Why Fiberglass? Archives - Thursday Pools

Should I Buy an Inground or an Above Ground Pool?

Posted on September 12, 2019June 24, 2024 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.

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
Resale value. In most areas, inground pools improve home value, whereas above ground pools will not. I
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.

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.

Environmentally Friendly Pools: Why Fiberglass Leaves Behind the Smallest Footprint

Posted on May 28, 2019November 25, 2024 by krista

Today, pool buyers are increasingly more eco-conscious and ask questions like, “Can a pool be environmentally friendly?” and “What is the most eco-friendly pool type?” Traditionally, swimming pools have not been very sustainable. However, advancements have made it possible to reduce their environmental impact. Still, some types of inground pools have a greater environmental impact than others. Fiberglass pools are often considered the most environmentally friendly pools for their long-term durability and lower energy and chemical use. Even the manufacturer can make a difference.

The Role of Long-Term Durability

The long-term durability of fiberglass pools makes them more sustainable by significantly reducing the need for repairs and replacements, which have considerable environmental consequences. Vinyl liners, for example, typically require replacement every five to ten years, contributing to landfill waste. Additionally, vinyl-liner pools’ foundational steel panels can rust and leach chemicals into the groundwater, harming the environment. Gunite pools reinforced with steel mesh or rebar also present risks as they can corrode over time, leaching chemicals and rust. Maintaining gunite pools requires acid washing, which can also release hazardous substances into the ecosystem.

Concrete and vinyl-liner pools also have inherent environmental drawbacks due to the high carbon footprint of cement production and the petrochemical use in vinyl-liner manufacturing, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. Fiberglass pools’ durable, seamless shells do not require resurfacing or frequent repairs. They don’t contain metals that rust or leach harmful chemicals and have a much lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

Chemical Use and the Saltwater Consideration

Is it possible to have a chemical-free pool? The answer is, unfortunately, no. All pool types require chemicals to keep water healthy and safe for swimmers throughout the pool’s life, and these chemicals inevitably end up back in the environment. However, fiberglass pools typically require less chemical usage than other types. So, while you can’t avoid chemicals entirely and have a chemical-free swimming pool, you can lessen your usage by investing in a pool type that requires fewer chemicals overall.

What about saltwater systems? It’s a common misconception that saltwater pools (pools that use a salt generator) are a means to avoid chlorine and, therefore, would be a no-chemical option. However, salt generators convert the salt into chlorine to keep the pool clean. While there is less chlorine than a traditional chlorine system, chlorine is still present with this option, so we can’t consider it chemical-free.

Lower Energy and Water Usage

Significant energy is required to power heaters, which are essential in many regions, especially in cooler climates where maintaining a comfortable water temperature is necessary. However, fiberglass pools are naturally more energy-efficient than other pool types due to their insulating properties. The material helps retain heat more effectively, reducing the need for prolonged use of heaters. This energy conservation is particularly beneficial for minimizing emissions using traditional electric or gas heaters.

Filling a swimming pool requires substantial water, which can strain local water supplies, particularly in areas prone to drought or water shortages. Fiberglass pools have a lower evaporation rate due to their smooth, non-porous surface and natural insulation, which helps maintain a stable water temperature. Fiberglass pools also conserve water by maintaining a steady water level year-round. Unlike other pool types that may need partial or complete draining to protect the structure during freezing temperatures, fiberglass pools keep water at the skimmer level for winterization.

The Eco-Conscious Manufacturer Difference

Choosing from a manufacturer with environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001, can help you make a more eco-friendly pool choice. ISO 14001 is the international standard specifying requirements for businesses to create an effective environmental management system (EMS). Companies can use this framework to develop the best environmental stewardship practices.

As an eco-conscious manufacturer, Thursday Pools maintains ISO 14001 certification and has implemented the following measures:

Thursday Pools sources the finest and most environmentally friendly raw materials. We have partnered with Owens Corning and exclusively use Advantex® E-CR fiberglass, known for its eco-friendly properties. Produced in North America, this fiberglass is Boron-free, contributing to a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, fiberglass manufacturing and shipping of Advantex® E-CR fiberglass require less energy than traditional fiberglass materials, making it a more sustainable choice overall.

We actively collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to uphold a Title V air permit that minimizes environmental impact. As part of this commitment, Thursday Pools uses only Low HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutants) gel coats and resins in our manufacturing processes, significantly reducing the emission of harmful substances. Additionally, we employ Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) release agents and solvents to limit environmental exposure further. Thursday Pools uses advanced control equipment to eliminate the generation of all PM (Particulate Matter).

Our Minimal Waste Program at Thursday Pools emphasizes sustainable manufacturing practices to minimize the generation of particulate matter (PM) and VOCs. We exclusively use non-atomizing resin spray, which significantly reduces emissions and waste. We also keep all equipment pumps operating at low pressure to limit VOC release further. Additionally, we apply solvents and release agents using HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) spray guns to significantly reduce overspray, resulting in lower emissions of VOCs.

Our Recycling Program at Thursday Pools is a company-wide initiative to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. As part of this program, we recycle various types of production waste, including light bulbs and batteries, ensuring these materials are properly disposed of and reused whenever possible.

Thursday Pools focuses on commitment to continuous improvement through our environmental and workplace practices. This dedication involves continually reviewing and measuring both current and future processes to assess and mitigate their environmental impact. We proactively seek ways to reduce our environmental footprint, striving to implement new and improved methods that promote sustainability. Additionally, we prioritize creating a safer and healthier work environment for our employees so that our commitment to continuous improvement benefits our team and the planet.

Choose the More Environmentally Friendly Pool

When purchasing sustainable products is important to you, making an informed decision about the materials and manufacturers you choose becomes even more critical. Thursday Pools is passionate about combining innovative design with environmental stewardship to make your pool investment a source of joy and a choice you can feel good about for years to come. Consult a dealer to explore how you can bring your vision to life with a fiberglass pool that leaves the smallest footprint possible.

THE THURSDAY POOLS TRIFECTA

Posted on May 22, 2019October 24, 2024 by krista

Multiple layers of strength create an incredibly durable composite pool.

There’s nothing quite like a really great artisan-crafted sandwich, layered with quality ingredients. Every ingredient has a purpose and makes the end result better. It’s stacked just right from one end to the other. Sounds fabulous, right? You know what else is fabulous? A new fiberglass pool with a shell that’s hand-crafted like our sandwich example.

Let’s take a look at how we do it.

Gathering the best ingredients

Thursday Pools was one of the first ISO 9001-certified manufacturers in North America. This means we have completed a rigorous certification process in which we’ve agreed to meet strict international quality standards related to both raw materials and production methods.

Thursday Pools worked closely with the PINKTANK™ at Owens Corning to assess our pool shells’ structural needs. Their high-quality fiberglass is sourced exclusively in North America and undergoes rigorous quality assurance tests to comply with stringent ISO 9001 manufacturing standards.

The 1-2-3 Trifecta of Strength

First, we create a mold to ensure consistent shape and dimensions. Once molded, a pool visits the gel station, where the top gel coat of the pool’s surface is applied. During this process, we constantly check the gel coat’s thickness to ensure it meets our high-quality standards. Once the gel coat is complete, a vinyl ester barrier coat is applied.

Next, we begin applying layers of strength. Between the honeycomb core of tubular supports and the outermost surface’s high-quality gel coat, every part of each pool by Thursday Pools features multiple layers of strength, including a combination of chopped fiberglass, hand-laid woven roving fiberglass, and a vinyl ester resin barrier coat.

Some higher stress points require more layers than others. We’ve assessed precisely how many layers of strength are needed at each point of the pool, formulating three laminate schedules to efficiently build pools according to each area’s structural needs.

Schedule 1, which consists of nine layers, is used for all horizontal surfaces above the floor. ISchedule 1, which consists of nine layers, is used for all horizontal surfaces above the floor. It also reinforces the walls with 6-inch-wide, 3-foot-tall strips approximately every 2.5 feet around the pool.

Schedule 2, also nine layers, is used for all higher-stress areas. The corners of steps, swim outs, tanning ledges, sun shelves, and benches are all reinforced with custom stitch mats, while an 18-inch-wide strip of woven rolling fiberglass runs along the floor’s inside perimeter and up the wall for extra strength where the floor and walls meet.

Schedule 3 is eight layers and is used in all areas that don’t require extra reinforcement, such as the floor (except the inside perimeter) and between the 6-inch-wide vertical strips on the walls.

What does all this mean to pool buyers?

It means you can be sure of your investment. You can trust you’ll receive an artisan-crafted fiberglass pool and will spend many years creating lasting memories with friends and family.

How Our ISO 9001 Certification Shows Our Commitment to Quality

Posted on May 13, 2019June 10, 2024 by krista

What does the word “quality” mean to you?

The dictionary defines it like this: “The standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind; the degree of excellence of something.”

We really like that last part … “the degree of excellence of something.” For us, that something is fiberglass pools. At Thursday Pools, we’re so committed to having the highest degree of excellence in our fiberglass pools that we invited the International Organization for Standardization, or ISO (that sets standards for excellence) to check out what we’re doing and rate us on it. And they’ve given us their seal of approval.

ISO 9001 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for a quality management system. The mission of the ISO is to “provide specifications, guidelines or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes and services are fit for their purpose.” In order to be ISO 9001 certified, a manufacturer must allow a third-party organization to come in and routinely audit their organization to ensure they are following the standards set forth.

Thursday Pools is the only pool manufacturer in North America with its ISO 9001 fiberglass certification, and we do it voluntarily.

Some industries, such as construction and engineering, require suppliers to be ISO-certified, either by law or contractually. Achieving the certification takes commitment, time, effort, and expense, and no other fiberglass pool company in the United States is ISO 9001 certified. Thursday Pools is committed to producing the highest quality fiberglass pools and believes that implementing and being held accountable to the ISO standards will help ensure that’s always the case.

As part of the ISO Certification, Thursday Pools commits to:

Establishing and following a set of operating requirements in product design and development, production, and customer service.
Performing internal, in-depth self-assessments of business processes.
Self-assessing interaction between each area of the business.
Recording, tracking, and researching quality issues and implementing strong corrective actions.
Engaging employees by getting them involved in improvement activities.
Holding suppliers to a high standard of service and quality.

Thursday Pools must also follow these guiding Quality Management Principles:

Ensuring that the business keeps its primary focus on the customer.
Committing to leadership at all levels maintaining a unity of purpose in achieving the organization’s quality objectives.
Engaging and empowering employees at all levels to enhance the quality of the product.
Utilizing a process approach that can be recorded, measured, and scrutinized.
Demonstrating a dedication to continuous improvement.
Making decisions based on evaluating and analyzing data.
Maintaining a strong relationship with suppliers.

What does the Thursday Pools’ ISO 9001 Fiberglass Certification mean for our customers?

You’ll know that you’re purchasing a fiberglass pool shell that’s manufactured in the United States, with carefully sourced materials.
Your new fiberglass inground pool will have been manufactured to the highest standards, as well as inspected and tested more than any other fiberglass pool in the industry.
You’ll be purchasing a fiberglass pool that’s loaded with cutting-edge innovations based on customer and dealer feedback from a company that’s relentlessly committed to improvement.
You can count on the production and delivery times you’ve been promised because Thursday Pools has streamlined its operations for efficiency.
You’ll receive the best customer service possible from people who love what they do and are passionate about making sure you’re thrilled with your new pool.

A lot of companies claim to have the “best quality” product. Sometimes it’s hard to know if that’s true. But in the fiberglass pool business, there’s just one company that has fiberglass certification in quality. That company is Thursday Pools, and they offer two industry-leading warranties to back that quality up. So, if you’re in the market for a new fiberglass pool, and quality matters to you, choose a Thursday Pools fiberglass pool. And enjoy years of worry-free pool ownership and a lifetime of memory-making fun.

Enjoy the Health Benefits of Swimming in the New Year

Posted on December 20, 2017October 24, 2024 by John Wigand

New Year’s Eve is almost here. For many of us, that means getting dressed up, celebrating with friends, and staying up way past our usual bedtime to properly greet the New Year. It’s also a time for us to stop and assess how our year has gone; what we’ve accomplished and what our hopes, goals and dreams are for the year to come.

This inevitably brings up the topic of New Year’s Resolutions.

Resolutions come in many shapes and sizes. And, in fact, for many of us, the resolution itself is to change our own shapes and sizes. If getting more fit and feeling more healthy in the New Year is on your list, here are the health benefits of swimming to get you there.

If exercises such as jogging are too jarring for you, swimming is a great way to get the health benefit of getting your heart pumping without the high impact stress of pounding the pavement.
Swimming tones your muscles and builds strength. It provides a full body workout.
In addition to increasing your overall strength, swimming can improve your coordination, balance and posture.
There’s no better exercise to improve cardiovascular health. Swimming just 30 minutes a day will result in lower resting heart rates and lower blood pressure.
Swimming is a very peaceful activity, so it’s great for stress reduction. Much like practicing yoga, there’s not much else to think about other than the motions you’re moving through, so it’s a great way to calm and clear your mind.

Measuring the success of your New Year’s health resolutions is not always as simple as seeing the numbers on the scale go down by ten pounds. (In fact, this is often the least effective way to measure success, because those numbers don’t tell the full picture of your overall health and well-being.) It’s really more a question of how you feel.

Feeling more energetic, fit and happy in the New Year is an achievable goal for all of us. For many of us, it’s simply a case of prioritizing our own health and making time to take the actions that will get us there.

If you’d rather swim in the comfort of your own backyard, it’s not too late to tell Santa that you want an in-ground fiberglass pool for Christmas! That way, the entire family can be enjoying the health benefits of swimming by the time spring rolls around. To learn more about how easy it can be to own an in-ground fiberglass pool and start enjoying the health benefits of swimming by spring, click here.

What’s So Great About a Fiberglass Pool?

Posted on December 4, 2017April 3, 2024 by John Wigand

Fiberglass Pool Advantages & Benefits

When you’re thinking of buying a pool, there’s a lot to consider. The first thing you’ll have to decide is whether you want fiberglass, concrete or vinyl. Personally, we believe that fiberglass is the way to go and that there are many fiberglass pool advantages. What’s so great about a fiberglass pool? Read on to learn!

That Gel Coat Finish. Why is it so great? First of all, it’s nonporous, and what that means to you is that it’s harder for algae to grow, which reduces the amount of sanitizing chemicals you’ll need (said another way, it saves you money!) The gel coat is also smooth to the touch– no scraping your little tootsies on a rough pool bottom. And because the gel coat finish is so durable, your furry kids can also get in the swim without you having to worry about damage.
Built-in Seats, Steps and Tanning Ledges. Unless you’re planning on training for the Olympics, you’ll probably want to do more than just swim in your new pool. Fiberglass pools have wonderful built-in benches for sitting and chatting, tanning ledges and sun shelves for keeping cool while you’re soaking up some rays, and easy to navigate steps for graceful entrances and exits from the pool– those backwards ladders aren’t doing anyone any favors, and not everyone has the upper body strength to hoist themselves over the edge– we sure don’t!
One-time Investment. With vinyl liners, you’re always going to worry about ripping the liner. With concrete, you have to worry about cracks, crumbling and resurfacing. With fiberglass, it’s one and done! You won’t have to worry about replacing a liner that the kids (or the dog!) has ripped and you also won’t have to repair concrete that cracked over the long, cold winter. With all types of pools, the life expectancy of your pool’s surface is greatly determined by how well you maintain proper water balance. Harsh water conditions can affect all pool surfaces and equipment.
Quick Installation. Fiberglass pools arrive at your door ready to install. They’ve been built in a shiny clean manufacturing facility and they’re made just for you, to your specifications. Your pool installers can just drop them in and get you swimming much faster than building a concrete pool, which can take up to six months to build.
Beautiful shapes, sizes and colors. Fiberglass pools come in an amazing array of shapes and sizes, so you can get as creative as you want to be when it comes to creating your perfect backyard oasis, and get just the right features for the way your family wants to use the pool. They also come in several different finish colors, so whether you want a Caribbean blue, calming green or sophisticated gray, there’s a color to fit your style.

With so many advantages to owning a fiberglass pool and so many options to choose from, the question becomes– what are you waiting for? Check out our fabulous selection of fiberglass pool designs today and get swimming by the Spring!

How to Make Your Swimming Pool Pet-Friendly

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exercise in Your New Swimming Pool

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday Fiberglass Pools and Dogs

Posted on January 14, 2013September 17, 2019 by cargo

What do Thursday Fiberglass Pools and dogs have in common? They both love water.

Thursday Fiberglass Pools and dogs go well together. Dogs can swim in the pool without worry, not like your neighbors vinyl liner pool. Strong and durable fiberglass is harder than a dogs nail, so if your dog takes a dip it won’t poke a hole through the wall or steps. Have fun with your kids and pets this summer with a Thursday Fiberglass Pool in your backyard.

Ed Vondell – Thursday Pools LLC – 1/14/13