Welcome to the Gib-San SPLASH Newsletter! SPLASH newsletter is just one way we offer you more enjoyment from the pool, hot tub, BBQ grill, fireplace, and other products you’ve bought from us. SPLASH keeps you in touch with what is happening at Gib-San and the latest information on the products that help you care for your purchases and complement your lifestyle. We hope you enjoy it.

We are proud of our company and would like to share the latest developments at Gib-San in our ongoing pursuit of quality and professional personnel development.

Top winner at International Awards of Excellence

Gib-San Pools won the top award at the Master Pools Guild 2007 Awards of Excellence contest presented at the semi-annual Guild meeting in Jacksonville, Florida March 4th.  The winning pool was built on the island of St. Maarten and has gained fame with airline passengers pointing it out during their take-off, and no wonder, since at 5000 sq. ft. it is one of largest residential pools in the world.  Gib-San has developed the expertise of designing and installing estate pools in distant locations.  In total, Gib-San won 24 awards in the Guild awards contest.

This outstanding pool won a Special Design Award in The Art of Water competition for pool builders across Canada sponsored by Pools & Spa Marketing magazine.  Gib-San won 8 other awards including 2 golds in this competition. 

Ed Gibbs elected 2008 President of The Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada

This industry organization is committed to improving the Canadian aquatic leisure industry for businesses and consumers alike. Association members consist of builders and contractors, retailers, service providers, manufacturers and distributors of swimming pools, hot tubs and water feature products. Gib-San has a long history of working for the betterment of the swimming pool industry.

Jacuzzi Hot Tub Service Award - for the
6th year

Gib-San Pool & Hot Tub Centre received a Service Award at the Jacuzzi international dealer meeting in California. This is awarded to those companies who provide excellent sales and service to clients and whose staff have excelled in the Technical Service Training courses.

Meeting Bill!

Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker at the Power Within seminar in Toronto last fall. Ed Gibbs, President, and Peter Friis, Vice President of Gib-San attended and found the meeting inspiring. They had photo-op meetings with this famous former President of the United States. According to Ed, “This certainly was a historic moment. It was moving to meet someone who has had such an impact on the world’s political stage.”

Gallery of Master Pools ideas book

If you are looking for ideas for your backyard poolscape, the Gallery of Master Pools book is the source. This 88-page glossy coffee-table book is a compendium of poolscapes built by members of the Master Pools Guild. The Guild is a global network of over 100 elite custom pool builders who share techniques and technology in their commitment to build the finest pools in the world. Several Gib-San pools are included. If you are planning to build a pool and want to order this book for ideas, complete the order form at www.gibsanpools.com/gmp or call 416-749-4361 to talk with a Design and Build Consultant.

Active Master Pools Guild member

Jay Middleton, Head Designer at Gib-San, is co-chair of Generation Next, an educational program aimed specifically at the members' next generation of managers. Peter Friis, Vice President of Gib-San was chair of the International Awards of Excellence contest Judging Committee for 2007.

Creation Centre has Virtual Poolscape

This creation center has a backyard poolscape complete with an operating pool and with water features such as a waterfall, sheer descents and more. According to Ed Gibbs, “This newly expanded facility allows us to give families a glimpse of what their poolscape could look like and to demonstrate how easy it will be to operate. Our objective is to simplify the design and decision making process by showing the many options available and then putting them in perspective relative to the client’s backyard vision and budget.” Creating your poolscape in this environment with a Gib-San Design and Build Consultant to guide and advise you, makes designing your backyard resort easy. Call (416) 749-4361 for an appointment today.

New Toronto By-laws

Also a new Toronto Fence by-law aimed at increasing safety will require interior backyard fences around new pools. Gib-San both as a company and through the industry association is very active in communicating with city authorities to ensure this by-law is applied in a practical way.

<< Back to top

Resorts for small backyards

Just because your backyard is small doesn’t mean you can’t have a great pool with entertaining features. At Gib-San we consider the total yard space to ensure you get the most from it, such as hiding the pool equipment in a cabana that doubles as an outdoor kitchen and entertainment centre. In-pool steps can save deck space while providing a sunning bench. A waterfall provides privacy by masking the neighbours’ conversations with its relaxing music. Properly designed, you will be amazed at how large your yard feels. Talk to our Design and Build Consultants and they’ll help you to maximize your yard’s space!

How old is your pool equipment?

At one time, all pools were equipped with pumps that ran 24/7 and sand filters that had to be backwashed every few days. Times and equipment have changed. Upgrading equipment has some real advantages. A Jandy Advanced Technology System means the equipment almost looks after itself, with each piece linked to the other by an Aqualink Control System. This monitors and automatically adjusts the sanitation level and can be programmed to circulate at the best times for your lifestyle and when energy rates are lowest. Equipment is quieter and more energy efficient. Cartridge filters capture much finer particles than sand and require cleaning only once or twice a season. The result is cleaner more sparkling water. A Gib-San consultant can demonstrate how easily the handy remote controller can change everything from your waterfall flow to pool and landscape lights. Save energy, time, and enjoy your pool more with the advantages of new technology.

Gib-San Retail implements ISO systems

The Pool & Hot Tub Centre is integrating systems to bring it within the organizational scope of ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management Systems and OHSAS 18001:1999 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. Gib-San is committed to professional systems and is currently working towards its third ISO certification, ISO 14001:2004 Environmental Management Systems.

Gib-San Employment Opportunities

While many Gib-San employees are retained year round, the nature of the business will require additional help during the upcoming months. Gib-San employees receive training at our on site facility, this helps us to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Available positions are advertised on our website under the “Employment Opportunities” section. Employment inquiries can be forwarded to jobs@gibsanpools.com.

<< Back to top

Gib-San Pool and Hot Tub Centre is open year round. Get ready for the swimming season early - drop by and see what’s new for the 2008 season. Take advantage of the convenience of four product centres in one - each with informative displays for your shopping convenience. Pool Care & Accessories Centre Jacuzzi Hot Tub Centre BBQ & Gourmet Grill Centre Fireplace Centre - for inside & out

Annual Spring Sales Event – Saturday May 17th through Sunday May 25th

Come and see our great in-store specials on BBQs, pool care products and Jacuzzi Hot Tubs. Enjoy some refreshments and see if you will win a prize. We will help get your backyard resort ready for the season.

Pool Care & Accessories

BioGuard 3-Step Kits – The easy water care system!

BioGuard has developed a pool care system that gives great looking water with only 15 minutes a week. It's as easy as
1-2-3.

• Smart Sticks® sanitizer. Add into the skimmer. Dissolves only when the pump is on.
• Smart Shock® weekly oxidizing clarifier.  Gets rid of swimmer wastes.  You can swim again in just 15 minutes,
• Banish® algae preventative.  Strongest algae protection available.

BioGuard 3-Steps work together so you can you work less, spend less, and enjoy your pool more!

Hot Tub Centre

Try a Jacuzzi hot tub Do you ever wonder how relaxing a hot tub can be? We have one set up and ready for you to try. Drop by and see our wide range of models to suit every lifestyle and budget. We can even help you design a relaxing landscape environment to suit your new tub. Hydro-massage is as an ideal way to reduce stress and is something your whole family will enjoy at the same time.

Fireplace Centre

Come see the latest Vermont Casting™ and Majestic™ gas and electric fireplaces. We’ve got them working in a home-like setting for easier visualization in your own living areas – indoor or out.

Keeping warm on the Patio Consider extending your season for outside enjoyment with an outdoor fireplace by Majestic, or adding a PatioFlame® by Napoleon. A Napoleon patio heater radiates heat up to 7m (20ft) and will also ward off the chill by your hot tub or dining areas.

Gib-San has the two best brands of gourmet grills – making it easy for you to compare and select the model that best suits your cooking lifestyle and budget.

Newly designed Vermont Casting BBQs
Vermont Castings has launched exciting new-styled BBQs for 2008. Come in and compare the different models with such innovative features as a marinating tray with cutting-board cover, flexible light for better night vision, towel bar and more. Beautiful stainless steel construction with heat-retaining cast iron lid ends. Delivering superior flavour and remarkable efficiency – this cooking system will make you an expert chef. It's all here and ready to grill. For recipes and to share recipes go to www.myownbbq.com/recipe/center/

Authorized dealer for Napoleon Gourmet Grills. Come and see why they are called “Gourmet Grills.” A favourite model for serious outdoor grill masters is the Napoleon Prestige II PT450RBI model with over 61,000 BTUs and 694 sq. in. of total cooking space. Use the infrared ceramic burner on one side to sear in the juices and the flavour then continue to cook over the patented 16 gauge, stainless steel burners. Compare the features for the model just right for you.

<< Back to top

Try this Napoleon BBQ Recipe: Country BBQ Spare Ribs

Directions: 4 racks pork back-ribs 1 1/2 lbs each; 1 onion; 1 carrot; 8 whole black peppercorns; 1 bay leaf; 2 cloves garlic chopped 2 tbsp Au Printemps BBQ Basting Sauce OR Country BBQ Sauce - 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil, 1 red onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup (240 ml) beef stock, 3/4 cup (180 ml) ketchup, 1/2 cup (120 ml) frozen orange juice concentrated, 1/2 cup (120ml) chili sauce, 2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp (15 ml) instant coffee, 1 tsp (5 ml) celery seed, 1 tsp (5 ml) crushed chili peppers, 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper Preheat grill to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Place ribs meat-side down in a large roasting pan. Add whole onion, carrot, peppercorns, bay leaf and garlic. Barely cover all ingredients with water. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 2 1/2 hours or until meat begins to pull away from bones. Meanwhile, turn your side burner on & over medium heat, sauté onion in vegetable oil for 3 minutes, or until soft. Add garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds. Add Au Printemps BBQ Basting Sauce (Continental Specialties line) or remaining ingredients and simmer for 30 minutes. (Makes 3 cups of sauce.) Turn grill down to medium. With ribs on grid meat-side down, brush lightly with sauce. Grill approximately 30 minutes, turning and brushing with sauce frequently, until ribs are crispy and a deep golden brown. Makes 4 - 6 servings. For other recipes go to the Napoleon Grills website

<< Back to top

Want to really relax this summer? Why not book Gib-San to open and maintain your pool or hot tub all season? Call 416-749 4361 ext. 232 or email service@gibsanpools.com.

If you open your pool every year, come by the Gib-San Pool & Hot Tub Centre first for opening chemicals and a quick refresher on opening details you might have forgotten. After you have given your pool an initial shock and algaecide treatment and let it run for a couple of days, then bring in your water for testing so we can advise you on what is required for correcting the water balance. Remember the Spring Sales Event is May 17th to 25th.

Pool heater maintenance

Aside from cleaning dirt and spider webs from the inside of the heater every spring, the single most important maintenance consideration for a heater is maintaining proper water balance to avoid erosion of the heat exchange element.

<< Back to top

"Delivering our clients' dreams"