Uncategorized Archives - Thursday Pools

Fiberglass Pool Installation Costs: Understanding Your Options

Posted on March 17, 2025 by kristin

If you are considering a fiberglass pool and are comparing costs, you may be interested in knowing that there are often options to meet different budgets. As the pool shell manufacturer, we do not sell our pools directly to the consumer; however, our vast network of independent dealers works directly with homeowners to meet their needs based on budget, aesthetics, and other factors. Like a new home build, fiberglass pool costs can vary significantly depending on where you live and the additional features you choose. From basic setups to more luxurious options with custom add-ons, let’s explore some fiberglass pool installation options your pool dealer may offer you.

Note: All cost estimates that follow are based on a medium-sized pool (around 14×35 feet). Many factors can affect your actual price, so it’s important to get written estimates from your pool dealer.

Basic Fiberglass Pool Installation

A Basic Installation is ideal for homeowners who do not need the pool installer to provide any landscaping. It covers the essentials to get your pool up and running but omits other features you may need to use the space. For example, you would be responsible for adding a deck around the pool area. You’ll likely be offered the following in this entry-level installation:

Fiberglass Pool Shell: a single one-piece structure
Handrail: a safety device for easy pool entry
Shipping: the pool shell is delivered by truck to your backyard
Pump and Filter System: the basic mechanicals needed to keep water clean and circulating
Building Permit: official government document giving the installer permission to build the pool on your property
Excavation and Backfill: digging the hole for the pool and filling the space left by the excavation with a material like gravel
Water Fill: water for the initial pool fill could come from a hose, water service truck, or fire hydrant
Rough Grading: leveling and smoothing the ground to establish the basic shape of the land
Basic Electrical Setup: for powering the pool equipment

Basic Installation Estimated Cost Range: $55,000 – $80,000

Your dealer’s costs for this package depend on many factors, including your location, the size of the pool shell, and specifics like excavation depth and soil makeup. However, if you’re looking for the essentials at a bare minimum, this package offers a budget-friendly entry point.

Turnkey Fiberglass Pool Installation

For homeowners wanting a more complete setup, a Turnkey Installation includes everything in the Basic Installation and more. It adds foundational elements to give the pool area a more polished, ready-to-use look. This installation type often includes:

All Basic Installation Features (listed above)
Maintenance and Cleaning Equipment
3-foot Concrete Decking around the pool perimeter
Additional Grading and Electrical Work for improved safety and appearance

Turnkey Installation Estimated Cost Range: $60,000 – $90,000

The concrete deck around the pool perimeter is a valuable addition, providing a neat boundary and space for poolside lounging. This turnkey package prepares your pool for immediate use with some amenities that enhance functionality and appearance.

Enhanced Installation with Add-Ons

Homeowners seeking a resort-like backyard experience may want to consider an Enhanced Installation with add-ons to elevate the aesthetics and functionality of their pool. This level of customization allows you to tailor the pool area to your tastes with features that add style and comfort. Some common add-ons and their typical costs include:

Waterline Pool Tiles: Adding decorative tiles along the waterline provides a luxury aesthetic. Tiles typically range between $2,500 and $7,500, depending on the tile style and pool size.
Water Features: Pool deck jets, costing between $500 to $1,200 each, create graceful arcs of water into the pool for a touch of elegance. Bubblers—small fountains placed on tanning ledges or beach entries—are around $1,000 each, adding a playful touch. Custom rock waterfalls bring the look and sounds of nature to your outdoor space and typically range from $2,000 to $8,800 or more.
Pool Heater: Extending your swimming season with a pool heater can be a worthwhile investment. Heater types include natural gas/propane, electric, heat pumps, and solar, typically ranging from $1,600 to $6,500.
Automatic Pool Covers: Pool covers offer safety, keep the water clear of debris, and help maintain water temperature. Automatic covers cost between $8,000 and $20,000 and add to your installation costs.
Landscaping: Enhancing the area around the pool with landscaping, like shrubs, pathways, or flower beds, helps your pool seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. Professional landscaping around the pool typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000.

Estimated Cost Range for Enhanced Installation: $85,000 – $150,000 (or more)

With these add-ons, you’re investing in a more complete outdoor living space that offers luxury, convenience, and visual appeal.

Help Choosing Your Fiberglass Pool Installation

Your fiberglass pool installation balances your desired features and budget for your outdoor space. From a simple basic installation to a fully customized backyard oasis, fiberglass pools offer options that fit most budgets and styles. Your pool dealers may even tailor your package, allowing you to start with a simple design and upgrade as your budget allows. Schedule a consultation to start costing your pool project and get the pool of your dreams without hidden surprises!

What is LSI?

Posted on April 9, 2024April 10, 2024 by kristin

What is LSI?

When it comes to maintaining the sparkling allure of your fiberglass pool, understanding the nuances and importance of pool water chemistry is paramount. Among the various metrics and tests available, the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of pool care. This post aims to demystify LSI and explain its importance in keeping your fiberglass pool in top condition for years to come.

What is the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)?

Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Wilfred Langelier, the Langelier Saturation Index offers a precise, unbiased measure of your pool water’s balance. Ultimately, LSI assesses how saturated water is with calcium carbonate, a component crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your pool. The index provides a clear, numeric value that reflects your water’s balance, with perfectly balanced, neutral water having a zero LSI value.

Maintaining your pool water within a range of -0.3 to +0.3 on the scale is acceptable, as it prevents the water from damaging the fiberglass surface. For saltwater pools, a slightly tighter range of -0.2 to +0.2 is recommended to account for the unique chemistry of saltwater systems.

Why is LSI Important for Your Fiberglass Pool?

Understanding and managing the LSI of your pool water is critical for several reasons:

Preventing Scale Formation: If the LSI is too high, it indicates your water is overly saturated with calcium carbonate. This condition leads to scale formation, as the water attempts to return to a balanced state by depositing excess minerals onto your pool’s surfaces and equipment. Not only does this affect the aesthetic appeal of your pool, but it can also hinder the efficiency of your pool’s filtration system.

Avoiding Corrosion and Damage: On the flip side, a low Langelier Saturation Index value indicates corrosive water that can pose a significant threat to the integrity of your fiberglass pool. Corrosive water can lead to chalking, a form of damage where the fiberglass gel coat surface begins to deteriorate. This damage not only affects the pool’s appearance but can also compromise its surface integrity over time.

Holistic Water Balance Approach: While keeping individual chemical levels within recommended ranges is essential, focusing solely on ranges and levels doesn’t provide a complete picture of your pool’s health. The Langelier Saturation Index offers an unbiased, comprehensive, and holistic view of your pool’s chemistry and water balance. By maintaining a balanced LSI, you ensure the longevity and durability of your fiberglass pool, protecting your investment and ensuring it remains a source of joy and relaxation for years to come.

How to Balance Your Pool Water Using LSI

Balancing your pool water’s LSI involves monitoring and adjusting several factors, including pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness, temperature, and total dissolved solids. Here are some tips to help you maintain an optimal LSI:

Regular Testing: Use reliable test kits to frequently check the key factors affecting LSI levels. This process will help you identify any imbalances early on so you can take corrective action.

Adjust Chemical Levels: Based on your test results, adjust the levels of pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness as needed to bring your pool water within the ideal LSI range.

Consider Pool Temperature: Remember that water temperature affects LSI, with warmer water tending to be more scale-forming. Adjust your maintenance routine seasonally to account for temperature changes.

Professional Consultation: If you’re unsure about adjusting your pool’s chemistry, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. A pool maintenance expert can provide tailored recommendations based on your pool’s specific conditions.

Check out this article for a step-by-step approach to using Orenda’s helpful LSI calculator app to balance your pool water.

The Langelier Saturation Index is more than just a number; it’s a comprehensive guide to maintaining the beauty and integrity of your fiberglass pool. By understanding and managing your pool’s LSI, you’re not just caring for the water. You’re preserving the entire pool experience, ensuring it remains a safe, enjoyable, and beautiful oasis for many years. As part of your broader fiberglass pool maintenance strategy, mastering LSI empowers you to take proactive steps towards pristine water quality and pool longevity.

Large and Deep Fiberglass Pool Options

Posted on March 28, 2024October 24, 2024 by Karen

Pool owners love fiberglass pools for many reasons. Fiberglass pools are low-maintenance, quick to install and require fewer chemicals. Because fiberglass pools don’t have liners to replace or concrete that will eventually need to be replastered, they have the lowest lifetime cost of ownership over vinyl and gunite pools. They also have a smooth, durable finish that’s totally pet friendly, making them a sure bet for everyone in the family to love.

So why would anyone choose anything other than fiberglass? Well, there really aren’t too many reasons! However, for pool buyers looking for a large inground pool, the options in fiberglass are somewhat limited. Whereas gunite and vinyl pools are built on-site, fiberglass pools are made in a factory, out of a mold, and then transported in one piece to the home of their lucky new pool owners. There’s a limit to the size of what can be safely loaded, unloaded and transported, and on-site physical barriers like fences and trees also have to be taken into consideration for delivery.

Alas, there are some large fiberglass pool options that allow swimming pool owners the best of both worlds–big and low-maintenance. For your convenience, we have created comparison charts of large pools by various manufacturers in both rectangular and freeform shapes. While there are many similarities, certain aspects may be more appealing to you.

While large and deep fiberglass pools offer more than ample swim area for families, not everyone needs that much depth. If you want a pool that’s still generously sized but maybe not quite so deep, check out Thursday Pools models like Goliath, Aspen, or the Cathedral LX. With so many amazing options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect pool for you!

How To Close An Inground Pool

Posted on September 23, 2021October 28, 2024 by krista

For some, it’s a season of denial, but when that first multi-hued leaf hits the water, it’s hard to ignore the reality that it’s fast becoming time to close the pool. If you’re in a temperate climate, you’ll want to winterize your pool to set yourself up for continued enjoyment when the weather is warmer. Whether closing an above-ground pool or an inground pool, many of the same principles apply. However, your regimen and costs may vary if you are closing a vinyl or gunite inground pool. For a more in-depth comparison of fiberglass vs vinyl vs gunite, download our free eBook. In this post, we will cover how to close an inground pool that is fiberglass.

STEPS TO AN INGROUND FIBERGLASS POOL CLOSING

1. Set a date. Get it on your calendar, and if you need to get on the schedule for pool service, it’s wise to make an appointment as early as possible before the time slots fill up.
2. Balance your water chemistry. Even if you’ve hired a pool service company, there are likely tasks you should perform in advance. One is making sure you’ve established proper water chemistry. That includes checking and balancing for alkalinity, pH, free chlorine, calcium hardness, salt, stabilizer, metals, and dissolved solids. Note: the “eyeball test” will not cut it. Water that is pristine in appearance can still be harmful or out of balance. That’s why we test. Keep in mind that balance also refers to the neutrality of the water, meaning you don’t want water that is too acidic (can cause corrosion) or too basic (can cause scaling/deposit buildup). Your Thursday Pools Owner’s Manual is a great resource for recommended water chemistry levels.
  NOTE: do not treat your fiberglass pool with calcium hypochlorite because the percent of free chlorine is so high that it can damage the pool surface.
3. Wipe down the scum line. Otherwise known as the “water line” or “tile line,” the “scum line” is a result of body oils, lotions, and environmental contaminants that float on the surface of pools and leave a mark that is usually harmless but doesn’t look good. This blemish could become a bigger problem if left unattended. Note: Be gentle. Use a light touch with a wiping cloth or brush – don’t scrape – to preserve the gel coat of your pool.
4. Clean. Give your pool a final skim, vacuum, clean the filter baskets, and backwash the filter before the pool service company arrives. (The General gave us a good primer on backwashing and the ins and outs of a sand filter)
5. Add winterizing chemicals. Add the final chemicals in your winterizing process the day before your service company arrives, allowing time for the chemicals to take effect before their arrival. If your water is properly balanced, no additional chlorine is necessary. With no swimmer use and cooler water temperatures, chlorine demand over the winter months remains very low.
6. Tidy up. We’ve talked mostly about chemicals up to this point. Organize and store those chemicals tightly and securely in a well-ventilated space, with special care not to place caustic chemicals too close to each other. In addition, tidy up your pool accessories, toys, and furniture. This could include pulling out ladders, diving boards, and other fixtures and checking them for wear and tear. If you have a secured or immovable element, like a slide, it’s a good idea to give it a protective wax that will set it up for continued use in the spring.
7. Cover it. We recommend automatic pool covers for safety, security, and pool hygiene. If you get an automatic pool cover, you will be pleased with its contribution to a quality pool closing.

FAQ. A lot of new customers ask, “Should I drain my inground pool for the winter?” The answer is absolutely not. You risk structural damage if you drain your pool of water. Professional pool installers take great care to reduce the abundance of hydrostatic pressure from groundwater, but it is always there, and water in the pool counterbalances that external pressure. Recent technological innovations can lessen the impact of groundwater.

If you must remove some water from your pool or if water is captured on top of your pool cover, drain it away from the deck, and be careful to leave water in the pool above the skimmer level. If you absolutely must drain the water completely from your pool, please consult with a professional. That can protect you against voiding your warranty.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO CLOSE A POOL?

The cost of closing a pool will vary based on your area, but a national average is around $250. For reference, here are monthly cost estimates of pool chemicals:

pH increaser/decreaser $10/mo
Calcium hardness increaser $20/mo
Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) $25/mo
Sanitizer (chlorine) $40/mo
Shock $38/mo
Algaecide $15/mo

As previously mentioned, the costs will vary based on your geography, your commitment to regular maintenance, your vigilant use of a pool cover, and other factors. If you’re still pondering questions like “how much shock will I need for my pool?”, we have a guide that provides some size/cost ratios on the most used chemicals.

BOTTOM LINE

Winterizing or closing your pool for the season is part of a disciplined approach to pool ownership. The season, and a period of disuse, can have negative consequences for your pool. By keeping a regular maintenance schedule all year long and giving special attention to a proper seasonal closing, you can keep your inground fiberglass pool in good shape for many years to come.

Fiberglass Pool vs. Vinyl Pool – Which is Better For You?

Posted on September 9, 2021October 24, 2024 by krista

An inground pool is a big purchase—one that involves changing your living space and your current routines—so, of course, you want to understand all of your options (meaning vinyl vs. fiberglass vs. concrete pools). And if you’re here, it means you’ve either narrowed your choices down to vinyl or fiberglass or are attempting to do so. Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll discuss a fiberglass pool vs vinyl pool.

Overview

Pros and Cons: Fiberglass vs Vinyl

Fiberglass

Pros:
Quick installation time
Most comfortable on your feet
Resistant to algae growth
High resale value
Pet Friendly

Cons:
Limited customization options
Higher upfront cost

Vinyl

Pros:
Low installation cost
Relatively quick to install
Resistant to algae growth
Customization

Cons:
More prone to damage/weathering
Harder to incorporate features, such as steps and tanning ledges
More financial investment over time
Low resale value
Not pet friendly

HOW THEY ARE MADE & INSTALLED

Both vinyl and fiberglass have relatively quick installation times, with vinyl about four to eight weeks and fiberglass about three weeks on average. An inground vinyl pool is 100% crafted on the job site, while fiberglass pool shells are manufactured at a designated facility based on a mold. Being created from a mold means more quality control and quicker installation. Once the pool shell is made and delivered, it is placed into the pre-dug hole and leveled. Following this are various processes, including plumbing, electrical equipment, decking, and coping.

Vinyl pool installation takes place directly on the job site, starting with the wall panels, which are typically constructed with steel or plastic. The pool floor is then made with poured concrete, and this also serves as a base for the walls to connect. A blend of vermiculite, cement, and water or a blend of sand, cement, and water is used to create the pool bottom. The entire surface is then covered with the vinyl liner and a vacuum is used to suction the liner into place. Plumbing, electrical equipment, decking, and coping follow suit.

HOW MUCH EACH POOL COSTS

Comparing vinyl pool cost to fiberglass pool cost is a fair comparison, as they both have lower upfront costs than a concrete pool would. However, vinyl liner pools can be less expensive than fiberglass by around $10 to 15,000. Fiberglass pricing will vary depending on many factors, so it’s always best to get a quote from an installation professional.

HOW LONG DOES EACH POOL TYPE LAST

The structure of a vinyl liner pool has the potential to last for decades, but the liner wears more quickly and is subject to tearing (especially if you have dogs who like to swim), so it will need to be replaced. Groundwater underneath the pool can cause other potential issues with the liner, such as floating. While one of the advantages of vinyl liner pools is their ability to be customized, customization also adds to the overall price of the pool. The unique shapes can also hike up repair prices as it becomes more complicated to overlay the liner. The likelihood of this pool type being damaged can also decrease your home’s resale value on the market.

When it comes to fiberglass, its rigid but flexible structure allows for maximum durability, meaning fiberglass pools can last a lifetime. This is where quality control in production really matters. Using a mold means fewer mistakes in the pool’s structure, and thick, even layers of gel coat make the pool more resistant to scratches and other surface damage. Innovations in fiberglass pool structures, such as the Backfill Eliminator™, help prevent groundwater accumulation and its associated issues. Maintenance and wear-and-tear repair end up costing you significantly less in the long run. And, in contrast to vinyl, fiberglass pools can increase your home’s value.

EACH POOL TYPE’S SAFETY

No matter which pool you choose, we will always shout from the rooftops: “Be careful! Accidents can happen!” Anyone entering or exiting a pool should practice caution. However, fiberglass does a great job of keeping swimmers of all shapes, sizes and species safe as they enter and exit the pool. Non-skid texture applied to the fiberglass pool’s horizontal surfaces along with its algae resistance make it less slippery, and therefore, safer. Features such as multiple entry and exit points, toe ledges and swim outs add both style and safety to a fiberglass pool, and are great for both kids (and pets!) who are learning to swim.

Vinyl pools provide a great, smooth surface for your feet that feels fantastic, but smooth plus water can equal dangerous slips and falls. The potential tears we mentioned before can also pose safety risks for your fur babies, so you’ll have to keep an eye out.

PROBLEMS WITH FIBERGLASS POOLS

So, what are the problems associated with fiberglass pools? Not to toot our own horn here, but fiberglass tends to fare well across the board when it comes to pool durability, maintenance, and safety. Where fiberglass falls short is in custom design and upfront costs. As mentioned previously, fiberglass pools are manufactured based on a mold, meaning that the design of that pool is set in stone. Along with the obvious customization options like shape and placement and design of features (i.e., steps or tanning ledges), fiberglass is also often limited in capacity. Fiberglass pools don’t get much wider than 16 feet and are generally less than 44 feet long (with some exceptions) due to transportation limitations, while pools built onsite can be much larger.

PROBLEMS WITH VINYL LINER POOLS

While vinyl pools have their perks, they also have their pitfalls. This is particularly true with regard to their durability and overall lifetime value. You can’t discuss the potential issues of a vinyl liner pool without strongly emphasizing their tendency to wear and tear by nature, meaning that the liners need to be replaced fairly often (8-12 years on average with excellent pool care). And because a liner can be torn or punctured, these pools are not the best option if you would like your pets to join you for a swim. It’s also important to consider if you want to have a tanning ledge or lounge area in your pool—these features are more difficult to incorporate into a vinyl pool design.

Both pool types have their advantages and disadvantages, so what you choose will depend on your situation and what you are looking for in a pool. If you are looking for a quick-to-install pool with boundless shape and size options and lower upfront costs, then a vinyl liner may be right for you. If you’re wanting a pool that’s lower maintenance, less likely to need repairs, quick to install, and is both comfortable and safe for you and your pets, then fiberglass is calling your name!

If you are leaning towards fiberglass, first of all, we’d just like to say, “Yay!” But more importantly, check out our resources that may help plan your pool journey. Our inground pool cost estimator can give you a ballpark amount for how much your pool project may cost, and our pool selector tool helps you discover which shape and size pool will best accommodate your needs. A local fiberglass pool dealer is always an excellent resource for any questions you may have and is always our number one recommendation.

Reap the Health Benefits of Exercise in Your New Fiberglass Pool

Posted on January 9, 2020October 24, 2024 by krista

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

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

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

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

Weight loss.

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

Increased strength and muscle tone.

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

Joint pain relief.

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

Improved cardiovascular health.

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

Reduced stress.

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

Increased fun!

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

Ready to wade on in?

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