Design & Build
Pool Features
Creating a Pool that is Uniquely Yours
Key Features
Determining a pool shape is the next decision after deciding on either a vinyl or concrete pool. There are hundreds of pools shown in the Photo Gallery to provide inspiration for your unique space. Our team will help guide you in making this decision once we have had the opportunity to discuss your preferences. It is equally important for our team to have the opportunity to review your home architecture and interior sight lines to create a strategic layout.
Water Features add both beauty, sound reduction and focal points.
For Gib-San to custom design a pool we need to understand your interests, lifestyle, and yard limitations. Will it be a formal or natural pool, or a rectangular or free-form shape? What type of entry steps? Will it have a waterfall, fountains or a feature wall? All these features impact the shape and sense of formality of the pool.
Water & Pool Features
Every Gib-San pool is unique. Choose from a wide array of options for your pool, from easy-access steps to special water features such as waterfalls, fountains, and vanishing edges that not only please the eye, but create music with the soothing sound of water.
Water Features add both beauty, sound reduction and focal points.
Attached Spas: Enjoy hydrotherapy in your custom Gib-San spa. Spas can be raised or flush – our team will be able to review the best suited option for your family.
Jumping rocks add enjoyment. Large stone slabs have virtually replaced diving boards and slides because of better aesthetics and improved safety.
Pool steps are more than just a point of entry. Even vinyl lined pools can have steps that provide more lounging area with massage jets and a play area for small children. A Gib-San designer will help you choose these options.
Sun Ledges are wonderful for enjoyment, design and young children. Perfect for soaking up the sun and cooling down on a hot summer day. They are great for showcasing trendy in-pool furniture and provide visual poolside charm. Sun shelves are a wonderful option for families with young children or grandchildren, providing a splash pad feel in the pool.
Coping options – A wide variety of materials come into play for custom concrete pools. Coping for vinyl-lined pools has changed also with a multi-track option for attaching a winter cover and also colour options of grey or white.
Fire & Water Bowls – Elements like fire bowls, fireplaces, and other fire features do more than provide a stunning look (although they are showstopping against shimmering pool water). They also lengthen the day with evening ambience, as well as lengthen the season by providing heat during the fall and winter months.
Swim jets create a current within the water to provide the ability to get a swim workout in without needing a lap pool. Use your pool as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Glass Tile: Choose from a wide variety of glass mosaic tile to make your pool sparkle even more!
Water and fire features enhance your backyard experience
We simplify this for you by making you aware of your options for key features along with our recommendations. It is our priority to determine your wants and needs in order to provide you with a design that captures your vision. The following is a brief overview of some of these considerations.
Pool Equipment & Accessories
Gib-San will recommend equipment based on experience, performance requirement and your budget. Pool equipment technology. Pool equipment technology and innovation has advanced significantly to automate many pool operations and provide greater energy efficiency, while optimizing healthy sparkling clear water.
Primary Operating System – The pump and filter specifications are matched to your pool’s requirements. This may vary depending on specific pool requirements.
- We recommend cartridge filtration because it offers much finer filtering than a sand filtration system and does not require backwashing
- A variable-speed pump is our preference for both energy efficiency and quietness.
- An energy efficient heater is always recommended as part of the equipment package for maximizing the season, your comfort and saves you money!
Water Management Systems – The recommended technology for sanitizing pools is a UV or Ozone system with a low chlorine or bromine dispensing system. The same way that bottled drinking water is produced. We will advise you of the pros and cons for your specific pool. We do not recommend salt pool chlorine generating systems on new pools now, but we will service existing systems. These water treatment systems are both human and pet friendly due to very low chlorine and no salt levels that can irritate our skin. Our goal is to provide our clients with the experience of swimming in bottled water.
- Seasonal winter covers – A Gib-San designer can advise you on the merits of the two cover options that are available.
- Winter safety cover stretches across the pool like a custom trampoline virtually eliminating the need to remove water-soaked leaves. It looks better and provides more safety, even for pets, all winter long.
- The traditional winter cover sits on the pool water and is held in place by the coping track or by water bags.
- Fitness accessories – Volleyball and basketball net systems add hours of family fun and can be set into the decking with easy setup and removal options.
- Entry-assist support railings – Customized pool-entry areas and railings can be added for seniors and rehabilitation exercising.
- In-pool lighting co-ordinated with garden lighting – Lighting enhances both the beauty and safety of your backyard setting. Choose from bold white to mood-shifting colour-sequencing LED lighting to enhance any entertaining mood.
Fencing
Select fencing for safety, privacy, and aesthetics – Fencing must meet certain safety standards to restrict access from outside the backyard, and in Toronto from the house to the pool as well. Gib-San design and build consultants will advise you on the specifics for your backyard situation.
To see a variety of fencing options refer to the “Photo Gallery – Yard Accessories – Fencing” section. It shows you a wide variety of materials and appearances available that will greatly enhance the beauty of your backyard environment while providing privacy at the same time.
Regulations
Most regulations are community specific. We will advise you of the regulations for your specific community. The following are two regulations specific to Toronto:
Toronto fencing by-law – The by-laws regulating fencing of the pool area were significantly revised in 2008. For details, click here (PDF)
Toronto water disposal by-law – The by-laws regulating the discharge of pool and spa water into storm sewers places significant restrictions and potential fines for doing so. This impacts those with salt water pools. For details, click here.
