Fiberglass Pools Archives - Page 9 of 11

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!

Get Outside After Your Thanksgiving Dinner!

Posted on November 22, 2017October 24, 2024 by John Wigand

We’ve all experienced that post-turkey dinner food coma, and for years we’ve been told that “tryptophan” is to blame. We could take comfort in the fact that all we wanted to do was nap on Thanksgiving, because our turkey had, in essence, slipped us a sleeping pill. Well, we’re sorry to have to tell you this, but apparently that’s an old wive’s tale. Tryptophan is found in many common foods, including cheese, chicken, beef and eggs. So much for our napping excuse. (We KNOW our need to sleep doesn’t have anything to do with the three servings of mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie we had, right?) So if we don’t have a good excuse to nap, what should we do? Get outside after Thanksgiving dinner, that’s what!

There’s nothing like a brisk jaunt around the neighborhood to shake off the after-dinner fog. Haul everyone off the couch and toss a football around in the backyard. Get the kids to play a game of freeze tag or throw a frisbee for the pup. (Or, if you have a pool, have an after-dinner swim!) It’s essential that you burn off some calories so that you can have enough energy to dive into the leftovers and make a turkey sandwich later that night. Aunt Sally’s green bean casserole is always better after it’s had a chance to sit, and that pie’s not going to eat itself, now is it?

Benefits of Owning a Spa

Posted on September 29, 2017December 23, 2024 by cargo

No one can doubt that a spa can add an extra relaxation element to your backyard. Spas are popular choices among most people. They make for the perfect place to relax, as well as a perfect place to host friends and family. There are more advantages of owning a spa than just having a place to relax. As relaxing as spas are, other benefits help improve overall physical and mental health.

Improved sleeping habits

There are many studies out there that suggest that soaking in hot water before going to bed at night can help you fall asleep and have a more relaxed sleep. Getting into the hot pool spa before bed helps regulate your body temperature to a comfortably warm level that helps you fall asleep quicker and sleep through the night with fewer disruptions. Good sleep improves everything from your mental alertness, stronger immune system, rejuvenated muscles and even the way your body metabolizes food.

Pain relief

While soaking in a hot spa may not cure any pain disorders you may experience, it can significantly alleviate chronic pain and provide relief. Heat can reduce the symptoms and alleviate pain associated with many different conditions. Muscle inflammation, arthritis, and general joint pain are some of the health conditions that can be reduced significantly by a warm soak in some hot water.

Lower blood pressure

While sitting in a hot spa, the elevated water temperature makes your heart works slightly harder and faster to get your body to disperse the excess heat. This does raise your blood pressure, but as the hot water raises your body’s temperature, that warmth causes cells and vessels to dilate which decreases the resistance to your heart. The decreasing of resistance to your heart improves your body’s circulation, and ultimately lowering your blood pressure.

Stress relief

It is an obvious benefit, but soaking in a hot spa can be very beneficial to your health. Stress can cause a lot of problems in your life and with your health. Stress tends to increase a blood pressure and inhibit proper circulation. Soaking in hot water can counteract stress as the perfect combination of hot water, massaging from the spa jets, and the feel of being weightless in the water helps you relax and decrease anxiety.

There is no doubt in our mind that you will not regret purchasing a spa for your backyard. Depending on where you live, you can’t always use your swimming pool all year, but with a hot spa, you can enjoy it no matter what the season is. Take a look at a few spas that we have to offer, and we will help you choose one for you!

Mosquito Repellent Plants for Your Backyard

Posted on July 17, 2017April 3, 2024 by cargo

There’s no doubt about it; mosquitoes can ruin everyone’s time around the swimming pool. We all do what we can to keep them away at all times because we all know that they are annoying to have around. You can rely on chemical treatments to keep them away, but that requires planning and researching. Chemical treatments require professionals and the pesticides can contaminate your pool water making it difficult to keep your water chemistry balanced. To avoid all of this, we suggest including mosquito repellent plants in your landscaping. There are a couple of plants that you can trust will act as insect control and be an eco-friendly solution for being a mosquito repellent for swimming pools. The mosquito-fighting plants that you have to choose from are well-known and easy to maintain in your backyard.

Citronella

Citronella fills the air with a strong and citrusy smell that works to keep all kinds of insects away. Typically, citronella is an active ingredient in pesticides, repellant candles, and wearable repellant devices. The powerful odor from the citronella hides the scent of the plants and people that usually attracts bugs. The plant grows well in full or partial sunlight and can be grown in decorative pots. So, you have a couple of options for how and where you want this plant in your backyard.

Lavender

You might be using lavender to soothe and relax you. But you can also use the plant to keep the flying insects away. The fragrance of the plants hinders insects and small animals ability to smell, and that’s why it works to keep mosquitoes away from your yard. Lavender is a tough and durable plant that only requires full sun and good soil drainage.

Marigolds

Marigolds are annual flowers that are easy to grow. These flowers emit a smell that deters all insects, including mosquitoes. Marigolds are a popular addition to borders of your backyard and to add to your vegetable gardens. You can also grow them in pots and place them anywhere around your patio so they can do their job anywhere in your backyard. No matter where you choose to plant them, marigolds will do their job and keep mosquitoes away from your pool parties

These plants can help be a mosquito repellent for swimming pools so that you can enjoy the rest of your summer pesk-free. Looking for other plants to include in your landscape that will look great with these mosquito repellent plants? Check out our past blog for the best types of plants to surround your swimming pool.

Style Your Backyard!

Posted on May 24, 2017May 15, 2024 by cargo

How to Improve Your Backyard Style

You’re spending most of your time dreaming about opening up your swimming pool this summer, aren’t you? We know you are ready to open your pool for the season. But is your space and environment surrounding your swimming pool ready? Your backyard style can make a big difference in your backyard pool parties.

Now is when you should be taking the time to decide on how you want to style your backyard. We know it’s hard to decide on a design for your backyard style. We want to help you think about all the ways you can achieve any style in your backyard.

In our guide, we cover four different styles; caribbean, modern, rustic cottage, and whimsical. In each style, we cover how small touches work together to achieve the style.

For a caribbean style backyard, we explain how details like plants and the furniture can turn your backyard into a beach paradise. In a more modern style backyard, we advise paying close attention to the color scheme and accent details to complete a more clean and polished look. A rustic cottage look can be reached by creating cozy outdoor living spaces with vintage looking furniture. Achieve the whimsical style with unique and different pieces of furniture and lighting that create a soft look in your backyard.

No matter what style you are going for in you backyard, our Style Your Backyard Paradise Guide can help get you started. Be creative and don’t be afraid to try something different in your backyard this summer. Make sure to follow our Pinterest page for more style inspiration.

How to Make Your Swimming Pool Pet-Friendly

Posted on April 24, 2017June 14, 2021 by cargo

Everyone in your family loves your swimming pool, but don’t forget about your pets too! Pets enjoy the water as much as people do. Keep your pets in mind and think about making your swimming pool pet-friendly. There are simple things you should consider when you are looking to make sure you have a pet friendly pool.

Fiberglass swimming pools are the best type of pet friendly pool because they have no problem withstanding your pet’s’ paws. Fiberglass is a durable material that can withstand nails. Pets’ claws can tear or puncture vinyl liners. Concrete pools can be harsh on your pet’s joints and can harm their pads and nails. The smooth material of fiberglass pools will not be rough on your pet’s pads or break their nails.

When considering your options for keeping your pool’s water clean, you should know that chlorine is safe for dogs. The chlorine effects on dogs are similar to the chlorine’s effects on people. The most common issue that may arise is skin irritation. The best way to reduce the risk of skin irritation for your pet is to rinse them off after swimming in the pool. You may have to use more chlorine and chemicals to keep your water chemistry in check because of the pet dander.

To make it a pet friendly pool, consider purchasing one that includes a bench or a ledge. You know how when you’re swimming and you like to take a break once in awhile? Well, your pet would love to have somewhere to take rest too! That’s where a bench or ledge is great to have so your pet can sit back and relax with you while cooling off in the water. Swimming pools with benches or ledges also mean there are multiple points of entry and exits for your pets.

Lucky for you, we have plenty of fiberglass pool designs that include benches. Our pools are perfect for the whole family, including your pets!