Fiberglass Pool Add-On Options Archives

Six Tips for Swimming in Style with the Best Pool Lights

Posted on November 7, 2019April 3, 2024 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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

Posted on January 17, 2019June 11, 2024 by krista

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?

There 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.

The Top Five Things People Love About Tanning Ledges

Posted on December 18, 2018July 14, 2022 by krista

In 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.)
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

Which Thursday Pools Pool Designs are Best for Tanning Ledges?

Posted on July 23, 2018October 24, 2024 by Karen

Fiberglass pools with tanning ledges are in high demand. And why wouldn’t they be? While soaking up the sun’s rays feels glorious, it can also get pretty hot. Being able to relax on a ledge lounger on a tanning ledge with just enough water to keep you cool is … well … just about as good as it gets.

Regardless of the size of your yard and which other features interest you if you’ve decided that you’re ready to take the plunge with an inground fiberglass pool, make sure you choose one with a tanning ledge (especially if you have a furry family member who also loves to swim.)

Read on to learn more about our best fiberglass pool designs with a tanning ledge, and pick the one that’s right for you. After that, the only decision you’ll have to make is who to share it with because everyone will be vying for a spot!

Aspen

The Aspen design is our top-selling fiberglass pool design. The large, expansive tanning ledge gives you ample room to relax and play. Place a couple of loungers on this tanning ledge, and you’ll still have room for little ones to splash around. This rectangular design easily accommodates an automatic safety cover and boasts a wide-open swim area. The depth of this tanning ledge is 12”, which will give you a water depth of 6” to 8”. Aspen is available in multiple sizes.

Check out the Aspen specs: 16’x 40’, 16’x 35’, 14’x 35’, 14’x 30′, and 14’x25′.

Cathedral LX

A recent addition to our tanning ledge design options, the Cathedral LX keeps the classic lines of our original Roman-end Cathedral pool design and adds a little luxury. This design includes a luxurious 9’ diameter tanning ledge area that easily accommodates a couple of ledge loungers. The depth of this tanning ledge is 12” which equates to a water depth of 6” to 8”. The Cathedral LX has an open swim area and features a deep-end bench for those who want to sit and soak. This pool design is available in two different sizes.

Check out the Cathedral LX specs: 16’x 40’ and
16’x 36’.

Wellspring

The unique free-form shape of the Wellspring features a circular tanning ledge with an 8’ diameter. This tanning ledge is set off by itself, leaving a wide-open swim area. It’s one of our smaller tanning ledges but can still accommodate a pair of ledge loungers. The depth of this tanning ledge is 12” so it will also give you a water depth on the ledge of 6” to 8”, depending on how full your pool is. This design is available in two sizes.

Check out the Wellspring specs: 16’x 40’ and 16’x 36’.

Lil Bob LX

The Lil Bob LX was inspired by another top-selling design, our original Lil Bob. This design combined all the beloved features of the Lil Bob and added a unique tanning ledge to the design. The Lil Bob LX tanning ledge is split into multiple levels offering you different options of water depth. The top ledge is our traditional tanning ledge depth of 12” providing you with 6” to 8” of water to lounge in. The bottom ledge is at our wading pool depth of 18” providing 12” to 14” of water to enjoy. Even with the split levels, the top ledge can still snugly accommodate two loungers.

Check out the Lil Bob LX specs: 13.5’x 35.5’.

Sun Day

If you are looking for maybe just a little less tanning area and a little more style, the Sun Day free-form design may be the perfect option. The Sun Day features a small tanning shelf that is 12” deep in the deep end of the pool. While the small tanning ledge cannot accommodate a lounger or chair, it’s a perfect spot for you to stretch out and relax. Another great feature of this pool design is the large splash pad at the pool’s entry. The splash pad is 8” deep which gives you 2”-4” of water and provides an ideal spot for your toddler to play. The Sun Day features multiple size options.

Check out the Sun Day specs: 16’x39’, 16’x34.5’or 15’x30’.

Pearl

Our petite Pearl is a unique gem of a pool design. From the wrap-around bench to the spacious tanning ledge, this pool is all about relaxation. Pearl’s tanning ledge is 12” deep, giving you 6” to 8” of water depth. The 9’ x 9’ open tanning area gives you plenty of room for furniture and more. The tanning ledge is set apart from the entry stairs so the sun worshippers won’t be disturbed by other swimmers entering and exiting. Pearl is also perfect to outfit with spa jets to create a perfect little backyard getaway.

Check out the Pearl specs: 15’x 25’

Beach Entry Designs Take Tanning Ledges to the Next Level

If you love the idea of a tanning ledge because of the versatility it gives you in terms of enjoying the best of both worlds at the water’s edge, then you may find our NEW beach entry designs even more intriguing. We’re proud to have created the world’s first beach entry fiberglass pools.

Beach entry fiberglass pools give you the ultimate in luxury and relaxation, with the laid-back feel of a day at the beach without the drive to the beach (or the sandy swimsuits!)

We’d like to introduce you to the two newest members of our Thursday Pools family–our beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839).

Grace follows the clean lines of our top-selling Aspen design. It’s rectangular in shape and offers the same wide-open swim areas that Aspen does. It also features dual, deep-end seats for deeper water lounging and a deep-end courtesy ledge.

Sandal is our free-from beach entry fiberglass pool design. It features the easy style and playful curves of our Sun Day design along with the sun shelf and deep-end courtesy ledge.

No matter which pool you choose, you’re guaranteed a lifetime of enjoyment and memories with your friends and family.

What Qualities Make for a Truly Awesome Tanning Ledge?

Posted on July 12, 2018March 28, 2024 by Karen

The built-in tanning ledge feature in fiberglass pools has exploded in popularity over the last few years. They’re not just the perfect spot for sun worshippers. They’re also a marvelous place for children to enjoy the water, especially when they’re first learning to swim. Of course the kiddos still need their swim floats, but being able to gradually get used to the water by sitting in a shallow depth can help them get acclimated to being in the pool until they’re ready to take the next step and start to swim. And if you have a dog in the family who also loves the water, you’ll likely be sharing your tanning ledge with him or her as well. Dogs love tanning ledges because it gives them a place to chill between forays into the water. All told, your built-in tanning ledge will be the social center of your backyard pool oasis. So the question really isn’t, “Do I want a tanning ledge in my fiberglass pool?” The question is, “How can I be sure I’m getting the very best tanning ledge for my fiberglass pool?”

Because not all tanning ledges are created equal, let’s take a look at the qualities of a great tanning ledge.

Length and width. Given how many swimmers (both two and four-legged) will want to share the tanning ledge, size is the most important factor. Check into the sizes of the ledge loungers you want, and then make sure that your tanning ledge is long enough to accommodate them. Most ledge loungers will require at least 7 feet by 8 feet each, and you’ll still want room for those who aren’t lounging. As long as you’re at it, you might as well get the tanning ledge possible so there will be plenty of room for everyone to chill on it.
Depth. The ideal depth of a tanning ledge is 12 inches. That gives you just enough water to cool your heels (and your seat!) while still enjoying plenty of sunshine. You’ll find some designs out there that may feature a tanning ledge with a depth of less than 12 inches. They won’t give you quite enough to splash around and keep cool in.
Non-skid surface. Because you’ll be spending lots of time hanging out on your tanning ledge, you’ll want to be sure that it’s has a safe, non-skid surface. The smooth surface of a fiberglass pool is great for kids, pets and adults alike, but non-skid surfaces on tanning ledges ensure that you have solid footing where you need it most.
The extras. To take your tanning ledge experience to the next level, make sure the fiberglass pool design you pick has the option for fun extras such as umbrella holders and bubblers. Since your tanning ledge is about to become party central in your backyard, you might as well kick it up a notch.
Solid support. This is by far the most important differentiation between a good and a great tanning ledge experience over the life of your fiberglass pool. There are several methods for installing and providing support for built-in tanning ledges, and some methods are much better than others. When you’re choosing your fiberglass pool, make sure you’re also inquiring about how your tanning ledge will be installed and supported. Traditional methods like backfill, flowable fill and pier installation are okay, but if they’re not done by a pool installer with good experience in installing tanning ledges, the ledge can have a hollow feel under your feet, and the backfill underneath it can settle over time. Your absolute best bet is to choose a fiberglass pool that offers the Backfill Eliminator an innovative system that provides solid, lifetime structural support for your tanning ledge. Here’s how it works.

Investing in a fiberglass pool for your backyard will bring a lifetime of fun and great memories for you, your family and your friends. Tanning ledges are just one of the amazing features available in fiberglass pools. Pool buying is a big decision, so be sure to do your research and get the perfect pool for you!

Beautiful Water Features for Your Pool

Posted on August 24, 2017April 3, 2024 by cargo

You have your new inground pool in your backyard, and obviously, you want to create your backyard paradise. Water features are an excellent addition to any poolside backyard. Flowing water not only enhances a tranquil atmosphere, but it also adds a sense of fun and elegance to the pool.

A swimming pool will bring hours of fun and relaxation, but water features can add an entirely new dimension to the usual sitting-by-the-pool experience. Of course, it is best to plan your water features while your pool is under construction. However, if you already have a pool and now you’d like to add a feature, you don’t need to worry because these elements can be added to existing swimming pools.

Laminars

Laminars are becoming more and more popular. They are strong, sleek streams of water that come from the decking surrounding your pool. The jets have a smooth uniform look and can be used with any inground pool design. You can add a LED color display to your laminars at night.

Cascades

Cascades are similar to waterfalls but offer a slightly different effect. With cascade features, the water rolls over several rocks or rock slabs and then tumbles into the pool. Cascades can fit any pool theme and will offer the relaxing waterfall sound that everyone loves. We guarantee you will complete the oasis vibe you’re going for with cascades.

Bubblers

Slightly similar to deck jets, bubblers are small “fountains” that typically sit at the edge of the pool. They are meant to create a stream of water that bubbles and the water stream height can vary. Bubblers can come in bowl shapes or planters that spill over into the pool. To add a cool effect for the night time, consider adding LED lights to the bubblers.

Take a look at our past blog post for features you can add to your swimming that your children will love! Make sure you are following our Pinterest page for more style tips for your backyard swimming pool.

Kid-Friendly Features for Your Swimming Pool

Posted on June 30, 2017September 18, 2024 by cargo

When purchasing an inground pool, how a pool is going to look and fit in your backyard isn’t the only thing you need to consider. You also need to think about features that are kid-friendly. Don’t worry; there are plenty of features that your kids will love, but will also complete the aesthetic of your backyard.

If you invest in the right places, you can create the perfect and relaxing outdoor living space of your dreams. And you can also have the fun place-to-be for all your kids and their friends. Here are some features that can help you achieve both.

Spas

After a long game of Marco Polo, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the spa, regardless of how old your kid is. Kids, big and small, love spas and they are very easy to add to your backyard. You do need to choose one that flows with the aesthetics of your pool and backyard. Also, make sure there’s always an adult around to supervise.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are a great water feature to add to your pool that will complete a perfect touch to your yard. They look beautiful and add a relaxing sound to your backyard paradise. Kids will love to play with the falling water, no matter the size of the waterfall. Everyone in the family will enjoy hanging out in a swimming pool with waterfalls.

Tanning Ledges

Tanning ledges are not just for you to bask in the sun all day. They are also ideal for families with young children. Tanning ledges are essentially shelves on the edge of the pool where children can splash and play all day. They also make for an easy entrance into the pool for children of all ages.

Any of all of these features make great additions to anyone’s swimming pool. Are you ready to add any of these kid-friendly features to your swimming pool? Contact an Independent Dealer today.

Saltwater Pool vs. Chlorine Water Pool

Posted on April 27, 2017September 13, 2024 by cargo

Choosing how to sanitize your inground swimming pool can be confusing when you are comparing a saltwater pool vs. a chlorine water pool. Overall, salt water pools and traditional chlorine pools are very similar. The differences lie in the method of adding chlorine to the pool. Salt systems use the dissolved salt in the pool water and a process called electrolysis. The dissolved salt passes through the salt cell to produce chlorine. Traditional chlorine pools use chlorine tablets or pucks that are made to dissolve as water passes over them.

Pros of Salt Water Pools-The Benefits of Owning a Saltwater Pool

Convenience. Pool owners don’t have to handle or store chlorine. With traditional chlorine options, you have to add chlorine granules, tablets, or pucks manually.
Reduces the amount of chlorine needed to maintain a properly sanitized pool. Salt systems work as both a sanitizer and an oxidizer. Traditional chlorine pools will require a weekly or bi-weekly oxidizing shock.
The pool water feels noticeably better on the skin and eyes. The chlorine water that the unit produces is very pure and does not have any irritating chloramines, unlike traditional chlorine pools.

Cons of Salt Pools-The Disadvantage of Owning a Saltwater Pool

Salt is naturally corrosive. It’s corrosive nature can cause premature aging on metal parts and equipment and can be harsh on the natural stone decking. We would recommend adding a sacrificial anode to the pool. For instance, an easy example would be adding a zinc ball to your skimmer basket. The sacrificial anode like the zinc ball is a weaker metal. It will sacrifice itself and corrode before all other metals in the water.
Salt systems inherently drive up the pH levels. We recommended incorporating a system that automatically detects pH levels and introduces acid as needed.
Salt systems can cause calcium build-up. Properly maintaining your pH and Total Alkalinity levels will help prevent calcium buildup.
Costly start-up costs. While you will save money on chlorine over the life of the pool, the initial unit cost of a salt system can range anywhere from $1,500-$2,200 or more, depending on the system and size of the pool. The cell inside your salt generator should last an average of three to five years depending on how well you maintain it. The replacement cost of the cell ranges $500-$800.

While there are some definite benefits to a salt pool, they do not equate to a no maintenance pool. Salt pools still need to have their water tested at least once a week and adjusted accordingly to ensure all chemical levels are within proper range.

Top Five Pool Options Every Inground Swimming Pool Buyer Should Consider

Posted on January 5, 2017August 29, 2023 by cargo

The market for inground swimming pool options is enormous and can be overwhelming, but there are only a handful that every inground pool owner should consider. Here are some important swimming pool options that you should consider and why. We have also included some budget saving tips.

Automatic Pool Covers. Automatic pool covers do more than protect your loved ones and pets; they make owning your own pool easy. Automatic safety covers protect your inground pool from water evaporation loss which aids in keeping heat and chemicals in; helping you keep pool chemicals and heating costs down. They also aid in keeping debris out allowing you more time for fun and frolicking rather than vacuuming or skimming leaves. For those folks who winterize their pool, it can double as your winter cover which allows you to avoid the hassle of dragging out the water tubes and tarp or strapping down your safety cover. Who doesn’t want to avoid that hassle? As a side note, most pool companies charge less for winterization when pool owners have an automatic safety cover.
Pool Budget Saving Tip: Adding on an automatic safety cover when purchasing your inground pool options is a large expense and often is not in the budget. In lieu of a complete purchase, ask your pool builder about prepping for a future automatic safety cover install. Many times pool builders can set the box and tracks laying the groundwork for a future install that will be easy and more cost effective than a retrofit.
Heater. For those of us that don’t live in the sunbelt, we are always looking for ways to extend our swim season. A heater is a great way to do that. Yes, they can be costly to run especially gas heaters, but you likely will only run the heater in early spring and late fall. Electric heat pumps are more efficient and less expensive to operate, but they are slower to heat and have a higher initial cost. If you decide to go with a heat pump, they offer a chiller option that you might consider.
Pool Budget Saving Tip: Heaters are easy pool options to add on later and don’t necessarily have to be installed at the time of your inground pool purchase. Just be sure that you leave enough room in your equipment area. The heater must be a minimum of 8 feet away from a window so plan ahead.
Inground pool lighting. Inground pool lighting can elevate the entire mood of your backyard patio area and provide safety for late night swimmers. This is one of those inground pool options that if you are considering it, now would be the time to opt for it. In-pool lighting is difficult to add on to an inground pool later and will cost you a lot more after the fact.
Water Features. The sound of moving water is mesmerizing and provides health benefits such as stress relief and relaxation. The best part about adding a water feature as one of your pool options is it allows you to enjoy the pool without even being in it. Adding a water feature to your inground pool can be as simple as a deck jet or as elaborate as a custom waterfall. Water features that circulate the pool water are not easily added on later and should be planned for during the construction phase of your project.
Pool Budget Saving Tip: If it isn’t in your initial “pool options budget” to add a water feature, ask your pool builder about pre-plumbing and stubbing up for a future water feature addition.
Slides and Sports. Slides and water sports can bring out the competitive spirit in any family and raise the fun level. The options for inground pool slides have grown tremendously over the last decade. Extreme slides such as SR Smith’s Turbo Twister® or Inter-fab’s X-Stream® are some popular pool slide choices. Because all pool slides operate using a water line installed during construction, they are not easily retrofitted to existing pools. There are a lot of options for on deck applications for inground pool sports like volleyball and basketball; the best most unobtrusive pool options require an anchor socket to be installed in the deck during construction.
Pool Budget Saving Tip: You can pre-plumb your pool with a water line for a slide to add later on but it does take some planning. You will want to decide what slide you will want in the future and make sure that you have the footprint large enough on your patio area to accommodate it along with the proper size plumbing line. You will also want to make sure that it meets the slides safety requirements for depth and entry. You can hold off on purchasing the basketball and volleyball units, but I would strongly recommend at least having the deck anchors installed.