How Much Does a Fiberglass Pool Cost?

Is a Fiberglass Pool Right for Me?

Posted on December 23, 2021June 16, 2025 by krista

An inground swimming pool is a significant, long-term investment, homeowners should weigh their options carefully and choose the type of pool that will fit their needs for as long as they own their home. We know it’s tempting to just go with the pool type you can get the soonest—resist the urge! Fiberglass pools are an inground pool option that is both worth the wait and fits a wide array of buyers’ lifestyles. You may have questions: Is a fiberglass pool worth the money? How long do fiberglass pools last? What is the downside of fiberglass pools? In this blog post, we’ll discuss fiberglass pools pros and cons.

Fiberglass Pools Pros and Cons

The Pros:

Design Options. At one time, fiberglass pool design options were limited. Modern fiberglass pools come in various shapes, sizes, and colors that complement any backyard design. Go sleek and contemporary or free-flowing and laid back – there is a design and size for every situation. You can easily customize them with tilework that matches your personality and aesthetic.
Built-in High-End Features. Fiberglass pool shell designs include some of the hottest trends in inground pools. Depending on your chosen model, many desirable and artful features like tanning ledges, swim-outs, and wrap-around benches are built-in. Elements once considered only for the realm of resort pools, like beach entries (zero entries), are now built into fiberglass pools.
Smooth, Non-skid Finish. Concrete (gunite) inground pools tend to have a porous, rough finish, and vinyl pools are often very smooth to the touch but can become slippery when wet. With a fiberglass pool, you have a gel coat finish that looks polished and shiny but is non-skid and non-snag! Of course, any pool type can pose a fall risk, so always be careful as you enter and exit the pool!
Durable. Don’t be fooled by the “glass” in the word fiberglass. While not all fiberglass pools are equal, we build Thursday Pools fiberglass pools with nine layers of strength, with both the structure and surface lasting for decades with less maintenance required than other pool types. Non-porous fiberglass inhibits algae and other minerals that break down other pool-type finishes. Whereas a vinyl liner typically needs to be replaced every eight to ten years on average and a gunite pool needs replastering after 10 to 15 years on average, a fiberglass pool can last a lifetime with proper pool maintenance!
Lowest Maintenance. It’s generally accepted that fiberglass pools have the lowest maintenance cost of all three pool types. A fiberglass pool’s ten-year maintenance costs could be around $5,750 on average, whereas other pool types maintenance costs can be much higher. A big part of long-term gunite pool maintenance costs involves steel brushing the surface every week, acid washing an average of every three to five years, and resurfacing an average of every 10 to 15 years. For vinyl liner pools, replacing the liner every five to nine years or so will need to be factored into maintenance cost plans. Because there is seldom a need to resurface fiberglass, and fiberglass pools require fewer chemicals, you can anticipate lower maintenance costs over the pool’s lifetime.
Quick to Install. Vinyl and gunite pools are built on-site and are subject to the elements and potential delays that inclement weather brings to construction projects. Fiberglass pools are constructed in a controlled factory environment. When it arrives at your home, it is ready to be put into place. The process can occur in as few as three weeks during non-peak seasons. Compare that with concrete pools that typically take three to six months to install and vinyl liner pools that could take six to eight weeks.
Pet-friendly. Concrete inground pools can be rough on your pet’s paws, and vinyl inground pools can be slick, causing slips or tears when they come in contact with pet nails. The durable, non-skid surface of fiberglass resists scratches and tears from toenails and prevents slipping when your pet attempts to get out of the pool.
Increased Home Value. As home resale value varies by location and condition, a home with a pool’s resale value also varies by type of pool installed. Because of the lower long-term maintenance costs, fiberglass pools tend to be preferred by homebuyers and can increase the value of your home.
Environmentally More Friendly. Non-fiberglass pools can leach chemicals and rust back into the groundwater. And acid-washing can result in harm to the environment. Fiberglass pools don’t pose these types of environmental problems. If you go with a fiberglass pool manufacturer committed to the environment, you are taking steps to contribute to a greener world.

The Cons:

It’s not a DIY Home Project. We recommend that an independent dealer installs your fiberglass pool. If you go with a non-licensed installer, the performance and durability of your pool can suffer. With a DIY approach, you may not get to enjoy your pool until you fix all the mistakes. Common problems people have when trying to install a fiberglass pool on their own are getting the pool level and pouring coping around the fiberglass pool. These can be expensive errors to correct.
Size Limits. Gunite and vinyl pools are built on-site, so there is flexibility if you want to go big with your pool. One of the disadvantages of fiberglass pools is that they are generally limited in size and shape by what can be transported from the factory to your backyard. Road restrictions limit the size of a fiberglass pool to approximately 16′ wide x 40′-41’ long.
Customizability. Fiberglass pool designs are surprising in their breadth of features and shapes, but they are pre-built, so the manufacturer’s parameters can limit you. For example, if you have your heart set on building a guitar-shaped pool, you’ll likely need to look into gunite. Additionally, if the fiberglass pool design you want comes with a tanning ledge that you don’t want, you will also need to look at another pool type.
Access/Space for Installation. Because we transport a fiberglass pool shell in one piece to your backyard, you must have backyard access and space. Installers often use cranes and other heavy equipment to get the pool to its destination and this need for access and freedom to move a large object can be a dealbreaker.

A fiberglass pool is not for everyone, but we still believe there is someone for every Thursday Pools fiberglass pool. Knowing fiberglass pool pros and cons is a step toward finding your fit. Check out our Pool Selector Tool to find your match or get started with an estimate.

Contact a dealer to talk about a new fiberglass pool today. With Thursday Pools, your weekend starts early!

Everything You Need to Know About Fiberglass Pools

Pool Specifications

Vinyl vs. Gunite vs. Fiberglass Pool

How Geography Can Impact Your Fiberglass Pool Installation

Posted on October 10, 2019June 16, 2025 by cargo

When you make a significant purchase, it’s nice to have reassurance it’s in the best position to last for a long time. You want to be sure builders have your house on a solid foundation. The same goes for your pool. Among other factors, it’s important to understand how geography can impact your inground pool installation. The soil types and conditions in your backyard may make the pool installer’s job a breeze—or a big challenge. For homeowners, that means your overall fiberglass pool installation costs and timelines may vary. Let’s “dig in” and explore some common soil issues your pool builders may encounter during excavation.

Rock

Rock is notorious for causing problems early in the installation process. Underground rock, such as limestone, is more prevalent in some areas and can impact your inground pool installation. Excavating rock often requires specialized equipment to break the stone into manageable pieces so workers can remove and haul it away. Many swimming pool installation contracts include a “rock clause,” so carefully read the agreement with your local builder. Rock clauses usually state that the homeowner must pay to remove rocks from the project site.

Clay

Soils with a substantial clay content are “expansive soils,” meaning they have a high capacity to absorb moisture and can swell or contract based on how much moisture is in the ground. Clay-rich soils often cause basement leaks or home foundation problems. Too much clay in the soil surrounding your pool may increase the likelihood of higher groundwater pressure under the pool shell, possibly causing significant damage.

Sand

If your soil is sandy, pool installers should amend the soil to include some sturdier fill dirt. Sand tends to shift, and shifting soil under your pool will not provide a sufficient support system. Sand that liquifies outside a pool can upset the balance between the water inside and outside the pool. The liquified sand is heavier and can cause a bulge. The installer can eliminate these problems by amending the soil and using the appropriate backfill material.

Groundwater

It’s critical that your builder accounts for the groundwater table in your area and drainage options in your yard. High water tables can create hydrostatic pressure in the earth around your pool. Builders may need to reroute downspouts or find other drainage solutions to move groundwater away from the shell while maintaining the water level within the pool to prevent damage.

Patented Solutions

Will soil type and ground conditions impact the style or design of the pool you have your heart set on? Fortunately for homeowners with less-than-ideal soil, it doesn’t have to be a limiting factor! Many innovations within the fiberglass pool industry can help anchor your pool to the earth and give you peace of mind that your pool will last for decades of priceless memories, such as Thursday Pools’ Geo-Anchoring Pool Wall® System and the Backfill Eliminator®.

The Geo-Anchoring Pool Wall® helps secure fiberglass pools during installation and protects the shell against groundwater pressure. The system is revolutionary for installers by providing a solution that prevents wall movement or bulging. Thursday Pools infuses a specially formulated geotextile material into the pool wall during manufacturing. During installation, this material is rolled out into the backfill and covered, thus anchoring the pool to the earth. As a result, the fiberglass pool walls will resist movement or bulging.

The Backfill Eliminator® is another innovative installation technology that works with the Geo-Anchoring Pool Wall® for pools with built-in tanning ledges. The Backfill Eliminator® encases the tanning ledge on the pool’s underside, permitting free groundwater flow and providing access to plumbing and wiring. Most importantly, the Backfill Eliminator® provides lifetime structural support to the tanning ledge and one continuous slope for excavation, making installation more convenient.

The Bottom Line

A local pool builder should be familiar with the soil types in your area and can give you a good idea of what you might be up against even before they begin to dig. Be sure to ask about any additional costs that might crop up once the builder has had a chance to assess your soil and incorporate those into your pool finance budget as contingencies, just in case. If your project is a more straightforward dig, you can use that money for fun items like ledge loungers or other add-ons such as a water feature or specialty lighting.

Learn more about the soil conditions in your region and discuss your design possibilities with a local expert. Connect with an independent dealer near you today.

Environmentally Friendly Pools: Why Fiberglass Leaves Behind the Smallest Footprint

Posted on May 28, 2019June 16, 2025 by krista

Today, pool buyers are increasingly more eco-conscious and ask questions like, “Can a pool be environmentally friendly?” and “What is the most eco-friendly pool type?” Traditionally, swimming pools have not been very sustainable. However, advancements have made it possible to reduce their environmental impact. Still, some types of inground pools have a greater environmental impact than others. Fiberglass pools are often considered the most environmentally friendly pools for their long-term durability and lower energy and chemical use. Even the manufacturer can make a difference.

The Role of Long-Term Durability

The long-term durability of fiberglass pools makes them more sustainable by significantly reducing the need for repairs and replacements, which have considerable environmental consequences. Vinyl liners, for example, typically require replacement every five to ten years, contributing to landfill waste. Additionally, vinyl-liner pools’ foundational steel panels can rust and leach chemicals into the groundwater, harming the environment. Gunite pools reinforced with steel mesh or rebar also present risks as they can corrode over time, leaching chemicals and rust. Maintaining gunite pools requires acid washing, which can also release hazardous substances into the ecosystem.

Concrete and vinyl-liner pools also have inherent environmental drawbacks due to the high carbon footprint of cement production and the petrochemical use in vinyl-liner manufacturing, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion. Fiberglass pools’ durable, seamless shells do not require resurfacing or frequent repairs. They don’t contain metals that rust or leach harmful chemicals and have a much lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

Chemical Use and the Saltwater Consideration

Is it possible to have a chemical-free pool? The answer is, unfortunately, no. All pool types require chemicals to keep water healthy and safe for swimmers throughout the pool’s life, and these chemicals inevitably end up back in the environment. However, fiberglass pools typically require less chemical usage than other types. So, while you can’t avoid chemicals entirely and have a chemical-free swimming pool, you can lessen your usage by investing in a pool type that requires fewer chemicals overall.

What about saltwater systems? It’s a common misconception that saltwater pools (pools that use a salt generator) are a means to avoid chlorine and, therefore, would be a no-chemical option. However, salt generators convert the salt into chlorine to keep the pool clean. While there is less chlorine than a traditional chlorine system, chlorine is still present with this option, so we can’t consider it chemical-free.

Lower Energy and Water Usage

Significant energy is required to power heaters, which are essential in many regions, especially in cooler climates where maintaining a comfortable water temperature is necessary. However, fiberglass pools are naturally more energy-efficient than other pool types due to their insulating properties. The material helps retain heat more effectively, reducing the need for prolonged use of heaters. This energy conservation is particularly beneficial for minimizing emissions using traditional electric or gas heaters.

Filling a swimming pool requires substantial water, which can strain local water supplies, particularly in areas prone to drought or water shortages. Fiberglass pools have a lower evaporation rate due to their smooth, non-porous surface and natural insulation, which helps maintain a stable water temperature. Fiberglass pools also conserve water by maintaining a steady water level year-round. Unlike other pool types that may need partial or complete draining to protect the structure during freezing temperatures, fiberglass pools keep water at the skimmer level for winterization.

The Eco-Conscious Manufacturer Difference

Choosing from a manufacturer with environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001, can help you make a more eco-friendly pool choice. ISO 14001 is the international standard specifying requirements for businesses to create an effective environmental management system (EMS). Companies can use this framework to develop the best environmental stewardship practices.

As an eco-conscious manufacturer, Thursday Pools maintains ISO 14001 certification and has implemented the following measures:

Thursday Pools sources the finest and most environmentally friendly raw materials. We have partnered with Owens Corning and exclusively use Advantex® E-CR fiberglass, known for its eco-friendly properties. Produced in North America, this fiberglass is Boron-free, contributing to a lower environmental impact. Furthermore, fiberglass manufacturing and shipping of Advantex® E-CR fiberglass require less energy than traditional fiberglass materials, making it a more sustainable choice overall.

We actively collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to uphold a Title V air permit that minimizes environmental impact. As part of this commitment, Thursday Pools uses only Low HAP (Hazardous Air Pollutants) gel coats and resins in our manufacturing processes, significantly reducing the emission of harmful substances. Additionally, we employ Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) release agents and solvents to limit environmental exposure further. Thursday Pools uses advanced control equipment to eliminate the generation of all PM (Particulate Matter).

Our Minimal Waste Program at Thursday Pools emphasizes sustainable manufacturing practices to minimize the generation of particulate matter (PM) and VOCs. We exclusively use non-atomizing resin spray, which significantly reduces emissions and waste. We also keep all equipment pumps operating at low pressure to limit VOC release further. Additionally, we apply solvents and release agents using HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure) spray guns to significantly reduce overspray, resulting in lower emissions of VOCs.

Our Recycling Program at Thursday Pools is a company-wide initiative to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility. As part of this program, we recycle various types of production waste, including light bulbs and batteries, ensuring these materials are properly disposed of and reused whenever possible.

Thursday Pools focuses on commitment to continuous improvement through our environmental and workplace practices. This dedication involves continually reviewing and measuring both current and future processes to assess and mitigate their environmental impact. We proactively seek ways to reduce our environmental footprint, striving to implement new and improved methods that promote sustainability. Additionally, we prioritize creating a safer and healthier work environment for our employees so that our commitment to continuous improvement benefits our team and the planet.

Choose the More Environmentally Friendly Pool

When purchasing sustainable products is important to you, making an informed decision about the materials and manufacturers you choose becomes even more critical. Thursday Pools is passionate about combining innovative design with environmental stewardship to make your pool investment a source of joy and a choice you can feel good about for years to come. Consult a dealer to explore how you can bring your vision to life with a fiberglass pool that leaves the smallest footprint possible.

Choosing an Inground Pool Shape for Your Family’s Stage in Life

Posted on February 27, 2019June 16, 2025 by krista

Selecting the right inground pool shape goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating a space that fits your family’s lifestyle and stage in life. Whether you are a couple looking for a serene escape or grandparents seeking a safe and accessible pool design, your pool shape can impact its functionality and appeal. Explore inground pool shapes tailored to different family types, ensuring a cherished spot for relaxation, fun, and a lifetime of memories.

Families with Small Children

Families with small children need a pool that prioritizes safety, easy access, and designated shallow areas for play. A well-designed pool for young kids ensures peace of mind for parents and creates a fun and inviting space where children can safely enjoy the water as they grow and gain confidence in their swimming skills.

Key Considerations:

Safety First: Shallow zones, non-slip surfaces, and secure access points are crucial.
Visibility: The pool shape should allow clear sightlines for parents to keep an eye on the kids.
Multi-Level Play Areas: Zones with varying depths cater to toddlers, beginner swimmers, and older children alike.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Beach Entry Pool: The gradual, sloping entry mimics the feel of a beach, providing an ideal play area for small children. It allows them to enter the water slowly and safely, perfect for toddlers and young kids just getting comfortable in the water. With a gentle slope into the pool, the beach entry is ideal for wading, splashing, and sunbathing.
Wading Pool: A wading pool features a shallow, uniform depth, making it an excellent space for young children to play and for adults to relax. It provides a perfect environment for toddlers and pets, offering peace of mind with its shallow water (typically around 18 inches deep). Look for a non-slip surface and built-in benches for easy supervision.
Rectangular Pool: The simple rectangular-shaped pool allows for easy oversight, and a built-in tanning ledge is a perfect spot for small children to splash and play. A defined shallow area is great for play or for parents to relax close to the kids.

Families with Teenage Children

Families with teenagers need a pool that matches their active lifestyle and provides ample space for fun and socializing. From swimming laps to playing water games and lounging with friends, the right pool shape can turn your backyard into the ultimate hangout spot for teens and their friends while ensuring safety.

Key Considerations:

Active Lifestyle: Teenagers often enjoy active water activities like swimming, water games, or just lounging in the pool with friends.
Space for Socializing: The pool should comfortably accommodate groups of friends, with areas for swimming and hanging out.
Safety Considerations: Ensure the design includes proper depth transitions for safe enjoyment.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Rectangular Pool: Rectangular pools offer plenty of space for swimming laps, water sports, and general relaxation. The shape is versatile for various activities and may include tanning ledges for lounging and socializing, as well as built-in steps and swim-outs for easy entry and exit.
Freeform Pool: Freeform pools are natural and playful, perfect for a fun and relaxed environment. The shape features curved edges that create nooks for relaxation while still offering ample swimming space. Tanning ledges, built-in steps, and wraparound benches enhance their aesthetic and functional value.
Spa: Adding a spa to a pool creates a perfect relaxation zone for teenagers and their parents. It’s an ideal space for resting after an active swim or quiet conversation.

Couples

For couples, a pool is often more than just a place to swim—it’s a retreat for peace, romance, and entertaining close friends. The ideal pool shape should prioritize aesthetics, tranquility, and a touch of luxury, creating a serene environment that enhances the atmosphere of your home while catering to intimate gatherings and quiet moments.

Key Considerations:

Relaxation: Couples often prioritize tranquility, aesthetics, and space for quiet, romantic moments.
Entertaining Small Groups: The pool should provide ample space for socializing.
Elegant Design: A focus on style and elegance with mood-enhancing features.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Roman Pool: The classic Roman pool shape offers a touch of elegance with its symmetrical design and rounded ends. It provides ample swimming space with a refined, sophisticated look. Elevate the experience with a tanning ledge, wraparound benches, and built-in steps.
Freeform Pool: A freeform pool offers a more organic and flowing design, perfect for creating a tranquil and romantic environment. Its natural, curving shape blends seamlessly into the landscape, adding a sense of elegance and serenity. Tanning ledges, wraparound benches, and built-in steps are perfect for conversation and relaxation.
Rectangular Pool: The sleek and straightforward rectangular pool design makes it a versatile and sophisticated option for couples. This shape is perfect for swimming laps or simply enjoying a quiet, reflective swim. Clean lines create a modern aesthetic, and options for swim-outs, tanning ledges, and built-in steps add form and function.
Spa: Spas provide an intimate space for relaxation and hydrotherapy, making them a great addition to any pool area. They offer a perfect spot for couples to unwind, soak in the warm water, and experience the therapeutic benefits of jets, enriching the overall ambiance of the backyard retreat.

Grandparents

Grandparents often seek a safe pool that is easy to access and designed for relaxation and family bonding. With a focus on gentle entry points and versatile spaces, the perfect pool shape allows grandparents to enjoy light exercise, cool off on warm days, and spend quality time with grandchildren in a safe and comfortable environment.

Key Considerations:

Ease of Access: Safety and ease of entry/exit are top priorities, with designs considering limited mobility.
Low Maintenance: Simple designs that are easy to maintain and clean.
Relaxation and Family Time: A focus on relaxation with areas for grandchildren to play safely.

Recommended Pool Shapes:

Freeform Pool: The freeform’s gentle curves are ideal for creating a relaxing environment with designated areas for both lounging and safe play. Beneficial features include non-skid surfaces, easy entry and exit with built-in steps, swim-outs, and enough space for gentle swimming.
Wading Pool: Shallow, versatile pools for relaxing, light exercise, or letting grandchildren splash safely. It’s perfect for older adults who want a low-impact space to enjoy the water. Features often include uniform shallow depth, non-skid surfaces, and benches.
Beach Entry Pool: The gradual, sloping entry makes it exceptionally easy to get in and out, catering to all mobility levels. It’s perfect for grandparents and young grandchildren alike, providing an accessible space. The gentle slope mimics the beach feeling and allows for sunbathing, wading, and safe play.
Spa: A spa’s hydrotherapy benefits often appeal to grandparents. The warm water and soothing jets help relieve joint pain and promote relaxation, making it an ideal spot for unwinding.

Get the Right Shape For Your Family: Consult a Pool Builder

Choosing a pool shape brings you one step to creating your dream pool and enjoying many memories with your loved ones. In no time, you’ll look out your window and won’t even be able to remember what your yard looked like before your fabulous new pool.

If you need help selecting a shape, contact a local pool builder. Their years of experience designing pool projects and insights from countless backyards can offer invaluable guidance. Get a design consultation today from an independent Thursday Pools dealer.

Owner’s Manual

Download

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

Posted on September 19, 2018June 16, 2025 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.