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Category: Pool Options & Accessories

Ask the General: What is a pre-construction meeting, and do I actually need one?

Posted on by krista

Dear General, 

My neighbor asked me if I had a “pre-construction meeting” set up for our new pool. I nodded slowly and said, “Uh no, not yet,” and then quickly changed the subject. What is a pre-construction meeting, and do I actually need one? Thanks in advance for your answer.

Sincerely,
– New To This In Newport

inground fiberglass pools

 

Hi Newport, 

Not a bad question from your neighbor at all! If you’re getting set to dig, landscape, plumb, crane and engage in all the other elements of constructing your pool and pool deck, it is a great idea to set a meeting. Let me provide some context. Normally after the pool contract is signed, a period of time passes between the signing and the actual dig day. A pool project requires ordering, production, preparation and other coordination. In that time period, it’s easy for checklist items to be forgotten, imagined or not entirely in consensus. The pre-construction meeting is the opportunity for everyone—the homeowner, the sales/design team and the construction superintendent—to get on the same page.

 

Top two reasons to ask for a pre-construction meeting

  1. It gets you ready. You get answers to key questions you may not even know you will have. It might seem like an extra step, but speaking from experience, it is always a time-saver and benefits the efficiency and clarity of the project. Does the fence need to be moved? Where is the initial water fill coming from? Questions like this must be understood by all ahead of time. Even if it’s a one-man operation and your pool guy is the salesman, truck-driver and construction foreman all-in-one, a meeting within about 10 days of construction is a great time to review the contract, design and construction process.
  2. It ensures your dealer checks all the boxes. When I first arrived from the airline industry, I was comfortable in a world of checklists, status reports, official reviews and so on. Guesswork or assumptions were simply not an option in that industry. And I think most passengers intuitively understand this and go along with the necessary protocols for the safety and well-being of all. So, when I started in the pool industry, it was a bit of a shock to experience a gray area between what was said, what was assumed and what was done. I felt the industry could use some “flight control.”  I wanted that level of commitment to the mission, so I developed a “Superintendent’s Report for Pool Construction.” This report goes in tandem with the meeting where we would discuss pool elevation, electrical box type (this is key!), landscaping, and many more details of the construction. Check all the boxes, and things will be looking all clear for making that pool a reality.

What a good pre-construction meeting looks like

In my experience, a good pre-construction meeting, goes something like this: 

  • It usually lasts 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of your pool project.
  • Your pool dealer will walk the yard, chalk or paint the pool location, taking note of and avoiding any buried utilities. 
  • Your pool dealer will set a benchmark, so you will be able to see the finished elevation of the pool.
  • There should be a discussion about rainfall and an explanation/demonstration on how rainwater will drain around the pool and decking.
  • Your pool dealer will prepare you for dig day. Not everyone has experienced this. It can be uncomfortable watching heavy machines destroy your backyard! But with a little forewarning, you will rest easier during the digging and start anticipating seeing it all come back together again with a beautiful pool. 
  • Your pool dealer will review the contract with you and review what is included and what would be considered your responsibility.

A beautifully made pool requires a professional approach. Newport, I hope that answers your question, and I hope that you are proactive and insist on a pre-construction meeting. Your pool will be greater for it!  

Until next time…
– The General

Ask the General: Can Decorative Concrete Inlays Improve the Look and Feel of our Inground Pool?

Posted on by krista

Dear General, 

Our fiberglass pool looks great, but we’re starting to see some significant wear and tear to the surrounding concrete.  Frankly, we’re envious of all the new pool designs available on the market today, and we want to up the wow factor of our backyard. After some initial research, decorative concrete inlays look like a viable solution. What do you recommend? 

Sincerely,
Soaking in Savannah

inground fiberglass pools

 

Dear Savannah, 

Thanks for helping me understand where you’re coming from. Many pool owners find themselves in your situation as time passes, and most, like you, take pride in keeping their backyard fresh and updated. 

An aging concrete patio and pool surround can really take away from the elegant look and feel of your backyard and simply make it less inviting. In the past, I’ve seen pool owners attempt to cover up aging concrete a couple of ways. 

  1. The old patch, fill, pressure wash, and paint it method. Some pool owners resort to patching holes, filling cracks, pressure washing stains, and then using deck paint to make it look a bit more fresh. It looks great about half of the season, then you realize it’s going to need to be repainted every year.
  2. The hide it, nobody goes over there anyway method. Other pool owners attempt to fix up the area on the side of the house where everyone spends most of their time, hoping they won’t see the ugly concrete in another. Or perhaps, they cover it with indoor/outdoor carpet. When that wears out, they might even try to build a deck over it. 

Decorative Concrete Inlays are a more permanent solution to repair the old concrete deck surrounding your fiberglass pool. 

Decorative concrete inlays are made of a polymer-modified cement that is applied over the existing concrete deck. My deck was probably ten years old and really showing age when I had it overlaid. I hired professionals to do the work, and they came in and patched the bad places, filled the cracks, and ground down some rough edges. The process only took a few days from start to finish. It looked fantastic, and 20 years later, it still does. You will need to reseal it every five years, but all that involves is a bucket of their sealer, a paint roller, and forced labor of one of your kids or grandkids. It is amazingly easy to rejuvenate the whole area by doing this simple task. 

Speaking of cracks, I must admit that some of the original breaks returned because the concrete under the coating had structural cracks. Fortunately, they were on the far side of the pool and not very noticeable. One thing that I have noticed is that the coating is slicker and smoother than regular concrete, especially when wet. So, no running around the pool. There are anti-slip materials that can be incorporated if desired. The best thing is that it’s a great way to get your pool deck back in shape and make you less envious of all those new pool designs you mentioned.  

To help you with your decision, here are some answers to frequently asked questions I have received on this subject:

How long is the lifespan of decorative concrete inlays? 

If maintained and resealed properly, it will last 20 years and beyond.

How thick are decorative concrete inlays?


It is applied approximately 1/8 inch thick. However, some applications may be thicker depending on the design, and whether the installation is interior or exterior. In case you’re wondering, it is not a toe stub, trip hazard.

How do I clean it?


Light pressure washing is the best way to clean concrete; however, Simple Green, or even Windex, is excellent for spot cleaning stains. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.

Can it be used on new concrete?


Yes, once the concrete is completely cured, the coating may be applied.

How is it priced?


It is priced on either linear foot, square foot, or both. There are many variables, such as decorative inlays, such as logos, sundials, printing, or any custom design you desire.

Can multiple colors be used?

Yes, within reason. Some darker colors are very uncomfortable to walk on in direct sunlight.

Why is decorative inlay sometimes referred to as Kool Deck? 

Invented by Mortex in the early 1960s, Kool Deck is the brand name that was the first of its kind for decorative concrete inlays. The lighter colors the brand offered were much cooler to walk on barefooted than regular concrete. 

In the beginning, some applications would chip up, but those were water-based. Be sure that your installer is using a polymer-based system. 

In my experience, there have been many instances where we coated concrete rather than tore it out. Whether it was ruined by rain, hail damage, flood staining, you name it, back then, it was Kool Deck to the rescue. We were very fortunate to have professionals working alongside us to handle this aspect of the job. R&D Resurfacing in Indianapolis, IN, was a solid partner for us, and their experience always impressed me. 

Well, Savannah, I hope this gives you some perspective. As for me, it’s time to pump water off the winter cover, AND ADD WATER UNDERNEATH. 

Have a great spring!
The General

Ten Ways to Entertain Your Kids That Don’t Involve Socializing

Posted on by krista

There’s nothing more important than family. Our readers know that we already spend a lot of time encouraging families to spend quality time together. And right now, you’re probably getting just about as much family time as you can handle. You might even be running out of ideas to keep the family active and everyone’s spirits up. As a parent, it’s getting more challenging every day to keep the kids engaged in learning and doing something other than playing on their devices when they don’t have schoolwork. So, here are ten things you can do to keep them off the screens and into “living.”

 

  1. Cook or bake. Let the kids pick out simple recipes and create a dish from start to finish. For balance, alternate between healthy and indulgent creations. The process of following a recipe develops both reading and math skills, and it can even get kids thinking about the chemical properties of the ingredients. Once they start to get the hang of cooking, they may even start creating recipes of their own. 
  2. Start a collection. Creating a collection of something gives kids a project to focus on, and it gives them a reason to do some research. Have them explore your yard or neighborhood and collect rocks or leaves, then look them up and identify them when you get back inside. You can also wash, then paint the rocks, and use them for mock “Easter Egg hunts” in the yard. 
  3. Start a garden. There’s no better time to start a vegetable garden. When kids have a daily task like watering and weeding their gardens, they learn responsibility and enjoy a sense of accomplishment as their garden grows. Then, when it’s harvest time, you’ll have the added bonus of free veggies! 
  4. Keep a journal. During this time of disruption from their normal schedules, kids need help processing their feelings. Encourage them to keep a daily journal expressing their feelings, hopes and accomplishments. Also ask them to list at least one thing they’re grateful for every day. 
  5. Create magnificent sidewalk art. While there’s probably quite a bit of indoor crafting going on right now, it’s essential to take advantage of any sunny day! When weather permits, take the family outside and release your inner Rembrandts. You can have a competition and ask the neighbors to judge your works of art as they pass by on their own walks, or you can collaborate on a single family masterpiece. Be sure to photograph your art and share it on social media, to brighten other families’ days. 
  6. Build a fort and sleep in it. Remember when WE were kids, and we used to love to haul out sheets and create our own, private oasis in the family room? Do that with your kids tonight. Shake up the routine of bedtime by letting each child collect their essentials and nestle into their sleeping bags. It’s a great bonding experience for everyone in the family. 
  7. Play hide and seek. Get the whole family involved in a game of hide and seek. It’s a good way to get some exercise and break up the day, especially if it’s raining. If you have younger kiddos in your family, try reverse hide and seek (also known as “Sardines”) instead. In Sardines, everyone who finds the “hider” tries to crawl into their hiding place with them, until everyone has found the group.
  8. Have a dance party. Dancing is not only awesome exercise, it’s also a way to release stress and find some joy! Let every family member pick songs for your playlist, crank up the tunes and cut loose! It’s hard to worry when you’re dancing. Plus, everyone can learn new moves from each other. To amp up the fun, encourage costumes!
  9. Do a good deed. Doing good things for those who are less fortunate helps all parties involved and puts things into better perspective for your kids. This is a great time to reach out to neighbors on your street who live alone, or a family with parents who are suddenly out of work. If you’ve been cooking, make extra and drop it off for them. If you have some dry goods in the pantry to spare, make a little gift basket and leave it on their porch. 
  10. Go for a swim! If you have a swimming pool, and you haven’t opened it yet, open it now! Getting outside in the sunshine and getting some exercise does everyone in the family good. If you’ve been thinking about getting a pool for years, and it’s within your budget to do so, this might be the year to take the plunge with a new fiberglass inground pool. If staycations are in your future, you might as well make them as amazing as you can.

 

Swimming Pool Games for the Whole Family

Stay safe and be kind

These are crazy times we’re living through. The only thing we can do is take care of each other, smile and be kind. Our team at Thursday Pools is committed to taking care of our families, employees and neighbors the best way we can, and we know you’re doing the same. 

If you try any of these suggestions with your family, please take a minute to share your photos and thoughts on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you.

Six Tips for Swimming in Style with the Best Pool Lights

Posted on by cargo

As you’re planning your new inground swimming pool project or adding enhancements to the fiberglass pool of your dreams, don’t forget to consider the important role pool lights can play — the glow can not only make your oasis safe, but  illuminated in a style all your own. There was a time when even the best inground pool lights came with just two options: on or off. Those days are long gone! From efficient LED pool lights to luxurious spa lights, a multitude of possibilities for underwater pool lights or even above-ground pool deck and area lighting, check out these six pool lighting tips and ideas to add both style and safety to your backyard.

LED Pool Lights Have Changed the Pool-Lighting Game

 

 

LED lighting accounts for the most significant and impactful improvements in swimming pool lighting throughout the past decade. They bring versatile options to the world of inground pool lighting, and, as an additional benefit, they’re energy-efficient with a longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs—helping you save money on long-term pool maintenance costs.

Let’s explore six dazzling pool lighting trends and ideas that will make your backyard oasis unique and your pool parties shine:

  1. Color Your World: Color-changing LED pool lighting allows you to set the mood for any evening around the pool. If you’re planning a beach-themed party, consider all blue hues of LED lighting. Or a constantly changing rainbow effect will pair perfectly with your 1970s-themed disco extravaganza. Choose luxurious all-white lighting if you’re planning a sophisticated evening or even a poolside wedding.
  2. Highlight Your Water Features: Spa, plunge-pool, and in-pool water features such as bubblers, jets, and fountains can help create different moods in your pool environment. They’ll give younger swimmers hours of splish-splashing fun, but can also be relaxing or amp up the drama for a special party. Highlighting those water features with specialty lighting can add to your backyard’s overall “WOW” factor.
  3. Uplight Your Landscaping: If you’ve invested in beautiful landscaping surrounding your pool area, make sure it can be seen and appreciated at all hours. Adding uplighting around the bases of trees, bushes, or shrubs creates a warm and elegant mood after the sun goes down.
  4. Light Your Path for Safety: Swimming pool safety is paramount, especially during the evening and after-dark swim sessions. In addition to in-pool lighting options, consider installing recessed lighting throughout your pool deck and along the pathways leading to and around your pool. With recessed lighting options, you won’t have to worry about tripping or stubbed toes as you move to and from the pool area.
  5. Get Creative with Floating Pool Lights: A fantastic variety of fun, festive, free-floating pool lighting options are available today. They even come with built-in speakers or color-changing capabilities in a wide range of styles to perfectly complement any backyard or poolside celebration. From flameless candles and lanterns to glowing orbs, globes, and lily pads, you can find countless battery-powered lighting and floating options that you can enjoy time after time.
  6. Add the Nearby Glow of a Warm Fire: While a more extensive landscaping and design project than floating lights or LED options in and around the pool, there’s nothing quite like a fire’s cozy glow and warmth to enhance your outdoor living space. Fire pits, tables, or other fire features can be installed in your patio space close to your house, on pedestals around the edges of the pool area, or immediately adjacent to the pool so you can go straight from swimming to s’mores any time.

 

 

You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to exciting, illuminating ideas for lighting your swimming pool! So as you’re planning for your new inground fiberglass pool oasis, consult with your project’s builder and installer about the possibilities and lighting options you can include to make your pool safe, well-lit, and uniquely yours.

 

Five Must-Have Pool Accessories for the 2023 Swim Season

Posted on by krista

The weather’s heating up, and so is swim season (Woot woot!). Your fabulous inground fiberglass pool is looking good–sparkling clean and ready to welcome the whole gang. Yeah, you have all the features you need in your fiberglass pool to let the good times roll … But, how about this year, you take the luxury and fun to the next level with some awesome pool accessories?And, in case you haven’t heard … Thursday is the new Friday, so don’t wait ‘til the weekend to start having fun. Get your weekend started early, and check out our list of the must-have pool accessories for the 2023 swim season, and make your backyard summer living even more of a blast!

1. Basketball float.

Why not combine two of the kids’ favorite Indiana summer pastimes? With a fun-sized, floatable goal that’s accessible from all sides, this accessory is a safe alternative to an installed goal near the concrete edge of the pool. Plus, it’s an activity that lasts for hours and leaves them exhausted so that you don’t have to worry over how to keep them entertained during their school-free summer.

2. Canopy island inflatable lounge.

Backyard living

Summer is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, which means that after you’ve put away the basketball float, it’s time for you to have your long-wished-for getaway. What better place to do this than in your own backyard inground pool? With a luxurious canopy island float, you will be able to have that much-needed “you time” in your pool with an escape from the heat provided by the lounge’s canopy extension. In this float, you’ll be able to get up to speed on the latest issue of Real Simple magazine in the shade, tan in the sun, or simply unwind on an inflatable island of your own in the comfort of your own pool, making your backyard pool the perfect getaway (once the kids have vacated the pool!).

3. Outdoor cooler table.

A day at the pool is never complete without a cool beverage for children and adults alike. Because enjoying poolside beverages isn’t always as care-free and simple as it should be, a cooler table on wheels can be the perfect solution. No more walking into the house dripping wet! This cool pool accessory brings the fridge to you so that you can keep the water where it belongs and offer everyone a cold, sparkling soda.

4. Wireless floating pool speaker.

 

Let’s be realistic. You’re neighbors probably wouldn’t like it if you blasted music from the speakers inside your house just so you can hear it in your pool. Check out some wireless floating speakers that provide a way to bring the soul of the party into your pool so you’re sure to hear your music wherever your float takes you. And your neighbors don’t have to know your taste in music.

5. LED color changing glow balls.

Backyard living

The summer backyard living experience shouldn’t be limited to daylight hours, which is why these colorful glowing ball floats are a perfect way to make the outdoor fun last far into the evening. You and your guests will surely be happier with color changing globes in your pool.

Take your summer entertainment to the next level with these great accessories. There’s something for everyone … a floating basketball hoop for the kids and kids-at-heart, a luxurious float for the sun and shade worshipers, drinks, music, and popping lights for all. Make your weekend pool party an undeniable blast. And don’t forget, Thursday is the new Friday—don’t wait too long to accessorize your luxurious fiberglass pool!

Five Cool Swimming Pool Lifestyle Ideas

Posted on by krista

Enhance your swimming pool area with these top outdoor summer living features

outdoor summer livingIt’s hard to beat outdoor living. Food tastes better when it’s eaten outside, fresh off the grill. And there’s just nothing like the feeling of falling into bed at night, relaxed and tuckered out from spending a whole day in the sun. Once you have found the perfect fiberglass pool, you can add some features into that mix that will turn your outdoor living area into an over-the-top, backyard paradise you’ll never want to leave.

Where and how do you start creating your lifestyle around your inground pool? Awesome backyard living ideas abound on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Still, that can be a little overwhelming. So let’s narrow the possibilities with some great backyard living ideas that will enhance your swimming pool area and help make your backyard the perfect place for friends and family to hang out all summer long!

  1. An outdoor kitchen. If you love to cook and entertain outdoors, a simple grill might not be enough. Adding an outdoor kitchen lets you cook your entire meal outside and chat with your guests while they enjoy the pool. Depending on how much space you have, think about adding a cooktop that has burners as well as a grill, ample counter space, and under-counter refrigeration alongside a bit of storage for utensils and plates. You’ll never have to miss any of the good times around your inground fiberglass pool.
  1. A kickin’ sound system. What party is complete without a playlist? A little music can set the mood, reinforce your pool party’s theme and bring your swimming pool area to life. Outdoor speakers come in a variety of options and can be incorporated into your landscaping design. Keep in mind, most outdoor speakers on the market are weather-resistant, not weather-proof. Weather-resistant speakers are made to be mounted under a porch with some sort of protection. If amazing sound quality is important to you, reach out to a professional who can do an outdoor sound design for your backyard living space. The days of carrying a boombox around are gone. (Thank heavens because our backs can’t handle all that heavy lifting!) Pick up an inexpensive portable Bluetooth speaker, pair it with your smartphone, and get your poolside groove on.
  1. A shade structure. When the sun is beating down on your backyard living area, it doesn’t matter how comfy your patio furniture is. It’s no fun to sit and sweat. Of course, it’s easy enough to jump in the pool and cool off (and you can always have your cake and eat it too by enjoying the sun and the water simultaneously on your tanning ledge or built-in beverage bench!) But the whole point of creating a backyard living area is that you can enjoy spending time both in the pool and around the pool. Having some type of shade structure over part of your pool area is a must-have. Shade helps shield non-swimming folks from the scorching sun and provides pool-goers with an opportunity to relax, dry off and reapply that all-important sunscreen. Consider a pergola or an awning. And if your structure will support it, you may want to consider adding a weather-resistant outdoor fan to up the cooling quotient and keep bugs at bay. If you can’t add a structure, at least add some landscaping that will offer shade without raining debris down into your pool and on top of your automatic pool cover.
  1. An outdoor bathroom. When you have a swimming pool, it can make you cringe to watch wet people running in and out of your house, dripping water on your floors and carpet, to use the restroom. (Although it’s better than the alternative, if you know what we mean … ) You’ll also find that bugs like to hitch a ride inside every time the door opens and closes. If you have large enough pool house, consider adding a small bathroom in it to save your home from the dripping pool water. You can add a bit of your pool decor to make it fun, and keep towels and other necessities out there too.
  1. An outdoor shower. An outdoor shower is another great way to enhance your backyard swimming pool area. A quick rinse to get rid of the chlorine or salt on your skin feels great before an al fresco dinner. Having a poolside shower so your guests can take a quick rinse before they swim will keep your swimming pool water healthier too. It will help eliminate body oils, lotions and hair products that can cause a scum line around your pool’s edge. And if you have swimmers coming to your pool straight from the lake, it’s doubly important that they rinse off before they hop in to avoid upsetting your pool water balance. Look for a solar-powered outdoor shower that warms the water for your guests’ comfort.

So, there you have them. Five cool ideas for enhancing your swimming pool area with outdoor summer living features that will help you, your family and your guests make the most out of your pool and every precious moment the swim season has to offer.

Automatic Pool Safety Cover-Compatible Thursday Pools Designs

Posted on by krista

auto coverIf you’re a pool owner, safety is your top concern. Having an inground pool is a blast, but it’s also a big responsibility. Ensuring that all family members and guests know and respect the rules of pool safety is key, as well as making sure that no one can enter your pool without your supervision or consent. Sure, fences are great for making sure neighbor kids or pets can’t access the pool, but what about your own kids, or families visiting your home?

That’s where automatic pool covers come in.

Automatic pool safety covers operate electronically, either with a touch pad or key switch. They close your pool up tightly when it’s not in use, giving you total peace of mind that no one will enter your pool unless you want them to. And that’s not the only good thing about them. Automatic pool covers have other benefits as well. They save you pool maintenance time and money by reducing heat and water loss through evaporation.

What Does Auto Cover-Ready Mean?

An auto cover-ready pool design simply means that the pool’s shape lends itself to easily accommodate an automatic pool cover of any type. Inground pool designs that are rectangular in shape are all considered auto cover-ready because they provide more options and flexibility for housing an under-track or hidden automatic pool cover system, which makes for a more seamless, finished look.

Which Thursday Pools Designs are Auto Cover-Ready?

  • Aspen. Aspen is one of our best-selling fiberglass pool designs. Pool owners love it because it combines all the benefits of rectangular pool design, like a wide-open swim lane, with a big, beautiful, curved tanning ledge.
  • Goliath. Our Goliath pool design offers a wide-open swim lane and dual deep-end benches for multiple places to sit and relax.
  • Lil Bob. Lil Bob is built for fun, with a 4’6” uniform depth that makes it perfect for playing games or just standing and socializing in the pool.
  • Lil Bob LX. Lil Bob LX takes all the great features of the Lil Bob design and adds in a huge 12” deep tanning ledge and wrap-around benches for the ultimate combination of play and relaxation.
  • Sea Turtle. Our Sea Turtle fiberglass pool design is small enough to fit in most any backyard and also features a 4′ 6” depth. In addition to being auto cover-ready, it’s swim jet-ready, so you can easily convert your Sea Turtle into a swim spa!
  • Spirit. Spirit is another option for a uniform depth sport pool. With its wide-open swim area and luxurious, elongated benches, it offers a great combination of places to both play and relax.
  • Monolith. Monolith is our only Type I Diving Pool. The 15” warning slope lets swimmers know when they’re reaching the deep-end. Its courtesy ledge all around and dual corner benches with swim-outs provide plenty of resting places and easy in and out of the pool.
  • Grace Beach Entry. One of our newest fiberglass pool designs, Grace Beach Entry boasts a huge walk-in sun ledge that takes you from zero to 18” depth in approximately 14 feet. But if steps are easier for you, our hybrid beach entry design still allows room to step down into a nice-sized swim area (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839).

What if I Don’t Want a Rectangular Pool?

auto coverIf a rectangle fiberglass pool design isn’t it for you, that’s okay! Maybe you love the classic Roman shape, with long, straight sides and domed ends. If so, our Cathedral or Cathedral LX can both easily be fitted with an automatic pool cover.

If it’s freeforms or shaped pools you love, like the Wellspring, Pearl, Sandal Beach Entry, Sun Day or Titus, your pool builder can most likely find a way to make an automatic pool safety cover work with your pool. However, these pool designs typically require pool cover systems that run along the top of the pool deck, so you’ll need to take that factor into consideration.

Automatic Pool Covers are a Win-Win.

In addition to safety, automatic pool covers combined with fiberglass pools make a perfect pairing for pool owners who want the lowest possible inground pool maintenance. The durable, gel coat finish of a fiberglass pool paired with an automatic safety cover that lowers water loss and chemical use while keeping your pool clear of debris adds up to less work, less money and more fun.

And safety. They’re so much safer.

Did we mention safety?

Is a Built-In Tanning Ledge in your Fiberglass Pool Right For You?

Posted on by krista

fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge Tanning ledges are among the hottest trends in backyard inground pool designs. They’re a newer innovation that is now widely available for inground fiberglass pools. A fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge provides the feel of the sun warming your skin while the refreshing water keeping you cool. It’s truly a blissful feeling. Most fiberglass pool buyers these days opt for a tanning ledge, and there are loads of reasons to want one, but is it right for you? To ledge, or not to ledge–that is the question. Here is a little more information to help you decide:

Tanning ledges add luxury.

Tanning ledges bring a resort-like feel to your overall pool design. Looking out into your backyard and seeing gleaming white ledge loungers beckoning you from the crystal clear shallow water of your tanning ledge makes you feel like you’re staying in a luxury hotel.

Tanning ledges add personality.

Tanning ledges add impact to your backyard design and help make it unique. The wide array of fabrics and cushions available for tanning ledge loungers allows you to create a living room-like feel on your tanning ledge and coordinate it with the rest of your outdoor furnishings and decor. It becomes an extension of your living space and creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor entertaining.

Kids love tanning ledges.

Most kids love to be in the water. If your kids don’t yet know how to swim, tanning ledges offer a place where they can splash and play in a depth they’re comfortable with. A fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge allows a great transition to the shallow-end and provides a nice landing pad for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. They’re especially good for little ones who need to overcome a fear of the water.

Dogs love tanning ledges.

Furry kids also love to swim. If you plan to allow your pets to swim, a tanning ledge will be very attractive to them. Puppies and older dogs will especially appreciate a spot that gives them an easy in and out of the pool. (You might have to have a negotiation with them over the ledge loungers.)

Adults love tanning ledges.

A tanning ledge takes adulting to a whole new level, making your backyard the ultimate chillaxing spot. You’ll be able to enjoy the water and cool off without even getting your hair wet! Add a pair of ledge loungers and you have the perfect spot to reconnect with a loved one or chat with your best friend and catch up on life. You can sit, sip, soak and sun, all-in-one.

So, what’s not to love?

It’s hard to find many downsides, but one consideration when it comes to a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge is that they might create a false sense of security when kids are in the pool. Adults need to be constantly mindful of children in the pool, even in the shallowest water. So, while you’re relaxing on your tanning ledge, keep one eye open and on the kids at all times and make sure they’re familiar with pool safety rules.

And, if you really plan to use your pool more for exercise or games, you might find that the tanning ledge takes up valuable real estate where a wide-open swim lane might be. So, if your family is very active and doesn’t spend much time lounging, or you imagine lots of swimmers in your pool at one time, you might prefer a fiberglass pool without a built-in tanning ledge.

Some designs, though, give you the best of both worlds. For example, while the Aspen design doesn’t have a dedicated swim lane, if you swim diagonally across the pool, the tanning ledge only takes away one stroke, so you can still get your laps in!

What are my options for a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge?

fiberglass pool with a tanning ledgeThere are several ways to incorporate a tanning ledge into your backyard pool design, based on your priorities and how you plan to use your pool.

  • Get the maximum tanning ledge space. Many fiberglass pool designs such as the Wellspring, Aspen, Cathedral LX and Lil Bob LX make the tanning ledge part of the main pool basin. The ledge does take up the area that could otherwise be swim space, but it gives you the maximum amount of space for lounging, with ample room for swimmers to enter and exit the pool.
  • Consider a wet deck or wading pool. If you choose a fiberglass pool design without a built-in tanning ledge like the Goliath or Monolith, you can add a wet deck or a wading pool to the end or side of those designs. This gives you the benefits of a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge without losing swim space. These additions can also be raised so that they spill over into the main pool basin, creating a dramatic effect and a wonderful eye-catching water feature.

You really can’t go wrong either way.

There are so many options available in fiberglass pools today, you’re sure to find the perfect pool for you. Whether you choose a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge or even take your luxury one step further with one of the beach entry fiberglass pools (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839), your new inground pool will bring years of fun, exercise, family time, reasons to throw a party and relaxation.

Are you ready to take the plunge with a new inground fiberglass pool? Or perhaps picturing yourself lounging on a tanning ledge right now with a cold beverage in hand, soaking up warm summer rays? If so, winter is a great time to get an estimate on a backyard swimming paradise. You’ll be in the swim by summer.

Ask the General– What’s the Lowdown on Tanning Ledges?

Posted on by krista

Dear General:

 

We’ve told Santa we’ve been looking at inground pools for next year, and I think he’s going to deliver. We’re amazed at all the cool features available, and our friends with pools have told us how great tanning ledges are. Since we love both the sun and the water, it seems like a great option for us. Can you give us the lowdown and some recommendations on an inground pool with a tanning ledge?

Signed,

Leaning towards the Ledge Life in Lexington

Dear Leaning:

inground pool with tanning ledgeYour friends are right. Tanning ledges are killer. If you like the concept of “the best of both worlds,” an inground pool with a tanning ledge is for you. They give you the ability to enjoy the nice, cool water while still soaking up the rays. They’re also a perfect spot for the kids to play, in just enough water to cool off and still stay well within your sight. Additionally, they’re great for old guys (like me, for example) to get in and out of the water without navigating a bunch of big steps. Tanning ledges are available for most inground pools. (To the best of my knowledge, they’re not available for above-ground pools.)

The tips that follow are from lessons learned through conversations I have had with homeowners, installers and manufacturers of inground pools with a tanning ledge along with my own experience over the years. Bear in mind that you need to use a company that is well versed with tanning ledges, wading depth pools, fountains, benches, bubblers, all building codes, safety codes, and structural techniques. That said, let’s take a look at tanning ledge options for vinyl liner pools, gunite pools and fiberglass pools so you can decide what’s the best pool for you.

Vinyl liner pools:

Today’s vinyl liner pools have many different configurations of ledges, steps, corner seats, benches and wading depths that at one time were thought to be impossible. So, if you’re feeling like a vinyl liner pool is for you, a tanning ledge is possible, but you need to be aware of some issues:

  1. Durability is a concern. One of the biggest joys of a tanning ledge is the ability to put a ledge lounging chair on it for maximum water-to-sun relaxation potential. The biggest problem with vinyl liner pools is the chance of poking a hole or tearing the liner. So, tanning ledge furniture is going to be a concern with vinyl liner pools. Also, if you were thinking of a tanning ledge on a vinyl liner pool as a nice spot for your pet, don’t. To avoid tears in your liner, it’s strictly “no dogs allowed.”
  2. Safety too. Another concern with a tanning ledge on a vinyl liner pool is their propensity to be slippery. So, if you’re looking for a tanning ledge as an easy landing pad on the way into and out of the pool, be advised that it might be a bit of a slippery slope.
  3. Water weight is key. Depth of water is crucial to hold a vinyl liner in place. The shallow water of a tanning ledge area may not carry enough weight to hold your liner in place. It can be very difficult to get the corners to pull in without ballooning or wrinkling.

Gunite (concrete) pools:

If your budget is unlimited, then the sky’s the limit for how you can configure the shape and size of your tanning ledge on a gunite pool. Gunite pools are completely customizable. If you’re feeling like gunite is the pool for you, here are some things to think about when it comes to gunite:

  1. They’re durable, but can be costly. Gunite pools are extremely durable so there’s very little chance of damaging the pool surface with ledge loungers. However, in the Midwest, gunite pools are very expensive, and may be over budget for most homeowners.
  2. They can be high maintenance. There can be a lot of problems with plaster finishes, and in climates that require winterization, the tanning ledges should be tiled or painted (so make sure you take that into consideration when you’re planning).
  3. They’re safe (to the point of tough love). You won’t have to worry about slipping on the surface of your gunite pool’s tanning ledge. The plaster finish on a gunite pool is non-skid, often to the point of being rough on the feet your pet’s paws. It can also cause snags on swimsuits for those who sit on the ledge itself.

Fiberglass pools:

For me, a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge is the best bet. Fiberglass pools with a tanning ledge have come a long way over the last few years and manufacturers of offer many sizes and configurations of  tanning ledges. Here’s what I think is great about them:

  1. Low-maintenance durability. Recent innovations in fiberglass pool manufacturing now provide integrated structural support.
  2. Affordability. Particularly in the Midwest, a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge will be much less expensive than a custom gunite pool.
  3. Non-slip (but gentle on feet and paws). The surface of a fiberglass pool is a gel coat finish that’s the ideal combination of beauty, durability and smoothness. Of course, everyone needs to be careful when entering and exiting the pool, but it’s the best you’re going to find for comfort and safety combined.

So, in summary, when it comes to the question of an inground pool with a tanning ledge, my answer is a resounding YES. Especially because I consider durability, affordability and safety. So, Happy Holidays. Tell Santa you’ve narrowed down your wish list, and you’d like an inground fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge. You’ll be loving the ledge life before you know it.

The General

Find the fiberglass pool with a built-in tanning ledge that’s perfect for you.

Check out what’s new in fiberglass pools for 2019

Get an estimate today!

 

The Top Five Things People Love About Tanning Ledges

Posted on by krista

tanning ledgesIn today’s frazzled world, moments of true relaxation are hard to find. We all need time to unwind, chill and find inner peace. For some, the ideal oasis may be a sunny spot on a chaise lounge in a windowsill or a cozy chair by the fire in wintertime. However, for those of us who own (or are considering) an inground fiberglass pool, a tanning ledge can be the ultimate oasis for relaxation throughout the swim season. They can also be a wonderful feature for every member of the family (both two and four-legged) as well as help make your pool unique. Let’s take a look at the top five reasons why you’ll love your tanning ledge. You can:

  1. Get sun and be chill. If you love soaking up rays but soon find yourself getting overheated and seeking shade, a built-in tanning ledge is the ideal solution for you. Cooling your heels (and your bottom!) in just a few inches of water while you revel in luxurious feeling of the warm sun on your face is absolute heaven. Add in a ledge lounger, complete with a sun shade equipped with a mobile device viewer, throw in an ice bin side table to keep a cold beverage at the ready, and you’ll find yourself wondering why you would ever want to leave your own yard.
  2. Show your style. Tanning ledges aren’t only luxurious–they’re also really cool-looking! If you want your pool to be a reflection of your personality and style, add a tanning ledge and deck it out with awesome features like illuminated bubblers, fountains and spillways into the pool. Pull together the decor of the rest of your pool area by choosing custom cushions for your ledge lounger that coordinate with your other outdoor furnishings.
  3. Create a kiddo zone. Kids love to be in the pool, but their fun-time can be stressful for you if your head is on a swivel the whole time they’re swimming. Creating a kiddo zone on the tanning ledge gives them a shallow spot to play while you’re just an arm’s length away, supervising more comfortably on your awesome ledge lounger.
  4. Ease on in. Anyone with a mobility issue will appreciate the way a tanning ledge allows them to ease into the pool without negotiating large steps. So if Grandma wants to play in the water with the kids, there’s a spot for all of them. (You might even share your ledge lounger with them … but it’s okay if you don’t.)
  5. Fun for Fido. Your four-legged kids love to be in the pool too. If you like to share the water with your pups, tanning ledges are a great entry and exit point for them. Swimming is great exercise for dogs and you’ll be delighted to find them sacked out and calm after a long day in the pool.

With all the great benefits tanning ledges have to offer, the question really isn’t “Should I get a built-in tanning ledge for my inground fiberglass pool?” but rather, “How will we all fit on the tanning ledge, and do I really have to share it?” It’s a must-have luxury that you deserve, so if you’re dreaming of a new inground pool for the upcoming swim season, make sure you choose a pool design that includes a built-in tanning ledge. It will be your oasis for years to come.

To get more information about creating your own backyard swimming pool paradise, contact Thursday Pools today. We offer a wide variety of pool designs with built-in tanning ledges in a huge selection of shapes, sizes and colors, as well as the world’s first beach entry fiberglass pools, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839).

Based in Fortville, Indiana, Thursday Pools manufactures handcrafted inground fiberglass pool shells of the high quality. All Thursday Pools fiberglass pools with built-in tanning ledges are available to be installed with our patented Geo Anchoring Pool System, which provides increased strength for the pool structure. Thursday Pools is both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, which means we adhere to international standards for both quality and environmental stewardship.

Get an estimate on a Thursday Pools inground fiberglass pool today.

#ingroundfiberglasspools #fiberglasspools #tanningledges #ledgeloungers #ThursdayPools