Fiberglass Pools Archives - Page 9 of 11

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!

Top 5 Features to Look for in a Fiberglass Pool

Posted on March 16, 2017October 24, 2024 by cargo

Fiberglass pool designs are packed full of fun built-in features. Each fiberglass pool design offers you different features and benefits. Here are some top features and why you might want to look for them when selecting a fiberglass pool design for your backyard swimming project.

Benches and Seats. In-pool benches and seats are an excellent way to enjoy your swimming pool. Benches bring a perfect conversation area into the pool. Most folks just want to chill when they hit the water; these offer a great way to do that. In fact, some of our customers have lovingly referred to them as their beverage bench. They enjoy winding down at the end of a long day with their favorite beverage in hand. Toddlers love to stand on them and waddle back and forth and try their chances at jumping into the deeper part of the pool. Benches and seats are generally down about 18”-22” from the top of the pool, so the water depth will be 14”-18”.
Multiple Points of Entry and Exits. Having multiple entries and exit points has several advantages. More design freedom with the pool and patio layout is one big advantage. If you can only access the pool at one corner, then that naturally limits the position that the pool can be in. Multiple entries and exits are also ideal for those who may tire quickly while swimming, like young kids and our furry friends who like to take a dip.
Tanning Ledge. Tanning ledges and sunshelves in fiberglass pools offer luxury living at its finest. If you are looking to bring home that resort vacation, tanning ledges are a great way to recreate that experience in your backyard. Tanning ledges can vary in depth, our standard for a tanning ledge is 12” from the top of the pool which equates to about 6”-8” of water depth. Outfit the tanning ledge with ledge loungers, and bubblers, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy!
Wading Area. When you are looking for a full body submersion or a great place for toddlers to splash and play, a fiberglass pool design with a nice wading area might be a feature you want to consider. Wading areas are similar to tanning ledges but offer more water depth. Water depth of a wading area is 14”-18” of water. Take a look at our new pool designs that offer wading areas that feature both a tanning ledge and a wading area.
Swim Lane. A swim lane is an unobstructed space in the pool that can be easily used to swim laps back and forth in the pool. While you may not be looking to join the swim team, you may find that you enjoy a few vigorous strokes to exert pent up stress and energy. You will certainly fill invigorated enough once you hit the water.

Exercise in Your New Swimming Pool

Posted on February 2, 2017June 10, 2021 by cargo

Are you still hanging on to the New Year’s Resolution bandwagon to exercise more? We have a great idea that will help you to continue your hard work into the summer and to kick your workout regimen up a notch. Adding a new swimming exercise pool to your backyard is an excellent way to keep our workouts interesting and, now this may sound crazy, but also more fun.

Exercising in your pool is an excellent workout for your whole body. The water offers both resistance and support, allowing you to get an intense workout without stressing out your joints. The perfect exercise pool is designed to keep the workout that appeals to you, whether that is swimming laps or water aerobics. The best part is that you can choose a pool design that fits your exercise needs and offers a perfect place to sit back and relax.

If you’re looking for a pool to swim laps up and down in, a pool that is at least 34 feet in length and has a depth of at least three and a half feet will accommodate those needs. Any pool of this size or larger will give you plenty of space to work on your backstroke and butterfly stroke. The Goliath and Monolith are both great options for anyone looking to swim laps in their backyard.

Swimming laps are not the only way you can get a good workout in with your swimming exercise pool. Water aerobics is also an excellent way to build cardio, strength and resistance while being easy on all your joints. Studies have shown that water-based exercises, like water aerobics, relieve pressure placed on joints from arthritis. Water aerobics is a popular option for those who have arthritis. Our Titus pool shell has the ideal depth that is perfect for water aerobics.

You can even add some exercise pool equipment to make your workout more efficient. Foam dumbbells can amplify the muscle-toning effect of moving around in the water. Aqua jogging belts are similar to barbells, and they use the power of buoyancy to intensify your workout. If you want to get fancy, an underwater treadmill is another piece of equipment that you can use to kick up your workout routine. Underwater treadmills are running treadmills that fully submerged under water so you can work on your endurance while feeling resistance from the water. Make sure you are looking for underwater treadmills that are designed for inground swimming pools.

A perfectly designed swimming exercise pool can help you achieve all your fitness goals. At Thursday Pools, we have uniquely designed pool shells that can meet every member of your family’s needs.

How to Pick the Right Thursday Pool for You

Posted on November 18, 2016April 3, 2024 by cargo

Congratulations on choosing to add a fiberglass inground pool to your backyard. You have made a wise investment in yourself and your family. Aside from the obvious health benefits, a swimming pool will bring you countless hours of stress free rest and quality family time. Memories made around a swimming pool last forever. At Thursday Pools we like to say we manufacture memories not just fiberglass pools. We are proud to build memory makers. Now, let’s see if we can help find the right Thursday pool for you to begin making memories.

The first thing you want to start with is size. Small, Medium, or Large? You can determine what size you need by asking yourself 3 basic questions:

What will fit in my backyard? Often setbacks, easements, and other restrictions will play a role in what size pool will work in your backyard.
How many people will be using this pool 90% of the time? And how will they be using it? Exercise, Fun, Relaxing, Lap Swimming??
What is my budget? Fiberglass pool pricing is very much affected by the size of the pool.

Once you have decided what size fiberglass pool fits your needs, you can move on to review the unique style and design features of each pool within that size category. I will review these features and benefits with you starting with our largest pools first. Feel free to skip through to whatever size category is right for you.

Large Rectangle Fiberglass Pools

We have a nice line up of large rectangle fiberglass pools. In this line, you will find the Goliath and Monolith fiberglass pool designs. These designs are perfect for those who like classic clean lines and want a fiberglass pool large enough to swim laps and regularly host their extended family and friends. I cover some great features of these large rectangle fiberglass pool designs below.

Features and Benefits of the Goliath Series designs:

Large shallow end benches provide ample seating but are strategically placed as to not take up a lot of swim area. Benches are set at a depth of 18” from the top of the pool, placing water depth at approximately 12”-14” from the seat.
Deep end benches and swim outs provide a seat on the opposite end of the pool and a swim out for children and our furry family members. It is important to have multiple exit points for children and dogs as they can tire easily while treading water in the deeper end of these pools.
Each pool is outfitted with a courtesy ledge around the deep end edge.
Size and depth can easily accommodate a properly installed slide.
Dual corner entries provide flexibility in the backyard layout and design of your inground pool.
Easily accommodates an automatic cover system.

Features and Benefits of the Monolith fiberglass pool design:

Type 1 Certified Diving Pool. With the correct diving board installation and use, this pool can provide for a safe dive.
The single corner entry provides a large flat bottom shallow end that is ideal for children and a hearty game of basketball. It also provides for a nice lane to swim laps.
The pool’s 15” warning slope separates the shallow end and deep end of the pool. This fiberglass pool should always have a safety line and float on the pool at all times to mark this separation.
This fiberglass pool also has deep-end bench seats and a courtesy ledge that extends around the deep end of the pool.
Easily accommodates an automatic cover system.

Large Free-Form Fiberglass Pools

In this category of large free-form fiberglass pools, we have our Wellspring Series. The Wellspring fiberglass inground pool design is a bountiful source of happiness for the young and old. The large sun shelf and beautifully crafted benches are carefully placed to create an artful display of elegance. This design is perfect for those who picture themselves lounging in luxury while sipping on a beverage and for those who want a cool spot where they can safely watch their toddler splash and play. Check out these wonderful features and benefits of this inground pool below.

Features and Benefits of the Wellspring Series:

The tanning shelf has a 12” depth leaving water depth at 6”-8”. This spot is perfect for a set of two ledge loungers and bubblers. It is also a perfect depth for toddlers to be able to splash and play in.
The wrap around benches follow the pool’s curves and provide adult seating in strategic places that allow for great conversations and comfort.
Its unique free-form design will grab attention and quickly make it the focal point of your backyard.
Its sheer size enables the pool to still have a large open swim area.

Medium Rectangle Fiberglass Pools

In our lineup of medium sized rectangle fiberglass pools, we have our Lil Bob, Spirit, and Infinity pool designs. These classy pool designs are perfect for folks who are constrained by space but still want to be able to entertain extended family and friends. These medium sized fiberglass pools can still pack a large pool party punch. Here are some great features that you will love about these three inground pool designs.

Features and Benefits of the Lil Bob, Spirit, and Infinity pool designs:

These 4’6” one-depth flat bottom pools make 100% of the pool usable space. (Very few people hang out in the deep-end of an inground pool and tread water, most always they migrate to the shallow end.) It also makes for a great depth for water sports like volleyball and basketball.
Elongated benches grace both sides of these pools providing plenty of lounging areas for entertaining family and friends. Each bench runs 12’ down the length of the pool.
Easily accommodate an automatic cover system.

Medium Free-form Fiberglass Pools

Are you dreaming of something with a little more pizazz or character to its shape? Try these medium sized free-form fiberglass pools on for size: Titus, Pearl, Cathedral, and Oasis. Because these pools each have their own great design features I will break them out individually and share some of my favorite features of these beautiful inground pools.

Titus: The Titus is a classic figure eight shape. My favorite feature of this pool is what we refer to as the beverage bench in the deep-end of the pool. If you are looking for an inground pool with a little spunk that you can enjoy with a couple of friends and maybe do a little water aerobics, this may be the right inground pool for you. This pool is available in two sizes.
Pearl: This sea shell shaped jewel is an inground pool design that you won’t find anywhere else. It features the ultimate sun shelf and complete wrap around bench. This pool is perfect for adults looking to relax and unwind.
Cathedral: The roman shape of the Cathedral pool offers a timeless style without sacrificing swim area. The pool features beautiful benches on each end with a large open swim area.
Oasis: The Oasis design provides a less dramatic free-form shape that allows for plenty of open swim area but still delivers a nice cozy corner bench. This design is also available in two sizes.

Small Fiberglass Pools

We have two pools that fall in this category, the Sea Turtle and the small Titus fiberglass pool. If you are looking for a pool for just the two or few of you, these designs are the perfect patio pool and may hit the mark.

The Sea Turtle is a rectangle 10’ x 20’ design. It features a large wrap around bench and flat bottom 4’6” depth. It can easily accommodate a Badu® Swim Jet System and an automatic cover system.
The Titus is a figure eight shaped fiberglass pool that is 12’ x 26’. It features a nice deep-end bench, perfect for the two of you.

Regardless of where you are at in your pool planning process, choosing the right inground pool design for your backyard could become overwhelming. Sometimes having too many choices makes it even more overwhelming. Begin your process by asking and answering the basic questions we mentioned at the beginning. Answering these questions may help eliminate a clear majority of the inground pool designs that you are considering. Once you have narrowed it down to two or three designs; review the 360 tours and product videos that we have of those pools. Lastly, be sure to consult your Independent Dealer for input, they will be a good resource and chances are they can offer you some feedback that perhaps you hadn’t even considered.

Thursday Pools strongly recommends that diving boards and slides not be installed or used with its pools, given the inherent dangers associated with diving boards and slides in residential pools. These dangers include brain, spinal cord, and other severe permanent injuries, and death. For that reason, Thursday Pools® does not manufacture or sell diving boards or slides. If, despite this warning and recommendation, the owner decides to install or use a diving board or slide, the owner assumes all risks inherent with a diving board or slide, and River Pools® further warns that diving boards and slides require minimum depths and distances and must be installed and used in strict compliance with the equipment manufacturer’s specifications and ANSI/NSPI, ANSI/APSP, and ANSI/APSP/ICC standards, as well as in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. The owner is responsible for making sure the pool is appropriate for diving boards and slides and otherwise meets all standards and laws for diving pools, and the owner must consult the diving board or slide manufacturer and/or installer as to the appropriateness of the pool for the diving board or slide and that its installation, location and use meet all standards and laws for diving and slide pools.

The Goliath Fiberglass Pool Design

Posted on October 31, 2016July 31, 2024 by cargo

Your family just called, and you’ve been summoned. For what, you wonder? Other than working harder than usual and needing a vacation, nothing major has happened that would require you to immediately return home. But, wait. There is something, and it’s big – as in gigantic, and it’s guaranteed to make everyone happy. Best of all, it’s calling your name.

So you leave work and head home where you’re immediately greeted by your kids who have finally convinced you that it’s time to invest in a fiberglass pool, and the Goliath from Thursday Pools is what they’ve been seeking. Just as you’re being whisked away in thoughts of your own backyard paradise, questions start swirling inside your head. Why this fiberglass pool over another? How much does it cost and how long will it take for installation? What are the benefits of this pool?

As your mind wanders and your heart races, you suddenly stop and say something to the effect of, “Now, kids. I want this as much as you do, but before we jump in too deep, we need to learn a little more.”

Although feeling defeated, they reluctantly agree.

Because we realize that there’s a delicate balance between pleasing your family and knowing you’ve made the right decision, we offer this blog post about the Goliath in hopes that it reassures you and the decision you’re making to invest in one of our most popular pools.

What is the Goliath?

The Thursday Pools’ Goliath series are large rectangular, fiberglass pool shells with one gradual expanse. Sizes will vary by length, but with three different options to choose from, there’s sure to be a size perfect for your backyard.

Why this pool over another?

Thursday Pools offers many sizes and types of fiberglass pools, but if size is important, you won’t regret investing in the Goliath. This open design provides plenty of swim area, a center swim lane and corner benches for lounging. Add in that every Thursday Pool is designed with master craftsmanship and you can feel good about the investment. What’s more, by promoting efficient use of raw materials, all Thursday Pools will leave a small environmental footprint.

How much does a 16’ x 41’ Fiberglass Pool cost?

Although it’s difficult to provide an exact timeline and quote without seeing the installation site and factoring in specific equipment and accessories, it’s a good idea to consider the fiberglass pool length, and to figure that every foot will cost approximately $1,800. For instance, the Goliath fiberglass pool shell design of 16’ x 41’ will be around $73,800 for a basic installation package. Maintenance costs will also vary, but it’s important to know that upkeep and chemicals for a fiberglass pool are far less than the cost of maintaining and owning a concrete or vinyl pool. In the end, if saving money is important, a fiberglass pool is the right decision.

What are the Goliath features and benefits?

Beyond its size, craftsmanship, and eco-friendliness, the Thursday Pools Goliath fiberglass pool shell is made with advanced technologies and multiple layers of strength. The Goliath also features dual corner entry steps that accommodate most backyards, and the design easily accommodates an automatic safety cover. The elongated benches make for a great adult gathering spot without taking up too much swim space. The open center lane allows for the recreational swimmer to swim laps. The deep-end swim-outs and bench seats provide an alternate entry and exit point, perfect for younger children or your furry and four-legged family members.

The Thursday Pools Goliath fiberglass pool is a true mark of beauty, and with its added functionality, it will provide you and your family with many years of fun and happiness in your own backyard paradise. For more information about the Goliath fiberglass pool, or to learn more about Thursday Pools, find a local dealer today.

POLYCOR® Shimmer® gel coat proves to be the ideal surface for inground swimming pools.

Posted on December 23, 2013June 10, 2024 by cargo

Daydreaming of that quick dip in the pool? Making that dream into a reality has now been made even easier by the folks at Thursday Pools®! Combining 26 years of experience in fiberglass pools and spa design with manufacturing across multiple industries, Thursday Pools® edge innovations to the pool world. Thursday Pools® builds some of the highest quality fiberglass pools in the industry, all starting with the finest grade of gel coat available for pool producers: CCP’s Shimmer® gel coats. With a coatings history that dates back to 1913 (then known as Cook Paint and Varnish) and later as the first gel coat producer in the late 1950’s, CCP Composites has produced market inspired gel coats for some of the most demanding applications and industries, including:

Marine boat hulls and decks where constant impact, toughness, UV, blister and water protection are demanded
Gel coats for tub shower units, where moisture resistance, impact, and cleaning chemicals are used
Fatigue and moisture resistance for wind energy blades
Truck hoods, air deflectors and sidewall panels where moisture, impact, fatigue, UV and heat all come into play

CCP Composites aggressively researches market needs and expectations, offering only the finest materials that will stand up to demanding industry needs. With pools in particular, only certain colors like white and light blue gel coats were suggested to s, mainly due to the nature of the chemicals needed to keep pool water healthy. These included adding acids or caustic materials to adjust pool pH, certain metallic salts chlorinated chemicals to control bacterial of the gel coat surface, either through mineral deposits or bleaching of the surface through chlorine attack.

Fabrication of a Thursday Pool starts with Shimmer®

Surprisingly, ambient temperature,chemically‐treated pool water is more aggressive chemically than salt water from the ocean. The lack of color options is often cited as one of the main reasons for choosing cement/tiled finished in‐ground pools over the superior performance of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) pools.

Vinyl lined pools were also more popular because beyond the increased color range, vinyl pools offer a smooth floor (unlike the bottom of cement pools, which have a tendency to cut up customer‘s feet as they walked or played in the pool). All that changed in 2002, when one of the first pools was fabricated with a break‐through, deep colored gel coat specifically formulated by CCP’s sister company, CCP Composites Australia (FKA Cray Valley) for the rapidly growing pool industry in Australia. This product was heavily researched for blister, water uptake, color fade (bleaching) and for UV resistance. This new, ISO/NPG high performance gel coat proved to be far superior in all respects when compared to conventional pool gel coat products available at the time. Within 3‐4 years of product launch, the CCP Composites gel coat, known as POLYCOR® Shimmer®, became the dominant pool gel coat used in Australia. CCP Composites US brought this gel coat technology to the North American market, where it is now rapidly becoming the pool industry’s “go to” gel coat. Several years ago, Thursday Pools® found the benefits of Shimmer® for their pools, just as the Australian pool manufacturers did in 2002.

Bill Khamis, CFO of Thursday Pools, has seen immediate benefits of the Shimmer® products, such as “reduced air pressure for reduced styrene emissions,” along with “better transfer efficiencies that have resulted in a 30% savings in gel coat materials consumed.” “25% labor savings” have also been utilized in that it “takes less time to spray a mold, cleans up faster and spray gun set up is significantly faster.” Improved lay down of the gel coat has also been noted in a “better and more uniform surface quality that customers have noticed.” Bill is a very strong advocate for the Shimmer® product, sharing that customers not only love the color range, but also the depth of color, made even greater by the glittering particles included in the Shimmer® products.

In addition to color range and the advantages of fiberglass pools over concrete, Thursday Pools require 70% less chemicals usage, have cleaner surfaces and reduced maintenance that are significantly less abrasive to the skin and feet, and are far less prone to cracking. The only advantage to vinyl linings is the lower initial installed cost; however, ongoing maintenance costs increase every time the liner tears as it must be repaired or replaced. As you can see, FRP pools are clearly the way to go. With over 5 million in ground pools installed in the US (and over 53,000 installed in 2012 alone) and 5 of the top 10 pool states (Source: APSP 2013) within driving distance of their central Indiana location, Thursday Pools is well located, well suited and well-organized to capitalize on the growth potential of the Midwest FRP pool market.

Ed Vondell, COO of Thursday Pools®, noted the valued technical and product support that CCP Composites has provided with Bill Bannow, Technical Services Engineer and Jason Baranowski, Account Manager. Both have spent long hours in specialized support staff training in the use of the Shimmer® products, and more recently, introducing the CCP Composites rapid mold manufacturing technology that utilizes the OptiPLUS® mold making materials for a brand new Thursday Pools® design launching in 2014. The outlook for Thursday Pools® and Shimmer® gel coat looks quite promising in 2014 and beyond.