November Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Easy Living Pools, Plain City, Ohio

Posted on November 28, 2018August 7, 2026 by riley

Each month, we enjoy learning more about a member of the Thursday Pools dealer family for our dealer spotlight. In November, we chatted with Chris Matthews, president of Easy Living Pools, which sells and installs both vinyl liner pools and inground fiberglass pools in Plain City, Ohio.

Easy Living Pools is located in Union County, Ohio and serves the central Ohio region, including the areas in and around: Columbus, Bellefontaine, Springfield, Marysville, Delaware, Granville and Marion, Ohio.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Our company, Builderscape was founded by my father Ron Matthews in 2003. We built our business on design/build commercial construction. I joined the company full-time when I graduated from college. My dad dabbled in the pool business on and off over the years but was frustrated by the unreliability of suppliers. But the pool business has changed a lot over the last 20 to 30 years. We dipped our toes in the water again about ten years ago. We were selling just a couple of pools per year. Pretty soon, we realized we needed to have the word “pools” in our name if we wanted to really penetrate the market. So we created a division of our company called Easy Living Pools. We started out selling vinyl liner pools, but around 2014, a guy named Gene Foster with Thursday Pools knocked on our door and told us we needed to sell Thursday Pools fiberglass pools. He was right. We did.

At this point, pools make up about 40 percent of Builderscape’s overall business. We do up to 50 pools in a year in our current market. Our pool business nearly tripled from 2017 to this year, and 2019 is going to be a record year. Another 40 percent of our business is commercial general contracting, with landscaping and snow removal comprising the rest.

My dad is in the process of phasing out his role so that he can retire. In fact, he just moved his desk out! He’s not here on a daily basis anymore, so my role is changing.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

Pools are a place where families can be together for so many years, generation after generation. When we sell a pool, we’re selling memories. Not many other products can do that.

What fiberglass pool designs and colors are the most popular among pool buyers in the central Indiana area?

Like many other Thursday Pools dealers, our two biggest sellers are the Aspen and Lil Bob designs. We’re buying Lil Bobs by the truckload. Around here at least, the homes are getting bigger, but the lots are getting smaller and easements are plentiful, so it’s good to have a range of sizes available. Maya is our biggest seller in terms of color, followed closely by California.

What are the most popular add-on features in the fiberglass pools you’re installing right now?

This is definitely auto-cover country. Personally, I wouldn’t have a pool without one. So almost all the pools we sell are auto-cover ready. People will stretch their budgets to get one. Our customers also really like water features, like deck jets.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry fiberglass pool designs?

They’re interesting, for sure. They require a lot more space than a standard entry pool, so folks with smaller lots won’t be able to have them, but people with larger lots might try one.

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of Ohio?

We’ve got good dirt here with a few areas that require rock excavation. Tight access on smaller lots is our biggest challenge. Also, we’re heavy on permits and inspections here, within the city limits at least. You have to be a licensed general contractor to pull permits. Some want gas and electrical calculations, so we typically handle all of that for our inground pool customers.

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you?

An average installation for us is about $125,000 to $150,000. We do almost everything in-house, including fencing. The only thing we subcontract is the concrete.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

People want ideas. They want a full-scale outdoor living environments–an entertainment space. So we’re installing pavilions, some outdoor kitchens and even putting greens with synthetic turf to round out the area surrounding the inground fiberglass pools we build.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Our buyers continue to get younger. Our demographic is between 30 and 45 years old. They’re not afraid to finance, so we’ve teamed up with lenders to make it easier for them. In their minds, it’s just like having a car payment.

What works for you in terms of marketing?

We don’t even have a sign on our building. We work through word of mouth referrals.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools’ marketing is top notch. Their brochures are beautiful, and their website is fantastic. They’re setting the bar, and other pool companies are working to catch up. I also like the fact that Bill and Ed don’t hide behind their customer service staff. If you need them, they’re there.

What else would you like to see from Thursday Pools in terms of dealer support?

Although Thursday Pools has some of the fastest turnaround times in the fiberglass pool industry, we’re in the Amazon Prime era. So I’d like to see a way to have pools ready to order. People don’t want to wait for their pools.

What’s the secret to Easy Living Pool’s success?

We are a full-service design/build firm, from concept to 3D design to completion. We have a landscape architect on staff. We have a design center, and our customers come to us first, just like they would if they were building a home or buying a car. Our team is top notch, and we’ve built a reputation over the years. All of these things set us apart from our competition.

Also, we’re continually reinvesting in our business. We bought a semi so we could control the timing of our pool deliveries. We have 15 acres of storage so we can keep an inventory of 30 to 40 pools on hand. People like to sit in a pool shell to get a feel for how big it is. We’ll continue to grow to the demand. We’re not afraid to grow.

About Easy Living Pools

Easy Living Pools is a division of Builderscape, Inc. in Plain City, Ohio. Located in Plain City, Ohio, Easy Living Pools sells and installs vinyl liner and inground fiberglass pools throughout Union County and central Ohio. They specialize in full-service inground swimming pool installations, including fencing and landscaping.

You are by this NOTICE advised that pools manufactured by Thursday Pools are sold by independent dealers and dealerships. Each dealer is an independent business entity, that is completely separate from the manufacturer, Thursday Pools. Each dealer is an independent contractor, and no dealer is an owner, agent (in fact or law), or employee of Thursday Pools, the manufacturer. Thursday Pools, the manufacturer, hereby disclaims any liability for an intentional or negligent act by any dealer, dealership, or installer, or any damage to any Thursday Pools pool caused by an act of any dealer, dealership, or installer.

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.

October Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Akins Excavating; Middlebury, Indiana

Posted on October 31, 2018August 18, 2026 by riley

Every month, we chat with Thursday Pools dealers to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Tabby Bratt, co-owner of Akins Excavating in Middlebury, Indiana.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

We’re family owned. We started out solely as an excavating business in 1998. My parents owned it first, and my husband, Justin, and I took it over in 2006. We started doing pools about ten years ago, and it’s now about one-third of our business.

What geographic areas do you serve?

We serve most of northern Indiana and parts of southern Michigan, so our customers are based in and around Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, Wawasee, Warsaw, Laporte and Syracuse, Indiana as well as Three Rivers and Niles, Michigan.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

Since we also do excavating, the pool end of our business is the fun side! While excavating is something people need, pools are something our customers really want! Plus, it’s nice to get to see the finished project. We know how much fun people will have in their pools with their families. Since family is so important to us, that means a lot.

What fiberglass pool designs and colors are the most popular among pool buyers in the central Indiana area?

Our top seller is the Aspen. Our customers love it for the shape, the fact that it’s auto-cover ready and the built-in tanning ledges. I think families love it because the kids can play on the shallow tanning ledge while the adults swim and visit. There’s a spot for everybody.

As far pool colors go, Maya and California are for sure our most popular. I’d say 80% of the pools we sell are Aspens in the Maya finish.

What are the most popular add-on features in the fiberglass pools you’re installing right now?

We sell lots of slides and games, like basketball goals. Almost all of our customers choose an automatic pool safety cover. And people really like salt water systems–I’d say about 90 percent of our customers are choosing salt water systems.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry designs?

We’ve had several customers ask about the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). Personally, I would like it! I’m interested to learn more about how they work with automatic pools covers, but I think they’re going to be very cool.

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of Indiana?

Well, we have a lot of sandy soil here–not a lot of clay or bedrock–so that makes things easier. Probably our biggest challenge is the fact that we serve some fairly rural and heavily wooded areas, especially as we get into Michigan. So we sometimes face a challenge of getting into sites, past trees, or getting our backfill materials in.

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you?

Our average fiberglass pool installation is around $92,000. That will include excavation, 4 feet of concrete, plumbing, wiring, pump, heater, lights, typically a salt system and an automatic pool safety cover.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

Some of the best trends in the fiberglass pool industry have come from Thursday Pools! Their Backfill Eliminator® is amazing. We use it on every pool with a tanning ledge that we install. It’s a major time saver (and a major back saver!) The tanning ledges themselves are huge. I don’t see those going away anytime soon.

I also feel like the structural integrity of fiberglass pools has improved over the years. And for sure, Thursday Pools’ fiberglass pools are about the strongest we’ve seen.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Our pool buyers are all over the place in terms of demographics. Most of our customers are in their 40s, with kids in middle school, who are investing in their homes and creating something for their families that will last a lifetime. But we also see grandparents adding pools to their homes, even if they’ve downsized, to give the grandkids something fun to do when they visit.

What works for Akins Excavating in terms of marketing?

We just basically don’t market. We’re currently booked through 2019. We used to do the home shows, but we don’t even do that anymore. Our business comes from word-of-mouth. And through the excavation end of our business, we work with a lot of home builders who refer people to us.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools is a great company that makes a great product. They’re business savvy, and they’re great communicators. They deliver every time. They do what they say they’re going to do. I just think they’re the best we’ve worked with.

What else would you like to see from Thursday Pools in terms of dealer support?

Honestly, I can’t think of anything. Anytime we need them, they’re there. I would say just keep doing what they’re doing.

What’s the secret to the success of Akins Excavating?

Our world revolves around our family, our church and our community. We have two kids, and we want to teach them about hard work and caring for others. So, we just try to lead by example and do the right thing for our customers.

About Akins Excavating

Akins Excavating has served northern Indiana and southern Michigan for over 30 years. They offer excavation services for residential and commercial customers as well as septic system hook-ups and full-service fiberglass pool installation. They serve much of Elkhart County, Kosciusko County and Saint Joseph County in Indiana as well as Berrien and Cass Counties in Michigan.

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.

Landscaping Your Backyard Swimming Oasis eBook

Landscaping your Backyard Swimming Oasis for Beauty and Easy Pool Maintenance

Discover the perfect plants to surround your pool. (And also the ones to avoid!)

So many beautiful plants in the world… how do you choose the BEST ones to enhance your pool area? Download our ebook to learn how to choose the ideal trees, plants, and shrubs to create low-maintenance, year-round beauty!

Download

September Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Royal Pools and More, Dyer Indiana

Posted on September 26, 2018August 7, 2026 by riley

Every month, we chat with Thursday Pools dealers to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Frank DeBartolo, Jr. of Royal Pools and More in Dyer, Indiana.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Well, we couldn’t be more of a family affair. My dad, Frank, Sr., started the Royal Pools and More around 2001. Now, we have cousins, uncles, brothers and just about every other relation at some level of the business. And we’ve got 15-20 seasonal employees.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I love that we’re in the business of creating fun. I know that sounds corny, but we take a place that’s just basically a patch of grass and we create a space where families will have fun together for many years. That makes me happy. I was in the restaurant business in Chicago for a long time, working in the kitchen. As a chef, you don’t get to see the satisfaction on people’s faces when they’re enjoying what you’ve done. In the pool business, you do. I dig that.

What are the most popular features in the fiberglass pools you’re installing right now?

A lot of pool builders will tell you the same thing– built-in tanning ledges for sure. I can’t stress enough how much people love tanning ledges. Thursday Pools really hit the nail on the head when they started adding them to several of their designs.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

Fiberglass pool owners are going for automation, for sure. We’re installing bubblers, laminars, deck jets, waterfalls, and even waterfalls with fire in them. Customers love that they can turn these things on and off from their phones, and they are loving the resort look and feel of these kinds of add-ons. We’re putting this kind of stuff into about 80 percent of the pools we sell.

What fiberglass pool colors are the most popular among pool buyers in and around northeastern Indiana and the southern suburbs of Chicago?

Maya and California for sure. There are a few customers out there who are starting to be interested in the grays, but most folks just want their pools to be blue. For me personally, I miss white, but I don’t think that’s coming back any time in the near future!

What fiberglass pool designs are the most popular among pool buyers in the central Indiana area?

Lil Bob and Aspen. Again, people love the built-in ledges. Also, people want pools that are auto-cover ready. Because we cross state and city lines, some of our installs require fences and some don’t, if the customer has an automatic pool cover. Whether it saves them from having to get a fence or not, people love automatic pool covers for the enhanced safety and convenience.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry designs?

We’ve started to have some people interested in the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). They appeal to a very high-end clientele. No other fiberglass pool manufacturer can touch this trend. It gives us something to sell that no one else has.

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of Indiana?

For us, it’s groundwater. So that’s why I believe Thursday’s fiberglass pools are the best bet. Thursday Pools are the only fiberglass pool shells we sell. The shells are strong. Fiberglass pools are a way better choice than vinyl liner pools around here.

What works for you in terms of marketing?

I’m a big believer in video, particularly blogging and educational videos. I think that if you help people understand your product, they’ll choose you when they’re ready to buy because you’re their expert. Video has really helped us get more visitors to our website.

What have you noticed changing in pool buyers’ demographics over the years?

Buyers, in general, are getting younger. Couples in their late 30s and early 40s are buying pools. Also, the home building business is booming here. This area used to be nothing but cornfields 20 years ago. Now we’re doing tons of new build installs. I’d say that new builds were about 40 percent of our business last year.

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you?

Our average fiberglass pool installation is between $70,000 and $95,000. That’s going to include excavation, 4 feet of concrete, colored lights, heater and a standard winter cover. Almost all of our customers are going to add an automatic pool cover onto that.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools has personality, heart and soul. They started around the same time we did. And they’re growing so fast, but you can still get a hold of Ed or Bill whenever you need them. If they make a mistake, they go above and beyond to make it right. I’ve tried every brand of fiberglass pools out there, and nothing compares to Thursday Pools.

The other thing about Thursday Pools is their innovation. I show their designs to customers and they’re like, “Wow. These are so cool.” The designs are exactly what they want. The people at Thursday Pools listen. Then they design. They set the bar. They are literally making the rules in the fiberglass pool business.”

What else would you like to see from Thursday Pools in terms of dealer support?

Their support is fantastic. The website is great. I love their dealer portal–I use it all the time. I also like the videos. They’re so helpful to show customers. The only thing I could use from them is more literature! I sell so many of their pools that I always run out of brochures.

What’s the secret to Royal Pools and More’s success?

There are lots of pool businesses in northwest Indiana and the southern Chicago suburbs that are bigger than we are. But we’ve got family values and we’ve got personality and heart. We like to put fun facts about us on our website so that people will know us before we get to their houses. We have fun and we put a personal touch on everything we do. People like that.

About Royal Pools and More

In addition to building pools, Royal Pools and More offers a retail store and weekly pool maintenance. They serve northwest Indiana as well as the southern Chicago suburbs. Some of the communities in which they offer pool building services include: Frankfort and Tinley Park, Orland Park and Mokena, Illinois as well as Dyer, St. John, Schererville, Valparaiso and Crown Point, Indiana.

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.

Owner’s Manual

Download

How Do I Start Preparing to Close My Inground Fiberglass Pool?

Posted on September 19, 2018July 16, 2026 by riley

When temperatures consistently fall below 65 degrees, it’s time to host the final pool parties of the season and start preparing to close your fiberglass pool. Preparing adequately for closing ensures a smooth transition into winter and a more effortless spring opening. To put your best foot forward, observe the following pool maintenance tasks to check off your list before winter.

Schedule Your Closing Date

Timing is crucial when it comes to pool closing. Contact your pool service company early to schedule a closing date. Taking a proactive approach to saving the date will help ensure you secure a spot before the busy closing season begins. Consider scheduling based on your climate and coordinate the date with other seasonal tasks to maximize efficiency. In colder climates, close the pool consistently before temperatures drop below freezing, typically between late September and mid-October. You may push closing to late October or early November in milder climates. If you live in an area with lots of falling leaves, you might want to close the pool earlier or use a cover to prevent debris buildup.

Properly balanced water will reduce the likelihood of algae growth and ensure cleaner water when you reopen the pool next year. Fiberglass pools are more algae-resistant than other types, thanks to their non-porous, smooth surface, which makes it harder for algae to attach and grow. However, if conditions are favorable, algae can still develop over winter, even in fiberglass pools. A stain and scale preventative product should also be added to protect the fiberglass surface during the off-season. When preparing for winterization:

Adjust the pH to a level between 7.2 and 7.4.
Adjust the alkalinity to 80 to 120 ppm.
Adjust the calcium hardness to below 120 ppm.
Add an algaecide according to product instructions.
Add stain and scale remover per product instructions.

Pool supply stores offer winterization kits that often include everything you need, including algaecide and stain and scale preventatives. However, many pool owners enlist the help of a professional service to test their chemistry, adjust the water’s chemical levels, and complete other winter pool maintenance tasks.

Gather Your Equipment

Take the time to inspect all necessary winterization equipment, including winter plugs, skimmers, and maintenance tools. For easy access, items should be stored in one location, such as a garage or shed, to minimize time spent searching for tools. It’s also a great time to inspect all the equipment you’ll use upon opening your pool in the spring. If anything needs repair or replacing, handle it before closing so it won’t hinder your ability to enjoy your pool when the swim season comes around again.

Clean the Pool Thoroughly

Before closing your pool, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. Vacuum the pool to remove dirt and debris, scrub the water line, and backwash the filter (or remove and clean the cartridge filter if you have one). A clean pool is vital for closing as it will help you and the professionals enjoy a smoother closing process. It will also ensure the water is cleaner when you open next season.

Invest in a Quality Pool Cover

A reliable winter pool cover will help maintain the integrity of your pool during the off-season. Some pool cover options include:

Solid Vinyl Covers with a Pump System: These covers are popular for winterizing because they are highly effective at blocking sunlight and preventing algae growth. They keep out debris and water. Look for covers with a built-in pump system to remove accumulated water on top.
Mesh Safety Covers: Mesh safety covers are durable and allow rainwater and melted snow to drain through, which can be convenient. However, they let some sunlight through, so they’re not ideal in areas prone to algae. If you choose a mesh cover, opt for one with tightly woven mesh to limit light exposure as much as possible.
Hybrid Covers: These combine the benefits of solid and mesh covers, providing more durability and sunlight blocking while allowing water to drain. They can be an excellent compromise for easy maintenance while reducing algae risk.
Winter Covers with Air Pillows (for Freezing Climates): Air pillows placed under a solid or hybrid cover help prevent ice from damaging the pool walls by relieving pressure from expanding ice. This combination is especially beneficial if you live in a colder climate with freezing winters.
Automatic Pool Covers: Automatic pool covers are durable, secure, and easy to use, providing a tight seal that keeps out sunlight and debris. They provide convenient year-round protection, are more expensive, and require a power source. However, they make checking your water levels and chemistry easier during the winter months and provide nearly instant safety in any season.

Store Pool Accessories Properly

Gather and clean all pool toys, floats, and accessories as you prepare to close. Deflate rafts and thoroughly wash them before storing them in a dry location, such as a garage or pool house. Additionally, according to manufacturer or pool professional advice, protect your diving board, slide, handrails, and ladders. For unremovable items, consider applying a protective wax for winter storage.

Safely Store Chemicals

Store any unused pool chemicals securely and safely to prevent accidents. It’s important to ensure that all chemical containers are tightly sealed to avoid leaks and spills. Store these containers in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources such as furnaces or direct sunlight, as excessive heat can compromise the integrity of the chemicals. Additionally, store different types of chemicals separately. For instance, keep chlorine and shock treatments away from acids to prevent dangerous reactions. Consider organizing your chemicals by categorizing them, labeling each container clearly, and maintaining an inventory to track what you have. This organized approach enhances safety and makes it easier to find the chemicals.

Cherish the Days

As you prepare to tuck your pool away for winter, take a moment to look back on the memories you made this season. From lazy afternoons and lively pool parties to quiet swims at sunset, every splash holds a story worth sharing. Why not revisit the photos and videos you’ve captured, reliving those sun-soaked days. Let the anticipation of next season build, knowing that your winterizing preparations set the stage for more unforgettable poolside moments when warmer days return.

Large Fiberglass Pools

Posted on September 14, 2018July 16, 2026 by Karen

Pool owners love fiberglass pools for many reasons. And everyone loves deep and large fiberglass pools. 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 large fiberglass pools, the options 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 when delivering large fiberglass pools.

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

Large fiberglass pools certainly offer more than ample swim area for families, but 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, you’re sure to find the best large fiberglass pools to chose from for you!

Ask the General- How Much Water Fits in my Inground Fiberglass Pool?

Posted on September 4, 2018July 16, 2026 by Karen

Dear General-

Our pool is fairly new. One of our neighbors recently asked me how much water fits in my inground fiberglass pool and my answer was, “Um… a lot.” I realize that’s probably not the level of detail I should know about my own pool. But math is really not my strong suit. Can you help?

Signed-

Wondering about Water in Wabash

Dear Wondering-

Most of us don’t spend a ton of time doing math to calculate the water volume in our pools. (It’s hard to work a calculator under water.) The easy answer is that your pool installer most likely gave you this information when installing the pool. However, you might have lost that information in your excitement to start swimming. So let’s wade into this water question…

Why Do You Need to Know Your Pool’s Water Volume?

Other than satisfying your neighbor’s curiosity, why would you need to know how much water your pool holds? Well, there are a couple of good reasons.

Determining chemical usage. I know you don’t love math, but you certainly can’t begin to calculate how much volume of any chemical you need to bring your water into balance if you don’t know how much water you’re putting it in. So, if you’re having trouble getting your water chemistry balanced, you could be basing it on incorrect volume.
Refilling your pool. If you’ve had to have your pool drained for any reason, you’ll need to know how much water it’s going to take to fill it back up.
Choosing accessories and equipment. If, for example, you’re considering getting a heater for your pool and you’re shopping online, guess what question you’re going to have to answer? You guessed it–how much water are you looking to heat? The same is true for pool pumps and filters–you’ll need to know the volume of water in your pool to choose the proper capacity for equipment.

How Can You Determine Your Pool’s Water Volume?

As I mentioned earlier, you probably have this information in your records from your pool installation. But if you’re like me, you have no idea where that paperwork is. So, here are a couple other ways to find out.

Ask a pool professional. All testing centers have the ability to determine pool volume with a chart, computer, or simple calculation. A pool and spa service technician should know how to make these calculations easily and routinely, either by taking a look at the pool itself or reviewing your pool’s specifications. They will consider surface area, volume, deck size and allowable bather load.
Ask your pool’s manufacturer. Check out the customer support on your pool manufacturer’s website. If you can’t find the information for your pool on their website, give them a call. They should be happy to provide you with this information.
Do the math. If you can’t get the information from a pool professional or your manufacturer (or if you really just want to know how this all works) here’s a bit of reference:

1 cubic ft of water contains: 7.48 gallons
1 cubic ft of water weighs 62.4 lbs
1 gallon of water equals .134 cubic ft.
1 gallon of water weighs 8.33 lbs
1 (PPM) part per million represents 8.3 pounds of chemical per million gallons.

Sample calculation:

A train is leaving the station traveling 60 mph. (Ha… I’m just kiddin’…) Seriously– here’s how we do it:

The simplest calculation for pool volume is width x length x average depth. (You’ll get the rough average depth by adding the depth of the deep-end and the shallow-end together and dividing by 2.) That number will give you the cubic feet. Take that number times 7.5 gallons, and that will give you the total water volume of your pool.

So, for example, take a rectangular pool that’s 16’ x 32’ x 6’ deep with a 3’ deep shallow-end. If you apply this formula to this particular pool, you’ll find it holds approximately 18,000 gallons of water. That might not be exact, but it’s a lot more specific than “a lot.” Plus, it will really impress your neighbor.

Fall is approaching, and pool season is starting to slow down here in the Midwest. The kids are back in school, the nights are getting cooler, and the days are getting shorter. But there’s still time to enjoy the pool. I’ve got my heater set to the perfect setting for my pool’s water volume, so I’m going to grab a float, turn on the heater and hop in.

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!

August Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight: Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service, McCordsville, Indiana

Posted on August 31, 2018August 7, 2026 by Karen

Every month, we chat with Thursday Pools dealers to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Jonathan Hendrick, one of the owner/operators of Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service. They specialize in full-service fiberglass and vinyl pool installations, including landscaping and hardscaping, as well as pool and lawn service and maintenance in and around Hamilton County, Indiana, including the communities of Fishers, Geist, Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield along with communities as far south as Bloomington and Nashville, Indiana.

Tell us a little about yourself and your business.

Well, we’re definitely family owned! My dad, Gary Hendrick, started the business in 1987. My brother, Justin, and I have been working in the business since we were in high school. In 2009, we added the landscaping and lawn services, and now, Justin runs that end while Dad and I focus on pools.

We have about 40 employees–three full-time office people, plus pool installation, pool service, landscaping, hardscaping and mowing crews. We also have a couple of full-time drivers and one guy that does all of our landscape lighting. And now, my fiancée Amber runs the office, so the family business just keeps growing.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I love working outside. I couldn’t possibly imagine sitting behind a desk all day. I oversee all the installations myself. And, because we do a lot of ongoing weekly maintenance and have a lot of repeat customers, we get to go back and see families enjoying their pools. That’s really cool.

What are the most popular features in the fiberglass pools you’re installing right now?

Built-in tanning ledges for sure. Tanning ledges are one of the best things to come along in fiberglass pools. It’s hard to imagine why anyone wouldn’t want one.

We’re also big on auto-covers around here. Indiana law requires that you have either an auto-cover or a fence, but not both. Most people opt for the auto-cover because it also helps keep their pools clean. We work with Automatic Pool Covers.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

The big variety of shapes, colors and sizes is what strikes me. It seems like there’s not even such as thing as a white pool anymore. Also, installation has gotten a lot easier over the years. I attribute that to innovations, like Thursday Pools’ Backfill Eliminator®.

The Backfill Eliminator solves a different problem for me. We used to spend hours trying to backfill tanning ledges, and as far as I’m concerned, time is money. Plus, sometimes we couldn’t even get the backfill material into the area where it was needed. The Backfill Eliminator speeds up our installs and gives our customers a better result with their tanning ledges in the long run.

What fiberglass pool colors are the most popular among pool buyers in and around Hamilton County?

Maya is our top seller. Folks like that deep blue. But the grays are starting to become more popular too. It’s really up to the customer’s preference and what matches with the rest of the design.

What fiberglass pool designs are the most popular among pool buyers in the central Indiana area?

We sell a ton of Lil Bobs and Aspens. Everyone likes the Aspen because it has some of the curving features of a freeform, but it’s auto-cover ready. It’s a really unique design. And Lil Bobs are popular because a lot of our customers have smaller spaces, or portions of their yards that aren’t usable due to easements.

What do you think about Thursday Pools’ new beach entry designs?

I’m excited about the new beach entry designs, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839). I can’t wait to see how they turn out. I think we’re going to be installing the first one!

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in your part of Indiana?

We’re blessed with good soil here, so we’re thankful for that. Weather is always a big challenge for us. But, where there’s a will, there’s a way! We just keep at it.

What works for you in terms of marketing?

Well, 90% of our business is referrals and word of mouth. So we don’t do a ton of marketing. We did do some vehicle wraps, and we updated our website. Social media is great for generating awareness about pools in general. It makes people want one.

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you?

Our average fiberglass pool installation is around $80,000. That wouldn’t include landscaping, but does include concrete. We include 4’ of concrete in all our installations. One thing that swings pretty widely is the cost of permitting. In some of the smaller towns around McCordsville and our area, the cost is lower, but in Carmel, for example, permits can add up to as much as $2000.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Well, Thursday Pools just does things right. Like us, they’ve gotten to be a pretty big company, but they’re still family owned. I really like that I can just pick up the phone and get Bill or Ed. They’re never too busy to talk to me. And, they just keep finding ways to make my job easier! Obviously, I like that a lot too.

What’s the secret to Hendrick Pool and Lawn’s success?

Our business has grown a lot. In an average year, we’ll do about 60 installations, and we service about 100 pools a week. We’re in this business for the long run. We don’t just install and move on. We create customers for life. We get to know our customers. We have good response times. We just keep trying to do it right, every day.

About Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service

Hendrick Pool and Lawn Service is located in McCordsville, Indiana, which is about 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis. They specialize in full-service installations and service of fiberglass and vinyl liner pools, as well as landscaping and a wide range of lawncare services.

Some of the content in this blog may reflect prices, perspectives, processes, entities, and names that were relevant at the time but may not be accurate today.

Our Fiberglass Pool Dealer Spotlight; Signature Pools in Chicago

Posted on July 5, 2018August 17, 2026 by Karen

Every month, we chat with a Thursday Pools dealer to learn more about their business and what’s trending in their area. This month, we talked to Todd Emmerson, regional sales manager and lead designer at Signature Pools in Sandwich, Illinois. One-and-a-half hours from downtown Chicago, they install pools throughout the Chicagoland area.

Tell us a little about Signature Pools:

Signature Pools has been in the fiberglass pool business in the Chicago area since 2003, but we all have a long history in the pool business. We have a full-time staff of about ten people. Tom McNelis is our president. Both he and I are very hands-on. We’re all obviously working pretty hard at this time of year, but we all of us also really value spending time with our families.

What do you love about being in the pool business?

I love seeing a dream become a reality. People come to us with an idea, but they’re not 100% sure what they want. I get really excited about taking their idea and turning it into a design and then seeing that design come to life. I never get tired of seeing the joy that a new fiberglass pool brings to a family.

What trends are you seeing in terms of pool buyers’ demographics?

That’s an interesting question. As far as fiberglass pool buyers in the Chicago area are concerned, I’d say three things:

The coolest thing I’m seeing lately is grandparents buying pools so that their grandkids have something fun to do when they come to visit. Pools are a great way for families to spend time together.
Also, I think because people are feeling good about the economy, more people are willing to finance their pool projects. A lot of people are deciding that they’re going to stay in their homes for a while, so they’re investing in making their homes as comfortable as they can.
And lastly, customer knowledge. I’m finding that people now really understand the advantages of fiberglass. They’re actively seeking out fiberglass. After eighteen years in the business, I don’t spend as much time telling people why I think fiberglass pools are the best anymore. They just know they want them.

What are the most popular features in the fiberglass pools you’re installing right now?

Tanning ledges, without a doubt. More than half of our installations last year had one. Built-in tanning ledges are one of the best innovations we’ve seen in the fiberglass pool industry.

Thursday Pools' Aspen design installed by Signature Pools — Thursday Pools’ Aspen design installed by Signature Pools

Also bubblers, because they add such a nice ambiance to the pool. That’s why the Aspen design is such a home run for Thursday Pools. It allows us to combine the features that customers want most. The Aspen continues to be one of our top sellers.

What trends have you seen emerge lately in the inground fiberglass pool industry?

Well, obviously the Thursday Pools Beach Entry design (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839) is pretty interesting. As always, Ed (Vondell) and Bill (Khamis) are super creative. I haven’t seen the final designs yet, but I’m really excited to.

What fiberglass pool colors and shapes are the most popular in the Chicago area?

Deep blues and grays are definitely the most popular, and gray is my personal favorite. It really brings a touch of elegance to the pool. Maya is our biggest seller, and we installed our first Graphite Gray earlier this season.

As far as shapes go, rectangles, like the Aspen, Goliath and Lil Bob are always our most popular pools, mostly because of their compatibility with auto-covers.

Thursday Pools’ Lil Bob design with Diamond finish installed by Signature Pools

What particular challenges do you face with fiberglass pool installations in the Chicago area?

Well, we’re blessed with good soil here in Illinois, so we don’t face a lot of challenges there. I would say the biggest trick for us is navigating the regulations from one city to the next. Because we cover the entire Chicagoland area, we deal with permitting issues from a lot of different municipalities. Planning the pools takes a lot more time than actually installing them!

What’s the cost of an average pool installation for you?

One of the biggest challenges for a pool builder is figuring out who they are and what market they best serve. Our niche is the mid-to-upper level of fiberglass pool buyers in the Chicago area. Our installations, including fencing and hardscaping, typically range between $80,000 to $150,000 per year, although we’ve done some jobs that were much smaller and much larger than that.

What are your thoughts on Thursday Pools?

Thursday Pools is a great company. The owners, Ed and Bill, are truly good guys. They’re all about doing the right thing for the right reason, and that shows in up in their innovation and their quality. These guys are so creative, and they’re taking the fiberglass pool industry to a whole new level. I believe that they manufacture some of the highest quality fiberglass pools in the world.

Also, they know how to hire good people, and their dealer support is great. I’ve been sincerely impressed with every Thursday Pools employee I’ve ever worked with. They’re all committed to building a great product and want to contribute to the company’s success.

What’s the secret to Signature Pools’ success?

Well, we’re a small company, but we’ve also built a long-term staff with great experience in all aspects of the fiberglass pool industry. We’re all experts at what we do so we’ve really streamlined our processes, from design and permitting to installation and service. Pool building is a career for our installers–they’re not contracted labor. They really know what they’re doing and they love doing it. Like Thursday Pools, we’re really committed to quality, and I know that people really appreciate that about us.

About Signature Pools

Signature Pools designs and builds award-winning pools throughout the greater Chicago area and offer the largest selection of fiberglass pools in the Midwest. Their pool designs have been given the Master of Design award in four consecutive years from Pool and Spa magazine.