Pool Options & Accessories Archives - Page 2 of 3

Ledge Lounger® Introduces New Options for Even Better Fiberglass Pool Outdoor Living

Posted on December 14, 2018June 27, 2023 by krista

It’s a great time to be a fiberglass pool owner. The options just keep getting better all the time. Outdoor living and entertaining is now as cozy and easy as it is indoors. With a stunning array of furnishings and sophisticated outdoor kitchen options as well as fire pits and other outdoor heating elements, you and your guests can be as comfortable spending the evening outside on your ledge lounger as you would be around the dining room table.

Ledge Lounger® is one of the leaders in the outdoor furnishings industry. Long known for their signature tanning ledge chaise, they’re on the cutting edge of innovation in terms of design and convenience–adding features that make poolside living a breeze. They’ve recently launched some new products, like poolside games and luxurious daybeds and cabanas to enhance your outdoor living experience even more.

We had a chance to catch up with Ledge Lounger’s marketing director, Jacy Walkup, at the 2018 International Pool, Spa and Patio Expo in Las Vegas last month. And according to Walkup, Ledge Lounger has continued to expand its focus from in-pool tanning ledge loungers and furnishings to everything a pool owner could want to outfit their backyard fiberglass pool paradise.

“We see people who own pools wanting to spend a lot of time outside,” said Walkup. “So we want to make sure that whether they want to be in the pool or out of the pool, they have activities and furnishings and ways to create great spaces to spend more time outside. Ledge Lounger is a one-stop-shop for anything you need for your outdoor space–in the pool, around the pool–anything you need for your backyard.”

Let’s take a look at a couple of great new product lines.

Cabanas Collection

Ledge Lounger’s new cabanas are hand-crafted with high-quality outdoor materials like powder-coated aluminum frames, stainless steel hardware, and durable Sunbrella products. There are hundreds of fabric colors and patterns to choose from, and you can choose a draping style that truly complements your outdoor vibe, whether it’s modern, traditional, or relaxed. The cabanas are available in four sizes: 8’x 8’, 10’ x 10’, 12’ x 12’, and 14’ x 14’.

Daybeds

Your days having a simple poolside or tanning ledge chaise lounge can be a thing of the past. The options for lounging by your fiberglass pool are limitless, in both style and comfort. Ledge Lounger has expanded their selection of both in-pool and on-deck daybeds with more customization options than ever before, for the ultimate in-poolside relaxation.

As Thursday Pools continues to lead the way in innovation in the fiberglass pool industry, we’re delighted to have great relationships with companies like Ledge Lounger, who are also committed to upping the game for fiberglass pool owners who want to relax, play and truly LIVE outside.

Thursday Pools designs and manufactures fiberglass pool shells that are handcrafted with the highest standards and craftsmanship. Our one-piece, inground fiberglass swimming pool manufacturing facility is based in Fortville, Indiana. At Thursday Pools, we aspire to be the world’s most respected fiberglass pool manufacturer. We believe passion, care, and attention to detail make the d ifference. We deliver artfully-crafted, durable fiberglass pools and innovative products that empower you to make a lifetime of remarkable moments with your family and friends.

The Best Robotic Cleaners for Inground Fiberglass Pools

Posted on November 7, 2018May 15, 2024 by riley

Every pool owner should have a good working knowledge of pool maintenance. To avoid pool maintenance issues, it’s important to stay on top of pool maintenance from the time you open your pool in the spring until you’re preparing to close it for the winter.

Robotic pool cleaners can be a great help when it comes to keeping your pool clean on a regular basis. Choosing a robotic pool cleaner can be a bit overwhelming as there are hundreds of automatic pool cleaners on the market, each with different benefits. Above-ground pools need a different type of robotic cleaner than inground pools, and some robotic pool cleaners will have features that you don’t need. So make sure you’re searching for the automatic pool cleaner that’s right for your needs and specific pool type. Let’s take a look at some of the best robotic pool cleaners on the market that offer great value for the price.

Hayward TigerShark

The Hayward TigerShark can easily scour a 20 x 40 foot pool floor, walls and water line in just three hours. It’s available in three models: the standard TigerShark, the TigerShark Plus Robotic Cleaner with Remote Control and the TigerShark QC with Quick Clean (featuring a patented 90-minute quick clean alternative.) It has an easy-to-clean cartridge filter system, and the 24-volt motor is designed to use less energy, saving you pool maintenance costs over time.

Given that it runs separately from the pool’s filtration system, you’ll need fewer backwash cycles. It’s self-contained and easy to use with no extra hoses, hookups or pumps required. The TigerShark is widely recognized by pool maintenance pros for its reliability and efficiency. It comes in at just under 22 pounds.

Average Price: $800

Highlights:

Easy to clean cartridge
Lightweight
On-board pump for intense vacuum power
55’ cord to reach the length of your pool
1 to 3-year warranty, based on the specific model you choose

Dolphin Nautilus Plus

The Dolphin Nautilus Plus is an award-winning design with over 25 years of technological and innovative leadership. It weighs only 22 pounds and comes with a 2-year warranty. It’s the top of the line and a best seller in the market. The Dolphin Nautilus Plus has CleverClean technology that creates a swivel system for tangle-free operation. The CleverClean system enables the robotic pool cleaner to scrub, filter, and vacuum the floor, walls and water lines of inground pools.

The Dolphin Nautilus Plus also has built-in scanning software that enables it to scan the pool’s dimensions for best cleaning. To help remove the algae, dirt, bacteria, and biofilm, it’s equipped with a system called PowerClean that creates high RPMs for a deeper clean. It’s also armed with their HyperGrip Tracking System–rubber tracks that grip the surface and walls of the pool. This allows the cleaner to get the small corners and areas of the pool, such as the edges of tanning ledges.

Average Price: $1000

Highlights:

Easy to clean cartridge
Lightweight
Suitable for large pools such as the Wellspring, Lil Box LX, Cathedral or Monolith
Swivel cables
3-year warranty

NOTE: For optimum performance, clean after every use

Polaris F9350 Sport Robotic Pool Cleaner

The Polaris F9350 is a lightweight, 2-wheel robotic cleaner. The “Aqua Trax” tires enable the Polaris to move freely over any surface–floors, steps, and walls. It’s enabled with a navigation system that automatically controls the robot’s position at all times, allowing complete cleaning coverage without any hang ups. The cleaner also uses a system called the Vortex–a vacuum that filters out particles and gathers large debris in a short amount of time. This robotic pool cleaner is the perfect choice for larger pools with lots of angles like the Lil Bob LX or the Sun Day.

Average Price: $950

Highlights:

Able to climb walls and steps
Time and energy efficient
2-year warranty
Quiet
Lightweight and easy to remove from the pool–with the touch of a button, it surfaces and waits for you to grab it, then automatically evacuates water for effortless removal from the pool
The long cord is efficient for large pools
NOTE: For pool owners who aren’t technically inclined, it can be complicated to reprogram

Aquabot Pool Rover Junior

The Aquabot Pool Rover Junior is a great lightweight option for a smaller robotic pool cleaner, and it comes in below $500. It has a 40-foot long cable that allows the rover to move freely throughout the pool. The ultrafine filter bag enables the robot to reach the small crevices of the pool’s floor, making it an excellent option for curvy pools like Titus and Sandal.

Average Price: $300

Highlights:

Lightweight
One-year warranty
Automatic shut off timer
NOTE: The Aquabot Pool Rover Junior doesn’t have the ability to clean the walls of the pool. It’s just for floors

Proper pool maintenance is incredibly important to ensure that your pool is in great shape for years to come, and there are lots of great pool maintenance tools available to help you keep up with it. Aside from reading about the most common pool maintenance mistakes, you may want to enlist the help of a pool maintenance pro near you for bigger tasks such as opening and closing the pool.

Regular maintenance like vacuuming is easy with the right robotic pool cleaner. The only fiberglass pool innovation that robotic cleaners haven’t quite caught up to yet is the built-in tanning ledge, which is a very popular feature. While they easily scale walls, they’re not able to climb and stay on top of a tanning ledge, so if you have a fiberglass pool with this feature, you might have to touch it up separately.

Regardless of what kind of robotic pool cleaner you buy for your inground fiberglass pool, the investment will pay off in saved pool maintenance time, giving you more time to do what you want to do … enjoy your pool.

Ask the General: What are the Benefits of Automatic Pool Safety Covers?

Posted on August 21, 2018March 28, 2024 by Karen

Dear General,

We’re in the process of getting a new fiberglass pool installed, and we’re super excited. The only decision we have remaining is what kind of pool cover we should get. Safety is a big concern for me. Can you explain the different kinds of pool covers available and give me some pros and cons for each?

Signed-

Cover My Pool in Covington

Dear Cover My Pool,

Pool covers are a lifesaver for pool owners, for many reasons. You’ll be delighted at the ways a pool cover will give you ease of maintenance and peace of mind regarding safety. Let’s take a look at the benefits of having a pool cover and talk about the two basic types available.

Why Should You Have a Pool Cover?

Safety. Safety is the most important concern for any pool owner. The idea behind a safety pool cover is to make your pool completely inaccessible. In some states, you don’t have to have a fence if you have a pool cover; however, many states and municipalities require a fence whether a pool has a safety cover or not. It’s important to know that YOU are responsible for ensuring safety in your pool area and for ensuring that anyone who uses your pool knows the rules of safe swimming regardless of state and local codes. Keep in mind that a fence only discourages uninvited guests. Kids and pets can still find a way in if the gate isn’t locked. Also, fences don’t stop anyone who’s already inside the house from getting into the pool. Door, gate and pool alarms can alert you, but only a pool cover can really give you peace of mind that the pool area is secured when you’re not out there.
Ease of maintenance. The more debris you prevent from getting into your pool, the less time you have to spend cleaning it. What that means for you is more time to actually enjoy the pool. Imagine waking up after a really bad storm to find your pool filled with twigs, dirt and other debris versus rolling back your pool cover and taking a quick dip. You’ll find that a cover will save you hours of cleaning time.
Lower operating costs. Plain and simple, pool covers keep your heating costs down. They’ll also help reduce your chemical usage, reduce strain on your pool’s operating systems and keep water from evaporating. All of these savings can mean more money for fun things like tanning ledge loungers, pool floats and parties!

Manual or Automatic?

While there are many styles, types, colors, and operating systems for safety covers, there are two main differentiators. Pool covers are either manual or automatic. Personally, I’m a big fan of automatic. But let’s take a look at both.

Manual pool covers are fine for keeping debris out and heat in, but not all manual covers are safety covers, so you need to check before you buy.

The least expensive option are the fabric covers with grommets that you stretch over your pool like a big fitted sheet. They can take more than one person to put in place. Motorless track covers. These roll out from a track like a big roll of paper towel. They’re a bit easier to maneuver than the fabric ones, but they still take some elbow grease.

Automatic pool covers have a tracking system and a motor and are controlled by touch pads or a key. As far as ease of use AND safety, you can’t beat an automatic safety cover.

There are four main types of automatic pool covers:

Deck mounted tracking: The motor and mechanisms are in a box with a slightly raised lid that has tracking installed on top of the pool deck.
Under-track system: The motor and mechanisms are in a box with a flush lid, and the tracking is located in the coping under the deck.
Complete under-track system: A complete custom package of color-matched, under-track coping and a flush lid with recessed polymer deck box, all shipped directly from the factory.
Above-deck motor system: These are typically an after-market renovation on an existing pool. The motor sits inside an enclosed bench on top of the deck with deck mounted tracks.

What’s the takeaway?

I was very fortunate to have consulted on the development of Automatic Pool Covers’ popular under-track design. The innovation improved upon the deck-mounted systems by incorporating the flush lid, which is more aesthetically pleasing. The under-track systems also make it easier to keep the tracking clean. They’re a little more expensive, but in my opinion, they’re worth it.

While rectangular designs are most easily compatible with an automatic pool cover, most pool designs can accommodate one. There are also many colors to choose from. Check with your installer or pool dealer for details about the cover manufacturer, warranties, and maintenance required. I’m a big believer in making pool ownership safe, easy and fun, and an automatic pool cover will help you do all of those things. They’re a great feature to include when you’re designing your pool.

Well, once again it’s time to grab a float and enjoy the pool.

Until next time…

The General

Who is The General?

The man, the myth, the legend….we just call him The General. His organized, systematic approach to pool installations over the years had his crew members calling him “The General” and it stuck. The General has over 30 years’ experience in the pool and spa industry, working for one of Pool and Spa News’ “Top 50 Pool Builders.”

Over that time, he designed, sold, project-managed and installed over a thousand inground swimming pools. As a pool owner himself, he’s the perfect authority to give you the inside scoop, with amazing tips and tricks to make pool ownership a breeze!

Choosing the Perfect Furniture for Your Tanning Ledge

Posted on July 26, 2018March 28, 2024 by Karen

Built-in tanning ledges in fiberglass pools are dreamy. Understandably, they’re a highly sought-after feature with fiberglass pool owners. Tanning ledges are ideal spots to relax after a long day and to perfect your summer glow. Practically an outdoor living room, you’ll spend hours there relaxing and entertaining your friends and family, so you want it to be comfortable, cozy and stylish. An amazing variety of furniture and accessory options exist based on your tanning ledge’s shape and size. In this post, we’ll show you some perfect tanning ledge furniture and accessory ideas for the whole swim season.

Tanning Ledge Chaise: A chaise gives you a contoured, comfortable place to relax on your tanning ledge. Because it leans back a bit, it’s great for tanning and napping. While other options will allow you to sit up a bit more, chaises are ideal for ledges with up to 9” of water. The chaises pictured here come in a great variety of colors so you can customize them to best fit your pool area’s theme.

Tanning Ledge Chair: If you’d rather be able to sit up and enjoy the the view, you can get a tanning ledge seat in a more upright, high-back chair style. Whether you want to read your book club’s latest novel or keep a close eye on the kiddos, this chair will give you a comfortable, upright seating option while allowing you to soak up the sun. Chairs like this also work on tanning ledges up to 9” deep.

Tanning Ledge Chair or Chaise Headrest Pillow: No tanning ledge chaise lounge or chair is complete without a place to rest your head. These headrest pillows are the perfect complement to a tanning ledge chair or chaise. They are made with marine grade fabric, so they’re fade-resistant and mold-free. Most tanning ledge chair or chaise headrest pillows come with cool features like a handy side pocket for your phone. They’re available in an awesome array of colors and you can even have them monogrammed!

Tanning Ledge Chaise Shade: Use this shade to keep the sun out of your eyes, or better yet, use it as your own personal media center. It’s viewing window is touch screen compatible and fits devices up to 11” so you can watch a movie, read, shop or do whatever you do on your device with wireless internet.

Tanning Ledge Round Daybed: For next-level luxury and relaxation, check out a circular daybed for your tanning ledge. The whole family can take naps, play a game, or just spend some quality time. These daybeds come with an umbrella sleeve and boast loads of options for cushion colors and patterns. They’re six feet in diameter, so you’ll need a good-sized tanning ledge to accommodate a daybed. They’ll work well with fiberglass pools with large tanning shelves such as the Aspen and Lil Bob LX.

Tanning Ledge Tables: While you’re relaxing in the water on your tanning ledge, you’ll need a spot to set down your beverages, book, shades and tanning lotion. There are great table options in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some even come with umbrella sleeves and a built-in cooler to keep your poolside beverages chilled!

Tanning Ledge Umbrellas: Even with the water on your tanning ledge keeping you cool, you might want an umbrella to shade a wider area. Tanning ledge umbrellas come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes, and you can even choose the pole finish that best matches the theme of your backyard paradise!

Thursday Pools offers many options for fiberglass pool designs with built-in tanning ledges, including: Aspen, Cathedral LX, Wellspring, Lil Bob LX and Sun Day, along with our two new beach entry designs— Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839).

Whether you’re installing a new fiberglass pool of your dreams or just looking to add some comfort and style to your existing fiberglass pool’s awesome tanning ledge, there are so many great options to create an outdoor living space that will lend to a lifetime of memories and fun…options that will make you never want to leave your ledge!

Which Thursday Pools Pool Designs are Best for Tanning Ledges?

Posted on July 23, 2018April 3, 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’ and 14’x 35’.

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!

Ways to Heat Your Swimming Pool

Posted on October 13, 2017March 16, 2023 by cargo

It gets cold in North America, even in our most tropical climates. Depending on where you live, nighttime cooling or winter weather can interfere with an enjoyable swim. That’s why before purchasing, buyers commonly ask, “can a fiberglass pool be heated?” The answer is yes: like other inground pools, you can heat a fiberglass pool. In fact, they tend to heat faster and retain heat longer than other pool types. Let’s explore the options for heating a pool.

Gas Pool Heaters

Gas heaters are relatively more cost effective upfront, but can be expensive to operate. While gas pool heaters will heat your pool quickly and are durable in inclement weather, they wear out faster than other pool heating options. They are an ideal option if heating your pool as quickly as possible is an important feature.

Gas heaters run approximately $900 to $2,200 for a typical residential inground swimming pool on average, and installation typically costs another $500 to $1,500. Operating the heater may run around $200 to $400 per month, depending on how frequently you run it and the utility prices in your area.

Gas Heater Pros: heats up fast

Gas Heater Cons: more expensive to run and don’t last as long

Propane Pool Heaters

If your home doesn’t have a natural gas supply line and you still want a gas heater, a propane pool heater is an alternative. Propane works much like gas. It reliably and quickly heats the pool water and is relatively easy to hook up. Propane units can wear out quicker than other options and, like gas units, cost a little more to operate.

Like natural gas, propane pool heaters run between $1,500 and $2,500 and $500 to $1500 to install on average. Operating a propane heater typically costs around $200 to $850 per month, depending on the frequency of usage and propane prices in your area.

Propane Heater Pros: heats up fast and efficiently

Propane Heater Cons: more expensive to run and don’t last as long

Electric Heat Pump Pool Heaters

Heat pumps are becoming a popular option for pool owners as they are an energy-efficient means of heating a pool. They use a 220V electrical line to convert energy into heat. Heat pump pool heaters work most efficiently when the outside temperature remains above 45 to 50ºF.

A heat pump’s mid-range price is around $3,500, and installation costs between $500 and $1000 on average. However, they typically only cost about $100 to $200 per month to operate. Because electric heat pumps work off the ambient air temperature, they are slower to heat than a typical gas heater.

Heat Pump Pros: less expensive to operate, energy-efficient, a cleaner energy source

Heat Pump Cons: slower to heat, dependent on outdoor temperature, more expensive upfront

Electric Resistance Heaters

Like electric heat pumps, electric resistance heaters run on electricity. However, instead of relying on ambient air temperature, the pump passes water directly over a heating unit, resulting in efficient water heating despite the outdoor temperature.

Electric heaters cost an average of $1500 to $4000 plus installation costs around $500 to $1000. Operating costs depend on usage and utility prices but are typically higher than other heating options. Expect to spend roughly $200 to $600 per month on operating costs.

Electric Resistance Heater Pros: lower upfront costs, greener energy source, not dependent on outdoor air temperature

Electric Resistance Heater Cons: high operation costs, not as energy-efficient

Solar Pool Heaters

Through solar panels, solar pool heaters convert energy from the sun into heat for the pool. Solar pool heaters are good for the environment as they generate and utilize clean, renewable, and reliable energy, and they can potentially last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance. Solar heat helps eliminate carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions, a significant contributor to smog and global climate change.

Solar pool heaters are more expensive at a purchase cost of between $2,000 and $8000 as an initial investment on average, plus an average of $500 to $1500 for installation. They often pay for themselves over time because they have essentially no operating costs.

Solar Heater Pros: no operating costs, long-lasting, green energy source

Solar Heater Cons: higher initial cost, slower to heat, require year-round sunlight

Location Factors

Location can factor into your choice of pool heater in several ways. By connecting with an experienced local installer, you’ll have a guide regarding these potential location factors:

Tax Breaks – Your state or federal government may have added electric and solar heat pumps to the list of equipment that qualifies for special tax breaks. Talk to your dealer or tax advisor about these guidelines.
Cold Climate – If you live in a colder climate, a gas/propane heater may be the way to go for its robust and quick performance.
Remote Location – If you are in a remote area with limited access to the electric grid or municipal gas lines, propane or solar heaters may best suit your situation.

It’s important to note that these price ranges will vary depending on many factors, like geographic location, whether or not you have a pool cover, average temperatures, etc. Pool heater installation may require municipality approval and connection to existing power/fuel sources. You’ll want to match the heat source choice to your pool’s location, water volume, and temperature desires. It’s not unheard of to do a DIY pool heater installation, but we suggest checking local regulations and considering using a pool professional.

Pool Floats that You Need Now for Your Pool

Posted on August 30, 2017September 2, 2021 by cargo

Pool floats are essential for when you’re spending your days in your swimming pool. Whether you’re relaxing all day and splashing with your family and friends, floats for pools are crucial components to do both. With pool floats, you can be guaranteed to have a good time with all your pool party guests.

For any pool owner, pool floats should be considered a necessity. They come in handy if you have children who may be scared when they’re in the water. Children can enjoy floating in the water without fear with the help of kid-friendly floats. Floats for pools are also perfect for when you just want to lay and relax on stressful days. Who doesn’t love to relieve stress floating in the pool all day?

No matter what you want to use a pool float for, there are a lot of different options for you. We have put together a few different types of floats that we think you will enjoy.

Classic and inexpensive floats

If you’re looking for something simple and easy, the classic floats such as the mesh loungers and the bubble chair floats are great options. Both are comfortable and inexpensive choices. They let you relax in your swimming pool without having to worry about a thing.

Double pool floats

Who doesn’t love chilling with their friends in the pool all day? Double pool floats allow two swimmers to float around in the pool while enjoying a nice conversation. Some double floats even have built-in coolers so you can always have a nice, cold beverage on hand.

Kid-friendly floats

For your smaller kids who may not know how to swim there are many options out there. There are some that shade your little ones from the sun. You will be able to find floats for pools that keep your child comfortable and help them feel sturdy in the water. Even though floats can help your children feel more comfortable in the pool, children should never be left unsupervised in floats.

There are so many floats for pools out there on the market! We hope this was a good place to start while you’re searching for great pool floats. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more swimming pool tips!

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 2, 2021 by cargo

When purchasing a swimming 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.

Waterslides

The only thing better than doing cannonballs into the swimming pool is flying down a waterslide. All kids love slides, and they are very easy to add to your backyard. You do need to choose a slide that is designed appropriately for your swimming pool. Also, make sure you select a slide that meets safety standards.

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 Authorized Pool dealer today.