Visualize your complete dream setting when planning a pool - Gib-San will help by showing you creative options from rock walls to water features, cabanas and patio types. Our design consultants will advise you on how to best integrate the pool with the patio, play areas and landscaping with your natural setting.

The CAD computer design process - The initial objective of a design plan is to assist you in visualizing how all the elements will fit together and into your planned space. It is then rendered into working drawings for the respective installation teams, and into different phases if required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a pool involves consideration of other future plans that might impact on it. It also requires some budget planning as well. Here are some frequently asked questions about the process.

Q-1: What size and shape should the pool be?

Q-2: How can the pool be incorporated into a sloped yard?

Q-3: Who oversees the project to completion?

Q-4: How do I determine a budget for a pool and backyard landscaping?

Q-5: Can it be done in phases?

Q-6: Is there a charge for the plan?

Design Planning Checklist

A checklist of options for your pool & landscape creation - Many of the key decisions and options are listed to assist in planning your new pool and backyard living environment. Whether you are looking at a new pool or renovating an existing pool, the following will make you more aware of the available options, features, and toys available.

Pool Type

Will it be a custom concrete or vinyl lined pool? - That is one of your first decisions. Refer to the Pool Type section to see how each are produced and the advantages of one over the other.

Pool Shape

There are hundreds of pool shapes shown in the Photo Gallery – If you prefer a concrete pool describe the shapes that appeal to you and Gib-San will propose a custom design. Keep in mind when designing a concrete pool, virtually any shape is possible! For vinyl lined pools refer to the “Pool Types - Vinyl Liner Pools section.” In addition to the Photo Gallery to see pool shape options, link to the pool kit manufacturer's website (Kafko.com) for a detailed listing of shapes.

Pool Liner Pattern

There is a wide and exciting variety of vinyl liner patterns – Refer to the “Pool Types - Vinyl Liner Patterns Section” (Kafko.com) to choose the one you like best.

Water & Pool Features

Every Gib-San pool is unique because of the myriad of options – Some people place more emphasis on aesthetics with special waterfalls, fountains, or vanishing edge features that not only please the eye but the ear as well with the soothing sound of water.

Pool steps can be more than just a point of entry – There are options, even in vinyl lined pools. Some allow for a more lounging atmosphere with massage jets to relax by, while others can provide a play area for small children. A Gib-San consultant will help choose these options.

Coping options are also available – Coping can vary from stone overhang cantilevered features for aesthetic consideration, to durable plastic multi-track coping designed for winter cover attachment without the need for un-wielding water bags.

Pool Equipment & Accessories

The pool equipment will be selected by Gib-San – The pump and filter specifications are matched to your pool’s requirements, however when options are available we will explain their merits, such as sand filtration versus finer screening cartridge filtration systems. A heater is almost always recommended for maximizing the season and your comfort.

Pool equipment technology has advanced significantly – We will recommend options to simplify your pool operation while optimizing healthy sparkling water. Considerations may include: alternative sanitizers or automatic sanitizer dispensers to reduce the amount of chlorine required; operations control systems to automate and simplify operations; pool cleaning options from suction and powered systems to complete in-floor cleaning systems where water jets pop up from the floor to direct the dirt to the drain; automatic covers that in addition to simplifying the function are less obtrusive in the yard and provide more safety.

Jumping rocks and fitness accessories add enjoyment – Large stone slabs have virtually replaced diving boards and slides because of better aesthetics and safety. Volleyball and basketball net systems will add hours of family fun and can be set into the decking with easy setup and removal options. Support railings for entry assist and rehabilitation exercising are also available.

In-pool lighting coordinated with garden lighting - Lighting will enhance both the beauty and safety of your backyard setting. Choose from bold white light to mood-shifting colour-sequencing LED lighting, to enhance any entertaining mood.

Winter covers – There are two basic cover options. The winter safety cover is stretched across the pool like a custom trampoline for better appearance while virtually eliminating the need to remove fallen leaves. The traditional winter cover sits on the water of the pool and is held in place by the coping track, if that option is selected, or water bags. A Gib-San consultant can advise you on the merits of each system based on your requirements.

Select fencing for safety, privacy, and aesthetics – Fencing must meet certain safety standards to restrict access from outside the backyard. There is 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. Refer to the "Photo Gallery – Yard Accessories – Fencing" section. Removable pool-barrier fencing that restricts young children and pets from accessing the pool from the general backyard area is also available. This can easily be removed for social events, however it should be noted that a fence is no substitution for adult supervision of children when they are around a pool.

Hot Tubs

Being massaged by pulsing warm water is the ultimate in relaxation – You first have to decide whether you want a hot tub integrated with your pool, integrated into your patio and landscaping, or a stand-alone hot tub nestled into your deck. Do you want a concrete spa custom designed to your yard setting and patio stonework, or a preformed, pre-plumbed acrylic hot tub? There is a wide selection of acrylic hot tubs to chose from. See the Jacuzzi Hot Tub selection in the Pool & Hut Tub Centre section. These can be set into your patio stonework or surrounded with an attractive wood cabinet that will complement any patio setting.

Landscaping & Yard Features

The total backyard environment should be considered – Just like a picture, it is best to consider all the elements in the initial planning stage so one feature compliments another and ensuring there is compatibility of different building and landscaping materials. Even if the picture is done in phases, this initial planning will produce the most pleasing results.

The cabana design – How many functions will it perform? Will it store the pool equipment? Is it a change room; a garden tool shed; an outdoor kitchen and bar, or will some of these functions be located in separate structures?

Outdoor kitchen, BBQ and fire pit – If these are not integrated into the cabana, then where? These are often stand-alone features integrated into the patio closer to the house.

Gazebo or bridge – Having a meditation or reading spot in your yard, or creating a focal point that takes advantage of a small creek or pond, can add both tranquility and beauty to your dream setting.

Lawn sprinkler system – Why create your dream and then have someone in later to mar it. Plan this in right up front after the landscape plan is done.

Landscape theme – Our designers will help you get your ideas on paper. They will draw out the type of yard you envisage. Do you like lots of colourful flowerbeds or a more formal gardens with a fountain? Do your prefer more rustic natural stone and trees setting? Is there a need for privacy blocks from neighbours? Do your require a large play area with a playhouse and climber gym? Do you need large retaining walls to access lower yard areas better? How about focal stonework with weeping water or rushing waterfalls; or fish ponds and streams?

Let us help you visualize and make your dream a reality. The possibilities are endless … and so is the enjoyment!