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Category: Pool FAQs

7 Steps to Keep Your Kids Safe at the Pool

Posted on by cargo

Keeping your kids safe at the pool, or anytime they’re near water, is a year-round concern. But since May is National Water Safety Month, it’s a great time for a refresher on the rules of pool safety for kids.

 

Games to play in the swimming pool

  1. Don’t swim alone. This rule applies to all swimmers, regardless of age. In private pools, or situations where no lifeguard is present, younger children or swimmers who are not completely confident in their skills should always have a strong swimmer closely supervising them. Even strong swimmers should never use the pool alone, in case of an unexpected medical emergency. 
  2. Teach basic swimming techniques. Even at a young age, a child can learn basic swimming skills. The American Red Cross suggests swim lessons for children as young as six months. If your children are comfortable enough in the water to keep themselves afloat, it can make a huge difference in terms of how much time you have to get to them should they accidentally enter the water. 
  3. Create barriers-to-entry. If you do own a pool, your pool area must comply with state and local regulations for barriers-to-entry, which likely include fencing with self-latching gates, as well as locks and alarms on the windows and doors of your home that face the pool area. However, in addition to complying with those regulations, consider an automatic pool safety cover. Automatic pool covers give you the added peace of mind of knowing no one (from inside or outside your home) can enter the pool without your knowledge when your cover is closed. 
  4. Be aware of the dangers of the drain. Install anti-entrapment drain covers and safety release systems to keep swimmers safe from drain-related injuries. Teach your children that they should avoid the drain area in any pool they swim in, and instruct them to ask for help if a toy gets stuck near the drain. 
  5. Monitor kids constantly. Parents (or other responsible adults) should tag-team each other on kid-watching duty at the pool to ensure constant supervision. If a child is missing, check the water first, as seconds matter if a child is under water. 
  6. Insist on safe pool area behavior. Don’t allow children to dive or push each other into the pool or run around the pool area. Teach your children that it’s never okay to push a friend under water, splash friends excessively, or pretend to need help in the water as a game. Don’t allow toys in your pool that aren’t specifically designed for swimming pools, and do insist on regular time-outs for all swimmers. 
  7. Learn CPR. Parents should consider taking a CPR class from the American Red Cross or local healthcare facilities. You’ll have the peace of mind of knowing you’re equipped with potentially life-saving skills should a water-related accident occur. 

Safety first

Swimming pools are great places for families to spend quality time, get exercise and have fun. However, pool safety for kids must be top-of-mind for all pool owners and parents. As swim season approaches, take time to review the rules of water safety with your family. To make it fun for your kids to learn the rules of pool safety, download 10 Cool Pool Rules for Kids and read through it with them today! 

The beach entry (zero entry) fiberglass pools 

Thursday Pools is the creator of the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool designs. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) are currently available to order, so you can turn your home into instant waterfront property with your new fiberglass pool! 

Ask the General: How Can I Save Money on Pool Installation Cost?

Posted on by krista

Four Money-Saving Tips to Lower your Pool Installation Cost and Help You Get in the Swim

Dear General,

We have decided to purchase a fiberglass inground pool.  As we’re narrowing our choices and sharpening our pencils on this project, do you have any suggestions for ways to save money on our pool installation cost? Do we need pool pro contractors? Every little bit helps!

Sincerely,

Saving in Sturgis

Dear Saving in Sturgis,

pool installation costI hear you about saving money. Getting the perfect, new inground pool is a big decision, and it’s important to make an informed choice. Here is some advice to help with initial costs of construction:

  1. Choosing pool pro contractors. I once had customers who moved about every four years into a bigger more expensive house. Each time they called, we designed a landscaping plan and a pool plan for the new house. By pool number four he simply said, “You know what I want. You handle it.” This trust shows that they knew that we were pros who had their best interests at heart. I tell you this story to illustrate the point that you’ll save money in the long run by choosing an established, experienced, recommended pool pro contractors. Trying to save a couple bucks upfront can end up costing you big pool maintenance costs in the end if you don’t get a high quality fiberglass pool that’s been properly installed.
  2. Buy your pool in winter. While pools get installed year-round in the Sunbelt states, colder weather definitely slows down pool installation here in the Midwest. Winter is a great time to buy a pool. You might snag a deal or two if you commit to a spring installation before the snow flies. It’s always worth asking.
  3. Build your perfect pool in phases. You don’t have to have every single bell and whistle upfront. If your pool budget is tight, ask your pool pro contractors to design your project in such a way that you can add on features later. Maybe the fire pit or some of the landscaping can wait until next season.  And while options like robotic pool cleaners, slides and automatic pool covers are great to have, you can always purchase them at a later date.
  4. Can you DIY anything? I’ve had homeowners who were electricians who did their own electrical work, masonry contractors who have poured their own concrete decks, and green-thumbed homeowners who have done their own grading, seeding and landscaping. Some customers have been able to purchase building permits and variances as needed. Others have taken down trees, built fences, built retaining walls, moved sprinkler systems, moved electrical lines, rerouted water lines, moved septic systems, removed old wood decks and installed their own gas lines. If you have the skills you can save yourself a little money on the pool installation cost. However, if you’re not an experienced contractor yourself, you might end up costing yourself more in the long run. In the end, it’s probably best to have pool pro contractors.

The sooner you do it, the more money you’ll save 

Just like most other great things in life, the price of pools is not predicted to drop anytime in the near future. So the pool salesman in me says, “The sooner you do it, the more money you’ll save.”  So go ahead and take the plunge. You won’t regret it.

Until next time; The General

The Zero Entry fiberglass pools 

Thursday Pools is the creator of the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) are currently available to order, so you can bring the shore to your door with your new fiberglass pool.

What Kind of Swimming Pool is Best for Dogs?

Posted on by krista

Four reasons why fiberglass pools are the best inground pools for dogs

inground poolYou love your dog. Not just like, “He’s a good boy,” kind of love. It’s more like, “He is my baby” kind of love. Your dog is a member of your family. So, if you’re thinking of getting an inground pool, among the other factors you’re considering, you might be wondering what type of pool is best for dogs. You’ll be choosing among three types of inground pools; vinyl, gunite and fiberglass.

Spoiler alert. The answer is a fiberglass pool, and here are four solid reasons why:

  1. The smooth gelcoat surface of a fiberglass pool is pawsitively perfect for pets. Gunite (concrete) inground pools can scratch your pet’s paws, preventing him/her from really enjoying the pool. But with the smooth, durable interior of fiberglass pools, your entire family can enjoy smooth, scratch-free fun in the pool. You’ll never have to worry about snags on your swimsuits or sore feet from rough surfaces.
  2. Fiberglass pools help you avoid claw catastrophes.If you have a vinyl pool, your dog’s claws can penetrate your vinyl liner. And that kind of damage WILL NOT be covered by your warranty. With a fiberglass pool, you can play games with your pet in the pool without worrying about damaging the surface or causing scratches or tears.
  3. Wide-open steps and beach entries on fiberglass pools mean easy in and out for pets. While some dogs seem to get a kick out of splashing everyone who’s in the pool, many pets, especially puppies and older dogs, need a way to ease into the water. The best fiberglass pools have nice, wide-open steps, and many designs have tanning ledges, which make a perfect perch for pets. And now, there are true beach entry fiberglass pool designs (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) that allow for the ultimate way to walk into the water on the non-skid surface.
  4. You’ll enjoy lower overall maintenance with fiberglass. If you’re planning to let your pet swim, you’re automatically committing to a lot more skimming, no matter what type of pool you have.  But in addition to hair, dogs’ coats and mouths can carry bacteria into your pool. However, the impervious surface of fiberglass means it’s easier to keep your water balanced and spend less time on pool maintenance.

Fetch yourself a fiberglass pool! 

So, here’s the takeaway … If you want the best pool for every member of your family, including your furry kids, your number one choice is fiberglass. Get a free estimate on a new fiberglass pool today.

The Top 10 Reasons You Should Own Your OWN Pool!

Posted on by cargo

Top 10 Reasons to get a pool:

There’s a pool in your community, and you’re eagerly anticipating spending your day off there … soaking up the sun, taking a refreshing dip whenever you get too warm, or closing your eyes and taking a little snooze. But when you’re sharing the pool with strangers, it’s often not quite the paradise you’re imagining. The water may be way too hot or way too cold for your taste. There may be a loud group sharing jokes that you don’t find funny. And what about the time you packed everything up to go to the pool, got yourself all settled in and realized you forgot the sunscreen? Yeah … your relaxing day at the pool is sometimes not so relaxing after all.

What if you didn’t have to share? What if you were in total control of your day at the pool? What if you didn’t have to go anywhere but right outside your back door?

Let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons to get a pool! 

  1. You’ll get that precious “me time”. That relaxing day at the pool we were talking about earlier is truly yours. You can spend the day at the pool with anyone you want to invite. But, if you want the pool all to yourself for the WHOLE DAY, you can do that too!
  2. You have the perfect place to party. Having a pool, you can create fun, pool-themed events. Whether you’re sharing your pool with a few close friends or inviting all the neighbors to join the fun, your pool will be the go-to party spot!
  3. You can spend quality time with your kids (AND their friends!) Kids grow up so fast. Having a pool is a great way to keep them wanting to spend time at home as they get older. Plus, they’re likely to spend less time on their devices and more family time with you! Also, if your kids are spending more time at home, their friends are likely to be there too. It’s incredibly valuable to have time to get to know the kids YOUR kids are spending time with and develop relationships with them as well.
  4. You can improve your overall health and fitness. Swimming and other water exercises have an amazing effect on your body, including chronic pain relief and weight loss. You’ll strengthen just about every muscle group while simultaneously getting a great cardio workout. Swimming can lower your stress levels and even your blood pressure.
  5. You’ll enjoy the convenience. Packing lunches, towels, sunscreen and water every time you want to go to the pool gets old. Especially when you forget the sunblock, or worse, you forget to unpack and leave wet clothes in your vehicle overnight. When your perfect paradise is just a few steps from your back door, enjoying pool days is easy!
  6. You control the temperature. Everyone has their own idea of what the perfect water temperature is. What feels refreshing to one person might feel freezing to another. With your own pool, you get to choose what feels “just right” to you and set your heater or chiller to whatever temperature makes you happy.
  7. You control the water quality. Let’s face it. When you get into a public pool, you can never be sure of what’s in that water with you. It’s not pleasant to think about, but unless you’re doing the pool maintenance yourself, you have no way of knowing what invisible contaminants might be swimming alongside you and your family. Having your own pool means the peace of mind of knowing that the water is healthy, balanced and ready for fun all the time.
  8. You may increase your home’s value. Depending on where you live, adding an inground fiberglass pool to your backyard will most likely increase your home’s value. So, in addition to making an investment in quality family time, you’ll be making an investment in your home’s value too!
  9. You can have a staycation every day. With a pool of your own, you might feel like you never need to spend money on a vacation again. And, if you love the beach, you can even bring the shore to your own back door by getting a beach entry fiberglass pool (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an island getaway (but you can still sleep in your own, comfy bed.)
  10. You’ll be able to look out the window at your beautiful pool. A gorgeous fiberglass inground pool adds a shimmering finishing touch to any backyard. Even when you’re not swimming in it, being able to see sparkling blue water is calming and rejuvenating. With all the fabulous fiberglass pool designs available, you’re sure to find one that perfectly complements your home’s aesthetic and fits your family’s personality.

Ready to take the plunge? 

These are ten pretty great reasons to get a pool, right? Are you convinced? Ready to take the plunge with a fiberglass inground pool of your own? Enjoy all the perks that the fiberglass pool lifestyle has to offer. Get an estimate on a beautiful backyard swimming oasis all your own. You’ll wonder why you didn’t do it years ago.

Get an estimate on a new fiberglass pool today! 

Thursday Pools fiberglass industry innovations include: 

Ask the General: Can Dogs Swim in Pools? 

Posted on by krista

Ask the General: Can Dogs Swim in Pools?

Dear General; 

We are getting a new pool! Our kids are pretty excited about it. So is Harvey, our yellow lab. He loves to swim. However, several friends have told us we shouldn’t allow dogs in the pool. What’s your advice? Can dogs swim in pools? Do we have to ground poor Harvey when our new pool comes, or can we let him enjoy the dog days of summer? 

— Dog lovers in Dayton, Ohio 

Dear Dayton Dog Lovers; 

can dogs swim in poolsI have been asked “can dogs swim in pools” many times, as well as if we should let our pets in general use the pool. (This typically means our dogs, because I don’t know too many cats who like to swim.) Well, that’s kind of like asking if you should allow your dogs to sit with you on your furniture or sleep with you in your bed. Will it be easier to keep your furniture and bedding clean if you don’t? YES. Will you reduce the risk of damage to your expensive couch if you don’t have a dog launching itself off of it every time someone rings the doorbell? YES. But, if your answer to the question: “Is your dog one of your children?” is also YES, you might be willing to take on a little extra wear, tear and cleaning in order to have the joy of sharing your pool with your pet. But if you do, you’ll definitely want to choose the right kind of pool.

I once had customers mention during the sales presentation that one of the reasons for purchasing an inground pool was to have their dogs swim with them. This couple’s children had grown and they were “empty nesters.” They had previously owned a gunite pool, and had two golden retrievers that loved to swim with them. They didn’t want another gunite pool, but were worried about the dogs damaging a vinyl or fiberglass pool.

If you plan to let your dog swim, consider these facts

I’ll share with you the same advice I gave this couple. Basically, I’m not a fan of letting dogs swim, because of the extra pool maintenance it causes. But, if having your dogs swim with you is part of your joy in having a pool, of course you should do it. If that’s the case, here are some things you need to consider:

  • Water quality. Dogs can bring contaminants into the water. If they’ve rolled in something in the backyard, it’s going to wash off in the pool. Even if you’ve recently given them a bath, the residue from the dog shampoo is going to end up in your water. You should be especially cautious if you live near a river, stream or lake and your dog also swims there as they can transplant algae into your pool that can be difficult and expensive to get rid of. So give them a good rinse before you let them jump in, and stay on top of your water chemistry.
  • Pool equipment. Dogs shed. I have pulled big hairballs out of a pool pump’s impeller and piping that were causing poor circulation and could have caused a lot of damage to the pump. So, a good brushing before Harvey gets into the pool is a must. Install a fine filter screen in your skimmers. There are mesh filters available that will also help. (And here’s a hint from Heloise: knee-high panty hose can be put inside the skimmer basket to catch the hair before it heads to the equipment.) Always clean your skimmer basket and pump basket after your pet swims.
  • Pet health. Dogs may drink the water while they’re swimming, ingesting chlorine and other chemicals. Needless to say, this is not good for the dog, especially if your chlorine level is running high. If you see your dog lapping up water, you’ll either need to keep them out of the pool or train them NOT to drink the water. On the flip side, swimming is as good for your pet’s joints as it is for yours and it’s great exercise for you and them!
  • Pool structure. The couple with the golden retrievers were correct to wonder about damage to a vinyl liner pool. Your dog could rip a vinyl liner within the first few minutes of getting in, and it WILL NOT be covered by your warranty. By contrast, gunite pools have a rough enough surface that they can do damage to the pads of a dog’s feet. So, if having your pet swim with you is important, a fiberglass pool is the only way to go, for a number of reasons:
    1. An impervious surface. The gel coat surface of a good quality fiberglass pool will be impervious to scratches from your pet’s paws.
    2. Lower chemical use. Fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals to keep your water balanced, and algae can’t roost in the nooks and crannies that both vinyl liner and gunite pools have. So, even if sharing your pool with Harvey means you’ll need more pool maintenance chemicals, you’ll still use less in the long run.
    3. Easy in and out. Most fiberglass pool designs feature wide-open, non-skid steps that will help your pet navigate entering and exiting the pool. Many have tanning ledges and there are now also beach entry (zero entry) fiberglass pool designs (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) on the market that will allow your furry kids (along with your two-legged kids) to ease into the water on a gentle slope.

Keep everyone safely in the swim

In our house, my dog thinks he’s a rescue dog. He jumps in to try to “save” us. He paddles around for a while, and then he tires, and we end up having to rescue him. Remember that some dogs are better swimmers than others. As with children, dogs need constant supervision in the pool and they need to enjoy the water safely. If you see your pet tiring, make them get out of the water and sideline them for a while. To keep both kids and pets safe, get a pool that’s auto-cover ready and keep it closed whenever your pool is not in use.

Till next time, safely enjoy your pool – The General

The world’s first truly zero entry fiberglass pools 

Thursday Pools is the creator of the beach entry (or zero entry) fiberglass pool. Grace Beach Entry and Sandal Beach Entry (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) are currently available to order, so you can bring the shore to your door with your new fiberglass pool.

Swimming Pool Myths and Facts

Posted on by JosiahSchaefer

swimming pool myths and facts

Question: Which of the following is true? 

A. You must wait an hour after eating to swim. 

B. Chlorine turns your hair green.

C. Swimming pools take a lot of time and money to maintain.

D. People who own pools don’t really use them.

E. None of the above.

The correct answer is E. None of the above. 

 

There are a lot of swimming pool myths and facts floating around (pun intended) about swimming and swimming pool ownership out there. Let’s take a minute to debunk those swimming pool myths, shall we?

You must wait an hour after eating to swim. 

Sure, mother typically knows best, but, if you have memories of being sidelined at the pool after lunch, wistfully watching your friends having fun, your mom was subscribing to an old wives’ tale. You don’t really have to wait an hour after eating to swim. The thinking behind this myth is that you’re more likely to get a “stitch” or cramp if you swim on a full stomach, but there’s no medical evidence to support it. If you’re prone to cramps, you might want to stretch a bit before swimming, and of course, you need to adhere to pool safety rules. But you can feel free to enjoy your dinner, and then jump in and swim off those calories.

Chlorine turns your hair green. 

The greenish tint that some blonde-haired swimmers sport after swimming is actually caused by copper sulfate, which is used to combat algae. You may or may not use much of it, depending on what kind of pool you have. Algae is most likely to form in inground pools with vinyl liners, where it can hide and grow in the pool seams and crevices, and in gunite pools, in the rough surface of the concrete. Inground pool owners who enjoy the low-maintenance fiberglass pool lifestyle will find they don’t need algaecides as often. Either way, chlorine has had a bad rap on this, and it’s not the culprit.

Swimming pools take a lot of time and money to maintain. 

Again, the level of maintenance your inground pool requires depends on what kind of pool you choose. Because of their durable, gel coat finish, fiberglass pools require fewer pool maintenance chemicals, which means less time and less money for the pool owner. Vinyl pools require, on average, about double the amount of pool maintenance chemicals than fiberglass, and gunite is a whopping four times more.

Sure, getting the hang of your pool maintenance schedule in the beginning can mean a big learning curve. However, if you stay on top of it, regular maintenance for a fiberglass pool should not take longer than one to two hours per week. The rest of the time, you’ll be chilling in your fabulous pool and wondering how you ever lived without it.

People who own pools don’t really use them. 

Families who own inground pools have a great way to keep their kids off their devices and engaged in family life. Homes with pools become the go-to place for kids to gather, so you’ll be able to get to know your kids’ friends. And it’s not just your kids’ friends who will enjoy coming over. Your pool is a wonderful place to host parties and reconnect with people you care about. Pool owners can enjoy the luxury of a staycation every day of the week throughout the swim season.

But there’s more to pool ownership than just socializing. Pools are good for you! Swimming is one of the most popular forms of exercise in the US, and it’s a great way to lose weight, reduce chronic pain and lower your stress level. Once you own your own inground pool, you’ll find every reason in the world to spend your time there.

Take the plunge. (And you don’t have to wait an hour after you eat to do it.) 

Now that we’ve debunked some of the myths of pool ownership, are you thinking that owning a pool may be right for you? Take the plunge today by getting a FREE estimate on a fabulous fiberglass pool. You’ll be in the swim before you know it.

 

#PSPExpo #PSPExpo2019 #NewOrleans 

10 Water Exercises You Can Do in Your Fiberglass Pool

Posted on by krista

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Swimming in Your Own Backyard!

An inground pool is a lovely addition to one’s home and is a great place to host gatherings for family and friends. Pools allow the family to get out of the house and still escape the intense summer heat. But your fiberglass pool can be more than just a social spot. In this post, we will give you some ideas for swimming pool exercises that you can do alone or with others to maximize the health benefits of your time in the pool.

Health Benefits of Swimming Pool Exercises

Did you know that swimming pool exercises are one of the best ways to burn calories with minimal risk of injury? Movements in the pool are lower impact than the hard ground allowing for a more joint friendly workout. And, water is around 784 times denser than air which provides a stronger resistance resulting in more calories being burned. What’s more, swimming uses every muscle group in both your upper and lower body, so you’ll get a great whole body workout.

Summertime is the perfect time for starting a resolution to get in shape, and your own backyard pool is an enjoyable, private place to exercise. While swimming laps are effective, it can be boring and cause many to lose sight of their resolution. That’s why we came up with ten swimming pool exercises that will help you burn calories, strengthen your muscles, and get fit for summer!

Water Exercise Equipment Checklist

Before you get started, make sure you are equipped for the exercises. You will want to have the proper equipment ready including water goggles, aquatic dumbbells and water floaties. Here’s why:

  • Goggles. Goggles are a necessity for water exercising. They help your body create a steady form and direction while protecting your eyes.
  • Aquatic Weights. Weights allow for greater resistance. Adding weights can help improve smaller muscle groups that get missed in a normal workout.
  • Water Floaties. Can be useful to have nearby in case of a cramp, and they are helpful when maneuvering around the pool.

How to do Swimming Pool Exercises

  1. The Bicycle.
    swimming pool exercises
    (Note: Please do not bring your actual bicycle into the pool!) Rest your elbows on the side of the pool, face toward the pool and move your legs into a crouched position. Then, move your legs to make an imaginary type of bicycle motion. Do this exercise for 2 minutes, rest 30 seconds, then repeat three to five times.
    Benefits: Burns calories fast and strengthens core, shoulders and legs and also helps by improving form.
  2. Missile.
    swimming pool exercises
    Begin near the wall, facing the pool floor. Place your your legs in a squatting position with your hands parallel to the pool floor. Next, push your feet from the wall and explode away. Repeat two to five times. Then, flip over and perform the same swimming pool exercise facing upward with the same number of repetitions.
    Benefits: Strengthens calves, glutes and hamstrings. Improves muscle explosiveness.
  3. Jog/Sprint.
    swimming pool exercises
    A light jog around the pool is good for the lower body. Once you have warmed up your body (three to five minutes), move your knees up higher and move across faster to get a more intense workout. 15-30 minutes total should suffice.
    Benefits: Helps with rehab, walking gait and muscular explosiveness in the lower body.
  4. Squat Jumps.
    swimming pool exercises
    Start in a squatting position as low as you can, then jump as high as you can. Do five to 10 consecutively followed by 60 seconds of walking in place. Repeat three to five times.
    Benefits: Strengthens quads, glutes and hamstrings. Improves explosiveness and balance.
  5. Bicep Curls.
    swimming pool exercises
    Standing chest-deep in water, lift aquatic weights in front of you toward your chest. Make sure to keep the full range of motion under the water. Do ten curls, rest for a ten count. Then repeat the cycle three times.
    Benefits: Strengthens and tones biceps.
  6. Noodle Plank.
    swimming pool exercises
    Hold onto the noodle down on the stairs and get into a push-up position. The water resistance against the noodle will make holding the position difficult. Try holding the position for at least two minutes. Rest for a ten count and repeat 3 times.
    Benefits: Strengthens abdominal muscles, core, and is a light workout for arms and shoulders.
  7. Free Style with Weights.
    swimming pool exercises
    Swim laps as you normally would, but use weights to increase your resistance.
    Benefits: Strengths arms, shoulders and core.
  8. Jab Punches.
    swimming pool exercises
    Reenact Rocky 1,2,3,4,5 and 6!  Squat until your shoulders are underwater, then punch underwater as fast as you can.
    Benefits: Improves explosiveness and strengthens back, shoulders, arms and core.
  9. Spiderman.
    swimming pool exercises
    Climb the wall like Spiderman! Get in the pool, and stand by the edge. Hold on to the side of the pool and stabilize your upper body while you put one foot on the wall. Next, let go of the wall and start moving your hands back and forth to keep your balance while running your feet up and down the side of the pool. Try for 30 seconds of climbing at a time, and repeat two to four times.
    Benefits: Burns calories and strengthens quads.
  10. One-Legged Balance
    swimming pool exercises
    Do your best one-legged flamingo! Keep one leg under water and bend your knees slightly. Then, raise one leg closer toward the water surface. Try to hold for 30 seconds, and alternate legs. Repeat 5 times per leg.
    Benefits: Strengthens core and balance and improves flexibility.
  11. Bonus! Leg Plank Kicks Created by Thursday’s own, Pilar Vondell
    swimming pool exercises
    This swimming exercise is best accomplished in the Thursday Pools Aspen design! Get into a plank position on the Aspen’s stairs, then raise one leg as high as possible into the air. Once you have raised your leg on both sides fives times, flip so your body is facing the sky and repeat.
    Benefits: Improves flexibility and range of motion, and strengthens core.

Get in the swim! 

If you’re ready to have fun and get fit and enjoy the health benefits of swimming exercise, find a Thursday Pools dealer near you today and get your weekend started early!

 

43 Interesting Things About the Pool Lifestyle

Posted on by krista

Once you’ve joined the club of swimming pool owners, certain truths about pool lifestyle become self-evident. Over my years as a member of this backyard-living, pool-owning club, these things have proven themselves to be true over and over again. Whether you currently own a fiberglass pool or you’re ready to take the plunge with a new inground pool, you’re sure to get a kick out of this list of 43 interesting things that all pool owners eventually come to know.

  1. Water always goes cloudy the day before a big party.
  2. Farts float (according to my grandson).
  3. The meaning of the terms “pH” and Total Dissolved Solids.
  4. It’s better to buy quality than cheap.
  5. It always rains 2 inches after you have added water with your garden hose.
  6. Blow-up toys usually last about two weeks (if you are lucky).
  7. Don’t ever say “Feel free to use the pool anytime.” They will.
  8. There’s no such thing as enough towels.
  9. Never walk barefoot on a deck or driveway that the sun has been baking all day.
  10. There always needs to be someone outside the pool to chase the ball.
  11. Never show your kids how to turn on the pool heater.
  12. Always check the water temperature before entering the pool.
  13. Water spouts and floating fountains are mesmerizing and a great stress-reliever.
  14. Small, round rocks are impossible to dig out of the deep-end.
  15. Skimmer baskets catch some amazing things.
  16. You acquire friends you never realized you had before buying a pool.
  17. Grass clippings are a bear to get out of the pool. Foot baths for kids are required.
  18. Never try to go down a dry slide. Literally can’t be done.
  19. You actually own (and will at some point probably use) a lifeguard whistle.
  20. You really can get sunburned on what seems to be a cloudy day. In places you never imagined.
  21. All concrete decks eventually crack.
  22. There is no such thing as a chemical that turns color if a kid pees in the pool (but don’t tell the kids that.)
  23. Never take glass of any kind into the pool area. (Doesn’t matter if you’re “careful”).
  24. You find yourself yelling the phrase “STOP RUNNING” on a regular basis.
  25. You’re obsessed with water safety and require “swimmies” or life jackets on kids until they prove themselves.
  26. Ducks and geese will always choose your pool over the pond.
  27. Your kids, who promised to clean the pool EVERY DAY, need reminding EVERY DAY.
  28. It’s always a good idea to shock your pool after the little league has been in it.
  29. You tell your teenage daughter the best way to get a tan is to vacuum the pool.
  30. You have plastic runners from the back door to the bathroom.
  31. Even with a pool, the kids occasionally like to play in the sprinkler.
  32. You can (and have been known to) jump fully clothed in the pool after mowing the yard on a humid 80-degree day.
  33. The mysterious object at the deep-end of the pool is your sunglasses.
  34. You firmly believe that no child gets to swim without supervision. EVER.
  35. Kids will get in 65-degree water in April, but complain if it’s not 85 degrees in June
  36. When walking down the steps into the pool water there is a “special depth” that requires hesitation.
  37. It is a proven fact that birds will fly 200 miles just to poop on your pool deck.
  38. Basketball is the best game to play in the pool. Volleyball requires a crowd.
  39. The decibel level of a kids birthday pool party is louder than anything you could possibly imagine.
  40. You should invite your goofy neighbor to pool parties, or your guests might see him burning leaves in his underwear. (I know this from experience.)
  41. Sitting by the pool is almost more relaxing than floating in it.
  42. Having a pool in your backyard makes you feel like you’re on vacation every day.
  43. When you walk into the backyard, your pool will never fail to make you smile.

These are just a few of the pool lifestyle things that every pool owner knows. The joys of backyard summer living poolside are too many too count. I’ll add more as time goes by and I’m sure you have some of your own. (Now, just imagine that if anyone ever Googles “do farts float,” they may get to read this blog.) And if you’d like to join the club of pool owners, give my friends at Thursday Pools a shout. They can hook you up.

With that in mind it is time to go enjoy my own pool. Have a great and safe pool season. Until next time…

-The General

Chronic Pain? Try Water Exercise for Pain Relief

Posted on by krista

pool painHave you heard of Pool Pain? Rarely! See how low-impact pool exercises relieve joint pain

If you bend down to tie your shoes and find yourself thinking, “What else can I do while I’m down here?” you may be dealing with chronic pain. Chronic pain can really cramp your style. Little things that used to be easy have become a struggle, like doing laundry, lifting a grandbaby or carrying in groceries. Other than medication, what can you do to alleviate the pain? You can swim.

Water exercise, particularly in the warm water of a heated inground pool, has provided dramatic relief from pain and stiff joints for many chronic pain sufferers. The gentle, low-impact resistance the water provides gives them a great workout with less potential for falls, as well as a lower risk of joint stress and tissue injury. In this blog post, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about pool exercise.

HOW WILL SWIMMING HELP ME? 

Here’s just a short list of conditions that can be improved by swimming exercise:

  • Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Migraines
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Pinched nerves and nerve pain
  • Ankle and foot pain
  • Hand, arm and shoulder pain
  • Hip pain
  • Knee and leg pain
  • Neck pain
  • Lower and upper back pain
  • Generalized muscle and joint pain

That list covers pretty much all of us at some point, right? So, even if you’re not a strong swimmer, getting in the water and doing some gentle resistance exercises can have a great impact.

Swimming for overall health and wellness

Pain relief is not the only health benefit of swimming. According to an article from Harvard Medical School, swimming also improves blood pressure, cholesterol levels, energy levels, heart and lung health, and an overall sense of happiness and well-being. Swimming laps is certainly an option, but there are many other invigorating and fun ways to get exercise in the pool, using water exercise equipment or playing games in the pool with your family.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I SWIM?

Make a weekly commitment.

In order to get the maximum health benefits from swimming, you’ll need to commit to spending at least two hours per week in the pool.

WHERE SHOULD I SWIM?

To make sure you stick with it, find your ideal pool experience.

You can join a local gym that has a pool, go to your community pool or use a friend’s pool, if any of those are available to you. However, you’re more likely to get in a pool that’s just outside your door, so having an inground pool in your own backyard is an even better option! With your own private pool, you can control the temperature yourself. You can exercise any time you want—morning, noon or night. You might even be able to get more than one workout in a day. Although it is possible to have pool pain, it is less likely to occur due to the low-impact nature of the exercise.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY OWN POOL?

The swimming pool lifestyle 

With an inground fiberglass pool, you’ll always have a spot to entertain friends, spend quality time with your kids and grandkids and unwind at the end of a busy day. After you’ve gotten your exercise in for the day, you can enjoy the backyard paradise you’ve created. You can even enhance your swimming pool area with a sound system, an outdoor kitchen and a wonderful shade structure.

Inground fiberglass pools are low-maintenance and will provide your family with a place to create memories for years to come. If you’re ready to reach your fitness goals and enjoy all the other benefits that owning a swimming pool offers, it’s time to get an estimate on a new fiberglass inground pool today.

Swimming for Summer Weight Loss

Posted on by krista

swimming for weight loss

Get in Shape with a Thursday Pool: Swimming for Weight Loss

While running and biking can be great ways to lose pounds, the summer weather provides obstacles, often in the form of intense heat, that can be too strenuous (and dangerous) if you’re not properly equipped, stretched and hydrated. Swimming exercises are an excellent alternative to stay cool and shave off the pounds. In this post, we’ll discuss swimming for weight loss in your own fiberglass pool.

With a fiberglass pool, you can exercise in the comfort and convenience of your own private, personally customized space and control aspects of your workout that a facility doesn’t allow. For example, you are able to decide when you want to workout, for how long, how intense, and with how many breaks. Plus, it’s much easier to stay hydrated when you can simply retrieve a tall glass of water whenever you want.

Swimming for weight loss and exercising in a (Thursday Pools) fiberglass pool can be safer because the fiberglass coating is smooth (yet non-slip). While stretching or jogging in the pool, you don’t have to worry about the rough bottom (as in a gunite pool) irritating your feet. Whereas running and biking have the potential of injury from falling or pulling something, swimming is a very joint friendly workout.

Water exercises can be beneficial for people of all ages to lose weight at their own pace. With exercises as simple as stretching, you can help warm up your muscles and lose calories in the process. At a moderate pace of freestyle swimming, you can expect to burn 300 calories in 30 minutes.

One of the most common myths of swimming is that it is not effective because you cannot see the sweat, but in all actuality, swimming is a great choice to build muscle endurance and cardio—perfect for losing weight.

The speed of weight loss also depends on how experienced of a swimmer you are. A person who has a less fluid motion and has to concentrate to keep the technique together is more likely to lose weight faster than an experienced swimmer. Learning how to do different swim strokes can help you lose weight because being inexperienced in the technique makes your body work harder to perform the motion.

Drafting a plan to lose weight continuously gets more challenging as you become more experienced in the water and your cardio improves. Don’t give up! To stay motivated, create a buddy system with a neighbor and/or friend who is also trying to lose weight so that you have support and accountability.
Or why not make it a family activity? As for your swimming techniques, shorten your breaks, change strokes more frequently and increase the intensity (time per lap) to keep up the weight loss over time.

Start swimming in your fiberglass pool today! It’s the cool way lose weight.