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Category: Pool FAQs

Is a Fiberglass Pool Right for Me?

Posted on by krista

Thursday Pools Maya Fiberglass pool with Hendricks Pavers

An inground swimming pool is a significant, long-term investment, homeowners should weigh their options carefully and choose the type of pool that will fit their needs for as long as they own their home. We know it’s tempting to just go with the pool type you can get the soonest—resist the urge! Fiberglass pools are an inground pool option that is both worth the wait and fits a wide array of buyers’ lifestyles. You may have questions: Is a fiberglass pool worth the money? How long do fiberglass pools last? What is the downside of fiberglass pools? In this blog post, we’ll discuss fiberglass pools pros and cons. 

 

Fiberglass Pools Pros and Cons

The Pros:

  1. Design Options. At one time, fiberglass pool design options were limited. Modern fiberglass pools come in various shapes, sizes, and colors that complement any backyard design. Go sleek and contemporary or free-flowing and laid back – there is a design and size for every situation. You can easily customize them with tilework that matches your personality and aesthetic.
  2. Built-in High-End Features. Fiberglass pool shell designs include some of the hottest trends in inground pools. Depending on your chosen model, many desirable and artful features like tanning ledges, swim-outs, and wrap-around benches are built-in. Elements once considered only for the realm of resort pools, like beach entries (zero entries), are now built into fiberglass pools.
  3. Smooth, Non-skid Finish. Concrete (gunite) inground pools tend to have a porous, rough finish, and vinyl pools are often very smooth to the touch but can become slippery when wet. With a fiberglass pool, you have a gel coat finish that looks polished and shiny but is non-skid and non-snag! Of course, any pool type can pose a fall risk, so always be careful as you enter and exit the pool!
  4. Durable. Don’t be fooled by the “glass” in the word fiberglass. While not all fiberglass pools are equal, we build Thursday Pools fiberglass pools with nine layers of strength, with both the structure and surface lasting for decades with less maintenance required than other pool types. Non-porous fiberglass inhibits algae and other minerals that break down other pool-type finishes. Whereas a vinyl liner typically needs to be replaced every eight to ten years on average and a gunite pool needs replastering after 10 to 15 years on average, a fiberglass pool can last a lifetime with proper pool maintenance!
  5. Lowest Maintenance. It’s generally accepted that fiberglass pools have the lowest maintenance cost of all three pool types. A fiberglass pool’s ten-year maintenance costs could be around $5,750 on average, whereas other pool types maintenance costs can be much higher. A big part of long-term gunite pool maintenance costs involves steel brushing the surface every week, acid washing an average of every three to five years, and resurfacing an average of every 10 to 15 years. For vinyl liner pools, replacing the liner every five to nine years or so will need to be factored into maintenance cost plans. Because there is seldom a need to resurface fiberglass, and fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals, you can anticipate lower maintenance costs over the pool’s lifetime.
  6. Quick to Install. Vinyl and gunite pools are built on-site and are subject to the elements and potential delays that inclement weather brings to construction projects. Fiberglass pools are constructed in a controlled factory environment. When it arrives at your home, it is ready to be put into place. The process can occur in as few as three weeks during non-peak seasons. Compare that with concrete pools that typically take three to six months to  install and vinyl liner pools that could  take six to eight weeks.
  7. Pet-friendly. Concrete inground pools can be rough on your pet’s paws, and vinyl inground pools can be slick, causing slips or tears when they come in contact with pet nails. The durable, non-skid surface of fiberglass resists scratches and tears from toenails and prevents slipping when your pet attempts to get out of the pool. 
  8. Increased Home Value. As home resale value varies by location and condition, a home with a pool’s resale value also varies by type of pool installed. Because of the lower long-term maintenance costs, fiberglass pools tend to be preferred by homebuyers and can increase the value of your home.
  9. Environmentally More Friendly. Non-fiberglass pools can leach chemicals and rust back into the groundwater. And acid-washing can result in harm to the environment. Fiberglass pools don’t pose these types of environmental problems. If you go with a fiberglass pool manufacturer committed to the environment, you are taking steps to contribute to a greener world.

inground pool comparison

 

The Cons:

  1. It’s not a DIY Home Project. We recommend that an independent dealer installs your fiberglass pool. If you go with a non-licensed installer, the performance and durability of your pool can suffer. With a DIY approach, you may not get to enjoy your pool until you fix all the mistakes. Common problems people have when trying to install a fiberglass pool on their own are getting the pool level and pouring coping around the fiberglass pool. These can be expensive errors to correct.
  2. Size Limits. Gunite and vinyl pools are built on-site, so there is flexibility if you want to go big with your pool. One of the disadvantages of fiberglass pools is that they are generally limited in size and shape by what can be transported from the factory to your backyard. Road restrictions limit the size of a fiberglass pool to approximately 16′ wide x 40′-41’ long.
  3. Customizability. Fiberglass pool designs are surprising in their breadth of features and shapes, but they are pre-built, so the manufacturer’s parameters can limit you. For example, if you have your heart set on building a guitar-shaped pool, you’ll likely need to look into gunite. Additionally, if the fiberglass pool design you want comes with a tanning ledge that you don’t want, you will also need to look at another pool type.
  4. Access/Space for Installation. Because we transport a fiberglass pool shell in one piece to your backyard, you must have backyard access and space. Installers often use cranes and other heavy equipment to get the pool to its destination and this need for access and freedom to move a large object can be a dealbreaker. 

A fiberglass pool is not for everyone, but we still believe there is someone for every Thursday Pools fiberglass pool. Knowing fiberglass pool pros and cons is a step toward finding your fit. Check out our Pool Selector Tool to find your match or get started with an estimate. 

Contact a dealer to talk about a new fiberglass pool today. With Thursday Pools, your weekend starts early!

Fiberglass Pool Reviews

Posted on by krista

When you begin the process of considering a backyard pool, your mind might swirl with questions. You may start with basic questions like, “how much do fiberglass pools cost?” Or, “is a concrete pool or fiberglass pool better?” You should look for reliable information and answers to your questions from people who have already taken the plunge. In this post, we’ll give answers to three common questions pool buyers ask and throw in some fiberglass pool reviews of our own.

Are there many fiberglass pool designs to choose from?

Beach EntryYes! Over the last 30 years, fiberglass pool manufacturers have taken customers’ most loved inground pool features and designed them into the fiberglass pool shell. When comparing fiberglass vs vinyl pool cost or fiberglass vs concrete pool cost, you should factor in the features because many that are built into fiberglass pool designs may add to the cost of other pool types. Some features you’ll find in Thursday Pools designs include benches and seats, beach entries (aka zero entries) (Patent US 10,472,839), swim outs, built-in steps, tanning and safety ledges. 


We just finished the install of our Thursday Pools pool. We chose the 16×33 Goliath for its design to allow lap swimming end to end. We love the multiple sets of stairs and safety ledge on each side. The California finish color looks amazing!! Quality construction!!! Highly recommend. -Eric Demaline

Their beach entry pools are amazing! We love ours, and the beach entry is perfect for pets and children! Thursday Pools has always been a pleasure to work with ☀️” -Bonnie Sommers

We love our new pool! Fiberglass is definitely the way to go!!! -Julie Sue Upchurch

Can I get a small fiberglass inground pool? 

Good news! Thursday Pools has a variety of pool sizes to fit your backyard oasis. Perhaps you have a small yard or simply don’t want a large pool. Regardless, if you’re looking for a small fiberglass inground pool, you have options for fiberglass pool shapes and sizes with all the popular features of larger pools. Let’s look at some.

   

Lil Bob Titus
Sun Day​​ Pearl

 

What’s the difference between fiberglass pool manufacturers? Sunday is Funday, swimming in our … Sun Day Fiberglass pool, not only Sunday but everyday we spend is a funday with Sun Day. We lounge on the sun shelf, use the wide open steps with the top one the best for our 2 year old Ava. We love the bench seats with the water spa jet returns flowing the crystal clear water. After just two days after the pool was filled we were amazed how quickly the water warmed up, the fiberglass holds heat and even at night the water remains warm. We have already had a pool party and everyone comments on the design and how beautiful the water looks. we just love our new pool and no need to take a summer vacation, just walk out the door. A special thanks to Justin and all the great staff at American Pool and Spas in Richmond, KY, from start to finish their work was professional. …yes everyday is Funday…thanks! -Will and Ashley Mason and Ava Sheets, and Bruce and Kathy Markley

While we can’t speak for the competition, we can tell you what we think makes us stand out. Thursday Pools believes that passion, care and attention to detail makes the difference. This includes our work with strategic partners, dealers and homeowners. Our pools are hand-crafted by skilled artisans in a factory-controlled environment and are built with multiple layers of strength. We are committed to innovation, quality and the environment.

 

I spent the winter traveling the country and kicking the tires on several fiberglass pool manufacturers. I’ve been installing auto covers for 15 years, and I have worked on every pool out there. It was time to take it to the next level with my company. I chose Thursday Pools over everything else for several reasons. The main reason I chose Thursday Pools is due to the engineering details that they have pioneered and patented. Geo-wall to anchor the exterior of the pool to the Earth, beach entry pools (Patent US 10,472,839), and pool shells that are tailored to accommodate an automatic pool cover are a few of the most important reasons for me. After I got to meet the owners of Thursday Pools and got a feel for who they are as individuals, we can’t help but to love these guys. Best decision we could’ve ever made was to choose Thursday Pools to be our manufacturers exclusively. -Josh Welsh

 

Great build quality and knowledgeable staff. Purchased a Titus 14×33 and absolutely love it!  Shopped other manufacturers before looking at Thursday Pools. 100% happy with our decision!

-Steve West

 

 Top notch pools and top notch company!! I now own two Thursday Pools and am looking forward to doing another one next year! You can’t go wrong with this company! Highly recommend it! -Kevin Weaver

 

Great business, great quality pool. The employees and management are so courteous. -Johnny E. Hatchet

 

We toured the factory and it was fantastic. Super fine swimming pools. -Christopher Gates

Reap the Health Benefits of Exercise in Your New Fiberglass Pool

Posted on by krista

Get healthy and have more fun this year in a new fiberglass pool. 

If your goals for the new year include getting healthier and more fit, a new inground fiberglass pool might be just the water exercise, swimming exercise, health benefits of swimming, fiberglass pools thing to help you accomplish those goals. Water exercise has loads of health benefits, including weight loss, increased strength and muscle tone, joint pain relief, improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and increased fun (which is also very good for you!)

Choose a fiberglass pool that’s designed for water exercise—one that has wide-open swim lanes and is deep enough to accommodate both lap swimming and water aerobics. You’ll be crushing your health and fitness goals before you know it! 

Let’s take a look at all the amazing health benefits of swimming exercise: 

  1. Weight loss. 

According to Prevention magazine, swimming just 30 minutes can burn between 300-400 calories. Compare that to just 100 calories burned for 30 minutes of brisk walking, and it’s easy to see why swimming is a great choice for folks who want to lose weight. (Not to mention the fact that you’re in the pool cooling off instead of sweating during your workout!) 

  1. Increased strength and muscle tone.

According to Livestrong.com, swimming laps in an inground pool is a great full-body workout. Swimming works your back and shoulders, as well as major muscle groups in your legs and hips. It’s a great core workout as well, particularly when you’re swimming freestyle or doing the backstroke. And if you aren’t feeling like laps, even treading water helps build muscle and strength because the water offers resistance as you move through it. As you gain strength and endurance, you can add water exercises to get even more results.

  1. Joint pain relief. 

Aquatic therapy is an excellent pain management tool for anyone with arthritis, chronic joint pain their backs, knees, hips or necks, or anyone trying to rehabilitate from an injury. An article on PainScience.com suggests that even floating in a swimming pool provides joint pain relief because the water offers relief from gravity, allowing joints and muscles to feel cushioned and safe. Aqua-jogging and other water aerobics reduce inflammation and combine the benefits of reduced joint impact, muscle development and pain relief.

  1. Improved cardiovascular health. 

Studies have shown that swimming lowers blood pressure, which in turn, can reduce the chances of heart attacks and strokes. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), regular cardiovascular exercise, like swimming, also lowers “bad” cholesterol levels, which decreases heart attack risk. 

  1. Reduced stress.  

Harvard Medical School’s online journal addresses how aerobic exercise reduces the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators, which means you’ll feel better physically and mentally. 

  1. Increased fun! 

In addition to being a super healthy choice for you, swimming is just plain fun! There’s nothing like the feeling of splashing around in the water, spending quality time with your friends and family and letting the cares of the day fade away. There are tons of games you can play in the pool, and you’ll still get some exercise while you’re having fun! Plus, if you’re having fun while you’re exercising, you’re much more likely to keep doing it. That’s what you call a win-win. 

https://thursdaypools.com/blog/2020/01/09/reap-the-health-…-fiberglass-pool/Ready to wade on in? 

If you’re ready to experience all the amazing health benefits of swimming in your own, private backyard oasis,  it’s time to wade on in with a low-maintenance, inground fiberglass pool of your very own. After just a few months of exercising in your pool, you’ll feel better, look better and be happier! Fiberglass pools are an investment that pays off in every way. 

What’s the Best Time to Buy a Pool?

Posted on by cargo

The best time to buy a pool is NOW! Planning of your new fiberglass pool oasis should begin well in advance of when you want your swimming pool installation to begin. You’ll want to start reaching out to inground pool builders a minimum of six months prior to your anticipated installation time. Some builders are booked a year in advance! So, the earlier you start planning, the better.

best time to buy a poolObviously, summer is the time when we think about pools the most (especially when we don’t have one). But if you shop in the summer, you’ll likely have to wait until the following summer to enjoy your new pool. Starting in the spring will at least give you a headstart on pool installation season, but it still might be too late to get on your builder’s calendar for that year. So, fall and winter are great times to think about getting a new fiberglass inground pool. However, no matter when you start shopping, the only thing that really matters is finding the perfect pool for your family. And, as they say, there’s no time like the present. There are reasons to shop for a new fiberglass pool in every season, so let’s take a deeper dive!

Fall

Fall is a great time of year to plan your fiberglass pool project. First of all, pool installers are just wrapping up their summer installation schedules. They’ll take a moment to catch their breath, and then they’ll be ready to dive into the spring installation schedule for next year. If you move quickly, and it’s a warm fall, you might even be able to get started on installation before the snow flies! Fall is also a great time to plant trees and flowers, so if your pool is installed in the fall, you can finish the landscaping around your new backyard swimming pool oasis as well.

Winter

Winter is the best time to shop for your new fiberglass pool. Imagine the looks on the kids’ faces if you wrapped up a picture of a beautiful new pool and put it under the tree, or if you showed them a video of a new fiberglass swimming pool on Christmas morning.

If you get all of your pool project’s details nailed down before the ground is covered in snow, you might be first on the list for spring installations, and you’ll be enjoying your new fiberglass pool the minute it’s warm enough to do so.

And here are a few more reasons why the best time to buy a pool is winter: Some (not all) pool builders offer discounts for winter purchases. Also, new fiberglass pool designs typically become available around the first of the year.

Spring

Spring seems like an obvious time to start thinking about spending the upcoming summer lounging by your new pool. And what better way to spend that tax refund than to help finance your new fiberglass swimming pool? However, if you wait until April or later to begin planning your pool project, you might find that your pool builder of choice is already booked through the end of summer. At the same time, it’s never too late to begin planning. If you start in the spring and plan your pool project quickly, you might still be able to get in the swim before the summer starts to cool down, or at least get on the waitlist before someone else.

 

best time to buy a pool

Summer

To summer pool shoppers, we say, “Welcome! Better late than never!” Feel free to call your local pool builder, but don’t be disappointed if they don’t get back to you immediately. Trying to order a pool in July is like waiting until noon on Valentine’s Day to order flowers. It’s not impossible, but a lot of other people have already had the same idea, and you’ll most likely have to try harder. Still, it’s worth the effort!

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take the plunge.

 

#fiberglasspools #beachentrypools #zeroentrypools #ingroundfiberglasspools #poolcost #fiberglasspoolcost #beachentrypoolcost

Five Fantastic Tips to Close Your Fiberglass Pool Right

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Close your pool right in the fall to have a great spring!

Tips For Closing Fiberglass PoolsThey say all good things must come to an end. In the Midwest, that’s a sad but true reality for inground pool season. It’s nearing time to close the pool. To ensure a quick and easy spring fiberglass pool opening, close it properly in the fall. So, here’s a list of five fantastic tips to close your fiberglass pool right.

  1. Balance your water chemistry. We recommend having your water tested by a professional. If your pool maintenance schedule is a little out of whack because you’ve been in it less since school started, achieving a properly balanced pool can take a couple of days, so don’t wait until the day before closing to check levels. While test strips are good for a quick dip test, you should have a professional do a complete water analysis. A complete water analysis will check all important chemistry levels including, but not limited to, total alkalinity, pH, free chlorine, total chlorine, calcium hardness, salt, stabilizer, metals and total dissolved solids. Remember, clean and sparkling pool water does not always mean that your pool water is properly balanced. Looks can be deceiving. Some of the prettiest pool water can be the most destructive.
  2. Wipe down the scum line (or tile line.) Body oils, suntan lotions, and airborne contaminants can sometimes build up on the pool surface along the water line. These can easily be wiped away. Microfiber cloths work great. If necessary, you can use a mild detergent, fiberglass or vinyl cleaner. Remember to never use abrasive cleaners, automatic dish detergent, steel wool, metal scrapers, or other brushes or tools because they can cause permanent damage to your beautiful gel coat finish.
  3. Give it a final clean. A few days before your closing, give your pool a final clean. Skim off any debris floating on the top and vacuum any debris or leaves that may have settled on the bottom of the pool. This is also an excellent time to rinse off your pool deck and automatic safety cover tracks.
  4. Add your winterizing chemicals. The day before your pool pros are scheduled to come, add in your winterization chemicals. They’ll need several hours to circulate before your pump is shut off. Clean out your skimmer basket and remove any remaining debris that may be in the pool.
  5. Tidy up. Take the time now to organize and properly store your chemicals. Give your deck furniture and cushions a good cleaning (or you might want to leave them out for any warm and sunny days still to come). Sort through the pool toys, noodles and floats. Toss any that you plan to replace next year and tuck the rest away.

That’s it! Once you’ve zipped through this list, you’ll be prepared for your pool pros to come and finish the job so you can look forward to an easy spring opening.

Six Money-Saving Tips to Lower Your Pool Installation Costs

Posted on by krista

You have decided to purchase a fiberglass inground pool—congratulations! As you’re narrowing your choices and making plans for your backyard’s new addition, you may want to consider a few ways to save money on your pool installation cost. What you pay for a  fiberglass pool can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, but a few options can help lower the overall price. Getting the right fiberglass inground pool is a big decision, and homeowners need information on their options. This blog post explores advice and ways to help lower your initial construction costs.

  1. Choosing the Right Pool Pros

Everyone has their specialties and things at which they excel. As a homeowner, there’s no expectation that you’re an expert in pool installation. Trusting a fiberglass pool dealer you’ve researched and feel comfortable working with can help you save money in the long run.

If the pool dealer is established, highly experienced, and comes personally recommended, that can help save you from many potential headaches (or even swimming pool buyer’s remorse). Trying to save a few bucks on your inground pool cost upfront can result in significant repairs and maintenance expenses in the long run. 

  1. Buy Your Pool in Winter

The winter swimming offseason is a great time to buy a pool. While dealers can install pools year-round in the southern and western regions of the country, colder weather can slow down pool installations in the Midwest and similar climates. You might even be able to take advantage of additional cost-savings if you’re willing to commit to a spring installation but make your pool purchase the fall or winter before. It’s always worth asking.

  1. Select a Simpler Design

While springing for the largest and most elaborate fiberglass pool design is tempting, opting for a more straightforward shell and fewer additional features can significantly reduce costs. Consider selecting a smaller design without intricate surroundings or extra elements like attached spas or elaborate water features. Scaling back such amenities saves homeowners money on the initial purchase, required materials, and the labor involved. A conservative approach to your backyard pool project makes for a more affordable installation and a faster, hassle-free experience.

  1. Build Your Perfect Pool in Phases

Maybe some features and options you’re interested in aren’t the cheapest inground pool options. That’s okay! You don’t have to pay upfront for every bell, whistle, and additional feature.

If your pool budget is tight, ask the dealer to design the project so you can add additional features later. Maybe the fire pit or some of the surrounding landscaping can wait until next year. While options like robotic pool cleaners and automatic pool covers are great, you can always upgrade and purchase them later.

  1. Can You DIY Anything?

Thursday Pools does not recommend DIY installations for fiberglass pools. 

However, some homeowners, who may be electricians or skilled tradespeople, could perform electrical work or pour concrete into the patio. Green-thumbed homeowners can likely do some grading, seeding, and landscaping. They may even be able to purchase building permits and variances as needed. Others may remove trees, install fences, build retaining walls, move sprinkler systems, lay electrical lines, reroute water lines, move septic systems, remove old wood decks, or install gas lines.

You could save on pool installation costs if you have the necessary training and skills. However, if you’re not an experienced contractor, you might cost yourself more in the long run. Ultimately, having an insured, independent dealer do the dirty work is probably best.

  1. Explore Your Financing Options

Explore various financing options for managing installation costs and making your dream pool more attainable. Many dealers offer financing plans that spread pool costs over several years with a competitive interest rate, making monthly payments more manageable on your budget. Look for special promotions, low-interest offers, and flexible terms to find the best deal for your financial situation. Home improvement loans or home equity lines of credit are other cost-effective possibilities to finance your pool through your bank, credit union, or specialized lender.

Save Money with Thursday Pools 

The sooner you do it, the more money you may be able to save on your pool installation cost. Like most other great things in life, industry watchers don’t project the price of pools to drop anytime soon. It goes without saying, but the sooner you do it, the more money you’ll save. Ready to go ahead, take the plunge, and make a splash?

If you’d like to receive a ballpark pricing estimate for your dream fiberglass pool project, check out our innovative inground pool cost estimator! The  Pool Cost Calculator can give you an idea of how certain factors impact pricing.

Learn more about the options and possibilities for financing a fiberglass pool project with our free ebook, “Financing the Pool of Your Dreams,” and reach out to book a design consultation and learning session with a local independent dealer in your area.

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!

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Top 10 Reasons to get a pool:

Inground Swimming Pool with Tanning LedgeThere’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: 

Should I Buy an Inground or an Above Ground Pool?

Posted on by cargo

Getting a new swimming pool is a huge deal requiring careful planning and exploration. Given that you can roll years of vacation travel and expense into one backyard “stay-cation” that can pay dividends year in and year out, your decision to buy a pool is actually an investment decision. Like any investment, you should consider your options well. One of the first choices you’ll be faced with is between above ground pool vs inground pool. If you choose an above ground pool, you’ll be getting a vinyl liner pool, as that’s the only type of pool offered in above-ground styles. If you choose an inground pool, you’ll be choosing between three pool types. In addition to a vinyl liner pool, you’ll also have the options of gunite (concrete) or a fiberglass inground pool.

Above Ground

Let’s take a look at some of the factors to consider between above ground and inground pools, as well as the feature options and pricing to help you narrow the field.

  1. Where you live. This should be your first consideration when you’re choosing what type of pool is right for you because the choice may not be yours. Some homeowners’ associations do not allow above ground pools and may even dictate what type of inground pool you can install in your backyard. So, check any local bylaws before you spend time doing any other research.
  2. Pool Cost. If your budget is limited, and you’re really only interested in having a place to cool off every once in a while, you might prefer an above ground vinyl liner pool. Do-it-yourselfers can find above ground pool kits are the least expensive, starting at around $1,500.  Inground vinyl pools (installed) can cost up to ten times more, with small fiberglass pools (installed) costing between $20,000 and $40,000. Gunite pools (installed) will run between $30,000 and $50,000.
  3. Installation time. Above ground pool kits are designed to snap together, so you could be swimming in a day. By contrast, inground vinyl liner pools will take an average of 30 days to install while gunite pools can take as long as 90 days (in good weather). Because the fiberglass shells are manufactured and shipped in one piece, inground fiberglass pools can be installed in as little as two weeks.
  4. Maintenance. While the low upfront cost of an above ground pool might be tempting, you should be prepared to spend more time and money on  pool maintenance. Gunite pools will need to be resurfaced every 7-10 years, at an average cost of $15,000. However, fiberglass pools never need to be resurfaced and require the least amount of chemicals to maintain. 
  5. Resale value.  In most areas, inground pools improve home value, whereas above ground pools will not. I
  6. Aesthetics. In terms of overall beauty, above ground pools simply cannot compare to inground pools. The compromise you’ll make in terms of upfront cost and minimal installation time means that you’ll be looking out the window at a large object sitting in the middle of your yard, just as you would a jungle gym, swing set or trampoline. Also, if you decide to get rid of your above ground pool, you’ll need to reseed or re-sod your lawn.

inground pools

Any type of inground pool offers you the ability to landscape around it, create specialty decking and add in ambiance-enhancing lighting. With gunite pools, you can choose any kind of custom shape you can imagine (but your cost will reflect that). With a quality fiberglass pool, you can choose from a huge assortment of shapes, sizes and colors, so you can get a custom look at no extra charge. You’re sure to find one that perfectly complements your backyard and your home’s overall look and feel.

In a nutshell, above ground pools are an option if:

  • Your homeowners’ association allows it.
  • You just want a quick and inexpensive way to cool off and pool cost is a big part of your decision.
  • The overall look of your backyard isn’t that big of a deal to you.
  • You might be moving soon and want to be able to take your pool with you.
  • You understand that you might be trading some of your upfront savings for additional repair and maintenance costs down the line.

Inground pools are great if: 

  • Your homeowners’ association requires inground pool installation.
  • Your inground pool cost budget allows for the upfront investment, or you are able to  finance your new pool purchase.
  • Your home’s resale value and the overall look of your backyard oasis are important to you.
  • You’re planning to stay in your home a while to make your upfront investment worthwhile.
  • You’re ready to create a place that will allow you to have quality family time together for many years to come.

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.