Many pool owners will tell you that there are many details that they wish they would have known about before purchasing their swimming pools. Download our What I Wish I Knew Before Buying a Pool Guide to help you avoid becoming this person.
Dear General;
I absolutely LOVE my new inground fiberglass swimming pool. What I’m not sure I’m going to love is my pool heating bill. Do you have any tips and tricks for controlling swimming pool heating costs?
Signed– Don’t Want My Dollars Going Down the Pool Drain.
Dear Dollars;
I hear you. No one wants to see their hard-earned money going down the swimming pool drain. Let’s take a look at the various kinds of heaters and ways you can save your money for more fun things.
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Four types of heaters
First of all, pool heaters are NOT the most energy efficient appliances you’ll ever run across. The most popular options are electric and gas. Some folks also use solar or, in rare cases, wood burning. Which is best? That depends on who you ask. Let’s break it down.
Electric
Electric heat pumps use electricity to capture heat and move it from one place to another. In other words, they take the ambient heat surrounding your pool and transfer it into the pool. The electric heat pump manufacturers report that they are the most efficient.
Gas
Gas pool heaters use either natural gas or propane. As the pump circulates the pool’s water, the water drawn from the pool passes through a filter and then to the heater. The gas burns in the heater’s combustion chamber, generating heat that transfers to the water, and that water is returned to the pool.The gas heater manufacturers report they are the most efficient.
Solar
Solar heating units take the heat from the sun and introduce it to the water. They involve a solar collector — the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun. A filter removes debris before water is pumped through the collector. Then, a pump circulates water through the filter and collector and returns it to the pool. Solar heat manufacturers report they are the most efficient.
Wood burning
Wood burning heaters also use a heat exchanger (similar to gas units) to heat the water. Cold pool water is pumped from the pool via a submersible pump into a coil of copper pipe mounted above the fire, inside the fire pit or grill. By the time the water makes it out of the pipe, the fire has heated the water. This is similar to how a standard hot water heater works.This system is most often used in rural areas. The wood burner manufacturers report they are the most efficient. (Have you noticed a pattern here?)
So which one is the best and most efficient? Well, that’s a tough question to answer. It really depends on pool heating costs in your area and what you already have in your home. Regardless of the heating option you choose, here are some tips and tricks to save money on your pool heating costs:
Maintenance is Key
Ultimately, the key to successfully and efficiently heating your swimming pool is to be proactive with your heater maintenance. You also need to keep your water balanced for optimal performance. Have a certified technician give the heater, along with all your pool equipment, a health checkup every year. Most pool companies will perform a thorough check when they open your pool (or at regular intervals if you live somewhere where your pool is open year-round.) Whether you choose a large service or a one-man show, make sure they are honest, on time, established, insured, heater-certified, knowledgeable and professional. Ask for a checkup report, just like the one you get from the company that services your furnace and air conditioner. They come in handy when you’re dealing with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Now, it’s time to grab a float, relax and enjoy the pool.
Until next time…
The General
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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!
Fiberglass pools are a low-maintenance option in comparison to more labor-intensive gunite and vinyl liner inground swimming pools. While fiberglass pools have lower maintenance demands, they are not maintenance-free, and there are many helpful tools and fiberglass pool cleaning equipment you should consider so you can properly take care of your pool and protect your investment. The tools you acquire will make your already-durable fiberglass pool last longer and remain ready to enjoy for as long as possible.
A robotic pool cleaner is one of the smartest investments you can make in fiberglass pool care. These self-contained machines operate independently of your pool’s pump and filter system. Simply plug them in, place them in the water, and let them get to work.
Equipped with advanced brushes and powerful suction, robotic pool cleaners scrub the pool floor, walls, and even the waterline, removing dirt, algae, and debris that a manual vacuum or skimmer might miss. Many models also use built-in sensors to map your pool’s surfaces, ensuring efficient coverage and sparkling results every time.
The real beauty of a robotic cleaner lies in its automation. Instead of spending your weekends skimming, scrubbing, and vacuuming, you can plan cleaning sessions for when the pool isn’t in use and let the robot handle the heavy lifting. That means you can enjoy more time relaxing poolside and less time worrying about maintenance.
In short, a robotic pool cleaner doesn’t just keep your fiberglass pool spotless—it gives you back precious time to enjoy the pool life you invested in.
Even though fiberglass pools are easier to maintain than gunite or vinyl liner pools, every pool owner should keep a few trusty manual tools on hand. These tools let you tackle routine cleaning, handle unexpected messes, and keep your pool sparkling between deeper automated or professional cleanings.
Every fiberglass pool needs a quality brush with gentle bristles that won’t damage the smooth gelcoat finish. A pool brush helps easily sweep away algae and dirt from steps, benches, and other areas. A quick weekly brush prevents buildup, keeps surfaces smooth, and makes your pool safer and more inviting.
Leaves, insects, and debris will always find their way into your pool, but a durable skimming net makes removal easy. Attached to a telescopic pole, a skimmer lets you quickly scoop debris from the surface before it sinks to the bottom or makes its way into the filter system or other equipment. Regular skimming keeps your pool looking pristine and prevents clogging or unnecessary strain on your pool’s filtration system.
While robotic cleaners can handle much of the work, a manual pool vacuum is still a valuable tool for fiberglass pool owners. Manual vacuums connect to your pool’s filtration system or a handheld suction device, allowing you to target problem areas and give your pool a deeper clean when needed. They’re especially handy after storms or heavy use, when extra debris collects in corners or on the pool floor.
Together, these manual cleaning tools form the foundation of smart and responsible fiberglass pool care. With a brush, skimming net, and vacuum in your toolkit, you’ll always be ready to protect your investment, extend the life of your pool, and keep it looking beautiful for years of family fun and relaxation.
An automatic pool cover is more than just a convenient add-on. It’s a powerful tool that protects your pool, simplifies your routine, and saves you money over time. With the push of a button, the cover glides across the surface of your fiberglass pool, creating a secure barrier that shields the water from debris, weather, and evaporation.
Automatic covers use a motorized mechanism to extend and retract a reinforced vinyl cover along built-in tracks at the pool’s edge. This smooth operation makes it simple to open or close the pool in seconds without any hassle or heavy lifting.
The benefits of automatic pool covers include enhanced safety and peace of mind, as well as energy savings, lower chemical use, and cleaner water. Perhaps the biggest perk for fiberglass pool owners is how much an automatic cover reduces everyday upkeep. Because your pool stays cleaner, you’ll spend far less time skimming, brushing, and vacuuming. You’ll also notice fewer filter cleanings and less wear on equipment since dirt and debris never reach the water in the first place.
With an automatic pool cover, maintaining your fiberglass pool becomes easier, faster, and more efficient—leaving you with more time to enjoy the water instead of worrying about it.
The right tools make all the difference when it comes to caring for your fiberglass pool. From robotic cleaners and brushes to skimming nets and automatic covers, each piece of pool cleaning equipment helps protect your investment, reduce upkeep, and keep your pool ready for fun at a moment’s notice.
Looking for more information on fiberglass pool care? Explore Thursday Pools’ Ultimate Fiberglass Pool Maintenance Guide for a thorough look at everything you need to know.
And if you’re ready for personalized advice, connect with a local independent Thursday Pools dealer near you. They’ll answer your questions, guide you through maintenance tips, and help you enjoy all the benefits of a fiberglass pool with confidence. When you spend less time maintaining your pool, you have more time to enjoy it.
The basics include a pool brush, skimming net, and manual pool vacuum. These tools let you handle everyday cleaning, remove debris, and target hard-to-reach spots. Many owners also add a robotic pool cleaner and automatic pool cover to save time and keep their pools cleaner with less effort.
Yes. A robotic pool cleaner does an incredible job scrubbing floors, walls, and even the waterline, but you’ll still want a brush, skimmer, and vacuum on hand. Manual tools help with quick cleanups, storms, or heavy use when debris collects in corners, on steps, or in areas the automatic robotic pool cleaner cannot reach.
Automatic pool covers keep out dirt, leaves, and insects, so you’ll spend far less time skimming, brushing, and vacuuming. They also reduce chemical use, save energy, and help extend your pool season—all while adding an extra layer of safety and protection.
Plan to give your pool a light brush once a week to prevent buildup on steps and benches. Skimming depends on the season and surroundings—daily during heavy leaf fall or after a storm, but less often if debris is minimal.
Absolutely. Fiberglass pools have a smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae and reduces the need for scrubbing and chemicals. With the right cleaning tools—like brushes, nets, robotic cleaners, and an automatic cover—you’ll enjoy more time in the water and less time working on it.
Costs vary depending on the tools you choose. Basic items like brushes and skimming nets are very affordable, while most manual vacuums are moderately priced. Robotic pool cleaners and automatic covers are bigger investments, but they save significant time, reduce chemical and energy costs, and extend the life of your pool.
Consistent maintenance prevents the buildup of dirt, algae, and debris that can stress your pool’s surface and equipment. Using the right tools protects your pool’s gelcoat finish, reduces wear on your filtration system, and helps your fiberglass pool look beautiful and perform well for decades.
Dear General;
Everyone keeps telling me I have to prime the pump for my fiberglass pool. That’s all well and good. My question to you is, how in the heck am I supposed to do it? And how do I know when it’s done?
Signed– In a Perplexed Pool Pump Priming Pickle in Peru.
Dear Perplexed;
No need to be in a pool priming pickle. Honestly, I get this question all the time. You’re not alone. Let’s break this down together.
First of all… Let’s take a look at how water circulation systems work.
The key, believe it or not, is atmospheric pressure. There are approximately 14 pounds of air pushing down on all of us all the time. That means there’s the same amount of pressure pushing down on the surface of your fiberglass pool water. Your pool pump has a something called an “impeller” that creates a low pressure area by spinning. It pulls water into it, and pumps it back into the pool.
A “closed system” means NO AIR
Here’s the secret that explains it all. Your pool needs to be a CLOSED system to operate. Your pump, all your piping and everything that’s involved with the transferring of water from the pool into the pump, to the filter and back into the pool has to be full of water with NO AIR. A closed system is one that has NO AIR in it. All you have to do is stop and think “Where can air be introduced into the system?” (Did I mention NO AIR?)
Pool Pump Priming Checklist
Once we’re sure we have a closed system, check the following things:
Show time!
Once you’ve made sure everything is tightened, the return eyeballs (inlets) can allow water into your fiberglass pool, the drain plugs are secure, and the pump basket has been filled, it’s show time. Flip the pump switch. Did it start? If no, don’t despair, and don’t say bad words. It’s going to be okay.
Try this little trick:
Turn the switch off and check the GFI breaker in the electrical panel that controls the pump. Is it tripped? Flip the switch again. Are you in business now? Hallelujah!
Time to enjoy!
Now follow the manufacturer’s directions to put the system in “filter” mode. You will see the filter gauge rise to normal pressure. Water will be flowing into the pool, water will be spinning over the weir door into a full skimmer, no air will be coming out of the inlets, the pump basket will be clear of air, and you will have successfully primed the pool pump.
Now it’s time to grab a float and your beverage of choice and enjoy the pool.
Until next time…
The General
Who is The General?
The man, the myth, the legend….we just call him The General. His organized, systematic approach to pool installations over the years had his crew members calling him “The General” and it stuck. The General has over 30 years’ experience in the pool and spa industry, working for one of Pool and Spa News’ “Top 50 Pool Builders.”
Over that time, he designed, sold, project-managed and installed over a thousand inground swimming pools. As a pool owner himself, he’s the perfect authority to give you the inside scoop, with amazing tips and tricks to make pool ownership a breeze!
The warm air has finally arrived, and you are itching to celebrate. There is no better way to celebrate summer’s arrival than to enjoy a relaxing day poolside with those whose company you enjoy most. Do you want to get pool ready for summer? Here are some tips on how to get
your pool summer ready.
Once your swimming pool is summer ready, we know you will be making memories around your pool. To be able to do this, it is important to take care of your fiberglass pool. Check out our past blog post to learn about some maintenance tools that will help you keep your swimming pool ready for your backyard pool parties.
We all know that fiberglass pools are a low maintenance option in comparison to other inground swimming pools. However, you might be wondering the easiest ways of how to clean a fiberglass pool. Even though they are low maintenance, there is tools and equipment that you should consider purchasing so you can properly take care of your pool. The tools you buy will make your durable fiberglass pool last longer and allow you to enjoy your fiberglass swimming pool for as long as possible.
Robotic pool cleaners have their own filtration system and operate independently from your pool pump and filter. They can clean your pool faster and more efficiently than you can imagine. If you have a larger pool that may be difficult to clean, investing in a robotic pool cleaner will save you a lot of time.
Cleaning tools, such as a skimming net or a telescoping pole, will be a lifesaver for you when it comes to cleaning out leaves, bugs or other debris from your swimming pool. Do what you can to maintain a regular maintenance schedule to clean out debris like leaves and bugs. Another tool you can use that will help clean out dirt at the bottom of your pool is a leaf vacuum. These cleaning tools will help you clean your pool in no time at all.
If you don’t want to have to use cleaning equipment to clean out debris from your pool, you should consider purchasing an automatic pool cover. When you’re not using your swimming pool, you can cover your pool and the automatic pool cover when undoubtedly will keep leaves and dirt out of your pool. A pool cover will reduce the amount of maintenance work for you and also help maintain the right temperature.
Another important thing to keep in mind is balancing the water chemistry of your pool. Check out one of our past blogs to learn about proper water chemistry.
You will not regret purchasing any of these tools for your pool. If you feel like you need more information about the maintenance of your swimming pool, our Independent Dealers are an excellent resource.
