In-Ground Pool Water Slides Are They Worth It?

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In-Ground-Pool-Water-Slides-Are-They-Worth-It4In-ground pool water slides are a great way to add a ton of fun and excitement to your pool. You can turn your pool into a water playground with the feel of a water park.  With this one addition, there are many choices available.  With all the different styles and sizes you can be sure to find something that your family and friends will enjoy for many years!

Create the backyard oasis you’ve always dreamed of and make every weekend your luxury vacation with a backyard waterslide from Gappsi.

Are Pool Water Slides Worth It?

Pool slides are a great way to up the fun factor! Make your swimming pool the most popular summer destination in your neighborhood.  If we’ve learned anything during our many years in the swimming pool industry, it’s this:

Kids LOVE swimming pools, no matter the type, size, or cost!

Throw in a couple of pool toys, and they won’t get out for the rest of the summer.  Add a pool slide, and the pool practically becomes Disneyland.

In-Ground-Pool-Water-Slides-Are-They-Worth-It3Types of Pool Slides

There are many different types of pool slides available, including straight slides, wavy slides, and spiral slides. No matter what type of slide you choose, make sure that it is safe for your children. Choose a slide that is made of durable materials, and that is properly installed.

Given all the varieties of pool slides available,  it’s just a matter of choosing.   Does the slide work with your pool and the ages of those who will be enjoying it?  In addition, to choosing a slide based on adventure level, color, and price there are a few other considerations that you will have to factor into your decision including:

  • deck space
  • mounting options
  • weight limit
  • water supply

It’s important to consider the location of your water slide.  There are minimum depth requirements and restrictions on the distance from the edge of your pool that vary with different slides.

In-Ground-Pool-Water-Slides-Are-They-Worth-It2How Deep Does The Pool Need To Be For A Pool Slide?

How deep your pool must be will depend on the size of your slide. For example, if the slide is meant for small children, the pool depth can be shallower. If the pool slide is for users 48 inches or taller, you’ll need a deeper pool.

*Pro tip: Manufacturers of pool slides provide these specifications to make it easy.

If you’re just trying to get a basic idea of how deep your pool has to be for a slide, the minimum requirements are as follows:

♦ For smaller slides: If the distance between the end of the slide and the water is 3 inches or less, the water must only be 2 feet deep.

♦ For larger slides that accommodate people 48 inches or taller: The water must be at least 3 feet, with some companies requiring deeper.  Slides that do not decelerate the slider: The depth of the water should be 11 ½ feet.  Slides that have twists and level out, slowing the slider: 3 to 4-foot water depth at landing is adequate.

S.R. Smith’s range of CPSC-compliant pool slides includes a removable pool slide, a line of deck-mounted slides, and custom pool slides.

Our residential water slides feature reinforcements down the ride surface making them the strongest and highest quality residential water slides on the market by utilizing the exact same manufacturing methods and using the same materials as commercial water slides. The only difference between our slides and commercial slides is that ours are only a few inches smaller!

In-Ground-Pool-Water-Slides-Are-They-Worth-It1Benefits Of A Water Slide

  • Create an upscale resort feel in your backyard
  • Add value while enhancing the beauty of your landscaping and pool design
  • Bring years of safe enjoyment and pleasure to your home
  • Provide entertainment for family & friends
  • Extend your vacation time from one week to the entire summer!

Salt Water Pool Friendly Slides

If you own a saltwater pool you may have questions about whether a slide is suitable for saltwater.  Providing your pool is balanced and your water health is kept up you shouldn’t notice any additional wear on the slide or its parts.

If you are concerned and for warranty purposes we do recommend using a slide that is salt pool friendly for the added peace of mind.  The synthetic materials used in the construction of salt-friendly slides are incredibly durable in all water conditions, weather, and of course a lot of use.  Look for this symbol or something similar when shopping for in-ground pool slides.

In-Ground-Pool-Water-Slides-Are-They-Worth-ItWhy Purchase From Gappsi?

As a family-owned business with over 36 years of experience, we partner with you every step of the way to ensure you have a stellar experience and receive the highest quality pool slide available to you. We are committed to superior customer service, transparency, safety, and fun!

As parents ourselves, we understand the investment you are making to ensure your family time is the best it can possibly be. We treat every homeowner and every project like it is our own – to ensure each waterslide is made to the highest safety and quality standards.

Making your dreams come true is the driving force behind everything we do. Your fun is our priority and our passion! We’ll work super hard to make sure your Gappsi Water Slide can be enjoyed for years to come!

We look forward to working with you on your next project!

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Inground Pool Bubblers And Water Features

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Inground-Pool-Bubblers-And-Water-Features2Inground pool bubblers and water features are optional when designing a pool.  If you are considering a Gappsi pool, a great way to add ambiance and tranquility is to add water and lighting features. The sight and sound of running water take away the stress of everyday life, allowing you to sit back and relax. Cascades, waterfalls, spillovers, bubblers, deck jets, laminars, slides, and diving boards are all ways you can make your experience unique to you. Fiber optic and LED lighting allow you to set the mood, even at night. Whether you have planned a romantic evening, or want to impress your guests with a backyard light show, add-on features allow you to create your backyard retreat. Our partners offer an array of products to choose from.

Water features let you customize your pool or spa in a variety of ways. They can be a single sconce of water or multiple spillways in a raised pool wall, delivering a stream of water into the pool. Water features are single sheets of water called powerfalls or individual raindrops projected into the pool. Each water feature surrounds you with a delightful, ambient sound of water as it moves around. Water features can be fabricated to fit in almost any design. Add a water element to your pool and it turns into a majestic accent.  It is a great add-on to have for a more relaxing and enjoyable backyard experience.  Water features are elegant additions to your backyard.

Inground Pool Bubblers And Water Features

Bubbler Water Features

Bubblers are fun water features that spout up from shallow pool surfaces, like steps, beach entries, or tanning shelves. Combined with the right lighting, they create a fun splash pad for small children and adults alike.

A pool bubbler sends a stream of bubbling water to the surface of the pool creating a mini geyser-like column of water.   The shallow end of a pool is the perfect place to place one. You can choose bubblers that have standard or color-changing lights built in. Like waterfalls, bubblers add a relaxing and natural sound to your pool.

Inground-Pool-Bubblers-And-Water-Features1Stream Sprays

Add visual and physical impact by adding a stream spray.  Stream sprays project water into the pool.  The stream spray shoots upward and then falls to the surface. On the surrounding pool decking or shoot out of the sidewall of the pool the jets are installed. Kids and adults will appreciate the visual aesthetic.  The interactive experience it brings as it consistently streams jets of water from its spray.

Deck Jets & Laminar Jets

Deck Jets are playful, sparkling arcs of water that shoot out of your pool deck or surrounding landscaping. In the daytime, they catch the sunlight and add shimmering effects to your pool. In turn, laminar jets, lit with colorful LED lights, give a dramatic effect to your nighttime pool.  Jets rotate through a range of colors and shooting patterns with automated controls.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls give your pool a nature-inspired vibe, as well as they are very popular with kids and adults. Our custom-designed waterfalls utilize natural rocks in conjunction with artistically constructed faux stonework to create a lush natural look that perfectly complements the surrounding areas. The visual and auditory impact of the sound of water smoothly flowing down makes for a truly relaxing experience.

The addition of a rock waterfall to your swimming pool will enhance its beauty and create a pleasant environment. Not only are waterfalls beautiful, but water falling over rocks or tiles creates a sound that is soothing as well as meditative. We can even increase your waterfall’s fun factor by combining it with a slide, grotto, or both.

Inground-Pool-Bubblers-And-Water-FeaturesLaminar Streams

Laminar Streams are translucent arcs of water that stream from the pool deck or surrounding landscape. They can go as high as 7 feet or more before landing in a pool, spa, or other water feature. These streams arc across the swimming pool, adding an elegant and unique visual experience to your poolscape. At night, the LED lighting makes them glow and even more enchanting to watch.

Sheer Descents & Scuppers

A sheer descent is a type of waterfall feature. They can be adjusted to create a range of water effects from a rushing mountain waterfall to a silent, glass-like sheet of water. Like sheer descents, scuppers are cascades typically installed on sheer walls bordering swimming pools and raised spas. The constant flow of scuppers helps to control the overflow of water out of your spa or pool keeping the water level as well.  Like sheer descents, they can act as a waterfall, spitting spout, a bubbling brook, and more.

If you’re going to build a custom swimming pool why not give it the features that make it unique? From the sights of special lighting and “natural” features to the soothing sounds of bubblers, jets, rock waterfalls, or a rope swing. The extras will take your custom in-ground pool to the next level, making it the best spot in your home for lounging, entertaining and just getting away from it all.

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Gunite Pool And Backyard Renovations In Autumn | Garden City NY

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Gunite-Pool-And-Backyard-Renovations-In-Autumn-Garden-City-NY2Don’t wait like many homeowners until spring to think about your Gunite Pool And Backyard Renovations.  In our opinion, Fall / Autumn is an ideal time of year for pool and backyard makeovers. The kids have gone back to school, the temperature is dropping, and your backyard pool won’t be seeing as much action. That’s why fall time provides a great period for tackling any work your pool and patio area may need.  By fall, the busy pool-building season has slowed for swimming pool contractors. With fewer jobs on their construction boards, companies are looking to keep their crews working.

With an estimated lifespan of 100 years or more, gunite pools are the longest-lasting type of pool by far. However, even properly built gunite pools may need to be renovated at some point in order to optimize their longevity, update their appearance, or enhance their efficiency.

Bring new life to your dated backyard resort today.  A pool renovation, deck replacement, equipment modernization, and style makeover can deliver a variety of benefits. Among them enhancing the overall beauty, functionality, and enjoyment for your friends and family.  When planning a pool and backyard makeover, you have a number of renovation options to consider.

Gunite Pool Renovations

  • Replace Tile – it’s highly visible even when you’re not in the pool, a new tile line will immediately freshen your pool’s appearance.
  • Re-plaster Interior – new plaster. Like carpet or flooring in your home needs replacing over time, so does pool plaster.
  • Change Coping – Coping is the edging material around the pool perimeter that sits between the pool structure and the deck. Pool coping is like a picture frame for your pool, so make it pretty again.
  • Apply Mosaics – If a new plaster job is on your remodeling agenda, then consider the introduction of mosaics as well. These stylish prefabricated additions are a simple, affordable way to add a touch of fun, sophistication, or personalization. Choose a cheerful school of fish, an elegant Fleur De Lys, a family monogram, or any other number of colorful creatures, symbols, and decorative elements.
  • Add Water Features – Create a new focal point in an otherwise boring pool design by adding a water feature.  On an existing structure, some of the top bets are faux and natural rock waterfalls, water-spouting sculptures, bubbler fountains, and deck jets that arc into the pool surface and create liquid drama.

Gunite Pool And Backyard Renovations In Autumn Garden City NY1CALL US TODAY TO SET A MEETING FOR YOUR BACKYARD AND POOL RENOVATION

  • Reduce Water Depth – Pools are often built with 8-foot deep ends.  Shallower pools are a trend now and for good reason. Your pool’s deep end will be more usable if it is only 4.5 to 6 feet deep. It will provide a more usable area for people.  This is especially true for children, growing teens, and adults with short statures—to stand, play, and engage in water activities.
  • Improve Heating – Choose from natural gas heaters with a high thermal efficiency rating for faster heating and low NOx output levels for a healthier environment.
  • Switch Purification – Stop reliance on old-school liquid, powder, or tablet chlorine. Instead, go for advanced sanitizing alternatives that are gentler on skin, hair, nails, and eyes. One option is a saltwater system that generates a pure form of chlorine.
  • Brighten Lighting – Illuminate your swimming environment and surrounding area with the latest in dazzling LED lighting.  You will appreciate how today’s LED pool systems are both long-lasting and energy-efficient.
  • Replace Decking – A brand-new hardscape in brick, concrete, pavers, natural stone pavers, or other custom stone masonry will elevate your backyard.  You may also realize that its current size and configuration may not meet your needs.

Pool Decking Restoration Options

Now that summer has come and gone, it is now time to take a look at your pool deck. Notice any cracks, coatings peeling, or weathered spots? Well, we know that they look worse than they are, with one of our coatings, we can bring your deck back to life.

  1. Paver & Stone Sealing – When a natural stone or paver is left out in the sun and/or exposed to harsh pool cleaners, it can make them look dull or colorless compared to when you first bought them, especially if a sealer was never applied. Simply add a fresh coat of sealer.  There are multiple benefits for example stone or pavers last much longer.  Sealing the stones protects the materials from pool chemicals too.
  2. Concrete Staining – There is a wide array of stains offering unique advantages and designs.

A major advantage of having your pool deck resurfaced is the investment factor. Damaged concrete pool decks can drastically decrease the value of your home and make it less attractive on the open market. Pool deck resurfacing can repair these imperfections, making the pool deck look brand new again!

Pool deck resurfacing is a viable option for homeowners on a strict budget because compared to having the entire concrete pool deck replaced, pool deck resurfacing is much more affordable.

Gunite-Pool-And-Backyard-Renovations-In-Autumn-Garden-City-NYHiring A Professional For Your Gunite Pool And Backyard Renovation

Consider hiring Gappsi for your backyard renovation.  Using a professional can offer you strong warranties, if something happens, you can rest assured that we will be there to fix it.  To learn more about all of our services, please take a look at our home page for all the information you need!

Gunite Pool And Backyard Renovations | Garden City NY

This gunite swimming pool and patio renovation was done in Garden City Nassau County Long Island NY. We installed G44 limestone coping two inches thick and French pattern limestone G044 for the patio. In the pool waterline, we installed porcelain tiles, which happen to blend in closely with the color of the patio even though they are two different products. The pool finish we used is the diamond bright Tahoe blue, a very pretty blue color, not too dark and not too light. It still gives a natural appearance to the water. This is the latest Gappsi gunite pool and backyard renovations completed in Garden City NY.

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Gunite Pool Renovation With Marble Pavers | Muttontown, NY

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Gunite Pool Renovation With Marble Pavers Muttontown, NY (1)Deciding to complete a gunite pool renovation with marble pavers comes with a range of incredible benefits for your home. From increased home value to the joy of creating your own space, it’s a decision that you won’t soon forget.

Does your backyard and pool need an update?  It might be time to resurface your pool or change the pavers to what you always wanted.  Resurfacing your pool can repair problems like cracks and wearing, while also enhancing and updating your pool’s appearance. Now that the season is changing to Fall and the Summer fun is ending it is the perfect time to plan for next year.  Your pool area might be out of sight and out of mind as the temps gradually get lower.  Maintain it now so you don’t cut into your swim time later on.

To keep your pool in top shape and working properly, resurfacing is a must. But, if you’re unsure if your pool needs resurfacing, there are a few signs to look for.

What Is Pool Resurfacing?

Are you seeing cracks and staining in your swimming pool? If so resurfacing is a great solution to correct those issues.  The kind of surface your pool has will determine how it will be resurfaced, but the process is generally the same. Resurfacing consists of taking off a pool’s top surface layer, replacing it with a new one, and then applying a new sealant.

The goal of resurfacing is to improve both the look and lifespan of your pool, restoring it to its former glory.  Resurfacing is more than just a way to repair and maintain your pool: It also gives you the opportunity to transform and enhance the way your pool looks.

When Should You Resurface Your Pool?

Gappsi recommends resurfacing your pool every 10 to 15 years.  Your pool’s size and shape will impact how long it will take to resurface but expect a project to last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.

Gunite Pool Renovation With Marble Pavers Muttontown, NY (2)Marble Patio Pavers

Now that you have decided to upgrade your gunite swimming pool why not upgrade your patio area as well?  If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor living space by installing pavers and making it a place for family gatherings, entertaining friends, or just enjoying and reading a book. You’re at the right place with Gappsi. We are marble flooring pros and help you with your decision to enhance your patio.

Marble is made to stand the test of time.  This high-density stone also withstands heavy loads; thus is the perfect choice for traffic areas like backyards and patios.  Marble pavers do come with a price tag but they sure are worth it. Their elegance and beautycannot be compared to other materials used for making pool decks. Installing them can dramatically elevate the appearance of your pool area and even boost the value of your property overall.

Marble pavers are chosen often for a pool deck and patio because of their high heat resistance.  Pretty cool, right? (Yes, irony intended.)  During the summer months, it can get pretty hot here on Long Island, marble pavers are an excellent choice for pool surrounds because when installed, they will stay cool underfoot.  This is a very important consideration when choosing pool pavers.  Not only from the perspective of enjoying the pool surroundings but because it’s a safer choice.  This is an important consideration if you have children and the elderly living with you.

Before Choosing Marble Pavers

Marble pavers, when compared to other natural stone pavers, do require a higher initial investment.  When properly installed, they will require minimum attention and maintenance, saving you time (and money) in the long run.

Marble pavers are as practical, durable, and versatile as they are elegant and majestic.  They are a worthy investment for any home pool surrounds, outdoor areas like patios, steps, staircases, and even driveways.  At Gappsi we offer a variety of marble outdoor pavers suitable for paving, steps, and pool coping.  Our pool coping is available in drop edge coping, pencil edge coping, and bullnose edge coping.

So, whether you are looking for cool and modern colored exterior marble pavers or more traditional and warm-colored ones, at Gappsi you’ll find a marble paver to suit any outdoor project.

Gunite Pool Renovation With Marble Pavers Muttontown, NY (3)Muttontown Gunite Pool Renovation With Marble Pavers Pool Deck & Patio

Gappsi completed this gunite pool renovation in Muttontown NY located in Nassau County on Long Island. The pool was totally renovated as well as the patio. We used marble pavers selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. For the patio, we used the French pattern and two-inch thick coping for the swimming pool. Our team installed ceramic tiles under the coping in the water line of the pool. The pool plaster consists of Diamond Brite Super Blue. We also installed tile markers on the edge of the steps and then extended the pool.  We extended the pool by building a bench incorporated into the semi-round steps. Additionally, we added an eight-foot round spa on the outside of the pool spilling into the pool.

The new spa installed was part of the pool modification and upgrade project. Gappsi custom cut the copings to match the patio and veneered walls with mocha travertine four-inch veneers split face and tumbled. The spa spills over into the pool and it can also work on its own, keeping the water within the spa and heating it over 100 degrees! This is the latest gunite pool renovation completed by Gappsi with a new patio layout and installation of marble pavers.

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Freeform Gunite Swimming Pool

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Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-Pool1Making the decision to build a custom freeform gunite swimming pool in your own backyard is exciting! Imagine a beautiful oasis with custom water features for relaxing and spending time with family and friends.

Gappsi specializes in gunite pool construction in Smithtown NY and surrounding areas. From initial consultation and coming up with your backyard design to completing the project in a timely manner, we promise excellent service and quality work every step of the way.

What Pool Shapes Are Available? Geometric and Freeform

A lot of thought should go into your pool shape and style. There are several factors that will play a part in determining that shape. Function is a big factor. It’s important to know what you want to be able to use the pool for and to consider all the users. Will it be a family-oriented pool that will incorporate a diving board, slide, grotto or other features your kids may enjoy? Or, maybe the pool’s primary function is to provide an oasis from the New York heat, someplace to unwind from a busy week where every feature revolves around escape and relaxation.

If that’s the case you may want to incorporate features like a shallow tanning reef, swim-up bar, or a relaxing water feature. It is easy to extend the use of your pool into the cooler months by adding a spa, fire pit, or outdoor kitchen area and incorporating it into the design.

Yard space is an important consideration when adding a pool to your property.  You may need a strategic pool design to make the most of a small or oddly shaped yard, or perhaps you have more space than you literally know what to do with. Both are scenarios that our experienced designers and pool builders at Gappsi know how to deal with.

Freeform Pools Gunitre Pool

Freeform custom pools are those taking on any shape and form. There’s no certain geometric shape such as a square or rectangle. Instead, freeform design (sometimes also referred to as a radius pool), has no set rules or shapes.  It can take on any curvilinear form.

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-PoolWhen you start to plan out your swimming pool installation with Gappsi, you will have the option of creating a freeform design for your pool area. Unlike traditional swimming pools, which contain rigid, geometric shapes, freeform pools have an organic look and feel. Gappsi has plenty of experience with pool installation and will be able to help you plan out a freeform pool that matches beautifully with your backyard.

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There are a few terrific benefits to the freeform swimming pool. When you create a freeform pool, you will be able to create a one-of-a-kind design for your backyard. Small pools are particularly suited to a freeform design because they can be crafted to look like natural water elements. You may also find that your swimming pool maintenance requirements are lower when you create a freeform design. Overall, planning a freeform pool will allow you to express your personality and sense of style.

Freeform pools are made up of soft curves. These gunite pools can be built in an infinite amount of pool shapes. Contemporary freeform pools often have natural rock or waterfall features that are designed to resemble a natural lake, lagoon, or oasis. They are usually surrounded by lush landscaping and blend seamlessly with the rest of the yard.

Gunite freeform pools can be built into almost any yard including those oddly shaped, limited space, or homes that have a sloping landscape. Our gunite pools can be built with a wide range of features that can include:

  • Beach entry or built-in steps
  • Deeper areas for diving pools
  • Built-in seating
  • Built-in tables or bar areas
  • Tanning reefs
  • Waterfalls, fountains and bubblers
  • Spas & Grottos

Freeform-Gunite-Swimming-Pool2Freeform Gunite Swimming Pool Built in East Northport NY

Gappsi designed this freeform gunite swimming pool in East Northport NY. This is a very large swimming pool with a 9-foot deep end. In the shallow area, we built a sundeck with steps across in twelve-inch deep water. We used porcelain tiles, a very close combination of colors. Our team built a natural-looking waterfall at the deep end of the pool using moss rocks.  We made the moss rocks to also double as the diving rock. In addition, the shelf to the waterfall can be used as a diving board to jump into the pool. Around the pool area, we installed Blue Limestone on the patio in a French pattern and finished the pool is white quartz.

The pool coping is 12-inch by 2-inch thick limestone selected from the Gappsi Natural Stone Collection. The customer has a very large patio which includes a Breeo Fire Pit on one side of the yard. The Breeo Fire Pit is perfect for summer night fires while enjoying the view of the pool. This is the latest Gappsi backyard project in East Northport NY.

review-from-a-customer-whiteI highly recommend Gappsi! Giuseppe designed our entire backyard and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. I love the automatic cover for our pool and our synthetic turf grass. Anytime we have anyone come over, they always compliment our marble stone patio and retaining wall. Giuseppe was great to work with and would answer all of our questions so quickly – there was always an open line of communication throughout our backyard renovation. Looking forward to creating many memories in our new backyard thanks to Gappsi!

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