Gilby Pools

Specializing in custom inground swimming pools.

Swimming Pool Contractors, Re- Marcite Specialist, swimming pool patio decks, swimming pool remodeling, commercial- residential, plaster, tile, stain.

Pools are the ultimate in summer fun, so get ready to dive into being a pool owner. Though owning a pool can sometimes seem overwhelming, the fun you'll get out of it will make up for the hard work you put into it.

Inground Swimming Pools
Inground pools can be any shape or size imagined and can range from the very basic to the extremely elaborate. Inground pool manufacturers and installers offer features and options that have made them more practical, functional, durable and more attractive.

There are many different materials and installation techniques to consider when thinking of an inground pool. Firstly, a hole must be dug where there are no existing underground systems or wires. The presence of underground pipes or cables will impact the pool's location. After the dirt has been removed, wiring and lines for the heater, pump, filter, lighting and fountains are installed.

Next, the pool wall or frames are installed. After the walls are in place a liner is put in if you are building a pool with a vinyl (PVC) liner. Gunite Pools use a sprayed concrete mix and an additional coating to create the wall and floor. Fiberglass Pools do not need a framing structure as an entire pre-made fiberglass bucket is placed into the ground.

Weather conditions and seasonal temperatures may affect when an ingrtound pool can be installed and how long the job will take. Many pool suppliers recommend hiring a professional, as inground pool installation is not only very difficult but requires skilled craftsmanship as well as high-tech machinery. Also, many structural problems can occur if the pool is not properly built, which can lead to costly repairs.

Pool Decks
Inground and above ground pool decks are available in many beautiful textures, designs and styles. Wood, tiles, stones, or concrete are commonly used for decks around swimming pools today.

Swimming pool decks can have one or many levels and can be bold or unassuming, depending on your preferred design. The deck's location is important as it will become a spot frequently used and should be strategically placed to enjoy the scenery while minimizing noise both to and from your neighbors.

There are two things to remember when searching for decking material:

• Swimming pool decks should be safe and to avoid injury they should never be slippery either dry or wet. They should also remain cool enough to walk on after a hot summer day.
• Pool decks normally require footings that are crucial to the strength and safety of the deck or patio structure.

Private pools are increasingly a feature of homes in greater latitudes. For example, in London many larger homes are now refurbished with indoor pools, usually in the basement or in a conservatory. In some European cities, including Munich, it is relatively common for people living in older properties to convert existing internal motorcar garages into indoor pool areas.

Construction methods for private pools vary greatly. The main types of in-ground pools are concrete, vinyl liner, and fiberglass. Above-ground pools (also called "on-ground pools") are usually cheaper to build. They are especially popular in places where ground freezing makes excavation difficult and threatens damage to the pool structure.

Inexpensive temporary PVC pools can be bought in supermarkets and taken down after summer. They are used mostly outdoors in yards, are typically shallow, and often their sides are inflated with air to stay rigid. When finished, the water and air can be let out and this type of pool can be folded up for convenient storage. They are regarded in the swimming pool industry as "splasher" pools intended for cooling off and amusing toddlers and children, not for swimming.

Some people use hot tubs and spas at home to soak their bodies in water for recreation and therapeutic reasons.

Many toys are available for children and other people to play with in pool water. They are often blown up with air so they are soft but still reasonably rugged, and can float in water.

Many countries now have strict pool fencing laws for private swimming pools, which require pool areas to be isolated so that unauthorized children younger than six years cannot enter. Many countries require a similar level of protection for the children residing in or visiting the house, although many pool owners prefer the visual aspect of the pool in close proximity to their living areas, and will not provide this level of protection. There is no general consensus between states or countries on the requirements to fence private swimming pools, and in many places they are not required at all, particularly in rural settings.

Proudly serving the Erie, PA area.