go, rectangles, like the Aspen, Goliath and Lil Bob are always our most popular pools, mostly because of their compatibility with auto-covers.

Thursday Pools’ Lil Bob design with Diamond finish installed by Signature Pools

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in the Chicago area?

Well, we’re blessed with good soil here in Illinois, so we don’t face a lot of challenges there. I would say the biggest trick for us is navigating the regulations from one city to the next. Because we cover the entire Chicagoland area, we deal with permitting issues from a lot of different municipalities. Planning the pools takes a lot more time than actually installing them!

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you?

One of the biggest challenges for a pool builder is figuring out who they are and what market they best serve. Our niche is the mid-to-upper level of fiberglass pool buyers in the Chicago area. Our installations, including fencing and hardscaping, typically range between $80,000 to $150,000 per year, although we’ve done some jobs that were much smaller and much larger than that.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools is a great company. The owners, Ed and Bill, are truly good guys. They’re all about doing the right thing for the right reason, and that shows in up in their innovation and their quality. These guys are so creative, and they’re taking the fiberglass pool industry to a whole new level. I believe that they manufacture some of the highest quality fiberglass pools in the world.

Also, they know how to hire good people, and their dealer support is great. I’ve been sincerely impressed with every Thursday Pools employee I’ve ever worked with. They’re all committed to building a great product and want to contribute to the company’s success.

What’s the secret to Signature Pools’ success?

Well, we’re a small company, but we’ve also built a long-term staff with great experience in all aspects of the fiberglass pool industry. We’re all experts at what we do so we’ve really streamlined our processes, from design and permitting to installation and service. Pool building is a career for our installers–they’re not contracted labor. They really know what they’re doing and they love doing it. Like Thursday Pools, we’re really committed to quality, and I know that people really appreciate that about us.

About Signature Pools

Signature Pools designs and builds award-winning pools throughout the greater Chicago area and offer the largest selection of fiberglass pools in the Midwest. Their pool designs have been given the Master of Design award in four consecutive years from Pool and Spa magazine.

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.

Throw a California Themed Party Around Your Pool!

Posted on June 22, 2018March 28, 2024 by JosiahSchaefer

Everyone loves a pool party. What could be better than good friends, good food and fun next to your beautiful inground fiberglass pool? Well, if you’re ready to take your entertaining to the next level, why not add a theme to your next pool party? If you love west coast style, cool color schemes and light, delicious and elegant food, plan a California themed party around your inground fiberglass pool and you’ll impress your friends with a party they’ll talk about for years to come.

The key components of a California beach party are:

Healthy (but tasty!) food. California cuisine is focused around fresh and local ingredients. Making everything easy to pick up and eat while moving around and chatting also amps up the social factor of your pool party.
Subtle color schemes. While bright, primary colors are fun, save them for a more casual beach party or kid’s party. Choose a color scheme that’s reflective of the ocean—shades of white and sand, aqua and maybe a splash of coral. These colors will look amazing next to the water in your pool, especially if your pool color is a lovely shade of blue.
A special occasion. You’ve had plenty of parties around your inground fiberglass pool that were casual affairs like pitch-ins or barbeques. Use a California themed party to entertain the boss or a group of very close friends. Or perhaps you’re celebrating an anniversary, a landmark birthday or even a small wedding or rehearsal dinner. Take a little extra time to attend to the details that will make this party one to remember.
A beautiful, inground fiberglass pool, of course! A Californa themed party without a beautiful pool just doesn’t have the same feel. And, if you really want to take your beach-themed pool parties to the next level, look into getting a beach entry fiberglass pool! You’ll feel like you’re on vacation every day and your guests will feel like they’re been transported to the coast!

Ready to make a splash and wow your family and friends with a spectacular party? Check out this handy guide that will help you create an amazing California themed party. It will make planning your party a snap!

Which Kind of Beach Entry (or Zero Entry) Pool is Right for You?

Posted on June 14, 2018May 24, 2024 by John Wigand

You’ve decided that you’re ready to create your own private backyard oasis by getting a pool. You’re also sure that a beach entry pool is the perfect choice for your family, because of the luxurious “vacation every day” feeling it creates and the easy in-and-out for everyone in your group, from the youngest to the oldest.

Your choices when it comes to pools are gunite (or concrete,) vinyl and fiberglass. Let’s take a look at the beach entry options available for each of them and what makes each one unique.

Gunite

For many years, fully custom gunite pools were the only way for folks to have a beach entry, or zero entry, pool in their own backyards. They’re still a popular option for high-end, custom gunite pools, in both residential and commercial settings like hotels, resorts and private clubs. However, price and available space are definitely factors in gunite beach entry pools– they may be an expensive add-on feature in custom gunite pools and may require a large space to create the gradual sloped entry.

Vinyl

A beach entry can theoretically be created with a vinyl pool, but most pool builders would probably steer you towards concrete or fiberglass if this is an important feature to you. The biggest reason is that the vinyl liner needs the weight of water on it to stay in place, so the shallow nature of a beach entry may not be ideal for the structure of vinyl pools. But if this is the combination you’re after, you can ask your pool builder if they can add a gradual slope to your deck leading into your vinyl pool.

Fiberglass

Until recently, built-in beach entries (Patent US 10,472,839) were not available in fiberglass pools. However, they have recently become available in both rectangular and freeform styles, often at more affordable prices and they include loads of other amazing features like tanning ledges and wide open swim lanes.

While fiberglass beach entry pools do still require a good amount of space, they can take up a bit less than other inground pool types because they can have a combination of a shorter beach entry that leads to a few steps into the pool. They may also be a less expensive option than a fully custom pool (unless you happen to live a Sunbelt state) since fiberglass pools are prefabricated.

Fiberglass beach entry pools are also awesome if you happen to have furry friends who love to swim, as the gradual slope makes it easy for them to get in and out of the pool and the gel coat finish is durable and smooth, so it won’t scratch, or get scratched by, their paws.

So if you love all the great things about inground fiberglass swimming pools— their elegance, durability and low-cost maintenance, you’ll be happy to know that you can now add a built-in beach entry feature to your new fiberglass pool, and have the best of all worlds in your new inground swimming pool. Get more information about beach entry fiberglass pool features and maybe even be the first in your neighborhood to own one!

Is a Beach Entry Fiberglass Pool Right for You?

Posted on June 7, 2018May 21, 2024 by John Wigand

Do you love being on the cutting edge of new trends? When it comes to fiberglass pools, resort-like pool features such as tanning ledges, waterfalls, mood lighting, and more recently, beach entries (also known as zero entries) have enabled homeowners to bring all the joys of vacation, without the hassle of travel, to their own backyards.

Adding a beach entry fiberglass pool is just one more way to bring resort-style living to your backyard paradise. But as cool as they are, beach entries may not be for everyone. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a beach entry fiberglass pool (Patent US 10,472,839). Then, you can decide for yourself if adding the beach entry feature to your new inground fiberglass pool is right for you and your family.

Awesome Things About Beach Entry Fiberglass Pools:

They’re Great for Growing Families. Having the flexibility to lounge in anywhere from two inches to three feet of water makes having a beach entry great for growing families. The more shallow areas are perfect for babies and toddlers to splash and play in while the deeper areas are great for those who want to dip in more than just their toes.
No More “Plunge and Pass.” There are no stairs or ladders in a beach entry pool. The gentle slope of a beach entry fiberglass pool makes it easier for everyone to access the pool. Imagine carrying or assisting your little one into the pool using stairs or a ladder. Many families take a “plunge and pass” approach in which one parent plunges into the water while the other parent passes the child from the sidelines to the parent in the pool. If you can picture it, it’s a pretty complicated process and usually takes a lot of coaxing. With a beach entry fiberglass pool, parent and child can both gradually enter the pool, hand in hand!
They’re Totally Pet Friendly. If your “fur babies” love to swim, a beach entry fiberglass pool is a great option for your family. Even if your pet is not a great swimmer, the beach entry allows it to wade in up to its own comfort level, and the gradual beach entry slope makes it easy to both enter and exit.
You Can Ease In. For some of us, a quick, bracing immersion into a swimming pool takes some courage. And for those who might have trouble with tricky knees or stiff joints, getting in and out of the pool with stairs or ladders can sometimes be a challenge. Whatever your reason might be for wanting a slow and easy entry into the pool, with a beach entry, you can ease in at your own pace and adjust to the water temperature as you go. So whether you want to just dip your toes or wade in up to your knees, beach entries allow control over what water depth you experience and when.
They’re Absolutely Luxurious. If you’re looking to create a resort-style, luxurious feel in your backyard oasis, a beach entry fiberglass pool may be the option for you. The long disappearing slope of a beach entry conjures up images of long lazy days at the beach with the whole family together, the water gently lapping at your ankles and the feeling that vacation will never end.

Other Factors to Consider:

They Take Some Space. Because the gradual grade of a beach entry does not exceed a 1:7 slope (which means one inch of depth equals seven inches of length), it takes quite a bit of space to achieve considerable pool depth. For example, a traditional beach entry would cover 28 feet to reach a four foot pool depth. Some beach entries can run the entire length of the pool. If your space is limited, you can use a hybrid approach by combining a traditional beach entry and transitioning to the main swim area with just a few steps.
They’re Not Inexpensive. All of this awesomeness does come with a price. Beach entry pools are more expensive than standard pool entry options such as steps or ladders. However, until recently, beach entries have mostly been found in fully custom pools and were not an option in fiberglass. Thanks to newer innovations in fiberglass pools, a more affordable option is available for beach entry pools.

If you’ve considered the pros and cons and you think a beach entry fiberglass pool might make an amazing addition to your backyard, get more information about beach entry fiberglass pool features and potentially be the first in your neighborhood to own one!

What is a Beach Entry (or Zero Entry) Pool, and Why Should I Want One?

Posted on June 1, 2018May 24, 2024 by John Wigand

Are beach entry and zero entry the same?

Yes! The two terms are used interchangeably. Whichever term you use, they’re trending big-time in the pool world right now. You may not have seen one yet, but you probably will soon. You might have experienced a beach (or zero) entry pool at a high-end resort or water park. If you felt like you were walking into the ocean while you were actually walking into an inground swimming pool, you’ve experienced a beach entry pool.

Essentially, a beach entry pool, or zero entry pool, is an inground swimming pool designed with an entry that has a very slight slope into the pool, providing you with a long, slow, gradual entry. On a pool that has a beach entry, the initial entry into the pool begins dry, or with zero water on it, which is where the term “zero entry” pool comes from.

beach entry pool | \ ˈbēch \ ˈen-trē \ˈpül | (noun): A beach entry pool, or zero entry pool, is an inground swimming pool designed with no step or a zero riser from the floor that has a very slight slope into the pool providing a long, slow, gradual entry where the initial entry into the pool begins dry, or with zero water on it.

Can I get a beach entry pool?

Yes! Until recently, beach entry pools have only been available in gunite (or concrete) pools. However, they have recently become available in fiberglass pools (Patent US 10,472,839), along with other highly sought-after features like tanning ledges and built-in benches. As “staycations” become more popular, families are looking to add inground fiberglass pools with luxury features to their own backyards to create a private backyard oasis they can enjoy for years to come.

Will a zero entry pool fit in my backyard?

Possibly, but you might need a combination of a beach and standard entry. According to the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, the slopes for zero-entry pools cannot exceed a 1:7 slope ratio. So, for every seven feet in distance, the pool can have no more than one foot in depth. Since space for inground swimming pools can be limited in most people’s backyards, residential beach entry fiberglass pools are typically a combination of a sloping beach entry and traditional steps. They will often have a beach entry up to a certain point and then transition to the full depth of the pool with a few steps down.

Are beach entry fiberglass pools ADA compliant?

They’re not, but they can certainly make entry and exit much easier for children, older adults or those who might otherwise have a challenge with stairs. ADA requirements call for a maximum slope ratio of 1:12 that must continue to a depth of 30 inches (or to the maximum depth of the pool if it’s less than 30 inches.) Additionally, ADA requirements for handrails and landings would apply.

Why should I want a zero entry fiberglass pool?

Because they’re awesome! If you’ve been thinking about creating an amazing retreat in your backyard that will be a place for your family and friends to relax, enjoy and make memories that will last a lifetime, a zero entry fiberglass pool is the perfect way to do that. It’s all the joy of a day at the beach, minus the drive, the lugging of the bags, coolers and blankets, and of course, the sand in your swimsuit bottoms! Check out the fabulous options available in beach entry fiberglass pools today and make your perfect day at the beach merely steps away.

Create a Dreamy Day at the Beach in Your Own Backyard

Posted on March 27, 2018October 24, 2024 by John Wigand

Do you have fond memories of your whole family enjoying a dreamy, laid-back beach vacation? Can you still feel the sunshine on your face, the warm ocean breeze in your hair, and the sound of the waves lulling you to sleep at night? There’s just something special about being at the beach. But for those of us living nowhere near the coast, there are still ways to recreate that fabulous feeling at home with a zero-entry pool. Here are a few of our favorite backyard beach ideas.

Obviously, you’ll need some water. If that water happens to be in a pool, even better! If you’ve been thinking about getting a pool to cool off on hot summer days, it’s time to take the plunge. Inground fiberglass pools are a great option—they’re durable, elegant, low-maintenance, and are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

But if you really want to do it right, get a patented (US Patent 10,472,839) beach entry fiberglass pool, the Sandal or the Grace, from Thursday Pools. You can bask in the sun, relax on the “shore,” and dip your toes in the water anytime you want!

What’s a day at the beach without a friendly game of beach volleyball? Water activities are good exercise and a great way to get everybody into the pool and active for a fun time together. From inflatable or portable versions to permanent setups that anchor into your pool deck, there are options available for any pool.

All of that fun in the sun is going to work up an appetite, so plan to have plenty of beach party snacks on deck. Use sand buckets and beach shovels for a festive summer twist on your chips and dip, and don’t forget the fun paper umbrellas! Whip up a tropical fruit punch and use floating pieces of frozen fruit to keep it cold for hours.

The beach is all about being unplugged, so tell your friends and family to leave their devices at the door (OK, except for the occasional selfie). Read a book (remember those?) to relax or get active with some beach volleyball in the pool. Put on some reggae music to set the mood, or find your favorite beach party playlist.

As the sun goes down, light up the lawn torches, wrap up in a blanket, and bask in the glow from the fire pit as you reflect on a wonderful day spent with friends and family at your backyard beach!

Ready to create your own backyard beach paradise? With your new beach entry fiberglass pool, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood. Enjoy all the best parts of a day at the beach without all the sand in your swimsuit and have your own beach party right outside your home every day.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: How Do You Make a Fiberglass Pool?

Posted on March 19, 2018April 3, 2024 by John Wigand

Have you ever watched that show “How It’s Made?” It’s pretty easy to get drawn in. If you’re a naturally curious person, you could get completely geeked out watching them explain how things are made–especially things you’ve never given much thought to the inner workings of–like baseballs, aluminum foil, shoelaces, and those cute little paper umbrellas you get in your pina colada.

Well, if you’ve ever seen a giant fiberglass pool shell riding down the road on a trailer, you might have stopped to wonder, “how in the world did they make that?” The process of making fiberglass is cool enough but when you see how it’s transformed into a beautifully finished inground fiberglass pool, it’s even cooler.

Fiberglass is literally fibers of glass, spun fine enough to be molded into many forms. Your first thoughts of fiberglass may conjure up giant bubblegum pink rolls of insulation, but it takes many more forms than that. You’ll find fiberglass in your car, your home, and all over the world around you. Fiberglass is a key component in airplanes, wind turbines, medical equipment, and electronics. And if you’re in the market for a new inground swimming pool, you’d be really happy to find it in your own backyard.

The process for creating an inground fiberglass pool is fascinating. They’re constructed by hand, by craftsmen who are very skilled at their trade. The best quality fiberglass pools are made up of numerous layers of resin, chopped fiberglass, and hand-laid woven roving fiberglass for the greatest strength and durability, and the flexibility of fiberglass allows for a great variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and finish colors.

So if you’re thinking about creating your own private backyard oasis this year and would like to know more about fiberglass pools, take a look at this awesome and informative guide that will tell you exactly how a fiberglass pool is made. (But if you do get a pool and want to try and make your own paper umbrellas to go in your poolside drinks, you’ll have to watch the show to see how those are made– we’ve got absolutely no idea.)

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Swimming in the New Year

Posted on December 20, 2017October 24, 2024 by John Wigand

New Year’s Eve is almost here. For many of us, that means getting dressed up, celebrating with friends, and staying up way past our usual bedtime to properly greet the New Year. It’s also a time for us to stop and assess how our year has gone; what we’ve accomplished and what our hopes, goals and dreams are for the year to come.

This inevitably brings up the topic of New Year’s Resolutions.

Resolutions come in many shapes and sizes. And, in fact, for many of us, the resolution itself is to change our own shapes and sizes. If getting more fit and feeling more healthy in the New Year is on your list, here are the health benefits of swimming to get you there.

If exercises such as jogging are too jarring for you, swimming is a great way to get the health benefit of getting your heart pumping without the high impact stress of pounding the pavement.
Swimming tones your muscles and builds strength. It provides a full body workout.
In addition to increasing your overall strength, swimming can improve your coordination, balance and posture.
There’s no better exercise to improve cardiovascular health. Swimming just 30 minutes a day will result in lower resting heart rates and lower blood pressure.
Swimming is a very peaceful activity, so it’s great for stress reduction. Much like practicing yoga, there’s not much else to think about other than the motions you’re moving through, so it’s a great way to calm and clear your mind.

Measuring the success of your New Year’s health resolutions is not always as simple as seeing the numbers on the scale go down by ten pounds. (In fact, this is often the least effective way to measure success, because those numbers don’t tell the full picture of your overall health and well-being.) It’s really more a question of how you feel.

Feeling more energetic, fit and happy in the New Year is an achievable goal for all of us. For many of us, it’s simply a case of prioritizing our own health and making time to take the actions that will get us there.

If you’d rather swim in the comfort of your own backyard, it’s not too late to tell Santa that you want an in-ground fiberglass pool for Christmas! That way, the entire family can be enjoying the health benefits of swimming by the time spring rolls around. To learn more about how easy it can be to own an in-ground fiberglass pool and start enjoying the health benefits of swimming by spring, click here.

What’s So Great About a Fiberglass Pool?

Posted on December 4, 2017April 3, 2024 by John Wigand

Fiberglass Pool Advantages & Benefits

When you’re thinking of buying a pool, there’s a lot to consider. The first thing you’ll have to decide is whether you want fiberglass, concrete or vinyl. Personally, we believe that fiberglass is the way to go and that there are many fiberglass pool advantages. What’s so great about a fiberglass pool? Read on to learn!

That Gel Coat Finish. Why is it so great? First of all, it’s nonporous, and what that means to you is that it’s harder for algae to grow, which reduces the amount of sanitizing chemicals you’ll need (said another way, it saves you money!) The gel coat is also smooth to the touch– no scraping your little tootsies on a rough pool bottom. And because the gel coat finish is so durable, your furry kids can also get in the swim without you having to worry about damage.
Built-in Seats, Steps and Tanning Ledges. Unless you’re planning on training for the Olympics, you’ll probably want to do more than just swim in your new pool. Fiberglass pools have wonderful built-in benches for sitting and chatting, tanning ledges and sun shelves for keeping cool while you’re soaking up some rays, and easy to navigate steps for graceful entrances and exits from the pool– those backwards ladders aren’t doing anyone any favors, and not everyone has the upper body strength to hoist themselves over the edge– we sure don’t!
One-time Investment. With vinyl liners, you’re always going to worry about ripping the liner. With concrete, you have to worry about cracks, crumbling and resurfacing. With fiberglass, it’s one and done! You won’t have to worry about replacing a liner that the kids (or the dog!) has ripped and you also won’t have to repair concrete that cracked over the long, cold winter. With all types of pools, the life expectancy of your pool’s surface is greatly determined by how well you maintain proper water balance. Harsh water conditions can affect all pool surfaces and equipment.
Quick Installation. Fiberglass pools arrive at your door ready to install. They’ve been built in a shiny clean manufacturing facility and they’re made just for you, to your specifications. Your pool installers can just drop them in and get you swimming much faster than building a concrete pool, which can take up to six months to build.
Beautiful shapes, sizes and colors. Fiberglass pools come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes, so you can get as creative as you want to be when it comes to creating your perfect backyard oasis, and get just the right features for the way your family wants to use the pool. They also come in several different finish colors, so whether you want a Caribbean blue, calming green or sophisticated gray, there’s a color to fit your style.

With so many advantages to owning a fiberglass pool and so many options to choose from, the question becomes– what are you waiting for? Check out our fabulous selection of fiberglass pool designs today and get swimming by the Spring!