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Thursday Pools vs. Latham Pools: A Plunge Pool Comparison

Landscape photo of a small, blue, rectangular, inground pool with a handrail surrounded by a small concrete patio off the back of a house. Beyond the pool is a fence with a large body of water behind it. On the far left-side of the image next to the patio is grass. A boat can be seen on the water just behind the pool and fence.

There has been a growing trend in the inground pool world for some time. Pools aren’t cheap. There’s no getting around that. For that reason, many prospective pool owners are turning their sights to plunge pools, which offer compact swim space at a lower cost. This is especially true in the Midwest, where backyard space, budget, and maintenance all play significant roles in the buyer’s journey.

It is worth noting that fiberglass pools have been growing in popularity for years. It should come as no surprise that fiberglass plunge pools are now the talk of the town.

Two of the biggest names in the fiberglass plunge pools market are Thursday Pools and Latham Pool Products. Both manufacturers offer durable, high-quality fiberglass options, but the pools they offer vary in terms of size, shape, and overall design.

In this article, we’ll compare some of the most popular plunge pool models:

  • Latham Pools: Enchantment & Milan (each available in three sizes)
  • Thursday Pools: Nook, Drift, & Nest (each available in a single, fixed size)

So you want to enjoy swimming while also keeping your yard mostly intact, and save a buck or two in the process. No problem. If you’re considering an inground plunge pool, this breakdown will help you decide which option is the best fit for your backyard, budget, and long-term pool maintenance expectations.

What Is a Plunge Pool?

A plunge pool is a smaller-than-average pool designed for relaxation, cooling off, and light exercise rather than full swimming. Dimension-wise, on average, plunge pools tend to hover around 8 – 20 feet long, 6 – 10 feet wide, and 4 – 6 feet deep. Some plunges even reach up to 20 – 25 feet long, although at that point, you’re approaching a standard-sized pool. Plunges are excellent for:

  • Smaller backyards
  • Lower cost compared to full-size pools
  • Easier pool maintenance
  • Modern backyard designs

Many homeowners today are attracted to fiberglass plunge pools, as they arrive pre-manufactured and are installed much faster than concrete or vinyl liner pools. For a more in-depth breakdown on plunge pools, check out this article.

Latham Pools Plunge Options

Enchantment

Landscape photo of a rectangular blue inground pool on a wood deck. The pool is surrounded by bright orange wood panels, atop which sit bean bag chairs and a table with chairs and a couch sitting against the house this patio is connected to. The house is barely visible at the top of the image. To the right of the pools deep end in the upper right corner of the image is a closed dark gray hot tub.

The Enchantment is one of two plunge pools offered by Latham Pool Products. It features a rectangular design with a tanning ledge and connected seats, making it a great fit for modern backyards.

Key Features:

  • Available in three different sizes
  • 9’1″ x 17’5″; 4 feet 9 inches deep; holds 3,200 gallons
  • 9’1″ x 20’7″; 4 feet 9 inches deep; holds 4,000 gallons
  • 9’1″ x 23’10”; 4 feet 9 inches deep; holds 4,800 gallons
  • Tanning ledge
  • Built-in bench seating
  • Flat bottom for lounging and socializing
  • Compatible with automatic covers

Why It Stands Out:

The multiple size options, ranging from 17 feet long to almost 24 feet long, make the Enchantment ideal for homeowners who want optionality when designing their backyard.

Milan

Aerial landscape photo of a light blue, rectangular inground pool surrounded by a brick paver patio, which is enclosed by a steel and wood fence. The pool features a waterfall spillover in the deep end close to the bottom left corner of the image. The pavers are gray and square-shaped. Outside the patio beyond the fence is green grass.

The Milan offers a slightly different design, with a simpler layout and more available seating.

Key Features:

  • Available in three size options
  • 8′ x 14′; 4 feet deep; holds 1,200 gallons
  • 10′ x 16′; 4 feet deep; holds 2,450 gallons
  • 10′ x 20′; 4 feet ten inches deep; holds 3,900 gallons
  • Comfortable wrap-around seating areas
  • Clean, geometric design
  • Ideal for compact spaces
  • Compatible with automatic covers

Why It Stands Out:

Like the Enchantment, the Milan gives homeowners the ability to scale their pool based on yard size and budget, which can help control overall cost. Additionally, the full wrap-around seating makes for a great location for lounging and hosting get-togethers.

Thursday Pools Plunge Options

Thursday Pools takes a different approach to fiberglass plunge pools by offering four uniquely designed models, each with a single fixed size.

The Nook

Aerial landscape 3D-rendered image of a rectangular light blue inground pool surrounded by light gray square brick pavers. Outside the pool parallel to the shallow-end width are four lounge chairs cut off by the left-side of the image.

The Nook is designed for simplicity and relaxation.

Key Features:

  • 8’4″ x 16′; 4 feet 8 inches deep; Depth N/A
  • Built-in seating
  • Clean, modern design

Best For:

Homeowners with limited outdoor space looking for a backyard centerpiece.

The Drift

Aerial landscape photo of a rectangular light-blue inground pool featuring a handrail on the shallow-end width. The pool is surrounded by a light gray freeform concrete patio, atop which sit an umbrella off the deep-end width, and four lounge chairs parallel with the long side of the pool near the upper left corner of the image. The patio is partially surrounded by a garden at the top and bottom of the image. Beyond the mulch and concrete is grass.

The Drift is a unique plunge pool option that blends relaxation with more open swim space.

Key Features:

  • 8’4″ x 16′; 4 feet 8 inches deep; Depth N/A
  • Balanced layout between seating and open area
  • Contemporary design
  • Ideal for lounging and cooling off

Best For:

Homeowners who want ample seating as well as some swim space in their plunge pool.

The Nest

An aerial landscape photo of a portion of a backyard with a light blue rectangular inground pool in the center. The pool features an entry handrail and an automatic cover box. The pool is surrounded by a light gray concrete patio, atop which sit two lounge chairs next to the pool and an umbrella table area off the shallow end, cut off by the left-side edge of the image. Above the patio is grass, cut off by the top of the image. To the right of the patio is a fence, with wood flooring beyond that, cut off by the right-side edge of the image.

The Nest is one of the most unique plunge pool designs available.

Key Features:

  • 8’4″ x 16′; 4 feet 8 inches deep; Depth N/A
  • Simple, rectangular design
  • Compact footprint
  • Designed to be a focal point in backyard design

Best For:

Homeowners who want a simplistic, design-forward fiberglass plunge pool with decent swim space.

The Sea Turtle

Aerial landscape photo of a portion of a backyard with a light blue rectangular inground pool in the center of the frame. The pool features an automatic cover box and is surrounded by a patio comprised of square gray pavers. On both width sides of the pool are chairs. Outside the shallow end are four black lounge chairs. Outside the deep end are two white chairs. The pool equipment pad can be seen connected to the patio in the upper right corner of the image. On the right side of the patio is a gravel bed cut off by the end of the image. Surrounding the patio on the top and left side of the image is grass. Part of a white fence can be seen in the bottom right corner of the image.

The Sea Turtle is one of the oldest plunge pools offered by Thursday Pools, also featuring bench seating connected to the stairs and a uniform depth.

Key Features:

  • 9’9″ x 19’9″; 4 feet 6 inches deep; holds 4,300 gallons
  • Classic, rectangular design
  • Wrap-around bench surrounding entry steps
  • Open swim space

Best For:

Homeowners who want a bit more room without stepping up to a full-size inground pool.

Key Differences: Thursday Pools vs. Latham Pools

The biggest difference between these two manufacturers comes down to flexibility vs. design simplicity.

Size Flexibility

  • Latham Pools: Multiple size options (Enchantment & Milan each come in three different sizes)
  • Thursday Pools: One size per model

If your backyard requires a very specific size, Latham offers more flexibility.

Design Approach

  • Latham Pools: The Enchantment combines lounge and swim space. Milan emphasizes lounging and quick dips and has limited swim space.
  • Thursday Pools: Ample swim space with the Sea Turtle and the Nest. The Nook and Drift are designed with lounging and cool-offs in mind.

Thursday Pools stands out for homeowners focused on aesthetics and design.

Installation Considerations

Both brands offer fiberglass plunge pools, meaning:

  • Faster installation compared to vinyl or concrete
  • Less long-term pool maintenance
  • Smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist algae

However, size flexibility with Latham may make installation easier in tighter or uniquely shaped yards.

Plunge Pool Cost

When comparing plunge pool cost, both brands fall into a similar overall range, but design and size options can influence pricing.

Factors That Affect Cost:

  • Pool size
  • Excavation and site access
  • Decking, landscaping, and any additional
  • Add-ons (heaters, lighting, automatic covers)

General Cost Range (Midwest):

  • $70,000 – $85,000+ installed

Smaller, fixed-size pools (like Thursday Pools models) may help control costs, while larger Latham options may increase the total investment.

Pool Maintenance: What to Expect

One of the biggest advantages of fiberglass pools in general is the reduced pool maintenance compared to other inground pool types.

Benefits of Fiberglass Plunge Pools:

  • Lower chemical usage
  • Smooth surface resists algae
  • Easier cleaning
  • Less water volume to maintain

Whether you choose a Latham or Thursday model, fiberglass plunge pools are among the easiest inground pools to maintain. They already have the fiberglass advantage.

Which Plunge Pool Is Right for You?

Choosing between Thursday Pools and Latham Pool Products depends on your priorities.

Choose Latham Pools If You Want:

  • Multiple size options
  • More control over pool dimensions
  • A simple, pre-sized solution

Choose Thursday Pools If You Want:

  • Versatile, modern designs
  • A statement piece for your backyard
  • A simple, pre-sized solution

Conclusion

When it comes to fiberglass plunge pools, you can’t go wrong with either of these manufacturers. Both Thursday Pools and Latham Pools offer excellent options for homeowners looking to install a fiberglass pool in their backyard. Whether you prioritize flexibility, design, or budget, both brands deliver high-quality fiberglass plunge pools that are efficient, stylish, and easier to maintain than larger inground pools.

If you’re considering adding a plunge pool to your backyard in Northwest Indiana or South Chicagoland, working with an experienced swimming pool contractor can help you evaluate your space, compare options, and determine the best fit for your needs and long-term pool maintenance goals.

If you’re ready to make the move to transform your backyard, you can get a quote here. For more information about inground pools, check out the articles below. For more information on all things pools, concrete, and landscaping, dive into our learning hub at the top of the page. Have a great day!

Three Unknown Facts About Fiberglass Inground Pool Construction

How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost in 2026?

Written by Logan Edgemon