



This backyard and pool renovation was done by Gappsi in East Islip NY. This job was originally done by Gappsi 30 Yrs ago in 1993, it is now 2023. The new renovation project consists of rebuilding the outside wall with all-natural stones. The patio pavers we used were full-color NY Bluestone flagstone random sizes. The original pool was a 20×40 with an extended swing lane on this side. For the renovation that we did, we made the pool square kept one side of the swim lane, and built a sundeck within the pool.
Your swimming pool is a key part of your home. It’s where you spend quality time with your loved ones, wind down after work, and exercise, so it pays to ensure it perfectly meets your needs and preferences.
The basis of any poolscape is the existing location. It can mean disguising between an exciting party spot or a relaxing spa scene. We consider the architecture of the home and the living spaces, as well as the existing landform and landscape.
Why Gunite Pools Have the Most Longevity?
Choosing between gunite and vinyl pools can be difficult, but there are some differences in the longevity of each pool. The longevity of your pool depends on the maintenance, cleaning, and chemicals you use.
Gunite is a specific type of concrete, a blend of cement, sand, and water, sprayed through a hose. The dry mix of cement and sand is mixed with water as it’s being applied. Typically, the gunite is sprayed onto a framework of steel reinforcing bars that comprise the pool structure.
Unlike vinyl liner pools, concrete pools are not premade. You can customize your concrete pool right down to the color of the water. Not only are concrete pools the most popular and highly customizable, but they have the longest lifespan compared to a vinyl liner pool. Concrete pools require a little more maintenance than the vinyl options, but these pools will last much longer with proper care.
In the latest Gappsi pool renovation in East Islip NY, we designed and built this pool over 30 years ago. We reshaped the gunite pool and changed the pool decking. The original pool was built in 1993 over 30 years ago by Gappsi showing the timelessness and longevity of choosing a Gappsi Gunite pool.
Can You Redesign an Existing Pool by Changing the Shape or Size of the Pool?
Yes, you can redesign the pool and add to it, that is the beauty of a concrete pool. Our gunite pool renovation included reshaping the pool and adding a sundeck. Whether you’re unhappy with the size, the shape, the depth, or maybe just the overall look of the pool, you might be interested in a swimming pool remodel. Whether you inherited this pool upon buying a home or you had it installed many years ago, and it’s become dated there are options for you.
During this latest pool restoration, our team acid-washed the pool and removed all the old pavers. Acid washing a pool removes stains, mineral deposits, algae, and other buildup from the pool’s surface. It can also remove chlorine and dirt stains.
The porous nature of concrete allows for algae to grow quickly, so it is important to clean the pool walls and floor regularly. Acid washing is one form of maintenance for concrete pools. This is typically only done every 3-5 years to prevent algae and bacteria buildup on the surface of the pool.
Natural Stone Wall
The project consisted of rebuilding the outside wall with all-natural stones. The clients love the natural stone look. It’s a dry stacked natural stone wall built all around the pool. The pool was raised out of the ground originally because it is on a bay and the water table is high. The patio pavers we used were full-color NY Bluestone Flagstone in random sizes.
The original pool was a 20×40 with an extended swim lane on one side. For the pool renovation, we made the pool square but kept one side of the pool with a swim lane.
Sun Deck, Sun Shelf, Tanning Ledge, or Baja Shelf They are All the Same
We built a sun deck, with curb steps in the upgraded pool design. A tanning shelf or tanning ledge is the perfect feature to add to an existing swimming pool while under renovation. A tanning shelf is an area inside the pool perimeter that sits just about 6-8″ below water. The area is larger than your entry steps, usually running about 5-6′ in length and width, commonly featuring a bubbler or umbrella. Being one of the most prevalent add-ons to a pool design, the function of a tanning shelf stretches from child’s play to adult relaxation. The family dog even appreciates a cool place to escape the New York heat.
Porcelain Tile Accents For Your Pools Waterline
The clients chose to add porcelain tiles to the waterline of the pool. Choosing the right tile can enhance the visual appeal of your pool while providing durability and ease of maintenance. Porcelain tile is known for its strength, resistance to fading, and low maintenance requirements. With a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, porcelain tile offers versatility and durability for waterline applications. It’s an excellent choice for achieving a timeless and sophisticated look for your pool.
We installed 2×2 tiles to accent the edges of the steps and sundeck.
Gulfstream Hydrazzo Finish
This polished pool surface creates a finish unlike any other pool plaster available on the market. Hydrazzo was the first polished pool finish in the industry. For over 20 years the company has produced the product in the USA. A silky smooth polished texture combined with the proven durability of exposed aggregates are prime features of this state-of-the-art pool plaster finish.
With 15+ unique color options and a natural variegated appearance, Hydrazzo compliments all poolscape designs. The polished pool surface creates a finish unlike any other pool plaster available on the market today. It is naturally resistant to spot etching, topical stains, permanent scale & algae adhesion.
Some of the most beautiful pools in the world are surfaced with the hand-polished magic of Hydrazzo. It is the smoothest, richest, and most luxurious surface available. Hydrazzo combines naturally beautiful coarse-graded crystalline and colored marble, along with white Portland cement and a host of other performance-enhancing ingredients. The results are like no other.
Automatic Saftey Covers for Pools Saves Time and Money
During the renovation, we added an automatic pool safety cover. Our under-track automatic pool cover is the top choice for new pool and spa installations and pool remodeling projects. The cover’s tracks are installed under the pool’s coping during the construction process, giving you the most seamless and aesthetically pleasing installation possible. The under-track model is compatible with any rectangular pool and can also be designed to work with some custom pool shapes and features.
4 Reasons to Add an Automatic Safety Cover
- Keep your pool clean: Your automatic pool cover will keep dirt and debris out of your pool, greatly reducing the amount of time you’ll spend skimming and vacuuming. When you’re ready to use your pool, your retractable cover will roll open with just the touch of a button to reveal sparkling clean water!
- Conserve water. Pools that aren’t covered can lose as much as 2” of water per week. As water rates continue to rise, your automatic pool cover can save you hundreds of dollars every year by preventing evaporation and helping you conserve every precious drop of water in your pool.
- Maintain your ideal water temperature. A few chilly nights can bring your pool water’s temperature down. Your automatic pool cover will help maintain your pool water at the ideal temperature, so it’s swim-ready, whenever you are. Not only does it retain heat but it can also be used to add heat to your pool water.
- Conserve chemicals. When water evaporates from your swimming pool, those expensive chemicals added to the water evaporate with it. Your automatic pool cover will help you keep those chemicals in your pool water, where they belong, allowing you to spend less time and money on your pool and more time in your pool!
Bringing you from the past to the present this is the latest backyard pool renovation in East Islip NY showcasing the timelessness of a Gunite Pool by Gappsi.

Porcelain Tile Accents For Your Pools Waterline
The timelessness of travertine pavers makes them worth it. A travertine paver pool deck offers a range of benefits. The benefits include aesthetic appeal, slip resistance, heat reflectivity, durability, and natural drainage.
Should Travertine Pavers Be Sealed?
The stairway to the backyard leads to the synthetic wood deck. The backyard patio sitting areas, and pavilion area were all in walnut travertine. The pavilion was custom built, finished with wood planks installed on the ceiling, and the outdoor kitchen was built in u shape with DCS appliances. The pool area is very large and includes a fireplace.
As warm weather arrives our thoughts turn to summer days and extending our living space outdoors. We can say goodbye to cabin fever and spend some time in the fresh air. With the right furniture, landscaping, and a few other elements, we can take advantage of yard space. This will help extend our homes to take advantage of nature.
Extending Our Living Space Outdoors With A Kitchen Setup
Reduce Heat Loss With An Autocover For Your Pool
Marble Pavers For Pool Coping And Patio are one of the most preferred materials for the outdoors in homes. Marble is timeless and when used it elevates a home’s status, value, and overall appeal. This stone paver comes in different colors, patterns, and shades suitable for any application. Homeowners prefer marble pavers for their driveways and pool decks. This is for very good reasons that go beyond mere looks. Reputable suppliers like Gappsi provide the pavers with a tumbled finish for extra grip and a non-glossy surface that is perfect for outdoor pool areas.
Pool Covers For Safety And Efficiency
Pool Cover Maintenance Tips
Travertine Patios and Pool Coping are the perfect stone material to use on Long Island NY for your outdoor living space. Travertine is a natural stone, created in shallow bodies of water. The residue of lime settled and built up over millions of years in a massive thick block. The colors of the travertine derive from soil and minerals that contaminated the ground in the area where lime settled. Fossils trapped between the bodies of travertine accumulate and become the exposed holes you see in the travertine surface.
A beautiful weathered look. Travertine tiles are undeniably gorgeous. Investing in a travertine pool deck will add curb value to your property. You can easily create a comfortable, cozy-looking pool deck with travertine tiles as the graining and primary tile colors have a warm natural color tone.