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Category: Fiberglass Pools

Large Fiberglass Pools

Posted on by Karen

large fiberglass poolsPool owners love fiberglass pools for many reasons. And everyone loves deep and large fiberglass pools. Fiberglass pools are low-maintenance, quick to install and require fewer chemicals. Because fiberglass pools don’t have liners to replace or concrete that will eventually need to be replastered, they have the lowest lifetime cost of ownership over vinyl and gunite pools. They also have a smooth, durable finish that’s totally pet friendly, making them a sure bet for everyone in the family to love. So why would anyone choose anything other than fiberglass? Well, there really aren’t too many reasons! However, for pool buyers looking for large fiberglass pools, the options are somewhat limited. Whereas gunite and vinyl pools are built on-site, fiberglass pools are made in a factory, out of a mold, and then transported in one piece to the home of their lucky new pool owners. There’s a limit to the size of what can be safely loaded, unloaded and transported, and on-site physical barriers like fences and trees also have to be taken into consideration when delivering large fiberglass pools. 

Alas, there are several large fiberglass pools that allow swimming pool owners the best of both worlds–big and low-maintenance. For your convenience, we have created a comparison chart of deep and large pools by various manufacturers. While there are many similarities, certain aspects may be more appealing to you.

large fiberglass pools

Large fiberglass pools certainly offer more than ample swim area for families, but not everyone needs that much depth. If you want a pool that’s still generously sized but maybe not quite so deep, check out Thursday Pools models like Goliath, Aspen, or the Cathedral LX. With so many amazing options, you’re sure to find the best large fiberglass pools to chose from for you!

Will an Inground Swimming Pool Add to my Home’s Resale Value?

Posted on by Karen

When considering buying a pool, a popular question people ask is, “Does a pool add value to a home?” The short answer is “yes, it can.” However, it’s essential to acknowledge that while some home buyers see a pool as a huge asset, some buyers would never consider purchasing a home with a pool. In this post, we’ll consider some factors that help determine whether a pool (including a fiberglass pool) increases home value.

Fiberglass Pools increase home value

THE POOL TYPE

Above-ground pools will likely not increase your home value, so we will only consider inground pools. Remember that not all inground pools are created equal. A durable, shimmering blue fiberglass pool that is maintained and cared for will help resale more than a faded-out vinyl-lined pool with an obvious need for repair. Also, a lower maintenance pool will be more attractive to home buyers. 

 

Gunite pool maintenance includes steel brushing the surface every week, acid washing every three to five years, and resurfacing every 10 to 15 years. For vinyl liner pools, you will need to replace the liner every five to nine years. Both gunite and vinyl require more chemicals and maintenance time. With fiberglass pools,  there is no need to resurface and they require fewer chemicals, so a fiberglass pool provides less maintenance and longest-lasting finish. 

 

YOUR LOCATION

Climate is essential when considering the value-added relative to resale value. Generally speaking, homes with a longer swim season will garner a higher selling price from adding a pool versus a home in a colder, northern climate. 

Your neighborhood is also a factor. If many homes have pools in the neighborhood, homebuyers may expect you also to have a pool. Even in neighborhoods that don’t have a lot of houses with pools, home value can increase because it’s considered a unique selling proposition. A home with a pool is attractive in neighborhoods with a lot of school-aged children. 

 

YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

Fiberglass Pools increase home valueChoose a pool size that’s in balance with the rest of your yard. While you might want as much pool as possible, future buyers may not. Plus, a large pool in a small yard won’t be as aesthetically pleasing. Fortunately, modern inground pools come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs, so you can be sure to choose the right-sized pool. 

 

More and more home buyers are looking for outdoor multi-purpose spaces. It’s important that your pool complements the other activities that people want to enjoy outside. Choose a pool that will also give your backyard the feeling of an outdoor living room by adding lounging, cooking, dining and entertainment areas.

 

HOW MUCH VALUE DOES A POOL ADD TO AN APPRAISAL?

While above-ground pools will likely not add value to your home, inground pools can add 5% to 8% in value to a home on average. That said, how much value does adding a pool add? With a five to eight percent increase in home value, a $400,000 home might see an improved valuation of around $420,000 to $432,000. 

 

BENEFITS OF A FIBERGLASS POOL

We believe that a fiberglass pool can add to your home value, but aside from that, there are other perks to owning a fiberglass pool by Thursday Pools.

fiberglass pool vs vinyl liner vs concrete

  • Quick to install – Fiberglass pools usually take days or a few weeks to install versus other pool types, which can take up to 6 months to install. This choice can mean the difference between capturing a swim season or being forced to wait until next year. Busy seasons may increase this install time, but a conversation with your dealer can let you know what your pool’s timeline will look like.

  • Attractive – The gel coat finish of fiberglass pools combined with clean, balanced water and sunlight makes for a stunning view. They look pretty great when paired with accent lighting at night, too. 

  • Feel – Some inground pool types can have a gritty surface that might scratch you. Others will have a much smoother surface and might cause you to slip and slide. Modern fiberglass pools feel solid and look slick but are neither slippery nor prone to snag your swimsuit. 

  • Beautiful shapes, sizes, and colors – For pairing a pool with your backyard, climate, and location, Thursday Pools offers pools in shapes, sizes, and colors that match practically every need. 

  • Durability – The durability of fiberglass pools is unparalleled. With vinyl, you will have to be careful to avoid rips or tears, and you’ll need to replace the liner about every 8 to 10 years. Gunite requires a heavier chemical regimen and periodic resurfacing. A fiberglass pool can last years without resurfacing or replacement. 

Built-in features – Fiberglass pools now have built-in features you might have only found in costly custom resort-style pools. Tanning ledges, beach entries, and wrap-around benches are among the features you can find in the Thursday Pools designs.

Ask the General- How Much Water Fits in my Inground Fiberglass Pool?

Posted on by Karen

Ask the General- How much water fits in my inground fiberglass pool

Dear General-

Our pool is fairly new. One of our neighbors recently asked me how much water fits in my inground fiberglass pool and my answer was, “Um… a lot.” I realize that’s probably not the level of detail I should know about my own pool. But math is really not my strong suit. Can you help?

Signed-

Wondering about Water in Wabash

 

Dear Wondering-

Most of us don’t spend a ton of time doing math to calculate the water volume in our pools. (It’s hard to work a calculator under water.) The easy answer is that your pool installer most likely gave you this information when installing the pool. However, you might have lost that information in your excitement to start swimming. So let’s wade into this water question…

Why Do You Need to Know Your Pool’s Water Volume?

Other than satisfying your neighbor’s curiosity, why would you need to know how much water your pool holds? Well, there are a couple of good reasons.

  1. Determining chemical usage. I know you don’t love math, but you certainly can’t begin to calculate how much volume of any chemical you need to bring your water into balance if you don’t know how much water you’re putting it in. So, if you’re having trouble getting your water chemistry balanced, you could be basing it on incorrect volume.
  2. Refilling your pool. If you’ve had to have your pool drained for any reason, you’ll need to know how much water it’s going to take to fill it back up.
  3. Choosing accessories and equipment. If, for example, you’re considering getting a heater for your pool and you’re shopping online, guess what question you’re going to have to answer? You guessed it–how much water are you looking to heat? The same is true for pool pumps and filters–you’ll need to know the volume of water in your pool to choose the proper capacity for equipment.

How much water fits in my inground fiberglass pool How Can You Determine Your Pool’s Water Volume?

As I mentioned earlier, you probably have this information in your records from your pool installation. But if you’re like me, you have no idea where that paperwork is. So, here are a couple other ways to find out.

  1. Ask a pool professional. All testing centers have the ability to determine pool volume with a chart, computer, or simple calculation. A pool and spa service technician should know how to make these calculations easily and routinely, either by taking a look at the pool itself or reviewing your pool’s specifications. They will consider surface area, volume, deck size and allowable bather load.
  2. Ask your pool’s manufacturer. Check out the customer support on your pool manufacturer’s website. If you can’t find the information for your pool on their website, give them a call. They should be happy to provide you with this information.
  3. Do the math. If you can’t get the information from a pool professional or your manufacturer (or if you really just want to know how this all works) here’s a bit of reference:
  • 1 cubic ft of water contains: 7.48 gallons
  • 1 cubic ft of water weighs 62.4 lbs
  • 1 gallon of water equals .134 cubic ft.
  • 1 gallon of water weighs 8.33 lbs
  • 1 (PPM) part per million represents 8.3 pounds of chemical per million gallons.

Sample calculation:

A train is leaving the station traveling 60 mph. (Ha… I’m just kiddin’…) Seriously– here’s how we do it:

The simplest calculation for pool volume is width x length x average depth. (You’ll get the rough average depth by adding the depth of the deep-end and the shallow-end together and dividing by 2.) That number will give you the cubic feet. Take that number times 7.5 gallons, and that will give you the total water volume of your pool.

So, for example, take a rectangular pool that’s 16’ x 32’ x 6’ deep with a 3’ deep shallow-end. If you apply this formula to this particular pool, you’ll find it holds approximately 18,000 gallons of water. That might not be exact, but it’s a lot more specific than “a lot.” Plus, it will really impress your neighbor.

Fall is approaching, and pool season is starting to slow down here in the Midwest. The kids are back in school, the nights are getting cooler, and the days are getting shorter. But there’s still time to enjoy the pool. I’ve got my heater set to the perfect setting for my pool’s water volume, so I’m going to grab a float, turn on the heater and hop in.

Until next time-

The General

 

Who is The General?

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

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

August Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service, McCordsville, Indiana

Posted on by Karen

Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service Every month, we chat with Thursday Pools dealers to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Jonathan Hendrick, one of the owner/operators of Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service. They specialize in full-service fiberglass and vinyl pool installations, including landscaping and hardscaping, as well as pool and lawn service and maintenance in and around Hamilton County, Indiana, including the communities of Fishers, Geist, Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield along with communities as far south as Bloomington and Nashville, Indiana.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Well, we’re definitely family owned! My dad, Gary Hendrick, started the business in 1987. My brother, Justin, and I have been working in the business since we were in high school.  In 2009, we added the landscaping and lawn services, and now, Justin runs that end while Dad and I focus on pools.

We have about 40 employees–three full-time office people, plus pool installation, pool service, landscaping, hardscaping and mowing crews. We also have a couple of full-time drivers and one guy that does all of our landscape lighting. And now, my fiancée Amber runs the office, so the family business just keeps growing.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I love working outside. I couldn’t possibly imagine sitting behind a desk all day. I oversee all the installations myself. And, because we do a lot of ongoing weekly maintenance and have a lot of repeat customers, we get to go back and see families enjoying their pools. That’s really cool.

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

Built-in tanning ledges for sure. Tanning ledges are one of the best things to come along in fiberglass pools. It’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want one.

We’re also big on auto-covers around here. Indiana law requires that you have either an auto-cover or a fence, but not both. Most people opt for the auto-cover because it also helps keep their pools clean. We work with Automatic Pool Covers.

Hendrick Pool and Lawn What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

The big variety of shapes, colors and sizes is what strikes me. It seems like there’s not even such as thing as a white pool anymore. Also, installation has gotten a lot easier over the years. I attribute that to innovations, like Thursday Pools’ Backfill Eliminator®.

The Backfill Eliminator solves a different problem for me. We used to spend hours trying to backfill tanning ledges, and as far as I’m concerned, time is money. Plus, sometimes we couldn’t even get the backfill material into the area where it was needed. The Backfill Eliminator speeds up our installs and gives our customers a better result with their tanning ledges in the long run.

What fiberglass pool colors are the most popular among pool buyers in and around Hamilton County?

Maya is our top seller. Folks like that deep blue. But the grays are starting to become more popular too. It’s really up to the customer’s preference and what matches with the rest of the design.

Hendrick Pool and Lawn What fiberglass pool designs are the most popular among pool buyers in the central Indiana area?

We sell a ton of Lil Bobs and Aspens. Everyone likes the Aspen because it has some of the curving features of a freeform, but it’s auto-cover ready. It’s a really unique design. And Lil Bobs are popular because a lot of our customers have smaller spaces, or portions of their yards that aren’t usable due to easements.  

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

I’m excited about the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). I can’t wait to see how they turn out. I think we’re going to be installing the first one!

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

We’re blessed with good soil here, so we’re thankful for that. Weather is always a big challenge for us. But, where there’s a will, there’s a way! We just keep at it.

What works for you in terms of marketing?

Well, 90% of our business is referrals and word of mouth. So we don’t do a ton of marketing. We did do some vehicle wraps, and we updated our website. Social media is great for generating awareness about pools in general. It makes people want one.

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

Our average fiberglass pool installation is around $80,000. That wouldn’t include landscaping, but does include concrete. We include 4’ of concrete in all our installations. One thing that swings pretty widely is the cost of permitting. In some of the smaller towns around McCordsville and our area, the cost is lower, but in Carmel, for example, permits can add up to as much as $2000.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Well, Thursday Pools just does things right. Like us, they’ve gotten to be a pretty big company, but they’re still family owned. I really like that I can just pick up the phone and get Bill or Ed. They’re never too busy to talk to me. And, they just keep finding ways to make my job easier! Obviously, I like that a lot too.

What’s the secret to Hendrick Pool and Lawn’s success?

Our business has grown a lot. In an average year, we’ll do about 60 installations, and we service about 100 pools a week. We’re in this business for the long run. We don’t just install and move on. We create customers for life. We get to know our customers. We have good response times. We just keep trying to do it right, every day.

About Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service

Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service is located in McCordsville, Indiana, which is about 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis. They specialize in full-service installations and service of fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, as well as landscaping and a wide range of lawncare services.

 

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.

 

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.

 

3 Easy Steps to Hosting the Perfect Labor Day Pool Party

Posted on 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

labor day pool party ideasRed, 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 pool party ideasLabor 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

labor day pool party ideas

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

labor day pool party ideas

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

labor day pool party ideas

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

labor day pool party ideas

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 by Karen
Thursday Pools Wellspring freeform fiberglass pool
Thursday Pools’ Wellspring design, installed by Signature Pools

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 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 by John Wigand

beach entry zero entry poolYou’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.

Fiberglassbeach entry pool

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 by John Wigand

beach entry fiberglass pool

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 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.

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?beach entry sandal

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.