Five Must-Have Pool Accessories for the 2023 Swim Season

Posted on June 20, 2019July 13, 2026 by krista

The weather’s heating up, and so is swim season (Woot woot!). Your fabulous inground fiberglass pool is looking good–sparkling clean and ready to welcome the whole gang. Yeah, you have all the features you need in your fiberglass pool to let the good times roll … But, how about this year, you take the luxury and fun to the next level with some awesome pool accessories?And, in case you haven’t heard … Thursday is the new Friday, so don’t wait ‘til the weekend to start having fun. Get your weekend started early, and check out our list of the must-have pool accessories for the 2023 swim season, and make your backyard summer living even more of a blast!

1. Basketball float.

Why not combine two of the kids’ favorite Indiana summer pastimes? With a fun-sized, floatable goal that’s accessible from all sides, this accessory is a safe alternative to an installed goal near the concrete edge of the pool. Plus, it’s an activity that lasts for hours and leaves them exhausted so that you don’t have to worry over how to keep them entertained during their school-free summer.

2. Canopy island inflatable lounge.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, which means that after you’ve put away the basketball float, it’s time for you to have your long-wished-for getaway. What better place to do this than in your own backyard inground pool? With a luxurious canopy island float, you will be able to have that much-needed “you time” in your pool with an escape from the heat provided by the lounge’s canopy extension. In this float, you’ll be able to get up to speed on the latest issue of Real Simple magazine in the shade, tan in the sun, or simply unwind on an inflatable island of your own in the comfort of your own pool, making your backyard pool the perfect getaway (once the kids have vacated the pool!).

3. Outdoor cooler table.

A day at the pool is never complete without a cool beverage for children and adults alike. Because enjoying poolside beverages isn’t always as care-free and simple as it should be, a cooler table on wheels can be the perfect solution. No more walking into the house dripping wet! This cool pool accessory brings the fridge to you so that you can keep the water where it belongs and offer everyone a cold, sparkling soda.

4. Wireless floating pool speaker.

Let’s be realistic. You’re neighbors probably wouldn’t like it if you blasted music from the speakers inside your house just so you can hear it in your pool. Check out some wireless floating speakers that provide a way to bring the soul of the party into your pool so you’re sure to hear your music wherever your float takes you. And your neighbors don’t have to know your taste in music.

5. LED color changing glow balls.

The summer backyard living experience shouldn’t be limited to daylight hours, which is why these colorful glowing ball floats are a perfect way to make the outdoor fun last far into the evening. You and your guests will surely be happier with color changing globes in your pool.

Take your summer entertainment to the next level with these great accessories. There’s something for everyone … a floating basketball hoop for the kids and kids-at-heart, a luxurious float for the sun and shade worshipers, drinks, music, and popping lights for all. Make your weekend pool party an undeniable blast. And don’t forget, Thursday is the new Friday—don’t wait too long to accessorize your luxurious fiberglass pool!

Water Safety

Some Cool Pool Rules for Kids!

May is designated Water Safety Month, but we think it’s important to be aware of every month.

Water safety for kids is a serious matter. Kids love to be in the water, and making sure they know how to do so safely is paramount. At Thursday Pools, we’re committed to water safety, so we’ve created a fun, interactive video, along with a coloring book called Some Cool Pool Rules for Kids.

In addition to our coloring book, we have the following resources available:

PHTA – Children Aren’t Waterproof

PHTA – Layers of Protection Start with You

PHTA – Entrap Avoidance Guidelines

PHTA – The Sensible Way To Enjoy Your Inground Swimming Pool

PHTA – Pool and Spa Emergency Procedures

Download Our Printable Version

No printer? No problem. Fill out the form below, and we can mail you coloring books.

Please note: This free coloring book is available for shipment within the U.S. only. We do not currently offer international shipping.

Automatic Pool Safety Cover-Compatible Thursday Pools Designs

Posted on March 1, 2019July 29, 2026 by krista

If you’re a pool owner, safety is your top concern. Having an inground pool is a blast, but it’s also a big responsibility. Ensuring that all family members and guests know and respect the rules of pool safety is key, as well as making sure that no one can enter your pool without your supervision or consent. Sure, fences are great for making sure neighbor kids or pets can’t access the pool, but what about your own kids, or families visiting your home?

That’s where automatic pool covers come in.

Automatic pool safety covers operate electronically, either with a touch pad or key switch. They close your pool up tightly when it’s not in use, giving you total peace of mind that no one will enter your pool unless you want them to. And that’s not the only good thing about them. Automatic pool covers have other benefits as well. They save you pool maintenance time and money by reducing heat and water loss through evaporation.

What Does Auto Cover-Ready Mean?

An auto cover-ready pool design simply means that the pool’s shape lends itself to easily accommodate an automatic pool cover of any type. Inground pool designs that are rectangular in shape are all considered auto cover-ready because they provide more options and flexibility for housing an under-track or hidden automatic pool cover system, which makes for a more seamless, finished look.

Which Thursday Pools Designs are Auto Cover-Ready?

Aspen. Aspen is one of our best-selling fiberglass pool designs. Pool owners love it because it combines all the benefits of rectangular pool design, like a wide-open swim lane, with a big, beautiful, curved tanning ledge.
Goliath. Our Goliath pool design offers a wide-open swim lane and dual deep-end benches for multiple places to sit and relax.
Lil Bob. Lil Bob is built for fun, with a 4’6” uniform depth that makes it perfect for playing games or just standing and socializing in the pool.
Lil Bob LX. Lil Bob LX takes all the great features of the Lil Bob design and adds in a huge 12” deep tanning ledge and wrap-around benches for the ultimate combination of play and relaxation.
Sea Turtle. Our Sea Turtle fiberglass pool design is small enough to fit in most any backyard and also features a 4′ 6” depth. In addition to being auto cover-ready, it’s swim jet-ready, so you can easily convert your Sea Turtle into a swim spa!
Spirit. Spirit is another option for a uniform depth sport pool. With its wide-open swim area and luxurious, elongated benches, it offers a great combination of places to both play and relax.
Monolith. Monolith is our only Type I Diving Pool. The 15” warning slope lets swimmers know when they’re reaching the deep-end. Its courtesy ledge all around and dual corner benches with swim-outs provide plenty of resting places and easy in and out of the pool.
Grace Beach Entry. One of our newest fiberglass pool designs, Grace Beach Entry boasts a huge walk-in sun ledge that takes you from zero to 18” depth in approximately 14 feet. But if steps are easier for you, our hybrid beach entry design still allows room to step down into a nice-sized swim area (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839).

What if I Don’t Want a Rectangular Pool?

If a rectangle fiberglass pool design isn’t it for you, that’s okay! Maybe you love the classic Roman shape, with long, straight sides and domed ends. If so, our Cathedral or Cathedral LX can both easily be fitted with an automatic pool cover.

If it’s freeforms or shaped pools you love, like the Wellspring, Pearl, Sandal Beach Entry, Sun Day or Titus, your pool builder can most likely find a way to make an automatic pool safety cover work with your pool. However, these pool designs typically require pool cover systems that run along the top of the pool deck, so you’ll need to take that factor into consideration.

Automatic Pool Covers are a Win-Win.

In addition to safety, automatic pool covers combined with fiberglass pools make a perfect pairing for pool owners who want the lowest possible inground pool maintenance. The durable, gel coat finish of a fiberglass pool paired with an automatic safety cover that lowers water loss and chemical use while keeping your pool clear of debris adds up to less work, less money and more fun.

And safety. They’re so much safer.

Did we mention safety?

Is a Built-In Tanning Ledge in your Fiberglass Pool Right For You?

Posted on January 17, 2019August 7, 2026 by krista

Tanning ledges are among the hottest trends in backyard inground pool designs. They’re a newer innovation that is now widely available for inground fiberglass pools. A fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge provides the feel of the sun warming your skin while the refreshing water keeping you cool. It’s truly a blissful feeling. Most fiberglass pool buyers these days opt for a tanning ledge, and there are loads of reasons to want one, but is it right for you? To ledge, or not to ledge–that is the question. Here is a little more information to help you decide:

Tanning ledges add luxury.

Tanning ledges bring a resort-like feel to your overall pool design. Looking out into your backyard and seeing gleaming white ledge loungers beckoning you from the crystal clear shallow water of your tanning ledge makes you feel like you’re staying in a luxury hotel.

Tanning ledges add personality.

Tanning ledges add impact to your backyard design and help make it unique. The wide array of fabrics and cushions available for tanning ledge loungers allows you to create a living room-like feel on your tanning ledge and coordinate it with the rest of your outdoor furnishings and decor. It becomes an extension of your living space and creates the perfect backdrop for outdoor entertaining.

Kids love tanning ledges.

Most kids love to be in the water. If your kids don’t yet know how to swim, tanning ledges offer a place where they can splash and play in a depth they’re comfortable with. A fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge allows a great transition to the shallow-end and provides a nice landing pad for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. They’re especially good for little ones who need to overcome a fear of the water.

Dogs love tanning ledges.

Furry kids also love to swim. If you plan to allow your pets to swim, a tanning ledge will be very attractive to them. Puppies and older dogs will especially appreciate a spot that gives them an easy in and out of the pool. (You might have to have a negotiation with them over the ledge loungers.)

Adults love tanning ledges.

A tanning ledge takes adulting to a whole new level, making your backyard the ultimate chillaxing spot. You’ll be able to enjoy the water and cool off without even getting your hair wet! Add a pair of ledge loungers and you have the perfect spot to reconnect with a loved one or chat with your best friend and catch up on life. You can sit, sip, soak and sun, all-in-one.

So, what’s not to love?

It’s hard to find many downsides, but one consideration when it comes to a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge is that they might create a false sense of security when kids are in the pool. Adults need to be constantly mindful of children in the pool, even in the shallowest water. So, while you’re relaxing on your tanning ledge, keep one eye open and on the kids at all times and make sure they’re familiar with pool safety rules.

And, if you really plan to use your pool more for exercise or games, you might find that the tanning ledge takes up valuable real estate where a wide-open swim lane might be. So, if your family is very active and doesn’t spend much time lounging, or you imagine lots of swimmers in your pool at one time, you might prefer a fiberglass pool without a built-in tanning ledge.

Some designs, though, give you the best of both worlds. For example, while the Aspen design doesn’t have a dedicated swim lane, if you swim diagonally across the pool, the tanning ledge only takes away one stroke, so you can still get your laps in!

What are my options for a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge?

There are several ways to incorporate a tanning ledge into your backyard pool design, based on your priorities and how you plan to use your pool.

Get the maximum tanning ledge space. Many fiberglass pool designs such as the Wellspring, Aspen, Cathedral LX and Lil Bob LX make the tanning ledge part of the main pool basin. The ledge does take up the area that could otherwise be swim space, but it gives you the maximum amount of space for lounging, with ample room for swimmers to enter and exit the pool.
Consider a wet deck or wading pool. If you choose a fiberglass pool design without a built-in tanning ledge like the Goliath or Monolith, you can add a wet deck or a wading pool to the end or side of those designs. This gives you the benefits of a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge without losing swim space. These additions can also be raised so that they spill over into the main pool basin, creating a dramatic effect and a wonderful eye-catching water feature.

You really can’t go wrong either way.

There are so many options available in fiberglass pools today, you’re sure to find the perfect pool for you. Whether you choose a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge or even take your luxury one step further with one of the beach entry fiberglass pools (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839), your new inground pool will bring years of fun, exercise, family time, reasons to throw a party and relaxation.

Are you ready to take the plunge with a new inground fiberglass pool? Or perhaps picturing yourself lounging on a tanning ledge right now with a cold beverage in hand, soaking up warm summer rays? If so, winter is a great time to get an estimate on a backyard swimming paradise. You’ll be in the swim by summer.

What’s the Lowdown on Tanning Ledges

Posted on December 20, 2018August 10, 2026 by krista

The Lowdown on Tanning Ledges

It’s easy to get excited about the variety of available features as you explore inground pools. Built-ins add to the pool’s luxurious feeling, from wrap-around benches to swim-outs to tanning ledges. Because inground pool costs vary depending on the pool type and features, you may choose one pool type over another based on the price and availability of a particular feature. If a tanning ledge tops your priority list, compare the different pool types.

Why People Love Tanning Ledges

If you like the concept of “the best of both worlds,” an inground pool with a tanning ledge may be just what the doctor ordered. They allow you to enjoy the cool water while still soaking up the sun’s rays. They’re also a perfect spot for the kids to play in just enough water to cool off and still stay well within your sight. Additionally, they’re great for getting in and out of the water without the need to navigate steps. Tanning ledges are available for all inground pool types.

Based on conversations with homeowners, installers, and manufacturers, along with our own experience, choosing a company skilled in installing pool features such as tanning ledges is essential. They should also know the technique, building, and safety codes. That said, let’s take a look at tanning ledge options for vinyl liner pools, gunite pools, and fiberglass pools so you can decide which pool type is the best for you.

Tanning Ledges in Vinyl Liner Pools

Today’s vinyl liner pools have many different configurations of ledges, steps, corner seats, benches, and wading depths that at one time were thought to be impossible. So, it is possible if you’re feeling like a vinyl pool with a tanning ledge, but you should be aware of the following issues:

Durability is a concern. One of the biggest joys of a tanning ledge is the ability to put a ledge lounging chair on it for maximum water-to-sun relaxation potential. The biggest problem with a vinyl-lined tanning ledge is the chance of poking a hole or tearing the liner. Also, a tanning ledge on a vinyl liner pool is not a great spot to share with your pet. Dog claws can cause vinyl liner wear and tear (literally).
Safety measures must be taken. Vinyl liner pools have the propensity to attract algae and become slippery. So, if you’re looking for a tanning ledge as an easy landing pad on the way into and out of the pool, be advised to use extra caution and frequently brush the ledge.
Water weight is critical. Depth of water is crucial to hold a vinyl liner in place. The shallow water of a tanning ledge area may not carry enough weight to keep your liner in place. Getting the corners to pull in without ballooning or wrinkling can be very difficult.

Tanning Ledges in Gunite (Concrete) Pools

If your budget is unlimited, then the sky’s the limit for configuring the shape and size of your tanning ledge pool. Gunite pools are entirely customizable. If you’re feeling like gunite is the pool for you, here are some things to think about when it comes to your tanning ledge:

They’re durable but can be costly. Gunite pools are highly durable, so there’s very little chance of damage to the pool surface with ledge loungers. However, in the Midwest especially, gunite pools are costly and tanning ledges are an extra expense.
They can be high maintenance. There can be a lot of problems with plaster finishes, and in climates that require winterization, the tanning ledges should be tiled or painted (so make sure you take that into consideration when you’re planning).
They’re safe (to the point of tough love). You won’t have to worry about slipping on the surface of your gunite pool’s tanning ledge. The plaster finish on a gunite pool is non-skid. However, it can be rough on the feet and paws and can snag your swimsuit.

Tanning Ledges in Fiberglass Pools

Fiberglass pools have come a long way over the last few years, and manufacturers offer many sizes and configurations for tanning ledges. Here are reasons why fiberglass tanning ledges are so great:

Extreme durability. Innovations in fiberglass pool manufacturing provide integrated structural support, so they are highly durable.
Affordability. Particularly in the Midwest, a fiberglass pool with a tanning ledge will be much less expensive than a custom gunite pool with one. That is because the tanning ledge is already built into the fiberglass design.
Non-slip (but gentle on feet and paws). The surface of a fiberglass pool is a gel coat finish that’s the ideal combination of elegance, durability, and smoothness. Of course, everyone needs to be careful when entering and exiting any pool, but it’s the best you’re going to find for combined comfort and safety.

Love The Ledge Life

Adding a tanning ledge to your inground pool can significantly enhance your pool experience by offering a perfect spot for relaxation, play, and easy access. However, weighing the pros and cons of each pool type is essential to determine which best suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you prioritize safety, cost, or design flexibility, a tanning ledge can be a fantastic addition that brings enjoyment, style, and functionality to your pool space. Check out some of the best fiberglass tanning ledge designs and book a design consultation for detailed cost information.

The Top Five Things People Love About Tanning Ledges

Posted on December 18, 2018August 18, 2026 by krista

In today’s frazzled world, moments of true relaxation are hard to find. We all need time to unwind, chill and find inner peace. For some, the ideal oasis may be a sunny spot on a chaise lounge in a windowsill or a cozy chair by the fire in wintertime. However, for those of us who own (or are considering) an inground fiberglass pool, a tanning ledge can be the ultimate oasis for relaxation throughout the swim season. They can also be a wonderful feature for every member of the family (both two and four-legged) as well as help make your pool unique. Let’s take a look at the top five reasons why you’ll love your tanning ledge. You can:

Get sun and be chill. If you love soaking up rays but soon find yourself getting overheated and seeking shade, a built-in tanning ledge is the ideal solution for you. Cooling your heels (and your bottom!) in just a few inches of water while you revel in luxurious feeling of the warm sun on your face is absolute heaven. Add in a ledge lounger, complete with a sun shade equipped with a mobile device viewer, throw in an ice bin side table to keep a cold beverage at the ready, and you’ll find yourself wondering why you would ever want to leave your own yard.
Show your style. Tanning ledges aren’t only luxurious–they’re also really cool-looking! If you want your pool to be a reflection of your personality and style, add a tanning ledge and deck it out with awesome features like illuminated bubblers, fountains and spillways into the pool. Pull together the decor of the rest of your pool area by choosing custom cushions for your ledge lounger that coordinate with your other outdoor furnishings.
Create a kiddo zone. Kids love to be in the pool, but their fun-time can be stressful for you if your head is on a swivel the whole time they’re swimming. Creating a kiddo zone on the tanning ledge gives them a shallow spot to play while you’re just an arm’s length away, supervising more comfortably on your awesome ledge lounger.
Ease on in. Anyone with a mobility issue will appreciate the way a tanning ledge allows them to ease into the pool without negotiating large steps. So if Grandma wants to play in the water with the kids, there’s a spot for all of them. (You might even share your ledge lounger with them … but it’s okay if you don’t.)
Fun for Fido. Your four-legged kids love to be in the pool too. If you like to share the water with your pups, tanning ledges are a great entry and exit point for them. Swimming is great exercise for dogs and you’ll be delighted to find them sacked out and calm after a long day in the pool.

With all the great benefits tanning ledges have to offer, the question really isn’t “Should I get a built-in tanning ledge for my inground fiberglass pool?” but rather, “How will we all fit on the tanning ledge, and do I really have to share it?” It’s a must-have luxury that you deserve, so if you’re dreaming of a new inground pool for the upcoming swim season, make sure you choose a pool design that includes a built-in tanning ledge. It will be your oasis for years to come.

To get more information about creating your own backyard swimming pool paradise, contact Thursday Pools today. We offer a wide variety of pool designs with built-in tanning ledges in a huge selection of shapes, sizes and colors, as well as the world’s first beach entry fiberglass pools, Grace and Sandal (Patent US 10,358,837 and 10,472,839).

Based in Fortville, Indiana, Thursday Pools manufactures handcrafted inground fiberglass pool shells of the high quality. All Thursday Pools fiberglass pools with built-in tanning ledges are available to be installed with our patented Geo Anchoring Pool System, which provides increased strength for the pool structure. Thursday Pools is both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, which means we adhere to international standards for both quality and environmental stewardship.

Get an estimate on a Thursday Pools inground fiberglass pool today.

#ingroundfiberglasspools #fiberglasspools #tanningledges #ledgeloungers #ThursdayPools

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

Posted on December 14, 2018July 16, 2026 by krista

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

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

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

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

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

Cabanas Collection

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

Daybeds

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

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

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

Create Your Own Private Backyard Beach Pool Oasis

Posted on November 8, 2018July 30, 2026 by riley

Beach vacations create family memories you’ll cherish forever—from building sandcastles with the kids and lounging with a good book to simply putting down your phone and reconnecting with the people you love. But beach vacations can also create memories you may not find as heartwarming, like dragging enough sand into the car to build a sandcastle in the backseat, fighting crowds for the best spots, or realizing you forgot the sunscreen as soon as you settle into your lounge chair. Wouldn’t it be great if you could have the beach all to yourself, enjoying the water in a beach entry pool and staying sand-free in your backyard beach pool oasis?

Top that off with the creature comforts of a clean bathroom, stocked refrigerator, and unlimited snacks and supplies just steps away in the house, and you’ve got the best of both worlds.

But how is this possible?

Beach entry pools, once only available to high-end resorts and hotels, are now available for residential installations in durable and low-maintenance fiberglass in both rectangle and freeform shapes. With a zero entry pool, you can experience the feeling of a lazy day at your backyard beach pool every day, without the travel time, expense and hassle of getting there. Once you’ve installed your new beach entry fiberglass pool, you can evoke the ambiance of the beach in even more ways.

Check out these fun tips to enhance your “day at the beach” experience in your own backyard.

Surround your beach entry pool with tropical plants. There’s no better way to recreate the tropical feelings of the beach than with trees and plants you might typically find there. In the Midwest, you may have to plant tropicals, like palms, in pots and bring them indoors for the winter, but it’s worth a little extra effort to be able to listen to the palm leaves rustle in the wind on a breezy summer day.
Add tanning ledge loungers to your backyard beach pool. Sitting in a lounge chair on the shore with the waves gently lapping at your toes is heavenly. You can replicate that experience with tanning ledge loungers that allow you to enjoy the cool, refreshing water on your feet (and bottom!) while enjoying a good book or soaking up the sun.
Choose decor that feels like a beach resort. Choosing furniture, throw pillows, outdoor rugs, and lighting in cool shades of sandy tan, blue, and white will help create that posh, upscale-beach-resort feeling that transports you thousands of miles from home.
Throw a beach party. Once your new backyard beach pool oasis is installed, landscaped, and furnished, what else is left to do but throw a beach-themed party? Whether it’s a casual cookout with a few friends or a more elaborate waterside celebration like a wedding, anniversary party, or rehearsal dinner, your new backyard beach will become the focal point of your parties and the envy of the neighborhood.

Finding ways to create quality time with family and friends is a perfect solution to reduce stress and unleash more joy in your day-to-day life. Discover all the fun that awaits!

How Much Do Add-On Features Add to Pool Cost?

Posted on October 22, 2018July 16, 2026 by riley

When you’re looking into an inground fiberglass pool, pool cost is often one of the first considerations. While resources like pool cost calculators can provide base package pricing, they might not account for add-on features—both essential and non-essential—that can significantly impact your budget. Think of heaters, lighting, tiling, covers, and more. If your dream pool includes all the bells and whistles, this guide will help you understand how much these features might cost so you can plan and budget wisely.

LED Pool Lighting

LED lights don’t just brighten your pool; they transform it into a stunning nighttime retreat. They provide ambiance and visibility, extending the usability of your pool well into the evening. To achieve the desired effect, you’ll need to calculate the lumens required based on your pool’s size and surface color. You’ll need a minimum of eight lumens per square foot of pool water surface area (which is roughly equivalent to one watt per square foot.) Depending on your pool’s size and the light output (or lumens,) you may need multiple LED pool lights to get the effect you’re after. Keep in mind that the pool surface color can also impact light visibility. The darker the pool surface color, the more the light will be absorbed.

Estimated Addition to Pool Cost: $1,500–$3,500.

Pool Tile

Perimeter tile (also called waterline tile) and inlaid pool tile can dramatically impact the look and feel of a swimming pool. Tile can also designate steps, depths, and ledges to enhance swimmers’ safety. Pool tiles are typically available in ceramic, porcelain, or glass and come in multiple sizes, patterns, and designs. All of these options will impact the cost of your pool tile. The price varies based on material and customization.

Estimated Addition to Pool Cost: $4,500–$8,500 for waterline tile. Custom inlaid tiles and mosaics can cost significantly more. You’ll need to get an estimate from a pool builder for these tile types.

Water Features

From simple additions like deck jets and bubblers to extravagant custom waterfalls, water features can elevate your pool’s look and feel. They’re perfect for adding a touch of fun or a resort-like vibe to your backyard. Deck jets and bubblers are simple water features that add ambiance for less. Higher-end water features like cascades and custom rock waterfalls cost more and offer a luxury experience.

Estimated Addition to Pool Cost: Bubblers range from $1,000 to $2,500 each, while deck jets range from $1,000 to $1,500. Certain cascade/waterfall features can add anywhere from $1,300 to $25,000 to your pool cost.

Pool Heaters (and Chillers!)

Control your pool’s temperature for year-round enjoyment. Pool heaters extend your pool swimming season and allow you to enjoy a quick dip even when temperatures start to fall. Some heat pumps even offer a chiller option whether you live in a warmer climate or just want to keep your pool water cool and refreshing in the hottest part of the summer.

Estimated Addition to Pool Cost: Natural gas or propane heaters cost, on average, between $1,500 to $2,500. Electric pool heaters or heat pumps typically cost about twice as much as natural gas or propane pool heaters; they’ll run between $2,000 -$5,000. The chiller option adds about $1,500-$3,500 to the cost of a standard heat pump.

Pool Covers

Most pool owners in regions where the seasons change choose to purchase some type of pool cover. Options range from basic winter covers to top-of-the-line automatic safety covers. Automatic pool covers provide the security of a safety cover with the additional bonus of automatically opening or closing the pool cover more quickly with the touch of a button. They can also save you money by keeping heat in and debris out, reducing your heating bills and chemical costs. Because they run on a track system, automatic covers are best suited for rectangular-shaped pools, while other pool cover types fit a variety of shapes.

Estimated Addition to Pool Cost: Basic winter covers will cost between $50 and $350, depending on the pool size and material quality. Safety covers are custom-made and cost between $1,700 and $5,000 (considerably more if your pool is multi-tiered.) Installation is an additional cost. Automatic safety covers can range between $12,000 and $17,000 depending on the size of your pool and the mounting style you choose.

Slides

Pool slide options have come a long way in the last decade. Once simple designs now incorporate more complex shapes and water features. If a slide is on your must-have list, be sure to look into safety precautions. Please note: Thursday Pools strongly recommends that slides not be installed or used with its pools, given the inherent dangers associated with slides in residential pools.

Estimated Addition to Pool Cost: Traditional pool slides cost between $4,500 and $6,000. More feature-rich pool slides range from $8,000 to $12,000.

Automatic Pool Cleaners

It’s important to keep your pool clean. Save time and energy with robotic pool cleaners that can handle cleaning so you can focus on enjoying your pool. There are dozens of automatic pool cleaners on the market, and the choices can be overwhelming. Be sure to consult with your pool builder about which brands or types they recommend for your pool, and do your research to see which ones have the functions that meet your needs.

Estimated Addition to Pool Cost: Most automatic pool cleaners range from $1,500 to $3,000. Many of them will also come with optional storage and transportation carts at an additional cost.

Is Owning a Pool Expensive?

Owning an inground swimming pool has definite benefits but isn’t a small purchase. A pool is often one of the larger purchases a homeowner can make when upgrading their outdoor living space.

Consider the upfront costs associated with having the pool installed and the lifetime costs of maintaining the pool. The upfront pool cost will be exactly that – more money you’ll have to pay in one short amount of time. However, maintenance costs must also be considered and will vary based on pool type.

And remember, many of the add-ons we discussed here don’t necessarily have to be included in the initial installation of the pool and may be added on later, so if you think you might like to have these features down the road, be sure to factor those into your overall pool budget. If you’re looking to get some ballpark figures for a fiberglass pool (including many of the add-ons mentioned above), check out our fiberglass inground pool cost estimator. Book a design consultation today if you’d like to have a more direct discussion with a pool builder near you!

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!

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