When is the best time to buy a pool?

Well, I was a pool salesman for years, so I’m tempted to answer “RIGHT NOW AND I’LL BE RIGHT OVER.” But since I’m retired I’ll just give you a little advice. If you live in the Midwest, pool builders near you are already booking (or booked!) for spring installs, so you need to get on the list now for next season. An early start will enable you to finish your landscaping so you have the most time to enjoy the pool. Most reputable pool builders will have a pretty full schedule come spring, but once the season starts, you might get lucky and squeeze onto their schedule for an early summer installation. If the weather gets nice really early and installs run ahead, pool companies may even offer discounts to help fill in gaps in their schedules, but that’s a gamble. My best advice, if you want to be in the swim by summer, is BUY NOW. Fall and winter are the best times to make your decisions and get your pool installation scheduled for the spring.

How should we finance our new inground swimming pool?

There are lots of financing options for your new pool project. Just like any other major purchase, you need to do some research and get the best possible deal on your investment. Check out home equity lines of credit (HELOCs.) They allow you to borrow only as much money as you need for your pool project against the equity in your house.

What should we be thinking about when choosing the features for our new pool?

Inground pools offer a lot of great benefits: quality family time, exercise, increased social activity with fun pool parties and relaxation, to name a few. Think about which of those add-on features are most important to your family. If it’s exercise, choose a large and deep pool with wide-open swim lanes. If it’s relaxation, think about a pool with a tanning ledge that allows you to lounge in the water while soaking up some rays. If your kids are just learning to swim, consider one of the fiberglass pool industry’s newest innovations– beach entry fiberglass pools. It’s just a like a day at the beach! Your kids can play on the “shore” and ease their way into gradually deeper water while the big kids swim farther out. Think of all the money you’ll save on vacations when you bring the beach to your own backyard! And don’t forget to add in some add-on features– extras like a slide and water features will make your new pool truly your own.

What about swimming pool safety?

While we’re on the subject of kids and pools, seize the window between the time you order your pool and the time your pool is installed to teach your kids the rules of pool safety. Spend some time over the winter helping them learn the rules. You might even come up with some fun games or quizzes to make sure they’re sinking in. Then, by the time summer swim season comes around, the kids will be well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of safe swimming.

What do we need to know about swimming pool maintenance?

Your pool builder will give you some great information about maintaining your new pool after it’s installed and you should look for a reliable pool maintenance pro near you. In the meantime, read up on water chemistry and decide if you want a salt or chlorine-based system. There are some misconceptions about pool ownership and pool maintenance that need to be debunked and some common mistakes you can avoid. The biggest trick is to stay on top of daily maintenance from Day One. Split up the tasks amongst all the family members to keep everyone engaged.

Fiberglass Pools Archives - Page 9 of 14

Ask the General: New Pool Owner FAQs

Posted on November 6, 2018August 18, 2026 by riley

Dear General-

I think our family is finally ready to take the plunge and get an inground fiberglass pool. We’re excited! But we have so many questions. When should we buy? How should we finance? What should we be thinking about when we’re choosing the features for our pool? What do we need to learn in terms of pool safety and maintenance? Help us be a new pool owner, dear General!

Signed-

Excited in East Chicago

Dear Excited-

Yes, getting a pool IS a very exciting time and yes, there is a lot to think about. I could go on for hours about all the fun you’ll have as a new pool owner. I could also go on about the responsibilities of owning a pool, like assigning pool maintenance chores, pool safety and common pool maintenance mistakes to avoid. But let’s just dip our toes in the water for now… I’ll try to tackle some new pool owner FAQs. You should definitely tune in to my regular posts to learn as much as you can about pool ownership.

When is the best time to buy a pool? Well, I was a pool salesman for years, so I’m tempted to answer “RIGHT NOW AND I’LL BE RIGHT OVER.” But since I’m retired I’ll just give you a little advice. If you live in the Midwest, pool builders near you are already booking (or booked!) for spring installs, so you need to get on the list now for next season. An early start will enable you to finish your landscaping so you have the most time to enjoy the pool. Most reputable pool builders will have a pretty full schedule come spring, but once the season starts, you might get lucky and squeeze onto their schedule for an early summer installation. If the weather gets nice really early and installs run ahead, pool companies may even offer discounts to help fill in gaps in their schedules, but that’s a gamble. My best advice, if you want to be in the swim by summer, is BUY NOW. Fall and winter are the best times to make your decisions and get your pool installation scheduled for the spring.
How should we finance our new inground swimming pool? There are lots of financing options for your new pool project. Just like any other major purchase, you need to do some research and get the best possible deal on your investment. Check out home equity lines of credit (HELOCs.) They allow you to borrow only as much money as you need for your pool project against the equity in your house.
What should we be thinking about when choosing the features for our new pool? Inground pools offer a lot of great benefits: quality family time, exercise, increased social activity with fun pool parties and relaxation, to name a few. Think about which of those add-on features are most important to your family. If it’s exercise, choose a large and deep pool with wide-open swim lanes. If it’s relaxation, think about a pool with a tanning ledge that allows you to lounge in the water while soaking up some rays. If your kids are just learning to swim, consider one of the fiberglass pool industry’s newest innovations– beach entry fiberglass pools (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). It’s just a like a day at the beach! Your kids can play on the “shore” and ease their way into gradually deeper water while the big kids swim farther out. Think of all the money you’ll save on vacations when you bring the beach to your own backyard! And don’t forget to add in some add-on features– extras like a slide and water features will make your new pool truly your own.
What about swimming pool safety? While we’re on the subject of kids and pools, seize the window between the time you order your pool and the time your pool is installed to teach your kids the rules of pool safety. Spend some time over the winter helping them learn the rules. You might even come up with some fun games or quizzes to make sure they’re sinking in. Then, by the time summer swim season comes around, the kids will be well-versed in the do’s and don’ts of safe swimming.
What do we need to know about swimming pool maintenance? Your pool builder will give you some great information about maintaining your new pool after it’s installed and you should look for a reliable pool maintenance pro near you. In the meantime, read up on water chemistry and decide if you want a salt or chlorine-based system. There are some misconceptions about pool ownership and pool maintenance that need to be debunked and some common mistakes you can avoid. The biggest trick is to stay on top of daily maintenance from Day One. Split up the tasks amongst all the family members to keep everyone engaged.

Every family has different needs, wants and reasons for getting a pool. For my family, being a new pool owner was all about togetherness. My wife worked for the school corporation, and had summers off. We wanted the kids to have a place to bring their friends so we could keep an eye on them and know who they were hanging out with. We had a place for family cookouts, little league teams, church groups, a wedding reception, many pool parties and a fun, safe place for our children and their friends to hang out.

Your family will find a million ways to enjoy your pool too. Don’t get too bogged down in worrying about maintenance. You’ll figure it out. And your local pool maintenance pro will help you as well. Remember how you felt when you took your first kid home from the hospital? If you can raise kids, you can take care of a pool. It will be wonderful and you’ll have experiences that your kids will remember forever. I know mine do.

Well, these leaves aren’t going to rake themselves. I’d better get to it.

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!

October Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Akins Excavating; Middlebury, Indiana

Posted on October 31, 2018August 18, 2026 by riley

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 Tabby Bratt, co-owner of Akins Excavating in Middlebury, Indiana.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

We’re family owned. We started out solely as an excavating business in 1998. My parents owned it first, and my husband, Justin, and I took it over in 2006. We started doing pools about ten years ago, and it’s now about one-third of our business.

What geographic areas do you serve?

We serve most of northern Indiana and parts of southern Michigan, so our customers are based in and around Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, Wawasee, Warsaw, Laporte and Syracuse, Indiana as well as Three Rivers and Niles, Michigan.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

Since we also do excavating, the pool end of our business is the fun side! While excavating is something people need, pools are something our customers really want! Plus, it’s nice to get to see the finished project. We know how much fun people will have in their pools with their families. Since family is so important to us, that means a lot.

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

Our top seller is the Aspen. Our customers love it for the shape, the fact that it’s auto-cover ready and the built-in tanning ledges. I think families love it because the kids can play on the shallow tanning ledge while the adults swim and visit. There’s a spot for everybody.

As far pool colors go, Maya and California are for sure our most popular. I’d say 80% of the pools we sell are Aspens in the Maya finish.

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

We sell lots of slides and games, like basketball goals. Almost all of our customers choose an automatic pool safety cover. And people really like salt water systems–I’d say about 90 percent of our customers are choosing salt water systems.

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

We’ve had several customers ask about the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). Personally, I would like it! I’m interested to learn more about how they work with automatic pools covers, but I think they’re going to be very cool.

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

Well, we have a lot of sandy soil here–not a lot of clay or bedrock–so that makes things easier. Probably our biggest challenge is the fact that we serve some fairly rural and heavily wooded areas, especially as we get into Michigan. So we sometimes face a challenge of getting into sites, past trees, or getting our backfill materials in.

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

Our average fiberglass pool installation is around $92,000. That will include excavation, 4 feet of concrete, plumbing, wiring, pump, heater, lights, typically a salt system and an automatic pool safety cover.

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

Some of the best trends in the fiberglass pool industry have come from Thursday Pools! Their Backfill Eliminator® is amazing. We use it on every pool with a tanning ledge that we install. It’s a major time saver (and a major back saver!) The tanning ledges themselves are huge. I don’t see those going away anytime soon.

I also feel like the structural integrity of fiberglass pools has improved over the years. And for sure, Thursday Pools’ fiberglass pools are about the strongest we’ve seen.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Our pool buyers are all over the place in terms of demographics. Most of our customers are in their 40s, with kids in middle school, who are investing in their homes and creating something for their families that will last a lifetime. But we also see grandparents adding pools to their homes, even if they’ve downsized, to give the grandkids something fun to do when they visit.

What works for Akins Excavating in terms of marketing?

We just basically don’t market. We’re currently booked through 2019. We used to do the home shows, but we don’t even do that anymore. Our business comes from word-of-mouth. And through the excavation end of our business, we work with a lot of home builders who refer people to us.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools is a great company that makes a great product. They’re business savvy, and they’re great communicators. They deliver every time. They do what they say they’re going to do. I just think they’re the best we’ve worked with.

What else would you like to see from Thursday Pools in terms of dealer support?

Honestly, I can’t think of anything. Anytime we need them, they’re there. I would say just keep doing what they’re doing.

What’s the secret to the success of Akins Excavating?

Our world revolves around our family, our church and our community. We have two kids, and we want to teach them about hard work and caring for others. So, we just try to lead by example and do the right thing for our customers.

About Akins Excavating

Akins Excavating has served northern Indiana and southern Michigan for over 30 years. They offer excavation services for residential and commercial customers as well as septic system hook-ups and full-service fiberglass pool installation. They serve much of Elkhart County, Kosciusko County and Saint Joseph County in Indiana as well as Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan.

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.

How to Close a Pool For Winter

Posted on October 19, 2018July 16, 2026 by riley

HOW TO CLOSE A POOL FOR WINTER

This too, shall pass. For those of us who live for the juxtaposition of the warm sun and luxurious cool pool water while living in a state with four seasons, waiting out the winter is a necessary evil. And making sure you are ready to enjoy your pool as soon as possible means closing your pool properly for the winter. If you live in a state with a freeze/thaw cycle, you may be wondering, “What does a pool closing include?” Some questions to consider when learning how to close a pool for winter may include:

How do you know when to close the pool for the winter (i.e. what month do you close a pool?
Why is winter water level maintenance important?
How far down do you drain your pool for winter? How low should pool water be in winter? How high should pool water be in winter? And can you winterize the pool without draining?
What to put in the pool before closing? What chemicals do you need to close a pool for the winter? Do you need antifreeze to close the pool for winter? Should you shock the pool before closing?
What are the steps for closing a pool? How do you winterize a pool step by step?

Let’s get to answering those questions!

How do you know when to close the pool for the winter?

What month you close a pool for the winter depends on where you live and whether you have a pool heater or not. Many homeowners keep their pools open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but if you have a pool heater, you could swim from April to October. You don’t want to close your pool too soon either because closing too early will increase the risk of algae growth. Fiberglass pools are naturally algae resistant, but vinyl liner and gunite pools are more prone to algae growth. So whether you will be swimming in your pool or not, for the health of the water you will be swimming in next season, make sure the water temperature is consistently below 65 degrees before stopping your filtration system and closing your pool.

Why is winter water level maintenance important?

All inground pools have a common enemy. It’s called groundwater. Groundwater can wreak havoc on every type of pool if you allow its level to rise too close to the water level in your pool. In the winter months, while you’re busy watching football and baking Christmas cookies, you need to be sure that your water level underneath your winter cover doesn’t get out of whack with the groundwater around your pool, or you might be in for a world of hurt (and expense) when you pull that cover off in the spring. Here’s what might happen, based on the type of pool you have:

Vinyl Liner Pools: On a vinyl pool, if the water level inside the pool becomes lower than the water on the outside, the result is something we refer to as “floating the liner” which is not a good thing. It means that the liner is wrinkled and damaged beyond repair. A pool maintenance pro will have to drain the pool completely and replace the liner.

Fiberglass Pools: If the pressure of groundwater exceeds the pressure of the water inside your pool, your fiberglass pool shell might shift, crack, or float. Proper winterization and balancing inner vs outer water levels are the keys to protecting against these issues. Having additional add-ons to secure your fiberglass pool, like the Geo-Anchoring Pool System, can grant you additional support, as well.

Gunite Pools: Groundwater pressure can cause cracks in gunite pools over the winter as well, resulting in the need for resurfacing. Ceramic tile along the waterline can also be adversely affected. The worst possible issue is flooding. If groundwater is not managed properly, a gunite pool can actually float.

How far down do you drain your pool for winter?

Lowering your pool water can really cause some problems when Old Man Winter kicks it into high gear and Frosty the Snowman starts dancing across your pool cover. Every pool company has its own opinions and you’ll find conflicting information out there on the world wide web about the proper water level for winterization.

When water freezes, it expands. The pressure of that expansion can crack your skimmer. Many pool professionals choose a Gizzmo, designed to absorb the pressure from ice expansion to prevent it from destroying the skimmer. It can be used in both above and inground pools.

The Gizzmo has a plug on the top of it that is left open while air is blown from the pump area through the lines, clearing them of water. Most pool maintenance pros will then pour a gallon of antifreeze through the opening and into the piping to ensure the lines won’t freeze. Once the plug is screwed on tightly, water can’t get back into the piping.

We believe your best bet is to maintain your water level to just below the midway point of your skimmer. Doing so means you’re most likely to keep your water level in balance with groundwater throughout the freezing weather. One of the benefits of an automatic pool safety cover over a standard winter cover is the ease of being able to take a peek periodically at your water level.

What to put in the pool before closing

If you live in a part of the country where winter temperatures are freezing or below freezing, you’ll need non-toxic antifreeze to protect your plumbing. Just like the summer, you should make sure your pool chemistry is balanced before winterizing.

Chemicals for winterizing your pool:

- Shock. If your water chemistry is balanced before you close your pool there is no need to shock the pool at closing. During the winter months, your chlorine demand is much lower (if not zero) requiring little to no chlorine in your pool. Generally the residual chlorine in your pool left over from the standard season is enough to combat algae growth through the fall if you do not close the pool until after the average temperatures are below 65 degrees.
- Stain and scale treatment. If needed, add stain and scale treatment a day before closing. Adjusting the pool pH to 7.2-7.4 will prevent staining, scaling and algae growth, so you may need a pH increaser or reducer.
- Winter algaecide. Winter algaecide is generally put in the pool at the time of closing.

Non-toxic antifreeze. This chemical is not actually put in the pool water. It’s used in the plumbing lines to prevent cracking and bursting.

What are the steps for closing a pool?

Whether you choose to do some (or all) of it yourself, or hire a pool professional to winterize your inground pool, there are certain steps you’ll want to take to ensure a happy opening in the spring.

Step 1: Clean your pool.

Remove all debris, brush the pool’s walls and vacuum.

Step 2: Balance water chemistry.

Test the water and adjust with the proper chemicals to reach the following levels:

CHLORINE RESIDUAL – 1.0 TO 3.0 PPM
PH LEVEL – 7.2 TO 7.4
TOTAL ALKALINITY – 80 TO 120 PPM
CALCIUM HARDNESS – Less than 120 PPM (Note: if you own a fiberglass pool, be sure to avoid using Calcium Hypochlorite.)
CYANURIC ACID (CHLORINE STABILIZER) – 30 TO 50 PPM
METALS – 0 PPM
TDS – LESS THAN 1500 PPM (Note: if you have a salt system, maximum should be 1000 PPM above safe salt level)
SALT – 2700 TO 3400 PPM (Note: this is only necessary if using a salt generator)
LANGELIER SATURATION INDEX (-0.3 to +0.3). IDEAL IS 0. (Note: if you have a salt system, your saturation index should be between -0.2 and 0.2 to account for the additional corrosive characteristics of salt)

Step 3: Remove and store equipment/accessories.

Remove solar blankets and ladders from the pool, and store in a clean, dry area for winter. You’ll also want to remove and store skimmer baskets, wall fittings, floating lights, etc.

Step 4: Achieve proper water level.

Using the filter pump or a submersible pump, you may need to lower the water level. Check your pool manufacturer’s manual or consult your pool dealer.

Step 5: Drain water from equipment.

Drain water from your pump, filter, heater and chlorinator by removing the drain plugs. All water must be drained or blown out of your equipment so it doesn’t freeze, expand, and crack the equipment. If you have an inground pool, blow out the lines starting at the skimmer and then plug the lines at the pool using expansion plugs. As an additional safety measure, you may also use non-toxic antifreeze in the lines following manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 6: Cover the pool.

A winter safety cover that fits tightly is needed. You may have a mesh safety cover or solid (non-perforated) cover. Mesh will allow water to seep into the pool, and a non-perforated cover will require you to use a cover pump to remove rain water and snow melt.

Knowing how to close a pool for winter doesn’t mean you need to do it yourself. It’s good to know what goes into closing a pool for winter so you can be sure that it’s being done correctly. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions as not doing so may result in problems and a voided warranty.

September Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Royal Pools and More, Dyer Indiana

Posted on September 26, 2018August 7, 2026 by riley

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 Frank DeBartolo, Jr. of Royal Pools and More in Dyer, Indiana.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Well, we couldn’t be more of a family affair. My dad, Frank, Sr., started the Royal Pools and More around 2001. Now, we have cousins, uncles, brothers and just about every other relation at some level of the business. And we’ve got 15-20 seasonal employees.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I love that we’re in the business of creating fun. I know that sounds corny, but we take a place that’s just basically a patch of grass and we create a space where families will have fun together for many years. That makes me happy. I was in the restaurant business in Chicago for a long time, working in the kitchen. As a chef, you don’t get to see the satisfaction on people’s faces when they’re enjoying what you’ve done. In the pool business, you do. I dig that.

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

A lot of pool builders will tell you the same thing– built-in tanning ledges for sure. I can’t stress enough how much people love tanning ledges. Thursday Pools really hit the nail on the head when they started adding them to several of their designs.

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

Fiberglass pool owners are going for automation, for sure. We’re installing bubblers, laminars, deck jets, waterfalls, and even waterfalls with fire in them. Customers love that they can turn these things on and off from their phones, and they are loving the resort look and feel of these kinds of add-ons. We’re putting this kind of stuff into about 80 percent of the pools we sell.

What fiberglass pool colors are the most popular among pool buyers in and around northeastern Indiana and the southern suburbs of Chicago?

Maya and California for sure. There are a few customers out there who are starting to be interested in the grays, but most folks just want their pools to be blue. For me personally, I miss white, but I don’t think that’s coming back any time in the near future!

What fiberglass pool designs are the most popular among pool buyers in the central Indiana area?

Lil Bob and Aspen. Again, people love the built-in ledges. Also, people want pools that are auto-cover ready. Because we cross state and city lines, some of our installs require fences and some don’t, if the customer has an automatic pool cover. Whether it saves them from having to get a fence or not, people love automatic pool covers for the enhanced safety and convenience.

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

We’ve started to have some people interested in the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). They appeal to a very high-end clientele. No other fiberglass pool manufacturer can touch this trend. It gives us something to sell that no one else has.

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

For us, it’s groundwater. So that’s why I believe Thursday’s fiberglass pools are the best bet. Thursday Pools are the only fiberglass pool shells we sell. The shells are strong. Fiberglass pools are a way better choice than vinyl liner pools around here.

What works for you in terms of marketing?

I’m a big believer in video, particularly blogging and educational videos. I think that if you help people understand your product, they’ll choose you when they’re ready to buy because you’re their expert. Video has really helped us get more visitors to our website.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Buyers, in general, are getting younger. Couples in their late 30s and early 40s are buying pools. Also, the home building business is booming here. This area used to be nothing but cornfields 20 years ago. Now we’re doing tons of new build installs. I’d say that new builds were about 40 percent of our business last year.

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

Our average fiberglass pool installation is between $70,000 and $95,000. That’s going to include excavation, 4 feet of concrete, colored lights, heater and a standard winter cover. Almost all of our customers are going to add an automatic pool cover onto that.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools has personality, heart and soul. They started around the same time we did. And they’re growing so fast, but you can still get a hold of Ed or Bill whenever you need them. If they make a mistake, they go above and beyond to make it right. I’ve tried every brand of fiberglass pools out there, and nothing compares to Thursday Pools.

The other thing about Thursday Pools is their innovation. I show their designs to customers and they’re like, “Wow. These are so cool.” The designs are exactly what they want. The people at Thursday Pools listen. Then they design. They set the bar. They are literally making the rules in the fiberglass pool business.”

What else would you like to see from Thursday Pools in terms of dealer support?

Their support is fantastic. The website is great. I love their dealer portal–I use it all the time. I also like the videos. They’re so helpful to show customers. The only thing I could use from them is more literature! I sell so many of their pools that I always run out of brochures.

What’s the secret to Royal Pools and More’s success?

There are lots of pool businesses in northwest Indiana and the southern Chicago suburbs that are bigger than we are. But we’ve got family values and we’ve got personality and heart. We like to put fun facts about us on our website so that people will know us before we get to their houses. We have fun and we put a personal touch on everything we do. People like that.

About Royal Pools and More

In addition to building pools, Royal Pools and More offers a retail store and weekly pool maintenance. They serve northwest Indiana as well as the southern Chicago suburbs. Some of the communities in which they offer pool building services include: Frankfort and Tinley Park, Orland Park and Mokena, Illinois as well as Dyer, St. John, Schererville, Valparaiso and Crown Point, Indiana.

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.

Large Fiberglass Pools

Posted on September 14, 2018July 16, 2026 by Karen

Pool 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 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 September 7, 2018July 16, 2026 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.

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

Choose 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.

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 September 4, 2018July 16, 2026 by Karen

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?