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.

Gib-San employees travelled west this year to Regina, Saskatchewan, to build an incredible indoor pool. Gib-San in Regina you say? Yes - over the years Gib-San has developed the expertise for distant estate and resort pool installations – from St. Kitts and St. Maarten in the Caribbean, to the French Riviera, the Maritimes and now Western Canada.

Click above to enlarge

In Regina, the basic pool structure was initially built on a pour-in-form basis along with the house structure. Gib-San was contacted to plaster and finish this large 7x16 m (22 ft.x 48 ft.) pool. Upon seeing the 4000 acre farm estate it became obvious to the Gib-San Design & Build team that something more creative was required than a "plain-Jane" rectangular pool. A design was proposed resulting in modifications that included benches for both lounging and entry, colourful LED lighting, an underwater sound system, mosaic tiled inlaid medallions, hand cut granite coping and custom mosaic tile overall with feature design work on the bottom. Gib-San's expertise in Laticrete membrane application and overall pool tiling gave them the confidence in the tile adhesion longevity for this undertaking. A feature entertainment wall was also created consisting of a large plasma screen television and water-action wet-wall and basin. Simply magical!

New website - coming soon - Watch for the newly designed Gib-San website showing the latest trends in pool and backyard resort living.  Check it out for everything from tips on planning your new pool and pool renovation, to information on BBQs, hot tubs and fireplaces for inside and out. See hundreds of pool pictures at www.gibsanpools.com. 

Toronto’s Fencing and Water Discharge By-laws -  As President of the Pool & Hot Tub Council of Canada for 2008, Ed Gibbs, President of Gib-San Pools Ltd., has had a challenging year leading the rebuttal to two onerous by-laws the City of Toronto passed this year. Both were passed without industry consultation and did not consider some pertinent issues that impact pool/home owners. The council worked on making application of these more practical.

• New Fencing By-law requires fencing a pool from direct access from the house. The pool council made representation to achieve more practical application guidelines. While this city by-law was motivated by child safety, something the pool industry always promotes, the industry feels stressing close supervision and safety education for both parents and children is a better solution. Having a pool at home to teach children to swim and respect water has a more lasting affect than another fence. Learning to swim at an early age is invaluable to children’s safety and not for just at their own homes.  Read  the Toronto By-law
  
  
• City of Toronto's Sewer Use Bylaw was changed June 2008, addressing the discharge of pool water from privately owned swimming pools, hot tubs and spas into the City's sewer system including mandatory adherence to Environmental Best Management Practices, as supported by the Pool and Hot Tub Council of Canada. For details:  www.toronto.ca/water/swimmingpools.

  Owners of pools, hot tubs and spas must ensure that chlorine/bromine levels are below .01 mg/L prior to releasing water into the storm sewer system. Since these chemicals dissipate on their own, leaving the pool uncovered for two weeks is usually enough time to reduce the levels to a legal amount. A neutralizer can also be used to reduce the levels of chlorine/bromine to an acceptable level.

  The water from salt water pools has high levels of chlorides and cannot be discharged into the storm sewer system - it must be carefully discharged into the sanitary system by way of temporary or permanent connection to the sanitary sewer system or onto the property of the pool owner. Salt water pool owners choosing to make a permanent connection from their pool to the sanitary sewer system must obtain a permit from Toronto Building.

Gib-San in Robb Report magazine -  One of Gib-San's pools was included in an article about swimming pools in the June issue of Robb Report Collection magazine. Gib-San has been honoured with other write-ups in this prestigious US luxury magazine.  

Pool planning made easy - Complete with two operating pools - the Gib-San Creation Centre has been designed with one objective in mind – to make it easy for home owners to plan their own backyard resorts.

Families can actually see many of the special water features– waterfalls, water jets, overflowing spas and vanishing edge operating first hand.  They can also operate the pool to see just how easy it really is with a remote control.  Even samples of decking materials and safety fence options are there to see first hand. Have a Gib-San Design and Build Consultant  give you an overview of pool types and design options so you can be more informed when designing your backyard resort. Call for an appointment today – we make it much easier.  

Pool ideas - Gallery of Master Pools
If you are looking for amazing ideas when planning your backyard pool, check out the Gallery of Master Pools. This glossy 88-page book is a compendium of pools built by over fifty members of the Master Pools Guild. Several Gib-San pools are included.  Order this book at www.gibsanpools.com/gmp - only $13.95 - or call 416-749-4361 for a Design and Build Consultant to give you a quotation and they will bring you one for Free. 

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Remodel with “wow”
If you really want to add some “wow” to your backyard, then do a pool remodel instead of just changing the liner. Get rid of the ladder and add walk-in steps that kids love to play on.  Add the mood lighting you always wanted for night swimming – the new multi-coloured LED lights rotate through them or lock onto your favourite colour.  Elevate your pool to a whole new image level with a custom installed Wiarton random flagstone deck and complementing feature waterfalls wall. What a difference from the tired looking brushed concrete ring-around-the-pool. The tranquil sound of the water falling masks out the traffic noise.  Now just add some landscaping to integrate it into the rest of your yard and voila - you have real “wow” in your backyard resort.  And Gib-San can do it all for you - one source - from design to landscaping!

Two-speed pump – so quiet!
A two-speed pump makes more sense than for just its quiet! For years one-speed pumps were the primary pumps installed, probably because their initial cost was less expensive.  However, over time they are more expensive because they consume much more power. Two-speed pumps lower your energy usage by up to 60%, thus lowering your energy bill and saving you money. It turns over the pool water just as well but takes longer, and the heater operates at the lower flow. It makes good sense to operate at low speed most of the time and to switch to high speed for cleaning or to operate certain water features. So why not make an energy efficient move this winter – and next summer you will hardly hear it!  

Want to operate your pool from your office?
Do you ever wish you could turn up the heat of your pool from the office - or monitor and operate your pool from outside the country?  How about adjusting the chemicals, changing the heater setting, or turning on lights and water features from wherever you are, or seeing what the pool serviceman is doing during his call?  This and more is possible with the Pool Nanny(TM) a pool remote management system developed by Pentair and Gib-San.  Just turn on your computer and you will be able to monitor your pool’s stats, adjust its settings and view the pool area – whether the pool is across town, at your country place or in another country.  Call Gib-San today for an estimate for a Pool Nanny for your pool – so you can monitor and operate your pool remotely. 

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Gib-San Pool and Hot Tub Centre is open year round with informative displays in four key categories: Water Care; Jacuzzi Hot Tubs, BBQ & Gourmet Grills, Fireplaces - for inside and out.

Water Care Centre

As an authorized Bio-Guard dealer, our staff are trained in water treatment  practices for both pools and hot tubs.  Whatever chemicals you need to operate or winterize your pool, we have it. Properly balanced water is not only easier to maintain but is easier on the equipment. Bring in your water for professional testing - it's free - and we will advise you on what, if anything, is required. Check out the hot tub accessories at the same time - from easy entry steps to swing-in trays that make entertaining that much easier. Or add a pool safety/winter cover this winter so you never have to scoop soggy leaves again. Whatever your needs for your backyard resort - we have it.   

Hot Tub Centre

Gib-San is the exclusive Jacuzzi dealer for Toronto – and winner of the Jacuzzi Service Award in 2007. We know about hot tubs, and Jacuzzi is still the leader after inventing the concept 50 years ago. Have a look at the different models on display to suit every lifestyle and budget. We can even help you plan how to landscape your hot tub into your home environment. 

Have you tried a hot tub yet? If you’ve ever wondered just how relaxing a hot tub can be, the Gib-San Centre has one set up to try. Nothing reduces stress like a hydro-massage, and it’s something your whole family will enjoy. What a terrific family Christmas gift! Check out our in-store specials.

Fireplace Centre

A fireplace warms up a room more than just with heat.   Whether it is your living room, recreation room, kitchen or great room -  adding a fireplace creates an exciting decorating focal area to a room.  Conversation seems to flow better with the tranquility of a fire that occupies those silent moments. Gib-San is an authorized Vermont Castings fireplace dealer - with a wide range of fireplace models and mantels to choose from.  It has never been easier to add a fireplace with the direct and indirect venting options. Come in from the cold and see our showroom of working fireplace models. We will help add warmth to your home this winter.

Extend your patio season with a patio heater Enjoy the outdoors even more with a Napoleon PatioFlame® firepit , or warm up the surrounding area of your dining and hot tub area with a Napoleon patio heater that radiates heat up to  8 m (25 ft.)  Either will ward off the chill this winter so everyone can enjoy themselves even more.

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.

Gib-San is an authorized dealer for Napoleon Gourmet Grills. Come and see why they are called “Gourmet Grills” with patented Wave™ cooking grids. The most versatile cooking system with great options:

• Direct and indirect cooking
• Rotisserie cooking
• Infra-red bottom burner cooking
• Convection style cooking
• Smoking
• Charcoal cooking

A popular model for serious outdoor grill masters is the Napoleon PT450RBI Prestige II Infrared Series with its ceramic infrared technology combined with Napoleon's patented stainless steel cooking system. The intense heat of the SIZZLE ZONE™ instantly locks in valuable juices and mouth watering flavor.

Vermont Castings BBQs are known for their beautiful stainless steel quality with heat-retaining cast iron lid ends. Come in and see the Signature series with its wide range of options to choose from. This cooking system will make you an expert chef.

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Try this Napoleon BBQ Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Scallop & Salmon Skewers

8 slices of bacon, about 1/2 lb. (250g) cut into 3 in. lengths 1 lb. (500 g) skinless salmon fillets, about 1" thick 1 lb. sea scallops (500 g) lemon wedges 1/4 cup 60 ml) olive oil 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp. chopped fresh sage or 1 tsp. dried sage 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper Blanching bacon - boiling it briefly in water - removes some of its fat and salt and tames its smoky flavor. Fill a saucepan two-thirds full with water and bring to a boil over high heat using your side burner. Add the bacon and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel. Set aside. Run your fingers over the salmon fillets to detect any errant bones; remove and discard any bones you find. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. If the small, flat muscle, or "foot", is still attached to the sides of each scallop, use your fingers or a small, sharp knife to remove and discard it. Place the scallops in a bowl with the salmon and add the olive oil, lemon juice, sage, salt and pepper. Toss to combine and coat the fish. Cover and refrigerate, tossing once or twice, for about 30 minutes. Preheat the grill to medium. Remove the scallops and salmon from the marinade; reserve the marinade. Wrap a piece of bacon around each scallop and each piece of salmon. Alternate the bacon-wrapped scallops and salmon on 4 - 6 skewers. Arrange the skewers on the rack. Grill, turning frequently and brushing two or three times during the first 4 minutes of cooking with the reserved marinade, until the bacon is lightly browned and sizzling and the scallops and salmon are just opaque throughout, about 8 minutes total. To serve, transfer to a warmed platter and serve at once with lemon wedges. Makes 4 - 6 servings. For other recipes go to the Napoleon Grills website

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